Come and Meet an Eclectic Group of Local Artists

There is nowhere on the Island that has local artists featuring their local art in one gallery, according to artist Betty Newman who officially took over the Local Color Art Gallery, located above the historic Shops of Olde Marco.

Come and meet the 12 artists:  Betty Newman, artist Malenda Trick just next door in her own gallery; Judy Chinski, Bonnie Hauke, Lindy Kowalczyk, Barbi Dalton, Sandy Esham, Daryl Pfaff, Jo-Ann Sandborn and local photographers Jim Robellard, Joe Parisi and Tyler MacDonald.

First Friday is Back! You are all invited on October 1, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM for an open house. The local artists have been hosting an open house on the First Friday of each month since they opened in April 2015.

The Gallery has a wide range of artwork in coastal contemporary, abstract art, jewelry, and photography in all price ranges. They also accept commission and custom work for weddings and anniversaries and birthday gifts. The Gallery also is going to serve as a studio for several of the local artists.

Betty Newman, a local artist, is known for her bold, exotic, and contemporary art. Early in her life she started drawing and while her folks would go and play cards Betty always asked for a pencil and paper and she would draw whatever was in the room. 

Betty also is known for her artistic rendition of hearts. She recalled being in an art show and somebody bought two of her heart paintings. It was a gift for a daughter who just had a heart transplant. Since then, Betty has been painting more hearts.

Malenda Trick has a studio next door. She is a self-taught artist and knew early in life that she was an artist. For Christmas each year she received art paper, colored pencils, and water colors from which she created her first works. Malenda paints with a touch of the old-world masters and the nineteenth century impressionists. She particularly enjoys painting nineteenth century impressions.

Barbi Dalton’s artwork has been widely exhibited and she is known as a multi-media painter. There is a casual elegance in her artwork.

Judy Chinski’s subject matter is chosen by the things she likes such as beaches, children, boats, and worn-out buildings. She paints in both transparent watercolor and acrylics.

Jo-Ann Sandborn’s focus is the Everglades, and each landscape is painted with love of the land and a respect for nature. Some of her paintings are traditional in nature and others are impressionistic or abstract. Jo-Ann also dabbles in owls, cows, and her traditional Christmas angels.

Lindy Kowalczyk and Bonnie Hauk are well known for their handcrafted jewelry.

New to the gallery are the photographs of three well-known local photographers, Jim Robellard, Joe Parisi and Tyler MacDonald.

Jim Robellard, as a retiree, has the luxury of travelling with his wife, Judy Chinski and indulging in his passion – photographing nature and local scenery.

Dr. Joe Parisi is a local veterinarian, and in his spare time manages to add to his great collection of wildlife photography. He also does portrait photography.

Tyler MacDonald started exhibiting his photographs at professional outdoor art festivals when he was only 15 years old. Since then, he has travelled across the country and won numerous awards along the way.

Also featured is returning artist Sandy Esham and the wood paintings and seascapes of artist Daryl Pfaff.