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Tag: Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island

Artists’ Guild February featured artist shines with pastels

Artists’ Guild February featured artist shines with pastels

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOMES BEACH – On Feb. 9, the second Friday of the month, a flurry of activity surrounded the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI) gallery. The monthly event, formerly known as the Holmes Beach Art Walk, allows shoppers in Holmes Beach to enjoy extended shopping hours at area businesses and is a chance for AGAMI to show what its artists have to offer, including the monthly featured artist.

Barbara Truemper-Green was born and raised in Germany, where she studied architectural interiors and interior design. After coming to the U.S., she worked as a commercial space planner and project manager. When she retired to Anna Maria Island, the environment inspired her passion for painting in soft pastels. The changing colors and moods in nature provide her inspiration and creativity. Her work is represented by the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and Cove Gallery and Boutique. Her feature display in the front window of the former will be on display and available for purchase through the end of the month.

In addition to Truemper-Green’s work, the gallery had artist demonstrations on the sidewalk in front of the gallery, live music from Larry Wilhelm, wine and snacks, People’s Choice Awards and an Artist Paint-A-Round, where artists collaborate on one painting. That painting is then raffled off at the conclusion of the event.

Other Holmes Beach businesses also took part, including Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinders, D Coy Ducks, Small Town Creamery, howluckyami, Irene’s Clothing Store, Sand Dollar, The Feast, Hurricane Hank’s, Freckled Fin and The Doctor’s Office. It was a treat for both art lovers and anyone looking for something unique they may only find on Anna Maria Island.

The next Holmes Beach Night Market will take place on Friday, March 8 from 5-7:30 p.m. or later.

Holmes Beach Night Market a shopper’s delight

Holmes Beach Night Market a shopper’s delight

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – It was difficult to find a parking space and sidewalks were packed at the Jan. 12 Night Market. The event is a partnership between the City of Holmes Beach, Bradenton Area Arts and Culture, The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI) and many other area businesses. The event was formally called the Art Walk, but the departure of Island Gallery West left only AGAMI in Holmes Beach.

The monthly event, held the second Friday of the month, is meant to stimulate business for Holmes Beach merchants by extending hours later into the evening and allowing them to showcase what they have to offer with sidewalk sales, live music and product demonstrations.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island had artists demonstrations on the sidewalk in front of the gallery, live music from Larry Wilhelm, wine and snacks, People’s Choice Awards and an Artist Paint-A-Round, where artists collaborate on one painting. That painting was then raffled off after the event.

The AGAMI Featured Artist for January, Karen Eddy, was also on hand to talk to visitors about her featured front window display, titled Sky Wonders. Since moving to Florida five years ago, Eddy has been inspired by the colors found in the coastal sky and how those colors are reflected on the ample bodies of water that can be found just about everywhere. As a lifelong Southerner, she has paintings displayed in the gallery featuring low-country South Carolina and Georgia, in addition to her current home state of Florida. While all her works are unique, most do have one thing in common – colorful skies reflecting their beauty on a body of water.

“I was living in Arizona, and decided to move back here because I missed water,” Eddy said. “I’ve been fascinated by the clouds and the atmosphere and the sunlight. When I get up every day, it’s like a different painting.”

Eddy’s window display will run through Jan. 31 and all her works are available for purchase.

Although AGAMI spearheads the event, plenty of other Holmes Beach businesses took part, including Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinders, DCoy Ducks, Small Town Creamery, howluckyami, Irene’s Clothing Store, Sand Dollar, The Feast, Hurricane Hank’s, Freckled Fin and The Doctor’s Office. It was a treat for both art lovers and anyone looking for something unique they may only find on Anna Maria Island.

The next Holmes Beach Night Market will take place Friday, Feb. 9 from 5-7:30 p.m. or later.

Holmes Beach Holiday Open House a hit with shoppers

Holmes Beach Holiday Open House a hit with shoppers

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Business, Retail.

HOLMES BEACH – It was difficult to find a parking space and sidewalks were packed at the Dec. 1 Holmes Beach Holiday Open House.

The event is a partnership between the City of Holmes Beach, Bradenton Area Arts and Culture, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI) and several Holmes Beach businesses.

During the market, businesses have extended hours, allowing them to showcase what they have to offer with sidewalk sales, live music and product demonstrations.

The business spearheading the event is the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI), which had artist demonstrations on the sidewalk in front of the gallery, live music from Larry Wilhelm and a large assortment of Christmas ornaments created by member artists prominently displayed in the front window for sale to the public. AGAMI President Janet Razze said the ornaments have been a big hit with shoppers.

“A lot of the artists have created ornaments for sale. We have a bunch in the front window and they’ve been flying off the shelves,” Razze said. “We have a lot of new artists coming on. In fact, we have a waitlist. It’s great.”

It wasn’t just AGAMI that was drawing a crowd on the sidewalk and inside the business. A large crowd lined up to enjoy free snacks from Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinders, D Coy Ducks, Small Town Creamery, howluckyami, Irene’s Clothing Store, the Sand Dollar, The Feast, Hurricane Hank’s, Freckled Fin and The Doctor’s Office.

The event normally takes place on the second Friday of the month, but it was held on Dec. 1 to coincide with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce tree lighting ceremony. The Holmes Beach Night Market returns on Friday, Jan. 12.

Holiday shoppers flock to Market Night

Holiday shoppers flock to Market Night

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Business, Retail.

HOLMES BEACH – This year’s second Holmes Beach Market Night on Nov. 10 drew no shortage of people coming out to holiday shop during extended hours at retailers in and around the Island Shopping Center.

“We couldn’t find a parking space. This place is packed,” Julie Wilcox said. “I’m glad we did though, because this is really cool. There’s a pirate playing a ukulele on the sidewalk and everybody has ice cream on their face. This is a blast!”

Market Night replaces the former Art Walks from years past. Since Island Gallery West moved its Holmes Beach gallery to Bradenton, a rebranding was in order.

“We went around over the summer dropping off letters and letting businesses know what we were going to do,” Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island President Janet Razze said. “We changed the name to Market Night so more people would participate. Island Gallery West relocated, and we wish them well, but we felt like it’s not really an Art Walk anymore, so we wanted to get all of these businesses together.”

The family-friendly event sponsored by the City of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Area Arts and Culture is held on the second Friday of the month, with the exception of next month, when it will be on Friday, Dec. 1 to coincide with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s tree lighting.

The event continues through April 12, 2024 featuring the Island Shopping Center and the following merchants: Artists’ Guild Gallery of Anna Maria Island, D Coy Ducks, Small Town Creamery, howluckyami, Pizzano’s Pizza, Irene’s Clothing Store, Sand Dollar, The Feast, Hurricane Hank’s, Freckled Fin and The Doctor’s Office. Each business will stay open late, featuring live music, demos, refreshments and more.

Artists’ Guild featured artist celebrates light

Artists’ Guild featured artist celebrates light

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – There’s still plenty of time to see the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s March Featured Artist display.

Sharon Tarras grew up loving to draw and doodle, but the Wisconsin native put her artistic skills to work as the operator of a landscape design firm for 20 years before embarking on a career as a professional artist specializing in watercolors.

“I love the way watercolor works,” Tarras said. “You can see my paintings are pretty soft, and I love light, so I’m calling this display, ‘The Celebration of Light.’ The way the sun sets when it’s low in the sky, I just love that.”

While many artists at the gallery have been painting a great deal of their lives, Tarras only began after signing up for a watercolor class in 2013 when she and her husband began splitting their time between Wisconsin and Florida. She has been hooked ever since and draws inspiration from the people, places, plants and animals around her. Unlike many artists who primarily work on subjects here in Florida, Tarras’ work includes everything from the northern lights to tropical fish. Much like her life, her work is split between north and south.

Tarras is a board member and former president of the Artists’ Guild, and says she really enjoys the closeness and support that comes with being a member of a co-op like the Guild.

“I love the artists and the people I’ve met here,” Tarras said. “There’s 54 of us and we run it like a co-op, so everybody’s doing their part; it’s been really good.”

After Island Gallery West closed its doors on March 10 to move to downtown Bradenton, the Artists’ Guild is the last gallery left on the Island. Tarras confirmed that they have no intention of leaving their location, and look forward to a great future on AMI.

To see more of Tarras’ work, visit her website or email her at smtarras@tarrasdesign.com.

The AGAMI Gallery at 5414 Marina Drive displays member artwork. The all-volunteer, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization was formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by bringing together all artists to share experiences, expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community.

IGW says goodbye at Art Walk

IGW says goodbye at Art Walk

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – Monthly Art Walks always draw a crowd to Island Gallery West (IGW) and the Artists’ Guild Gallery of Anna Maria Island, as well as many surrounding businesses that participate in the event. The March 10 Art Walk was bittersweet for IGW, as it was the final day the gallery would be open before closing its doors after 33 years to move to downtown Bradenton.

It was the largest crowd to attend an Art Walk at IGW this season, as most of the 33 member artists gathered to say farewell to both locals and visitors who have visited the member-run co-op art gallery, some for decades. While IGW has issued no official statement on the exact reason for the move, conversations over the past few months have alluded to a rent increase and reduced visitation to the gallery due to ongoing road construction in the direct vicinity of IGW being reasons the move was necessary.

The farewell evening was not a sad event; it was very much the opposite, with most of the artists (none of whom resigned from the gallery because of the move) being excited about the future and more grateful for the past 33 years than sad.

“I’ll miss this place very much, but I’m excited to get in the new space,” member artist Charlotte Sorsen said. “We are going to have a lot more space and will be able to hold classes, demonstrations and a lot of things we just didn’t have the space for here at this location. In the end, it’s going to be a very good thing for all of us.”

IGW officials initially kept the new location a secret, but now say the new gallery will be located at 456 Old Main St. in Bradenton.

“We’re going to have so much room at this new location,” member artist Judy Goldman said. “We’ll have room for classes, a design studio, an open studio for artists that are learning to paint and even a painting with the pros studio. It will be a lot of things that will give back to the community. It’s kind of sad because we have so much of our heart invested here, but we’re growing; that’s just how progress goes.”

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is now the only remaining member-run artist co-op gallery on the Island and many members there said they are sad to see IGW leave, believing the two galleries helped each other by providing access to the arts for both locals and visitors alike.

“I’m sad they’re leaving, it’s nice to have more than one gallery because people come and shop then they walk around, so things will change a little bit,” Artists’ Guild member and former president Sharon Tarras said. “We have a meeting in the next few days and we’ll have to talk about restructuring the Art Walk now that we have lost IGW. Maybe make it more of a Holmes Beach shopping event. It’s not just the galleries involved, there are businesses here that participate, and I’m sure they want it to continue.”

The Artists’ Guild confirmed there are no plans to leave the Island and the gallery will remain at its current location in Holmes Beach.

Island Gallery West moving off Island

Island Gallery West moving off Island

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West (IGW) has been operating in the same location for 33 years, but on Friday, March 10, they will say goodbye to AMI and begin the move to downtown Bradenton, where they will open their new gallery in May. They have not yet announced where the new location will be but said the announcement will come soon.

“Our final day will be Friday, March 10 and will include an evening ArtWalk with our featured artist, Terri Westbrook. We would love to see you. We will miss our Island home dearly so please join us to celebrate the past and toast the future,” the gallery said in a recent press release.

The gallery members did not wish to comment on exactly why they are moving, but ever since a road construction project in Holmes Beach began last year, multiple IGW artists have told The Sun that foot traffic has seriously decreased due to the work being done just a feet away from their parking lot. They think that many tourists likely don’t know how to enter the parking lot due to multiple road closures and changing traffic patterns in the area.

“We asked ourselves how we could continue to grow as a gallery; offering more artist demonstrations and adding hands-on classes in the space we have occupied for 33 years,” member artist Karen Beach said. “Having a larger space would be ideal. We explored the possibilities off-Island and downtown Bradenton is undergoing a revitalization and that central location would allow us to reach a wider audience in the greater community.”

IGW isn’t the first gallery to leave or dissolve in recent years. While the Island Art League is still active on AMI, hosting popular events such as Springfest, they no longer have a physical location on the Island. The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria is also gone, as well as ArtSpace.

The only remaining gallery with a physical location on AMI after IGW closes its doors will be The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island. After doing signif- icant renovations while closed during the COVID pandemic, the gallery, with more than 100 member artists, says they have no plans to leave the Island.

During the transition period, you can view IGW online and purchase artwork through their website. They also will be operating during regular hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some of the artists will be offering special prices on their work at the gallery. Also visit the final ArtWalk they will participate in where the gallery will stay open until at least 7:30 p.m. along with other businesses in the area, including The Artists’ Guild.

Island Gallery West is located at 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and can be reached at 941-778-6648.

Artists’ Guild features art by cancer survivors

Artists’ Guild features art by cancer survivors

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by spotlighting the work of member artists who have fought cancer.

All the artworks in the October display are available for purchase, and a portion of the proceeds of the sales will be donated to a local cancer patient support organization, according to the Guild.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by bringing together artists to share experiences, expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community.

New Guild artist brings the color

New Guild artist brings the color

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – There’s a new displaying artist at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and she’s all about color.

Mixed-media artist Wendy Butcher grew up in upstate New York before spending seven years in Scottsdale, Arizona and finally settling in Sarasota. A self-professed lover of art since age 9, she said she enjoys exploring different creative directions and mediums.

“I use a lot of different mediums – watercolor, acrylic, pastels – and I love photography,” Butcher said. “Nature is always what I draw pictures of and I also love doing portraits. I’m definitely not afraid to try different things.”

She says in addition to wanting to move to the Gulf coast for the sunshine and beauty of the area, she was looking for a place that has a significant presence in the art community.

“It seemed like there wasn’t a strong local art community in Phoenix; it was very narrow compared to here,” Butcher said. “It seems like everybody comes together here. This is why I’m excited about working with the gallery. I want to help promote the artists and elevate them more. I just want to do what I can to help the art community on Anna Maria Island.”

In addition to her work as an artist, Butcher does graphic design and is currently revamping the gallery’s website. Her colorful artwork is on display and available for purchase at the Guild Gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, and at her online store.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the Guild Gallery online.

Featured artist impressive with pencil

Featured artist impressive with pencil

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West’s featured artist for May, Janet Flickinger, captures common life through her pencil works, currently on display in the exhibit, “People Everywhere.”

The display is photorealistic and spares no attention to detail. 

“It’s all about contrast; I love making something come to life through the different values,” said Flickinger, who works exclusively in pencil. “I’ve taught for 30 years, so when I started getting back to doing my own work, the gallery I got in with in Northern Virginia loved my pencil work.”

Flickinger says she loves pencil because she is able to do so much with texture. She brings the world around her to life through her own perspective. Flickinger says she is more drawn to capturing people rather than creating decorative art. 

Janet Flickinger will be in the gallery on Thursday, May 26 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. View her exhibit and have a chat with the artist to learn about her experiences and inspirations for her drawings.

Island West Gallery is located at 5368 Gulf Drive, Trolley Stop 15. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Visit www.islandgallerywest.com or call 941-778-6648 for updates about the 30 member artists of the gallery. Masks are encouraged. Hand sanitizer is available.

Featured artist impressive with pencil
The Artists’ Guild Gallery of AMI’s May front window theme, “Flowers and Garden.” – Jason Schaffer | Sun

The Artists’ Guild Gallery of Anna Maria Island has ceased showcasing featured artists of the month until art walks return in November, but it is showcasing a different theme each month in the front window display. May’s theme is “Flowers and Garden,” followed in June by “Things that Move.”

Galleries hold final Art Walk of season

Galleries hold final Art Walk of season

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – The April 8 Art Walk was the final one of the season with the walks resuming in November, but there was plenty to see before the break.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and Island Gallery West proudly displayed the work of their featured monthly member artists in the front window of each gallery. Visitors had a chance to meet with not only the featured artists but many other gallery member artists as well and visit other local shops that stayed open later for the monthly art walk.

Artists’ Guild Gallery of Anna Maria Island: Marianne Hiland

With watercolor as her medium of choice, Artists’ Guild Gallery of Anna Maria Island’s April feature artist Marianne Hiland uses vibrant colors to bring life to her subject matter. A Guild member for 12 years, Hiland hasn’t been painting her whole life like many artists whose work is hanging on the walls of local galleries. In fact, she didn’t even paint until 12 years ago after retiring.

Galleries hold final Art Walk of season
Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s featured artist for April, Marianne Hiland, displays some of her watercolor work at the gallery in Holmes Beach. –  Jason Schaffer | Sun

“I was in publishing my whole career, working for different publishers including the National Geographic Society,” said Hiland. “I was always involved in wordsmithing, so as soon as I retired, I shifted to the visual.”

Hiland says she chose watercolors after gifting her husband with art supplies as a retirement present. After he realized art wasn’t for him, she grabbed what they already had and set to work.

Hiland’s feature exhibit is on display and all works are available for purchase at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island located at 5414 Marina Drive. For more information, call 941-778-6694 or visit the gallery online.

Island Gallery West: Pat O’Neill

Featured artist Pat O’Neill’s inspirations for his acrylic works of art include the beach, animals from around the world and anything else that happens to be on his mind. Rather than paint from photographs, O’Neill prefers to draw inspiration from his imagination. Some of his favorite subjects include animals, from African lions to local shorebirds.

Galleries hold final Art Walk of season
Island Gallery West’s featured artist for April, Pat O’Neill, displays some of his acrylic paintings during the April Art Walk. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

“I love painting all kinds of subjects. I don’t want to stick to just one thing so I’m always channeling myself to do something new,” said O’Neill, an artist since the age of six and a member of the Gallery for the past six years. “I like to use acrylic paint because it dries fast and allows me to paint in layers.”

You can view or purchase O’Neill’s work at Island Gallery West at 5368 Gulf Drive. For more information on O’Neill or the gallery, call 941-778-6648 or visit the gallery online. 

Monthly Art Walks return to Holmes Beach in November. Both galleries continue to feature different artists every month throughout the year. 

Art Walk spotlights two talented featured artists

Art Walk spotlights two talented featured artists

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – The second Friday of every month is an exciting time for art lovers on the Island, when The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and Island Gallery West display the work of their featured member artists in the front window of each gallery during monthly Art Walks.

In addition to the galleries, other businesses including The Feast, Restless Natives, Sun and Surf Beach Shop, Original Sand Dollar and The Scavenger Market stay open later to welcome anyone wishing to get a bite to eat or do some after-hours shopping.

The March 11 Art Walk featured two very talented area artists, Tim Cunningham and Sue Elliott.

Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island: Tim Cunningham

Tim Cunningham has been a member of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island for a year and is a lifetime member of the Georgia Watercolor Society. After exhibiting at Art Center Manatee, he has found a new home at the gallery, where visitors can view and purchase his watercolor depictions of seascapes painted from photographs he has taken in Florida and the many Caribbean islands he has visited.

“I’ve been painting since I was about 20 years old. I started when I was on my honeymoon in Carmel, California,” Cunningham said. “I’ve been painting for over 40 years, but I’ve never been too prolific. I’ve always had a full-time job until three years ago, so I would start something then slide it under the bed and get back to it later.”

Art Walk spotlights two talented featured artists
Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s March featured artist Tim Cunningham with his art on display at the Gallery. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Cunningham describes his style as pretty tight, sticking to watercolors of beach and island scenes as well as some impressive abstract work. He also only paints places he’s visited in person and photographed himself. 

“I grew up in southern California and always lived by the beach. I live on the beach here on the Island and I’ve just always been inspired by the water,” he said.

Cunningham’s work can be seen and purchased at the Artist’s Guild of Anna Maria Island, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-6694 or visit their website. 

Island Gallery West: Sue Elliott

Sue Elliott’s “Wonderful World,” currently on display at Island Gallery West, is a colorful display of multiple mediums, techniques and inspirations. Unlike many artists who prefer to stick with one style or medium, Elliott works with just about anything that inspires her at any given time. 

“I have a very eclectic style and I like to use any new medium that I can find,” she said. “I think it’s very important not to stick to one thing because life is very short. I use acrylic, I use oil, resin, crackle paint, gold leaf, clay and a little bit of collage. I like to try everything; it doesn’t always work, but it usually does.”

Art Walk spotlights two talented featured artists
Island Gallery West’s March featured artist, Sue Elliott, with her display titled, “Wonderful World,” which runs through March 31. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Elliott moved to the area 20 years ago from the U.K. For her first 15 years in America, she enjoyed a successful career with a Fortune 500 company as a process analyst and project manager. Five years ago, she decided to retire early and take on her passion, which is art. Elliott’s work would have you believe she has been doing art at least part-time for decades, but she didn’t start until five years ago, making her progress in the field all the more impressive.

You can view or purchase Elliott’s work at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, through the end of March. For more information on Elliott or anything involving the Gallery, call 941-778-6648 or visit their website.

Art Walk features Abgott, Karpay

Art Walk features Abgott, Karpay

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – Visitors to the monthly Holmes Beach Art Walk had plenty to be excited about. The Art Walks take place the second Friday of each month, and many local businesses stay open late to allow attendees to not only visit the two art galleries, but visit other local participating businesses for some shopping or a bite to eat. Both Island Gallery West and The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island invite visitors to browse the works of dozens of local artists, enjoy wine, snacks and meet the artists. Among the artists this month were the February featured artists at both galleries.

Anne Abgott: Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island

Canadian-born Anne Abgott moved to Anna Maria Island 20 years ago and has been creating world-class watercolor works ever since she took a watercolor class shortly after her move to the Island. 

“I’ve done olives, I’ve done crystals, flowers and people, but I’ve always been taken with the Florida foliage and fauna,” Abgott said. “I love local plants, but had a hard time painting them since I didn’t understand how they grew, being from the north. I started taking a lot of pictures of bismarck palms and rubber plants; things people don’t normally paint.”

Abgott only paints in watercolors, and she has been quite successful, winning major awards in her field and getting her featured in national publications such as Artists Magazine, where she is featured in the March/April 2022 issue. She also wrote a book published in 2006 titled, “Daring Color.” Color is what Abgott is noted for, using colors that may not be what you see when you view the subject of her works in nature.

“Look at a regular palm, where everybody else sees green I don’t see green, I see all these other colors,” said Abgott, referring to one of her palm paintings hanging in the front window of the Guild Gallery. 

Abgott is a longtime member of the Guild and will be featured through the end of February, although some of her work is always on display and for sale in the Gallery. For more information and works of art, visit her website.

Joanna Karpay: Island Gallery West

A lifelong painter, Joanna Karpay has been a member of Island Gallery West for 10 years, and is February’s featured artist. She credits the support member artists give to each other as one of the many things that make this gallery special.

“It’s been a wonderful place, just being in a co-op gallery where everybody supports each other. It’s kind of casual here, and I love that; I’ve been successful here,” Karpay said. “I’ve been painting my whole life; I was about 8 years old when my mother put me in classes and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Art Walk features Abgott, Karpay
Island Gallery West’s February featured artist, Joanna Karpay, with her exhibit titled, “For the Birds.” – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Karpay primary paints with oil, but also enjoys pastels and teaches both to anyone who is eager to learn. As is the case with many artists, she paints from photographs and particularly likes to paint landscapes of locations in the area, as well as birds, which is the subject of her exhibit on display in the front window of Island Gallery West this month, titled, “For the Birds.”

“I get my inspiration from places I go and camp, or kayak,” said Karpay, an outdoor enthusiast whose work is highly influenced by her adventures and time spent in nature.

“For the Birds” will remain in the front of Island Gallery West for the remainder of February and all works of art are available for purchase. Visit Karpay’s website for more fine art by this artist.

Beautiful art created piece by piece

Beautiful art created piece by piece

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – When you drop a piece of china and see it shatter on the floor, you probably gasp, knowing it’s bound for the garbage and your set will never again be complete. But that’s not the case for the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s January featured artist, Donna Slawsky.

Many of Slawsky’s unique works of art are created by breaking everyday objects such as teacups or fine china, then reassembling them. She also loves to work with stained glass.

“I don’t use anything that’s brand new,” Slawsky said. “Everything I make is either from remnants of stained glass or vintage broken china that people give to me.”

Beautiful art created piece by piece
Some of Donna Slawsky’s work on display at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

While it may be fun to imagine Slawsky smashing valuable china on her floor for art’s sake, the process is a bit more technical and controlled. She uses a tile cutter to break the glass or china in a way that fits her vision for whatever the piece is going to become. She also incorporates natural items into her work such as driftwood or even broken sculpture pieces donated by a friend.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s gallery has more than 100 member artists, and while not all artists’ works are always on display, there is always a large collection of area art by talented artists juried by the Guild.

Slawsky’s work will be on display in the front window through the end of January. She is also available for private lessons; call 941-357-6186 or email her.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is located at 5414 Marina Drive and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Former president honored with Artists’ Guild award

Former president honored with Artists’ Guild award

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – Former Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island President Sharon Tarras dedicated herself not only to improving the gallery but working with member artists to make the Guild the best it could be. In honor of her dedication, she has been given the prestigious Genevieve Alban Award.

The award is named after the founding artist of the Artists’ Guild and is awarded to a leader of the Guild who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in promoting, supporting, exemplifying leadership and being a role model to members and the public.

While serving as corresponding secretary in 2018, it was proposed to nominate Tarras as president. While a bit reluctant, she accepted the position and began work in January 2019. The Guild says Tarras oversaw the renovation of the gallery’s interior while always seeking input from the other board members and member artists. She was also vital in keeping things moving forward during the pandemic, setting up Zoom calls so the Board and members’ meetings could continue.

“To say that Sharon Tarras is a leader is an understatement,” according to a Guild press release. “We all thrived with her extraordinary leadership, with her sensitivity to all our differences, and she created a positive team approach to implement the mission of AGAMI. With this in mind, the Genevieve Alban award is presented by the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island to Sharon Tarras with much appreciation and affection.”

The Artists’ Guild is at 5414 Marina Drive. For more information about member artists and upcoming events, visit the website.