Artist Recognition

During the month of September, our 3D featured artist will be stained glass artist Loretta Evans.  Loretta has been a nationally recognized, innovative and accomplished stained glass craftsman for over 25 years.  Recently relocated to Florida from Pennsylvania, Loretta creates custom pieces and windows for homes, offices, and places of worship, as well as free-hanging panels.  Her goal is to design each piece so it appears to be integrated into its surroundings, and looks like it was always meant to be there.  Loretta says, "I start with a design, but always leave myself open to change as suggested by the movement of the glass;  I am often inspired by the glass itself." Click here to see the artist's work.

Our featured 2D artist for September is water media artist Joanne Stramara.  Joanne creates vibrant, colorful artwork, and she loves to experiment with different techniques and water media, such as alcohol ink.  Joanne feels that her experimentation, choice of subjects, and explosive use of color has allowed her to create a unique signature style.  Her paintings range from realistic to abstract, and often have a Florida theme.  She has taken workshops and classes throughout the United States and also in France, and she enjoys entering her award-winning paintings in various area art shows.   Joanne is also a watercolor instructor at the North Port Art Center. Click here to see the artist's work.

Kitt Moran won First Place and People’s Choice Award with her oil painting, “Year of the Girl,” in the Visual Art Center’s July/August Color: Bold, Bright, and Beautiful show. 

Jill Lindsay won Second Merit for her piece, “Inspiration” at the Visual Art Center’s July/August Color: Bold, Bright, and Beautiful show.

Barbara Albin’s piece “Second Chance” was awarded First Merit in the Visual Art Center’s July/August Color: Bold, Bright, and Beautiful show.

Sue Krasny‘s painting, “Summer Hideaway,” won 4th Merit Award in the Visual Arts Center’s July Members’ Showcase.

Jill Lindsay won First Prize at the Visual Art Center’s July Members’ Showcase with her mixed media piece “Innocence.”  Jill also won the People’s Choice Award for her flamingo painting, “Reflect,” in the VAC’s June show, “Water, Water, Everywhere.”

Joanne’s one-woman show at the Venice Art Center Satellite Gallery, Jacaranda Trace, 3600 William Penn Way, Venice, FL, will have an opening reception on July 10th from 3-4:30 pm.  The show will be on view during the months of July, August, and September.  Don’t miss a chance to see Joanne’s imaginative and colorful artwork!

Bev Yankwitt won Third Prize in the Visual Art Cemter’s July Members’ Showcase with “Savannah Buffalo,” a painting inspired by her African Safari trip.

Kitt Moran won the Bowles Portrait Award at the Visual Art Center’s July Members’ Show with her oil painting, “Apple Picking.“