Drawing a crowd
Cars packed the Matlacha Park while lines formed outside of the Matlacha Community Building as individuals waited to enter the 41st Annual Art Show and Sale Saturday morning.
Although the doors opened at 10 a.m. for the public, many individuals were able to view the paintings an hour before.
Linda Wildman, Pine Island Art Association member and an artist at the show, said when someone purchases a painting they are put on a list. That list grants them an invitation to the following year to view the paintings on display an hour earlier.
“They were in line waiting this morning,” Wildman said.
She had six watercolor paintings featured in the show Saturday.
“It’s amazing all the people that come here,” Wildman said. “It’s mind boggling how many people have come before noon.”
She was in charge of standing along the back display of paintings to help those who wanted to purchase a painting.
“I have sold eight or nine off just this wall alone,” Wildman said before noon.
After someone is interested in purchasing a painting, one of the members of the Pine Island Art Association takes it off the wall and walks with them to the front tables where they pay. Wildman said once the painting is purchased someone helps the customer carry it to their car.
Once the artist sells a painting they are allowed to replace it with a new painting.
“It is the most organized, well run show,” she said. “It really is.”
The customers are also allowed to put a painting on hold for 30 minutes before it is placed back on the wall for someone else to purchase.
Joyce Lake, also a member of the Pine Island Art Association, has been a part of the show for the past three years.
“I think it’s great,” she said of the show. “From beginner to well advanced have ability to show work.”
Peggy Sharpe, a resident of Sebring, said this is the second year she has attended the Art Show and Sale. She said since she enjoyed it the first time she decided to come back on Saturday.
“The variety and number of paintings here,” Sharpe said is what stood out the most to her during the show.
She purchased two mini paintings while contemplating another painting that remained hanging in her mind.
Sandy Stark traveled from Michigan to attend the show on Saturday. She said her sister-in-law Nancy Savage has been in the annual Art Show and Sale for the past four or five years.
“I love it,” Stark said of the show. “It has an incredible variety of art compared to outdoor art shows in Michigan.”
The quality of the paintings, she said she thoroughly enjoys as well.
“Quality is surprising for a small town art show,” Stark said.
She said the painting of the Labrador retriever knocked her socks off.
“It turned out to be the best in show,” Stark said.
She said she also enjoyed the two pictures that her sister-in-law received awards for as well.