Teen art gets goofy in local gallery

Tucson is full of community service organizations such as Camp Wildcat, YMCA and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Along with those organizations, though, there are individuals you don't really hear much about - people who donate their time and energy to simply doing nice things for others. Lori Pascarella is one of those people.

Pascarella is a part owner of Goofy Gallery, an art store that sells works from artists of all types. From almost life-size paper mache animals to delicate, copper waterfalls, the art displayed in the gallery is one of a kind.

Entering the colorful gallery is a new experience in itself, but Pascarella's special addition can leave you feeling like a different person. In the back of the store is an area that should be called the "warm, fuzzy" room, where a small exhibit changes every six to eight weeks. This is the place where high school students from around Tucson have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work to the public, with 100 percent of the profits going to themselves and their schools.

Pascarella volunteers to do the work that brings young art to the public. She relies on students who are interested and her own personal research to find those who want to participate. After interviewing art students from one high school at a time, she assists in picking one or two pieces that the students are willing to part with. Then she asks them to put together a short bio along with a photograph to display next to the art in her store.

Pascarella's efforts to showcase student artists have established a clientele for their work. Work from students at Desert High School is on display right now, and all but one piece of the student art has been sold. Pascarella says that she donates her time because she supports the "recognition for struggling young artists that really want to follow the dream." And a supporter she is. She has already put together exhibits for Sabino High School, Catalina, and now, Desert High. Impressive, considering she's only been organizing the student exhibitions for a half a year.

Finding the students and arranging the gallery is plenty of work for someone who just recently began business in Tucson, but Pascarella has successfully made it look easy. Not only does she take the time to expose the student work and scout interesting artwork for the rest of the gallery, she also volunteers to help young artists explore the management side of the business.

Of all the triumphs involved in owning a small business, Pascarella considers the student participation in her store to be the most emotionally rewarding. "Teen life is hard enough," she says, hoping that by doing what she does, maybe it will make things a little easier for young artists in Tucson.

Goofy Gallery is located at 2639 E. Broadway Blvd. University students with ID will receive a 10 percent discount off of all merchandise through Feb. 14. Call 320-1488 for gallery hours and information.