Featuring a vast array of art and and artists, Art in the Heart of Matlacha celebrates the many forms creativity takes on in the Greater Pine Island area. For the 10th consecutive year, Peggy McTeague, owner of WildChild Gallery in Matlacha is pleased to showcase some of the artists she dedicates space to in her establishment.

“This is an opportunity to bring our customers and our artists together. Artists will set up in the garden of the gallery for the entire weekend and visitors will get the unique opportunity to witness various projects in the working stages,” said McTeague. “This is an occasion where artists will be doing what they do best, being creative.”

Art in the Heart of Matlacha will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend free of charge. The artists will be on hand to work on projects and answer questions while local musicians perform throughout the event.

The artists who will be setting up in the garden are Victor Barreto, George Kneireum, Annie Harrison, Kathy Fraga, Barbra Albin, Jean Workman, Mimi Little, Madelon Gorsky, Tom Werdin, Lisa Tully, Linda Hawkins, Joanne Gilmartin Smith and Jean Rosenberg.

Born in Uruguay, Victor Barreto came to the United States in 1974 and later became a citizen in 1986. He is a graduate from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. After moving to Fort Myers in 2000, he studied art at the Alliance for the Arts and took a course at the Cape Coral Art Studio and has since become and accomplished acrylic painter. His work can be seen on display at WildChild.

George Kneireum produces works he refers to as “Chart Bait” which incorporates colorful fishing lures of yesteryear in each design. According to Kneireum, his fascination for fishing lures began during his childhood and later, while working in the marine industry, began collecting antique lures which inspired him to preserve the works using a unique vessel.

Watercolor artist, Ann Harrison-May has had her work shown internationally and is among those who are on display at WildChild throughout the year. Born with no arms, Harrison-May creates her breathtaking designs using only her feet. With the assistance of a friend at Lee Memorial Hospital, she established the “Art by the disABLED” and has galleries showing work from her students in three of Lee Memorial Hospitals. She also is an instructor at the Visually Impaired Person Center of SW Florida located in North Fort Myers. Dubbing herself as a “hippy-chick,” Kathy Fraga is passionate about many things including creating art in many different mediums. A self-taught artist, Fraga will spend her time at WildChild producing fine sliver jewelry.

Contemporary artist, Barbara Albin has been painting, teaching and exhibiting her work for more than 40 years and has been in hundreds of juried shows and has won many awards both locally and nationally. Currently she is teaching watercolor at the Visual Art Center in Punta Gorda.

A resident of Fort Myers Beach, Mimi Little has been influenced by her travels, which is reflected in her paintings. Noted for themes that include Nantucket and Haiti, her works have depicted tobacco barns, beachcombers and rivers and bays that surround her in her everyday life. Her most recent series is heavily influenced by the light and color of Southwest Florida.

Working in acrylics, Madelon Gorsky mixes her work with a touch of whimsy and humor meant to evoke smiles on those who view them. Gorsky said she has always been surrounded by quirky people with a quick wit and open minds who have brought laughter into her life.

Tom Werdin’s work in pastels is a reflection of the many places he has been, many of which are unique country settings.

Prior to retirement, Jean Rosenberg worked as a pediatric occupational therapist when she used her art when working with children with special needs. On retirement, she was able to spend time on her own art and thrives on the design process. While at Art in the Heart of Matlacha, Rosenberg will work on fused glass projects.

Looking at the world through a lens, Joanne Gilmartin Smith has an eye for all things nature has to offer. She made a career as a professional photographer working for several newspapers and eventually opened her own photo/art studio.

Calling her style of jewelry making “Dragonswire” Linda Hawkins learned to crochet at an early age and later in life began combining her love for metals and her love of crochet to produce wearable art.

Lisa Tully said that beading is her true passion. Her handcrafted jewelry reflects the textures found in nature and said she feels at peace when working on a new design.

WildChild Gallery is located at 4625 Pine Island Road in Matlacha and for more information about the gallery or Art in the Heart of Matlacha visit wildchildgallery.com