Going Local with Art at Home Exhibits

This year, 16 renowned local artists transformed four island homes into “home galleries,” displaying a wide variety of media in a more relaxed and intimate setting. Hallways, dining rooms, living rooms, porch and patio areas were transformed into mini galleries, and the public was invited to come and “talk, explore and buy art” for their holiday gift list. 

Tara O’Neill of Goodland hosted Mary Limont, Carolyn Burger and Popo Flanigan. Jim Freeman, also of Goodland, was host to Judy Wittwer, Sandy Moore Howe (clay artist) and Glenn Pace. On Marco, Judy Chinski and Jim Robellard exhibited Nancy Norman’s clay creations and Barbara Parisi’s one-of-a-kind hand-made jewelry and ethnic bags. Karen Swanker was joined by JoAnn Sandborn, Roberta Bresette and Myriam Kriel’s pottery.

They are all “organic” artists – drawing inspiration from their natural environment. Karen Swanker’s “found objects” are things such as plastics found on beach walks or discarded items found in parking lots and side streets of Marco. Jim Freeman recently had his collection exhibited at the Marco Island Historical Society. At his home gallery, his theme of wood and water, lots of water and driftwood dominated his downstairs hallway.

Tara O’Neill, also of Goodland, has her studio gallery next door displaying an assortment of her original artworks and fun functional gift items. Goodland’s Judy Wittwer brought her signature whimsical sea creatures such as mermaid mobiles and colorful crab claw designs which are perfect for festive holiday trimmings. Glenn Pace was a new exhibitor with his practical creation of bowls using trees brought down by Hurricane Irma.

Carolyn Burger displayed her iconic hand-painted pillows and she was taking orders for hand-painted burrowing owls. Myriam Kriel had her new collection of pottery and JoAnn Sandborn brought her classic hand-painted holiday ornaments - in years past, these sold out quickly. When I think of the Everglades, I think of JoAnn painting the threatened landscape of the Everglades and I bet her depictions of the Everglades have changed from the early 1990s to the present.

Jim Robellard and his wife Judi Chinski, both accomplished artists, travel extensively and they photograph, paint, do art shows and work together on their art. Jim with the artistic eye of a photographer and Judi through the eyes of a painter.

Barbara Parisi had her ethnic handmade bags made from fabric she and her husband, Joe, collected during their international travels. The bags were on display at the La Petite Galerie at the Marco Center for the Arts. This is Barbara’s third year participating and she “had a good day” with her handbags and jewelry pieces.

Nancy Norman, both an artist and a teaching artist at the Marco Island Center for the Arts, is always “fired up” about clay. She brought wall hangings and functional holiday pieces depicting local flora and fauna.

Missing Susan Miller this year and remembering her - Susan was an avid supporter of local artists and always helped out at Carolyn Burger’s home exhibit.

Going Local in Art. There was a steady stream of visitors to all four homes and it was a fun personal experience to view art outside of local galleries. There was no admission cost to the Art at Home exhibits and by taking home a piece of art locally made you’ve become an active promoter of the local cultural identity. As in Marco, Naples and Everglades City, local art has become part of our unique cultural identities.

If you missed the event, most of the local artists have samples of their artworks and photographs on display and for sale at the Marco Island Center for the Arts.