Luke started life in Australia the son of military parents. Born in the town of Alice Springs, Northern Territory probably had something to do with the fact that he would never be happy following a conventional career path. Traveling over much of the world would definitely shape his interest in the arts.

After his parents retired to Florida, Luke finished his schooling in Ft. Walton Beach. He went on to attend college in Alabama where he received his BA in finance from USA.

He quickly learned that a career in business was not to his liking. Having visited the great museums of Europe many times he developed a keen awareness of the arts. Oils, watercolors, Faux painting, gilding and painted furniture all seemed magical and surreal. His opportunity to explore his own art came when he moved to San Francisco to study at the renowned San Francisco Academy of Art.

He majored in fine art and his oils were sold in galleries in Oakland and San Francisco. Oils and watercolor were never quite enough to adequately express himself and Luke turned his passion to the art of faux and decorative painting.

He enrolled at the prestigious private Day Studio in SF. The Day Studio is internationally known for the knowledge and expertise of its founder Joanne C. Day. Particularly in the decorative arts field. Luke also studied the art of fresco with the brothers of Gonzaga University, Florence, Italy.

Returning to his roots and family in the Sun Coast region of Alabama, Luke is finally able to indulge his dream of opening his own studio. Founded in the artistic enclave of Fairhope, Alabama, the Surreal Surfaces Studio is allowing Luke to bring his training and experience to this upscale and fast growing area.

BALDWIN REGISTER WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2006
Gontarek's art chosen for Arts & Crafts Festival
Submitted by Kathie Barton

The organizing committee for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's 54th annual Arts and Crafts Festival recently chose artwork by Luke Gontarek as the official artwork for this year's event. With Gontarek are Gail Cartmill, co-chairwoman of the Arts & Crafts Festival, left, and Mary Hodgkins, co-chairwoman.

The organizing committee for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's 54th annual Arts & Crafts Festival in Fair-hope has selected the official artwork that will represent this year's event and will be printed on all festival collectibles.

The bold-colored, art deco-style painting was created by artist Luke Gontarek, resident of Spanish Fort and owner of Luke Edward & Company/ Surreal Surfaces in Fairhope.

Born in Alice Springs, Australia, Gontarek did much traveling throughout his life because he was a military dependent. After his parents, Ann and Gene Townson, retired to Florida, Gontarek finished his schooling in Fort Walton Beach. He went on to attend college at the University of South Alabama where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in finance. However, a career in business was not to his liking.

"I have painted all of my life," he said. "I finally decided to go full-time 15 years ago." Gontarek said that traveling the globe had a profound influ¬ence on shaping his interest in the arts. Visiting the great museums in Europe helped him develop a keen awareness of the arts. Oils, watercolors, faux painting, gilding and painted furniture all seemed magical and surreal.

His opportunity to explore his own art came when he moved to San Francisco to study at the renowned San Francisco Academy of Art, majoring in fine art.

"My work is eclectic, from soft impressionism to art deco and even abstract," said Gontarek. "I refuse to be locked into one genre."

The work chosen to represent this year's festival is the 22nd in a series of colorful art deco works that Gontarek says are designed to make people laugh. The work selected depicts two robust ladies, hands clasped, wearing hats and having a typical Southern afternoon chat.

Returning to his roots and family in the Gulf Coast region in 2000, the 47-year old artist said he was finally able to indulge his dream of opening his own studio in the artistic enclave of Fairhope. Gontarek will also have a booth set up at the festival for the public to see and buy his other works of art. The artwork for the 54th annual Arts & Crafts festival will be printed on the festival posters and T-shirts, which will be on sale during the festival March 17,18 and 19 at the information booth. The festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in downtown Fairhope. For more information, contact the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at 621-8222 or visit the Web site at www.es-chamber.com.