Art Expo grows in popularity among artists
For the third consecutive year, members of the St. James City Civic Association will host the annual Art Expo Juried Show and Sale.
This year, 33 area artists have been selected to show and compete on Saturday, Feb. 26, when the doors are open to the public at the St. James City Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsored by Southwest Capital Bank, admission to the Expo is free of charge and ample free parking is available on the grounds of the civic center located at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Lemon Street in St. James City.
Artists from a variety of mediums including painting, sculpting, 3-D mixed media, photography, dyed paper collage, fused glass, unique purses and post-industrial material art are included in this event.
Among the artists and their mediums who will be on display during the Art Expo will be photography by Astle Mile Markers, silver jewelry by Aune Silver Lining Studio, paintings by John Bredin, paintings by Susan Corinne Beving, jewelry by Gay Cable, photography by Jan Clements, dyed paper collage by Susan Corbin, paintings by Peg Cullen, hand-knit felt wool purses by Laura DeMeulenaere, post-industrial metal art and photos by Rachi Farrow, paintings by Eileen Felice, jewelry by Isabel Francis, painting and metal sculpture by Harms 2 Art, paintings by Cynthia Harris, painted furniture by Meredith Higgins, photos by Carole Hoyem, photos by Ken Johnsen, photos by Randy King, photos by Ron Mayhew, acrylic pastel mixed media by Melissa Meyers, paintings by Mel Meo, fiber purses and jewelry by Judy Nyhus, photos by David Priest, dimensional mixed media by Diane Roberts, wire-wrapped jewelry by Joan Schapley, jewelry and fused glass works and mixed media by Linds Schulz, drawing and prints by Honora Seidler, paintings by Linda Selleck, up-cycled art, jewelry and upcycled pieces by Heidi Sobanja, painted plaques by Torrey Wolfe and watercolor by Beth Ann Ward.
While many of the selected artists are novices, several of the artists showing at the Expo are considered professionals in their fields of expertise.
“We are very pleased of course for all of our artists who are participating this year, but we also are excited that several professional artists have agreed to participate during the Expo,” said event organizer Sharon Astle. “Among some of our noted artists will be island resident artists, Mel Meo, Peg Cullen and Ron Mayhew. All of these artists are award winners and are recognized on the national level.”
Peg Cullen has won numerous awards for her paintings in Southwest Florida juried competitions as well as national events. She is a part-time resident of St. James City, is a past president of the National Order of Pen Women in the Lee County area and is a musician in the folk group known as St. James Creek. Cullen’s work can be found in collections throughout the United States and abroad and is often the featured artist at WildChild Gallery in Matlacha.
Mel Meo has called Bokeelia home for several decades and her work reflects her island community. A self-taught artist, Meo also has many awards to her credit, has instructed classes for the Pine Island Art Association and other organizations and is recognized locally for her colorful conceptions of life on Pine Island. Meo does not limit her talent to canvas and has a following for those who collect original painted furniture and clothing items. Examples of her work can be seen at Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery in Matlacha.
Ron Mayhew has a knack for capturing the essence of island life and its inhabitants through the lens of his camera. Also an award-winning photographer, Mayhew has been commissioned to photograph images for several books created by local writers, has won several awards and is a long-time resident of Pine Island.
Island residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Art Expo at the St. James Civic Center and consider purchasing a piece to help support the St. James City Civic Association.