HOLMES BEACH – After almost two years, Island Gallery West’s monthly art walk event returned on Nov. 12 to a large crowd of artists and art lovers ready to get back to a pre-COVID normal.
Art lovers enjoyed a glass of wine as they relaxed in lawn chairs in the parking lot, tapping their feet and singing along to music performed by Chip Ragsdale. Inside, many of the 28 member artists were on hand to discuss their work with guests and socialize with other members.
Island Gallery West’s members seem more like a family when you speak to them. Even though they work in every kind of media, they all have one thing in common: A love for art.
“We’re finally getting back after a couple of years of not having these. We didn’t really know what the success would be, but it’s been a great success,” said Darryl Goldman, a member artist at IGW who specializes in oil paintings. “People are coming in, they’re buying some art, they’re enjoying walking around, so we’re really happy with that.”
All 28 member artists are featured at the gallery at all times and works from all the artists are always available for purchase. Most artists also do commission works upon request. From a portrait of your pet to a painting of your favorite photograph, there is an artist that can make your project come to life at the very highest of skill levels. It’s as simple as finding the artist’s style you prefer, then telling them what you want. If they can make it happen, they will.
“This gallery is special because we have an amazing group of artists, I just love everybody here. We really try to keep high-quality art, we don’t want anything to be ‘crafty,’ ” member artist Janet Flickinger said. “I think we were really missing a lot of that personal interaction during COVID. To meet the people and talk to them makes the art more personable to them, and that’s really important.”
Any artist who is interested in becoming a member of Island Gallery West is welcome to apply. A committee of member artists reviews all applications and will decide the status of all applicants. While some artists have been members for years, others have only been with the gallery for a few weeks.
“I recently moved from Indiana to Florida as a permanent resident. I was a member of a co-op for 20 years in Indiana and it was a home environment. I just knew I needed to find another home like that,” said Dawn Gerardot, who at 12 days is the newest member of IGW. “It’s just like what I’m used to, there’s a high quality of art in here and it makes me feel comfortable.”
Island Gallery West is open every Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the gallery and its members, visit islandgallerywest.com.
