SJCCA Art & Photo Expo attracts a crowd
Fine arts, fine crafts and photography were on display at the St. James City Civic Association 2016 Art Expo last weekend.
“The opening ‘Meet the Artist’ reception Friday night had a great turnout,” organizer Mary Ann Harms said. “There was a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception open to the public and there were lots of people to meet the artists and photographers.”
Photographer Nina Pulliam is a retired high school English teacher who divides her time between Itasca, Ill., and Matlacha. She writes poetry and essays and also takes photographs. Most are city-scapes of Chicago.
“I live in Itasca, Ill., and I found Matlacha, Fla., from an ad in the Daily Herald in Chicago,” Pulliam said. “I’ve been coming here for the last 15 years between Christmas and income tax day. I love the community of Matlacha.”
Pulliam’s first experience taking photos was on her high school yearbook.
“I really enjoyed it and have been taking pictures ever since,” she said.
One of Pulliam’s photos, “Cloud Gate,” took second place. Cloud Gate is a public sculpture in Chicago’s AT&T Plaza at Millenium Park in the Loop community. The large stainless steel structure reflects the city skyline.
“People stand in front looking at their reflections,” she said.
Sal Anastasio, who passed away Feb. 11, 2016, won 2nd place (People) in photography. He devoted his time on Pine Island to the Food Pantry, St. James City Civic Association and the Museum of the Islands. Photography was one of his many interests.
This year’s Art Expo artists included Sal Anastasio, Sara Aune, Peter Barston, Judy Bachelder, Corine Beving, Joanna Bowles, Jan Clement, Joe Comi, Barbara Dupre, Rachi Farrow, Eileen Felice, Carol Gray, Mary Ann Harms, Diane Horn, Carol Hoyem, Ken Johnson, Jack McManus, Shelly McManus, Lois Polaski-Mule, Roland Ruocco, Sandy Sacco, Lynn Sarda, Joan Scherer, David Schreiwer, Linda Schultz, Honora Seidler, Linda Selleck, Russ Wells and Wendy White.
Categories for photos are: People (including portraits); Landscape; Urbanscape; Nature; Creative/Ab-stract/Macro; Monochromatic (including sepia); and Local (photos unique to Florida). Ribbons will be awarded for category winners.
There will be a $100 cash prize for the “Best in Show” photo.
Sandra Russo traveled from Fort Myers to take in the show.
“I’ve never been on Pine Island before today but I’m really enjoying the art show,” Russo said. “There seems to be a lot of locally talented people here and I think my husband is buying something for our new house.”