Galleries celebrate last Art Night of the season
As the snowbirds show signs of readying for their seasonal migration northward, the galleries and gift shops of Matlacha and Pine Island will send them off with a final Art Night of the winter season.
On Friday, April 8, participating businesses will offer extended hours, demonstrations, live entertainment and more for this special going away party.
In Matlacha, more than five local artists will gather at WildChild Art Gallery for the entire weekend to do what they do best. In the garden backyard of the gallery, the artists will demonstrate art in a variety of media including jewelry making, painting, sculpting and more. In addition, inside the gallery, the front room will be dedicated to the featured artist of the month. This month visitors to WildChild can view and purchase the work of celebrated watercolor and acrylic artist, Megan Kissinger. The name of this show is “Native” displaying images of native birds, trees, fruits and animals in vivid colors. A full-time South Florida resident, Kissinger is a freelance illustrator an a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelors degree in art. Her assignments as a freelance artist have landed her work for several universities and businesses as well as having provided illustrations for newspapers. Kissinger will be available to meet visitors at WildChild on Friday, April 8, from 2 to 9 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about Art Night activities at WildChild, call 283-6006.
In Bokeelia, Koucky Gallery will offer those flying off to summer homes an opportunity to take a piece of Pine Island with them during its annual end of season Clearance Sale. Shoppers will find works from local artists on sale at discounted prices, as well as pottery by co-owner and noted potter, Chuck Koucky. As an award-winning studio potter, Koucky began spending time at the potters wheel 30 years ago while attending college in Michigan. He and his wife, Nancy, lived and worked in Michigan before opening a second studio in Bokeelia in 2001. In addition to creating usable art, Koucky also offers workshops in raku, stoneware and kiln building as well.
Nancy Koucky, an artist in her own right, began her career in weaving but soon discovered her passion for jewelry making. Work from both Chuck and Nancy Koucky also will be available during the second annual clearance sale. Koucky Gallery is located on Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia and for more information, call 283-4144.
Also assisting shoppers who are looking for bargains to take home with them will be Island Visions, as this business also will host a Spring Cleaning sidewalk sale during the last Art Night of the season. From practical to whimsical, items large and small will be on sale throughout the weekend. End of season prices on items available for the sale will include jewelry, art objects, close-outs and more. In addition to the sale, Island Vision also will host local musicians who will perform throughout the evening on Friday.
Not only will the folks at Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery throw a bon voyage party for seasonal residents and visitors, they also will be celebrating Earth Day early during Art Night. The artwork to be featured throughout the event will be constructed completely out of recycled items incorporating things like plastics, utensils, bottle caps and toys. These works are meant to inspire those who view them to keep recycling at the forefront in every day lives. The recycled art is provided by Liz Beamer, a local artist and teacher. Pine Bay also will offer a discount to elementary school aged children on Crocs both Friday and Saturday and refreshments will be available courtesy of Bert’s Bar and Grill. For more information, call 283-1335.