‘Creative Coast’ Christmas to take place this weekend
Christmas is in the air and shoppers are busily checking off items on wish lists. After having fought the the mall mobs and department stores, there are always those on the list that are nearly impossible to shop for. Those in need of that special unique gift need look no further than the galleries of Pine Island and this weekend, the galleries and gift shops will be open and ready for shoppers to find that perfect gift.
The December Creative Coast weekend takes place on Friday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 12, with participating galleries offering special hours of operation as well as featured artists, demonstrations and workshops.
At Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery and Gifts in Matlacha, spend an evening with one of the island’s most renown book authors, Robert Macomber. From 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday evening, join Macomber for the sixth annual Lamplight Christmas Book Party. Listen as Macomber shares his adventures which have taken him all around the globe while researching material for his Honor book series. Macomber will discuss, the seventh in the award-winning “Honor Series,” “The Honorable Dead,” which finds Lt. Cmdr. Peter Wake, Office of Naval Intelligence, aboard a riverboat on the Mekong River, in 1883 French Indo-China. Macomber also will give attendees a glimpse at his latest novel “The Darkest Shade of Honor” scheduled to be released in the spring of 2010.
Just down Pine Island Road, Julia’s Arts will host the annual “Fashion Show in Matlacha” featuring textiles that are both wearable and decorative. Open the evening of Dec. 11 until 9 p.m. visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy the works of artists Patricia Anderson Turner, Michelle Jones, Deborah Zwetsch and Jan Dreifer.
Across the road at WildChild Gallery, the featured artist will be oil painter, Mimi McCallum and demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday presented by McCallum in acrylics, Laura DeVoe with bead jewelry, Sue Coller with scrimshaw, Megan Kessinger with acrylics and Cheryl Lamm with mixed media. Also on Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. Joan Hall Bush will demonstrate gourd art. Demonstrations will be presented once again on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At Bonnie’s and Christina’s Gallery, on hand will be artists Bonnie Beers, Christina Jarmolinski and their students when choice works from the students will be on display as well as Bonnie’s funky island furniture and mosaics and Christina’s acrylic and mixed media paintings.
On both Friday and Saturday, Island Visions will feature a book signing with author, Wilson Hawthorne with his latest book, “The Last Pirate.”
Entering Pine Island on Creative Coast weekend, visitors will want to stop in at Florida Gallery where the featured artist will be John Sinclair Manson and further north to Koucky Gallery and Garden for a painting workshop with acrylic artist Thom Millsap on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information about the two-day workshop, call Koucky Gallery and Garden at 283-4414. In addition, to introduce a new “Glaze your own Ceramics” activity newly offered at Koucky Gallery and Gardens, Chuck and Nancy Koucky are offering a special discounted Holiday Gift Workshop.
Come to Koucky’s and enjoy making a Ceramic Christmas gift for a loved one, or create a treat for yourself! Friday evening Dec. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., bring your family (this is a great project for children) and indulge in the spirit of a home made Christmas. Paint in brightly colored glazes an ornament, tile, trivet, mug or a bowl. Each piece will be ready for you to paint in white bisque. Koucky’s will fire it for you and your work of art can picked up the following week. Prices from $5 – $25. Chuck and Nancy Koucky will be on hand to assist you if you wish. Previously fired examples will be on hand.
Painting your own ceramic bisque ware is a new opportunity at Koucky Gallery and Gardens. Inquire about having special birthday, family reunion or office party activities. Open painting hours will be offered a couple of days a week as well.
Winding up the gallery tour, visitors to the island are invited to plan a stop in the heart of St. James City at the Paisley Parrot. This establishment is an eclectic mix of art, antiques and garden supplies. Unwind at the Paisley Parrot with a cup of tea and scones in the garden while enjoying the Christmas season.
Other galleries participating in the December Creative Coast weekend include; Footprints in the Sand Shoe Gallery and Traders Hitching Post in Matlacha and Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery and the Potter’s Workshop and Gallery in St. James City.
For more information, visit galleriesofpineisland.com or floridascreativecoast.com