Artist Peter Max Creates Works for SINATRA: AN AMERICAN ICON in NYC

Broadwayworld.com had the fascinating opportunity to visit the studios of renowned Pop Artist, Peter Max. One of his recent projects are prints of Frank Sinatra that celebrate the 100th birthday of "Old Blue Eyes." The works were recently previewed at a private reception at Max's studio with guests that included Nancy Sinatra.

Max's renderings of Frank Sinatra are on public display now through September 4, 2015 in the free exhibition, Sinatra: An American Icon at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center. The prints are featured in this multimedia exhibition exploring the life and career of Frank Sinatra. Curated by the GRAMMY Museum of Los Angeles in collaboration with The Library for the Performing Arts and the Sinatra Family, Max's works perfectly capture the iconic American performer.

Chatting with Peter Max is a real honor. He is a welcoming individual who seems untouched by his remarkable fame. Every corner of his spacious studio has displays of his colorful artwork. Max's creativity knows no boundaries. His pieces are currently exhibited in hundreds of the finest curated museums around the world. And Max is an enormously diverse artist who creates works for the fashion and entertainment industries.

At age 77, Max continues to realize his limitless potential, "I'm as creative today as I was when I was at 23 years old." It was then, in 1961, that his career began its rapid ascent just after he graduated from The Art Student League of New York making him one of the most sought after artists in modern times.

Yet, Max's talent is one that surfaced even earlier in his life. As a young child, he lived with his parents in Shanghai where his father was a successful retailer. With a box of crayons and his mother's permission, he created an elaborate mural on the wall of their home. This simple beginning would foreshadow his artistic vision and creation of expansive pieces like the 600-foot stage for the Woodstock Music Festival, the colorful hull of the ship, Norwegian Breakaway and a mural for the 2002 Winter Olympics and so much more. Today, Peter Max's work is just as dynamic and relevant as it has always been. He is truly an artist for a new generation.

For more information about Peter Max, his works and upcoming shows, visit http://www.petermax.com/.

To see the free exhibit, Sinatra: An American Icon that includes prints by Peter Max, visit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza now through September 4th. For more information and hours, visit http://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/sinatra-american-icon.

Editor's Note: Broadwayworld.com will be posting more of our interview with renowned artist, Peter Max in future editions.

Image: Courtesy of the Artist