Artist Recognition

Our 3D Artist of the Month in September is Basket and Fiber Artist Nancy Giffin.  Nancy creates traditional Nantucket and Shaker style baskets and boxes using authentic techniques she learned while living in Massachusetts.  Her art pieces are both beautiful and functional, and consistently win awards in area shows.  Nancy enjoys preserving and passing down the tradition of these Early American fine crafts.  In addition to basketry, Nancy also creates beaded jewelry and ornaments, and has recently began creating unique gourd artistry. Click here to see the artist's work.

Our 2D Artist of the Month for September is Oil Painter Donna Pape.  Originally from Chicago, Donna has found new inspiration in Florida's natural beauty, and the many scenic locales that abound in the area.  She likes to paint subjects that make her happy, and that evoke fond memories.   Donna especially enjoys painting colorful tourist attractions and local shops with the expectation that her paintings will bring back happy memories for those that purchase her artwork.  Donna is also active in civic organizations, and in promoting art in the local community. Click here to see the artist's work.

Congratulations to Beverly Yankwitt, whose  painting, "Moonlight,'  was accepted into the National Watercolor Society's online International Exchange Exhibition, January,  2024.

Beverly Yankwitt's painting, "My Summer Garden," won a Merit Award in the Visual Arts Center's Members' Showcase, August, 2023.

Congratulations to Beverly Yankwitt, whose  painting, "Apples & Oranges," was accepted into the National Watercolor Society Annual 103rd International Open Exhibition, to be held at the NWS Gallery in San Pedro, California, October 1st to November 5, 2023.

Jim Beech won Second Place in the Visual Arts Center's April/May, 2023 "Fresh" Exhibit with his watercolor entry "Winter Wall."

Congratulations to Beverly Yankwitt, who won First Place in the Visual Arts Center's April/May, 2023 "Fresh" Exhibit with her piece "Welcome Spring."

Jan Pronko won First Place in 3D art at Art Center Manatee's Annual Member Exhibit for her ceramic sculpture "Arny Gator," February, 2023.

Congratulations to Beverly Yankwitt, whose  painting, "Lunar Light,'  was accepted into the American Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in New York City, April, 2023.

Congratulations to Beverly Yankwitt, whose abstract painting, "Building Blocks," won Third Place in the Visual Arts Centers's January/February, 2023 New Beginnings Show.

Congratulations to Joanne Stramara, who won First Place with Round and Round in the January/February, 2023 Mixed Water Media Abstract Show at the Englewood Art Center.

Beverly Yankwitt's acrylic painting "Organized Chaos," won a Merit Award at the Charlotte County Visual Arts Center's October/November, 2022 "Color" Exhibit.

Renee Farr's fused glass entry won Best in Show at the "Experiments in Geometry" exhibit at the Cape Coral Art Center, Fall, 2022.

Nancy Giffin's mixed media gourd art piece, "Pueblo Sisters," won a Merit Award at the Charlotte County Visual Arts Center's October/November, 2022 "Color" Exhibit.

Congratulations to Nancy Giffin, whose Pineapple Cathead Basket won First Place at the Art Council of Southwest Florida's bi-annual Winners' Circle show at the Norris Center in Naples, FL, June/July, 2023.  This piece also won Second Place at the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild's "Creative Possibilities" show at the Cape Coral Library, November, 2022.

Thelma's abstract painting "Orange Glow" recently won a Merit Award in the Venice Art Center's September/October 2022 "Brilliance" show.

Beth has been honored by the Audubon Society with an interview on their website discussing her artistic practice in creating bird sculptures using pine needles.   Click here to access the article.

Congratulations to Kitt Moran, whose oil painting, "Boy," won a Merit Award in the Visual Art Center's January/February, 2023 New Beginnings Show.  "Boy" was also accepted into the American Impressionist Society's third member online exhibit, November, 2022.  "Boy" won Best of Show in the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Associate Members Online Gallery for 2022.  "Boy" also won Second Place in Venice Art Center's "Now and Then" show, July/August, 2022, and was also included in the FAV15% (jurors' top favorites) in the June, 2022 Bold Brush Painting Composition.