The coastal town of Gloucester has reopened Fish City Studios, a gallery dedicated to the artwork of the late Jon Sarkin. Once Sarkin's personal workshop, the space now displays thousands of his drawings and paintings created over a span of thirty years, according to Boston 25 News.
Sarkin, formerly a chiropractor, began producing art after a stroke that significantly affected his brain and motor functions. The stroke led to a neurological condition that drove his transition to full-time art. The gallery's director, Henderson—Sarkin’s former business manager and close associate—has been working to organize and present his large collection.
WBUR reports that the gallery houses nearly 20,000 pieces, many of which offer insight into Sarkin’s personal style and perspective. Sarkin often drew on unusual materials, including old album covers, repurposing them into his artwork.
Despite living with lasting health effects, Sarkin continued to create prolifically. His work has appeared in exhibitions and attracted interest from collectors. The reopening of Fish City Studios also coincides with Stroke Awareness Month. The gallery is now open on weekday afternoons and features Sarkin’s art in the space where much of it was originally created.
