Feb 10, 2009 4 min read

One of the best attended events in Matlacha will take place this weekend as the Pine Island Art Association presents the 37th annual Art Show and Sale. Showcasing the talent of local artists, this event will take place Saturday, Feb. 14. and on Sunday, Feb. 15. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organizers are anticipating the largest crowd to descend on Matlacha this season, and art enthusiasts will not be disappointed as more than 500 paintings will be on display throughout the event. The show and sale will be staged in the Community Building in the Matlacha Park in the heart of Matlacha. Ample free parking is available and admission is free.

The artwork on display represents the work of more than 100 local artists in a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil, pastel, pen and ink and watercolor depicting Florida landscapes, seascapes, birds, fish, flowers and other wildlife. All the artwork has been professionally matted and framed and are ready for hanging.

Among the work available at the show and sale are several arcylics by artist Eileen Felice. New to the Pine Island Art Association, Felice’s works include charming portraits of several breeds of man’s best friend as well as sports legends like Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps.

Also showing will be watercolor artist Dorothy Nelson and her rendition of a scene in Matlacha depicting anglers lining the “worlds most fishingest bridge.”

Artist Cheryl Lamm will also have works on display. Lamm is known to many island residents as one of the premier utility pole painters, and her works on a flat canvas are highly regarded and has received numerous awards at a variety of exhibitions throughout the country. In addition to her work on poles and canvas, Lamm also produces a line of post cards and has done numerous murals like the one seen at the entrance of Matlacha Isles, as well as for private individuals throughout the Matlacha and Pine Island area.

For those who don’t have room for a larger painting or just want a nice souvenir from the event, art lovers also can choose from the large selection of original mini paintings. The 3 1/2 X 4 1/2 paintings are all double matted and depict familiar Pine Island sites such as the Matlacha Bridge, local flora and fauna and everyday images that can be seen on land and water in Southwest Florida. The minis may be purchased for $10 each and frame kits designed for the minis will be available for $10 each as well. Each of the minis are great gifts or keepsakes for both residents and visitors alike.

Those visiting the Pine Island Art Association Art Show and Sale also will be eligible for a drawing for artwork produced by award-winning association artists.

Last year’s winners of the show included works in several mediums. The first place winner for the 2008 Best in Show was a painting titled “Journeys End” by Kevan Crouse; for mixed media top honors went to Madelyn Moffat for a work called “For the Good Times;” first place pastel was awarded to Sandra Torres for “Elegance;” in the oil category, a painting called “Brookside” entered by Agnes Costanza for first place; in acrylic, a work called “Old Reds” by Connie Krug; for pen and ink, the winner was Mary Hirman for “Kestrel’s Catch;” in the small world category, the winner was “Cypress Knees” by Joan Savage; and the best watercolor was given to Alan Schelr for “Bird of Paradise.”

The Pine Island Art Association has more than 200 artist members. Many are professional artists while others have discovered the creative world after retirement. The staff at PIAA teaches classes five days a week from January through April and two days a week during the summer months.

For more information about the Pine Island Art Association or the show and sale, call 283-4432 or visit pineislandart.com