Lovegrove “Paints Out Loud” for two worthy causes
From palaces to national museums, Matlacha artist Leoma Lovegrove spreads her talents far and wide, but her heart still belongs to Matlacha and Pine Island. Sharing her love for the island and the people who call it home, Lovegrove recently proved her dedication to her community during a whirlwind painting activity to benefit two local charities.
“On May 21, I attended the Pirates Ball at Bert’s Bar in Matlacha. The Ball was a fund-raiser for From Our Hearts, an organization that I have always supported and I was happy to do a mini Paint Out Loud demonstration at the event to help raise money.” Lovegrove said. “Later that evening, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island was holding a Casino Night at Tarpon Lodge also to raise funds, so as soon as I was done at the Pirates Ball, I went to the Kiwanis event and again did another painting for them to auction off. It was a very hectic evening but very rewarding.”
While each of the paintings were produced in just a few minutes, each were expertly executed and appropriate for each individual event. The first one painted at the Pirates Ball is a portrait of a pirate. On completion, the painting was offered for auction and fetched a total of $1,100, which was donated to From Our Hearts to support breast cancer care to local patients.
Later that evening, Lovegrove again magically provided another Paint Out Loud performance before those attending a Casino Night fund-raiser sponsored by the local Kiwanis. During the demonstration, Lovegrove painted a brightly colored fish she titled “Kiwanis” after the sponsors of the event. The painting also went up on the auction block and raised an impressive $1,650 to benefit the work done by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island.
According to Lovegrove, her two paintings brought the highest dollar amounts raised at each of the two live auctions that day.
A world traveler and award-winning artist, Lovegrove’s work is instantly recognizable and often reflects current events such as local and national elections, the Gulf oil spill, the devastation and rebuilding after destructive hurricanes and more. She also is noted for painting such recognizable characters as members of the legendary Beatles to former president Jimmy Carter. Most of what Lovegrove produces carries with it a message and is intended to evoke thoughts and emotions in those who view them. Not limiting herself to canvas alone, Lovegrove was among the first artists to produce mailable coconut postcards, created a larger-than-life statue from blue tarps she labeled as Charley Horse and has transformed her gallery from floor to ceiling into works of art using mosaic tile and paints.
When not working in her studio in Matlacha, Lovegrove and her husband, Michael Silberg, take time away to recharge and to paint in various European locations.
Lovegrove’s work can be seen at her gallery, Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens in Matlacha, or visit her website at: leomalovegrove.com.