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Artists’ Guild features Patterson

Artists’ Guild features Patterson

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

HOLMES BEACH – The last Holmes Beach Night Market of the season packed the sidewalks with shoppers, diners and art lovers on April 12, who were introduced to the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s Featured Artist, Kathy Lee Patterson.

Patterson says she is inspired by local flora, fauna and water scenes.

“I specialize in acrylic, but I really love to be experimental,” Patterson said. “You’ll notice in my feature display you’ll see traditional paintbrush, then there’s gold leaf, palette knife work and even clay with a palette knife.”

Patterson also enjoys making usable works of art in the form of items like tissue boxes, trays and even drink coasters that would bring beach vibes to any end table.

While a lifelong artist, Patterson didn’t begin making art a profession until retiring to Palmetto from her home in Philadelphia.

Anyone wanting a painting of a familiar place in the area will be delighted with Patterson’s works. Paintings on display at the gallery feature local locations from Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Perico Island and many more familiar spots.

While many artists focus on perfect realism, Patterson says while she does paint from photographs she takes, once she gets going she doesn’t necessarily follow the rules. Taking liberties with the scene is not only something she does, but it’s one of the factors that makes her art unique and beautiful. All of Patterson’s art is available for purchase at the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to Patterson’s work, the gallery hosted artist demonstrations on the sidewalk, live music from Larry Wilhelm, wine and snacks.

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.

Featured artist combines nature, stained glass

Featured artist combines nature, stained glass

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

HOLMES BEACH – The final Holmes Beach Art Walk of the winter/spring season on April 14 offered a chance for the public to meet many of the talented local artists who are members of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI), including April’s Featured Artist, Janet Razze.

Unlike many artists who tend to specialize or prefer working in a single media, Razze uses watercolor, oil, acrylic, and in the case of her feature display, stained glass. She is a second-generation stained glass artist, learning the art form from her father beginning at a young age.

“I’m really inspired by nature, in fact, I started out as a biology teacher,” said Razze, whose display will be in the front window of AGAMI through the end of April. “I really enjoy doing stained glass, and as you can see by this display, I incorporated different shells from around the world in these stained glass pieces, and the name of the shell is in the title of each, so the observer knows what they are looking at.”

Razze offers unique stained glass works, and recently created a series of fish that glow in the dark after a labor-intensive process of applying a special acrylic paint that charges in the sunlight and glows in the darkness.

The art walk, which included many businesses in the Holmes Beach Shopping Plaza, will be the last of the season. Razze, who is also the AGAMI president, says they may restructure the event before its return in the fall of 2023.

“Since Island Gallery West moved off the Island, we are the only gallery left, so we may change the name to something else and do some restructuring,” Razze said.

The Artists’ Guild, an 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 and expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community. The AGAMI Gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach and displays member artwork.

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.

IGW’s March featured artist shines with pastels

IGW’s March featured artist shines with pastels

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

HOLMES BEACH – Like many artists in the area, Island Gallery West’s March featured artist, Terri Westbrook, is inspired by nature and places she has lived and traveled, including Charleston, South Carolina and the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Working primarily in pastel media, she brings brilliant color to her nature scenes, including landscapes and waterscapes.

“My paintings are journal entries, revealing my response to what I see when I’m out in nature, or my emotions about a place I visited many years ago,” Westbrook said. “Making art is like meditation for me. I hope people enjoy my pieces that come from my heart.”

While many artists have been practicing their craft for a great deal of their lives, Westbrook discovered her love for creating art later in life. Through both in-person and online instruction, she learned the basic principles and honed her skills from there. Her featured work is currently on display in the front window of the gallery, and all art is available for purchase.

Westbrook will be on hand to discuss her work and answer any questions at the Art Walk on Friday, March 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the final day to visit IGW before it closes its doors on the Island permanently and moves to its new location in downtown Bradenton. Many other member artists will also be there as well. Make sure to enter the raffle for a chance to win one of Westbrook’s paintings. There will also be complimentary wine, snacks and live music.

Island Gallery West is located at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Trolley Stop 15. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, with March 10 as the final day. Visit the gallery website or call 941-778-6648 for updates about the art and 30 member artists of the gallery.

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.

Art Walk showcases local talent

Art Walk showcases local talent

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

HOLMES BEACH – The Feb. 10 Art Walk brought locals and visitors to two art galleries to see the best of Island art.

Participating businesses around the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island and Island Gallery West that normally close earlier stayed open later for the event, which repeats the second Friday of each month.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island

The Artists’ Guild gallery is hosting several activities this month as part of its Paint the Town event, sponsored by Bradenton Arts & Culture, a division of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau:

  • Daily artist demos in front of the gallery – Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.;
  • Gallery competitions – vote for your favorite locally-inspired subjects;
  • Paint Arounds – Fridays from 3-5 p.m., five artists collaborate on five paintings;
  • Kid’s activity – papier-mâché Fridays from 3-5 p.m.;
  • Plein aire artists – Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., locations to be announced at www.amiartistsguildgallery.com.

“We had a great day with our Paint-a-Round today to kick off the Art Walk,” Guild member artist Joanne Wilhelm said. “We have five artists who paint a little, then they switch. So, each work is actually done by five artists. After it’s finished, we raffle it off. We also did papier-mâché with the children today, which was a great time.”

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-6694 or visit the gallery website.

Island Gallery West

Island Gallery West (IGW) offers live music in the parking lot as well as wine and snacks for visitors to enjoy while they chat with member artists and shop the gallery for special works of art to purchase and take home to have a visual reminder of the Island.

Art Walk showcases local talent
Visitors to Island Gallery West enjoyed wine and snacks while they mingled with the resident artists at last week’s Art Walk in Holmes Beach. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

February’s featured artist, Karen Beach, has her work on display in the front of the gallery, and anyone who couldn’t make the Art Walk can view the display through the end of February.

IGW also has something special this month with non-member artists invited to showcase their work for the first time in the gallery: Debra Rhoads, who focuses on Florida’s beautiful birds and sunsets; Gail Curry, who calls her design style “Fluid Geometrics” and Lynn Coppinger, who works in a variety of art mediums. Coppinger has since been juried into full membership in the gallery, and is now its newest member artist. Also showing her work this month is Cosette Kosiba, who is displaying her pastel paintings.

The gallery is located at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call 941-778-6648 or visit the gallery website.

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.

Art Walk showcases local talent

Art Walk showcases local talent

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

HOLMES BEACH – The first Holmes Beach Art Walk of 2022 was a big success as both locals and tourists were treated to the best of Island art featured at a variety of Island businesses.

Those participating included the Artists’ Guild Gallery, The Feast, Restless Natives, Sun and Surf Beach Shop, Original Sand Dollar, The Scavenger Market and Island Gallery West. Businesses that normally close earlier stay open for this event, which now is scheduled for the second Friday of every month after being shut down for more than a year due to COVID-19.

Art Walk showcases local talent
The Artists’ Guild Gallery’s featured artist, Donna Slawsky, welcomes visitors during the latest Art Walk in Holmes Beach. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

“We’re starting to see some good crowds,” said Karen Beach, a member artist at Island Gallery West. “We have a wide variety of artists here, we have modern art, we have still life, we have sculptures and jewelry. There’s so much, it will really surprise you if you come here.” 

A few hundred yards away from Island Gallery West is The Artists’ Guild Gallery, which has a beautiful selection of local art that has something for everyone. Featured artist Donna Slawsky showed off her unique works made of cut stained glass and fine china that is broken, then reassembled in a mosaic fashion for something truly unique and beautiful. Both galleries offered wine and lite bites to visitors who could not only view the art but purchase it, as everything in both galleries is available to buy.

Art Walk showcases local talent
This oil painting by Island Gallery West’s January featured artist, Darryl Goldman, was sold to a sheep farmer from England vacationing on the Island. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

“I sold this painting of sheep laying down in a pasture to a sheep farmer who was visiting the Island from England,” said Island Gallery West’s featured artist, Darryl Goldman. “She said it reminds her of the sheep laying down early in the morning on her farm.”

The next Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 11 at the Island Shopping Center and S&S Plaza.

IGW featured artist paints what he loves

IGW featured artist paints what he loves

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

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West’s January Featured Artist, Darryl Goldman, paints what he loves and draws inspiration from his life experiences and his strong faith. A display of Goldman’s art titled “Simple Memories” takes center stage in the front window of the gallery in Holmes Beach. Oil paintings of animals range from exotic birds to farm animals including sheep.

“I like to paint sheep because of my faith,” Goldman said. “The Bible is full of sheep, and I really enjoy painting them. The mules come from growing up around farms. My relatives had farms in Mississippi and growing up, there were always mules.”

IGW featured artist paints what he loves
Oil painting by Darryl Goldman. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

Goldman is a retired Army Chaplain who served for 25 years in the U.S. and Europe. Spending a great deal of time in Germany, he often found time to paint the beautiful sights of Bavaria, but since there was never enough time for oil to dry, his Army days were spent painting with watercolors, which dry much faster. After retiring, Goldman and his wife, Linda, spent more than two years traveling the country, which allowed him to work many plein air scenes (paintings done outside, on location). There are multiple examples of Goldman’s plein air works on display, ranging from farm life in the upper Midwest to nautical scenes in Cortez.

IGW featured artist paints what he loves
“Simple Memories,” art by Darryl Goldman currently on display at Island Gallery West in Holmes Beach. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

“I really like to paint from old black and white photos,” said Goldman, who pointed out examples on display at the gallery which he painted from old photographs that caught his eye. “I painted that trailer court down there. I imagine you don’t see too many trailer park paintings, but being new to Florida, I just found it fascinating.”

“Simple Memories” will be on display until the end of January, and all works on display are available for purchase. You can meet Goldman on Friday, Jan. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the monthly Holmes Beach Art Walk reception. There will be drinks and bites, live music by Chip Ragsdale and plenty of art.

Island Gallery West is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information call 941-778-6648 or visit www.islandgallerywest.com.

Art Walk returns to Holmes Beach

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

HOLMES BEACH – Art is alive and well in Holmes Beach. Friday, Dec. 10 marked the return of the Art Walk, and not only were the city’s two galleries open late for the event, but many of the other businesses in the area were as well.

Participating businesses include the Artists’ Guild Gallery, The Feast, Restless Natives, Sun and Surf Beach Shop, Original Sand Dollar, The Scavenger Market and Island Gallery West.

“We got ice cream, some souvenirs and saw some great local art. I’m trying to justify spending $300 on a painting of a sea turtle,” said Allison Reynolds, of Detroit. “We just want something we can put in a prominent place in our home and think of Anna Maria Island every time we see it.” 

If you weren’t able to make it to this Art Walk, the next one is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 14, and the second Friday of each month thereafter.

Island Gallery West art walk returns

Island Gallery West art walk returns

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

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.

Art lives on in the heat of summer

Art lives on in the heat of summer

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Art, Entertainment, Events.

On the heels of the Fourth of July’s fireworks, Holmes Beach’s art community proved Friday that they could draw a crowd with an out-of-season Art Walk.

With Hurricane Barry bearing down on Louisiana and warm humid weather on Anna Maria Island, three of the seven regular art outlets opened their doors and soon their stores were bustling with people.

Art Walks are normally held the second Fridays of the month from January through April, but in May the Artist’s Guild of Anna Maria Island announced it would continue the walks through the summer and other participants were invited to join in. Island Gallery West and Restless Natives joined in.

Art Walk Island Gallery West
Island Gallery West drew a good crowd as the customers had an opportunity to speak to the gallery’s artist of the month, Patrick O’Neill. – Tom Vaught | Sun

Lyda Dicus of Restless Natives decided to take it a step further, putting tables and chairs out front so people could paint pottery and there were a lot of promising artists participating.

“I think it’s a success because it got a lot of people out participating,” she said. “I think I’m going to do it again at the next Art Walk.”

If the event continues to draw large numbers of interested people the Art Walks might become a year ‘round event.

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