“Beautiful Things for Carefree Days”

A self-taught jewelry designer, Laura has been creating jewelry for over 25 years. Jewelry came to the forefront of her many other creative diversions by way of a single, large, sterling seashell discovered at a Gem & JewelryShow. “There must be something I can make with this”.

In the coming years, Laura’s jewelry designs would be sold in shoppes in the San Francisco Bay area, where she lived prior to retiring to SW Florida.

Here, her work has won & placed in several local juried exhibitions.

Thematic interpretations of the rich & varied palette of Nature’s Landscapes, Seascapes, Scenery & Seasons reflect the spirit of the work.

A native of Richmond, VA, Laura studied art at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Laura's work consists mainly of acrylic and recently Batik/Watercolor. Her move from New York to Key West 28 years ago inspired her to start her painting career. Mainly self-taught, her aim is to create bright details, and fun interpretations of familiar subjects. A bit of abstract, mixed with wax and watercolor on rice paper. Slowing down from being a full-time musician, she has more time for her artwork. What influenced the majority of her art is her love for the beach, sea life, tropical birds and nature.

Laura is also a member of Ft. Myers Beach Art Association and a past board member. She has won numerous awards from the FMBAA and is an associate member of Harbour View Gallery in Cape Harbour Marina, Cape Coral.

laublack@aol.com

Tracy Owen Cullimore, aka Artsy Tracy” is a well known Impressionist/Realist painter. She paints all subjects but her mastery of the figure and portrait sets her work into a league of its own. And she has collectors all over the world as a result. While she works primarily in oil, she is adept at pastel and is a signature watercolorist.Tracy has received well over fifty awards and her collectors number over 700. She likes her paintings to float above the canvas, from brushstrokes that seem to breathe with rhythm. Her works vibrate with color and emotion and buyers regularly credit her with making their hearts full, as they see a memory or a familiar pair of eyes in a sea of texture and painterly strokes. She loves to paint live and spectators appreciate watching the emergence of form from strokes so energetically yet lovingly applied.Her technique evolved through extensive education in fine art, graphic design and art history at the University of California and the Modem Masters of Impressionism- the perfect marriage of traditional and contemporary techniques. Tracy is a an active member of several art leagues and other local galleries, and she participates in many community endeavors, many involving charity fundraising.

“Painting more than just a likeness by seeing with my heart”

ARTIST BIO-Tamara Culp moved from the high desert country of Colorado to Florida to be closer to water. Since childhood, water has held a special place in her heart as a sanctuary and a haven. A long-time jewelry artist in the mountains known for her silver landscapes, she began using pencils, watercolors, and soft pastels to bring to life the verdant greens and sparkling Gulf water landscapes of her new home.

Tamara was a World Economics major in school and is the co-owner of a software company, but she was always intensely interested in art. Over the years she has belonged to some excellent art organizations which afforded her the opportunity to participate in peer critiques and to form long lasting relationships with fellow artists of diverse mediums. She has augmented her studies with workshops both in-person and on-line though she considers her weekly plein air sessions her most taxing and rewarding teacher.

Tamara is a current member of the Pastel Society of America as well as the Colored Pencil Society of America and locally the Fort Myers Beach Art Association, the Sanibel Captiva Art League and the Southwest Florida Pastel Society. Her work has garnered many awards and has been included in national publications. Tamara loves to bring her visions to life and is always gratified when those visions also resonate with others.

tamaraculpstudio@comcast.net

Dana Enders is an award‑winning plein air pastel artist whose work celebrates the luminous drama of the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast. She enjoys competing in juried shows and plein air events across Florida and as far north as Maryland. As a prominent member of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association, Dana confidently leads the FMBAA plein air program. With a passion for sharing her expertise, she offers engaging workshops that empower others to master the art of plein air painting and expressive mark making with soft pastel.

Originally from Maryland, Dana earned her BFA in Graphic Design from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1993 and spent many years as a freelance designer before returning to her first love — painting — in 2016. Today, her landscapes and seascapes are created entirely on location, where she is drawn to subjects bathed in beautiful, dramatic lighting. Whether it’s the glow of sunrise on Sanibel or the long shadows stretching across Captiva’s shoreline, Dana’s work reflects a deep sensitivity to capturing the essence of a scene.

Dana is also widely known for her custom beach commissions, a unique offering in which she paints families directly on the beach in real time. These one‑of‑a‑kind pastel portraits capture the joy, movement, and spontaneity of “beach time,” creating a cherished and highly sought-after souvenir for visitors and locals alike. 

Her work continues to evolve through her plein air practice, her connection to the Gulf Coast landscape, and her dedication to painting from life.

ARTIST STATEMENT-My obsession with glass began in the early 90’s when we settled in Southwest Florida. At the time I was designing jewelry and wanted to add glass components to my artwork so I took a few classes at a local art studio. I quickly realized that glass was a medium that I wanted to explore further. Since then, I have taken many enrichment classes from master artisans from all over the world, building on those techniques to develop my own signature style.

I love all things ordered and symmetrical and strive for perfection in every piece I create. I am inspired by life’s beauty and my love of color can be seen in all my work. I am a member of several nonprofit groups that help promote the arts through scholarships, workshops and events.

reneefarr01@icloud.net

Zdenka was born in the Czech Republic and resided in Switzerland for 25 years. Currently, she resides with her family in Fort Myers, Florida.

In addition to her engineering education in the Czech Republic and Switzerland, Zdenka has honed her skills in bobbin lace, stained and fused glass, clay sculpture, and jewelry creation using various metal wires. Her artistic endeavors encompass stained and fused glass, jewelry, and decorative artwork.

Zdenka actively participates in the SWFL Fine Craft Guild and Art Center MICA Marco Island. She has also showcased her work in various juried art shows organized by these organizations, as well as other juried art shows, including those hosted by the Rotary Club on Sanibel Island, Florida, and Art Crafters Naples.

Her art is displayed in various shops and galleries throughout Southwest Florida.

Zdenka has received recognition for her fused glass jewelry at the Exhibition of Fine Crafts “Made By Hand” in 2013 at Visual Art Center Punta Gorda, Florida, earning a Second Merit Award. Additionally, she received Honorable Mention in the Art Association Naples in 2019.

Whimsical Hand Made Ceramics

Sharon’s artistic journey started with a 30-year tenure as an art instructor for elementary school students. Throughout her career, she nurtured a profound passion for ceramics. Presently, she has dedicated time to explore her unique style in ceramic handbuilding. Sharon's creations predominantly depict marine sealife, each possessing its distinct individual style characterized by intricate layering of colored glazes. Her larger panels resemble miniature sculptural paintings, and she derives pleasure from crafting these unique and whimsical sculptures.

ARTIST BIO-JoAnn LaPadula is an award-winning artist who resides in Fort Myers, Florida where she moved from the Finger Lake Region of New York State. She is a member of Hirdie Girdie Gallery, Fort Myers Beach Art Association, Alliance for the Arts, and SanCap Art League. Her work has been featured on the covers of the SpotLight Magazine, Sand Life Magazine, in Gulfshore Life and in the Florida Watercolor Society online exhibit. Some of her works reside in collections from Guantanamo Bay to California.

After working graphic design for 30 years retirement gave her the opportunity to return to her interest in fine arts and she began painting in watercolor. Her signature style features a blowing/spraying technique and negative painting.

ARTIST STATEMENT- “I was not interested in the traditional watercolor style, so I attended a few workshops to find my own style. I say I am more of a ‘colorful’ abstract/realist rather than a traditional watercolor artist. Here in SWFL I am thrilled to say I was able to find people who have been a great inspiration to me, and I found the support I needed to begin my second career.” In addition to creating her own artwork JoAnn tries to inspire others by teaching a one-day workshops.

jlap917@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/jlapwatercolorswfl

instagram.com/joann.lapadula

I have worked in wood since childhood. My father, a Renaissance man, was completely disabled from a catastrophic accident as a postal service employee in Philadelphia. I was 4 years old then. He became my teacher.

When I grew up, I opened up a country store in the Poconos and made knives, muzzle loading firearms, furniture and other woodcrafts for sale over the long Pennsylvania winters.

Since moving to Florida thirty years ago to care for my elderly in-laws, I needed to find a woodcraft that could be accomplished without the use of gunpowder or the heat of a forge. Woodturning fits these requirements. Very quickly I was captivated by the hidden beauty that exists within the whorls and shading of wood!

Eager to apply my wood crafting skills in a new arena, I have taken woodturning classes at both the John Campbell and Arrowmont Craft Schools. My continuing education comes from them, the Woodturners of Southwest Florida, and the American Association of Woodturners.

olivermartin@gmail.com

Andrea's work centers on the precision of wood turning and a style that emphasizes clarity of form and tactile beauty. She has exhibiting at FGCU, FSW, Big Arts on Sanibel.

For her excellence in her craft Andrea has received the Vigoda award for excellence and the Southwest Florida fine craft guild award of excellence.

ARTIST BIO-Creating art has always been one of my favorite activities, yet I did not receive any formal training until 2011 when I was able to take my first watercolor class. I was hooked from the very first day and have been taking classes and workshops at several SWFL area art associations ever since. Memberships include Fort Myers Beach Art Association 2023, Alliance of the Arts 2023, Cape Coral Art League 2011-2023. Currently exhibiting at Coco Art Gallery, Estero, Florida and Hirdie Girdie Art Gallery, Sanibel, Florida.

ARTIST STATEMENT-I love watercolor! Whether in the studio or out in nature, painting with watercolor brings me so much joy! Painting, to me, is a place of solace where I enjoy capturing the peaceful and happy aspects of life. I hope that those who view my work feel a sense of that joy along with me.

Much of my art is inspired by the beauty of southwest Florida, yet I find inspiration everywhere I go.
I enjoy painting a wide variety of subject matter from animals to florals to landscapes. My work is typically done in consecutive layers, starting with a sketch and light wash, then building upon and occasionally changing the composition as I go. Working predominately in watercolor, I do however like to sprinkle in a little mixed media from time to time - just for fun

cpmusic01@yahoo.com

Penny has been shaping glass to create her unique art for over 10 years.  Her path began as an interest to learn stained glass techniques and evolved to include glass fusion.  Her unique eye for combining colors and shapes has resulted in many beautiful works displayed in her home and in galleries around the area.  With support from her husband, Penny uses their in-home kiln to create rare fusion pieces that give the impression of blown glass.  Originally from Iowa, Penny now spends most of her time on Sanibel island with her husband David.  She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and their two pug dogs.

Penny’s love of walking the beach and listening to the ocean gives inspiration to several of her pieces which combine woods and metals.  It is not surprising that her art is glass which is derived from the sand itself…

pdripley1@gmail.com

ARTIST BIO-Marty began painting after completing high school. Looking for a novel challenge, while he had unencumbered days due to working an 11pm to 7am hospital shift as a psychiatric orderly, he purchased some paints and canvas board. He had immediate commercial success selling his creations at various community art shows. 

As a combined studio and art history major at Hamilton College, while pursuing premedical studies, he was mentored by Professor James Penny, former vice president during the 1940's
of the Art Students League in New York City. Professor Penny provided Marty's first formal instruction. Between semesters at Hamilton, he was also able to take art classes at Skidmore College and Cornell University. 

During his career as a practicing physician and assistant clinical professor of pediatrics, he continued to maintain a small art studio where he produced a limited number of pieces. More recently he has begun to devote full attention to creating varied images with predominantly acrylics, charcoal, and glazes on canvas, and also occasionally exploring the use of mixed media.. 

Being red-green color blind has led to interesting choices of color palates and fascination with light on objects. His compositions range from recognizable images to completely non objective displays. Sometimes he uses familiar signage to explore social issues. Ultimately, he strives
to create works that excite his own visual and emotional aesthetic and share them with others.

foursherm@icloud.net

Wood Carving Artist

Kay says her primary focus as an artist is to study and carve three-dimensional birds. Each creation is unique and special attention is given to every detail of what Mother Nature provided. She predominately works with tupelo wood, Mauritanian, grape vine, and acrylics but often will find a piece of drift wood that she can not resist. Transforming a piece of wood into a copy of a living bird is her passion.

Even from a young age Kay was marveled by the beauty and fine detail each bird displays whether nesting, perching on a branch, or in flight. Although she began carving prior to a trip to the Amazon the first sighting of a toucan exploded her desire to sculpt birds from wood.

kaystammers94@gmail.com

My interest in ceramics started as a collector long before I tried this art form for myself.  Once I did, I was addicted.  The soft, tactile feel of actually forming something that had just been an idea was exhilarating.

 The first class I took was in 2000 at the Southwest School of Art and Craft in San Antonio, Texas.  I continued to study there for 5 years.  The diversity of class offerings was amazing.  One class, titled Toys as Sculptures, definitely caught my interest and continues today.

In 2005, we moved from there to Alexandria, Virginia and Maryland.  I continued to take classes and do independent studio time until he retired and we moved permanently to Sanibel.  We had been coming to the island with the family since 1980 on vacation, so this was always in “the plan”.  I soon discovered the hidden gem of Big Arts.  It has provided me the ability to further my education and the opportunity to show my work.

I enjoy the colorful, whimsical approach, as well as the edgier “steampunk”, and often try to combine the two. Animals with the influence of the toy and movement, or appearance of movement, is the main theme of my work.  The exploration of the use of gears, metal and whatever parts catch my eye has been a great adventure.

I have had the privilege to be accepted into several juried shows, and received awards, at Big Arts and the International Society of Experimental Artists.  Although I make art for my own enjoyment, the validation from others has been inspiring.