Mermaids and ‘kitchy’ art will be the draw to Pine Bay
Creative Coast weekend will offer a host of activities in Matlacha and on Pine Island as island galleries will offer extended hours, demonstrations, food and entertainment on Saturday, March 12.
Among the participating shops is Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery, which will host two unique events featuring mermaids and kitchens.
According to gallery manager, Deb Cole, “Food is art and art is food for the soul,” and this will be demonstrated with a special display dedicated to “kitchen art.”
From 5 to 9 p.m., Bokeelia artist, Mel Meo, will show her unique creations that incorporate visions of local landscape with ordinary kitchen items. Utilizing furniture, aprons, stoves of every shape and size to serve as the palette for reflections of the sea, sweet fruits and sunsets common to the island life.
“It’s like an Alice in Wonderland kitchen,” Meo said. “Nothing is to big or too small and if the kitchen is the heart of a home, food is the soul.”
Pine Bay also is welcoming mermaids throughout the afternoon as well. On Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m., Pine Bay will celebrate the third annual Mermaid Festival. The public is invited to attend the event in “tails” and special gifts will be awarded for the best mermaid costumes. During each of the events complementary refreshments will be available in Mel Meo’s kitchen and Bert’s Bar to be served at the gallery.
Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery is at 4332 Pine Island Road, at the northeast corner of the Matlacha Bridge.
Just up the road, visitors during Creative Coast weekend and Art Night can view the work of featured artist Terry Lynn-Spry at WildChild Gallery on Pine Island Road in Matlacha. Working in oils, Spry’s exhibit labeled as “Out of the Zipper.” The images in this collection are a unique perspective and the paintings seem to leap right off the canvas. A nationally recognized artist, Spry has had work shown in local as well as national juried art exhibitions. In addition to viewing the work by Spry, visitors to WildChild will also have the opportunity to witness several demonstrations throughout the weekend with area artists. The artists, representing a variety of mediums will offer demonstrations on Friday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also in Matlacha, Island Visions will host Dichroic Glass jewelry artist, Beth Collette from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Sharyn Dahn will demonstrate vividly colored paintings of palm trees.
Leaving Matlacha, those traveling to Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery in St. James City, can gather around the camp fire on Friday evening beginning at 8 p.m. to hear stories presented by the staff of Calusa Ghost Tours. In addition, on Saturday, March 12, Earth and Spirit will feature the work of potter and poet Barb Darling. During the afternoon, Darling also will read poems from the new book, “The Spirit of Pine Island” which was recently released by the Pine Island Writers group. This book is a compilation of poems and short stories penned by local writers. Each month, Earth and Spirit goes global and on Saturday, March 12, those visiting the gallery garden will find products from Sustainable Threads of India.
For more information about Creative Coast Weekend or the other participating galleries, visit galleriesofpineisland.com