One of the most recognized Central Perk paintings from the TV show “FRIENDS”, “Circle of Friends” was created by Bruza. This original piece hung on the back wall of the coffee house in the pilot episode and the entire first season. A unique element of this painting is the neon figure with its purple glow. Neon was a signature feature on Bruza’s paintings throughout the 80’s and 90’s. The neon in this painting was changed to red and seen again in season 4.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
“FRIENDS”
The Pilot Episode
The Introduction of Rachael
“FRIENDS”
“FRIENDS”
Season 1
“FRIENDS”
Season 4
Seen in the second season of “Friends”, this painting by Bruza captured the NYC energy in a way that was perfect for the Central Perk set. A coffee cup in the color and style of a New York cab hovering above the Manhattan streets. The neon steam gives it a “Lights on Broadway” touch. The taxi cup was originally aqua but was changed to a buttery gold just before filming
COFFEE CUP
“FRIENDS”
Season 2
This painting by Bruza was seen on “Friends” in the coffee house during season 4. In the painting you can see various people out on a date in NYC. The painting was perfect for Central Perk and the story line of the show because much of it revolved around dating in New York City.
DOWNTOWN
“FRIENDS”
Season 4
This painting was seen on “Friends” in Central Perk at the end of season 6. It is indicative of the satirical, colorful style of Bruza’s art. The humorous twist on the old fable depicted in the painting suited the funny vibe of the show.
NOAH’S TRIP
“FRIENDS”
Season 6
This painting titled Peace with its yellow neon was seen on “Friends” and was an homage to the 1960’s peace and love movement. It was used on the “fourth” wall of the Coffee House when a reverse shot was needed and the audience had to be hidden. It fit well because it reflected the NY Village vibe where the 60’s counter culture began.
PEACE
This neon sculpture by Bruza which popped out of an old toaster was seen on “Friends “ in the Coffee House in season 3.
FRUIT TOAST
“FRIENDS”
Season 3
This large colored pencil drawing by Bruza hung next to the “Coffee Cup” painting in season 2. Its peaceful vibe suited Central Perk and the vibe of the show as well.
PEACE DOVE
This colored pencil drawing by Bruza also hung next to the “Coffee Cup” painting in season 2. This was a picture of a friend’s actual home. It was perfect for the back wall of the Coffee House.
HOUSE PARTY
Season 2
For several seasons these faces by Bruza were seen on the back wall of the set. They were moved around to different spots as new artwork came in. They are reminiscent of the thespian faces Comedy and Tragedy.
THREE FACES
Season 3
Season 2
CENTRAL PERK MENU BOARD
Bruza designed the chalkboard and wrote the text for the fictitious coffee labels made by Michael Bruza. The original board has been preserved and is on display at the Warner Bros. Film/TV museum. It has been reproduced and sold in stores nationwide.
Season 2.
Bruza creating the Central Perk menu board.
Season 3.
Gregg Bruza maintains and repairs the chalk on the Coffee House menu board.
These abstract colored pencil drawings by Bruza were used in Ross’ apt. set in season 2.
ABSTRACT 1
Season 2
“FRIENDS”
ABSTRACT 2
“FRIENDS”
Season 2
This large colored pencil drawing by Bruza was used in the hallway outside of Ross’ apt. during season 2.
TRAFFIC JAM
“FRIENDS”
SEASON 2
LADY GODIVA
This neon painting by Bruza was seen on FRIENDS in the strip club set in season 6.
“FRIENDS”
SEASON 6
CENTRAL PERK
This intimate colored pencil drawing of the famous television set “Central Perk” from the Warner Bros. TV show FRIENDS was created by Bruza as a gift for the cast and the crew. It was the first of a set of four which were given out to the cast and crew in consecutive seasons.
MONICA AND RACHAEL’S APT.
The second of a set of four, this drawing of Monica and Rachael’s apt. is filled with clues which pay homage to the different departments that worked on the TV Set.
JOEY AND CHANDLER’S APT.
The third drawing in the FRIENDS set was Joey and Chandler’s apt. There are references to the many gags and storylines going on in this set, The drawing shows the different looks the apt, went through over the seasons.
NEW YORK STREET
The final drawing in the FRIENDS set is the New York Street outside of the Central Perk set. This captures the magical lighting used for the night time city street scenes. This was a favorite spot to gather after the show. Like the other drawings this one holds secret clues that the cast and crew were there.
PROP HOUSE
This painting was seen on the CBS television show “The Neighborhood” Season 5.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Season 5
ROLL UP
This painting was also seen in the CBS Television Show “The Neighborhood” in the 5th season.