“Past and Present” and “Abstract Attractions” Art Center Exhibits

On March 12th, the theme of Past and Present and Abstract Attractions drew a big crowd for the Second Tuesday reception at Marco’s Center for the Arts. The Past and Present exhibit was a juried members-only show with 104 pieces providing viewers with a variety of renderings on local life and sceneries. The exhibit will run through April 2, 2024.

According to Joanne Poluch, she was thrilled to jury the Members Show at the Marco Center for the Arts. She added, “I particularly enjoyed viewing the many renderings of the local environment embedded with sea turtles, colorful sea life, the treasured Marco Island cat, the palm trees and various other landmarks which are so important to your local community. The caliber and depth of the submissions was engaging – 104 submissions were received and carefully reviewed.”

Joanne added, “The theme of Past & Present was a challenging opportunity to interpret and expand your artistic boundaries with enthusiasm. Everyone rose to the challenge. Well done artists. Keep art in your soul for life!”

Past and Present Winners

2D:

First Place: "I Dreamed of You" by Patrice Schelkun 

Second Place: "Dome Homes Cape Romano" by Joe Parisi 

Third Place: "Saber" by Karen Swanker 

Honorable Mention: "Reef" by Anna Franklin

3D:

First Place: "Marco Friends" by Carolyn Brown 

Second Place: "Vessel w/Flanges" by Ann Vreeland 

Third Place: "Ocean Nest" by Koren Forquer 

Honorable Mention: "Under the Tree" by Mary Limont

La Petite Galerie features Abstract Attractions by Judy Chinski.

According to Judy, “What draws me to abstract painting is the joy we felt as children when we used a crayon and our imagination to create a wonderful piece that didn’t previously exist. No boundaries, no restrictions, just pure joy. I have only recently returned to creating abstract pieces. I am enthralled by the placement of colors, line and form purely for their own sake. It is magic to work on a piece of paper to see it take shape by placing these three elements in a balance that is pleasing to the eye. It is wonderful to revisit that feeling of freedom and joy of childhood.”

Currently, Judy teaches beginning watercolor at the Marco Center for the Arts. She also exhibits her art at the Betty Newman Gallery in Old Marco as well as various venues in Southwest Florida. You can view more of Judy’s art at www.jchinski.com.

Upcoming April attractions at the Arts Center Theatre

April 10-21, 2024 - Love Letters by A.R. Gurney-a heartwarming tale of lifelong correspondence between two captivating characters. With five unique casts performing in rotation, experience the depth of feeling and precision of detail that has made this play a smash hit both off and on Broadway. 

April 24, 2024 – ‘Til Death Do Us Part… You First,’ with Peter Fogel, Directed by Chazz Palminteri. Peter Fogel's comedic masterpiece returns to Marco Island and follows the journey of eternal bachelor Peter Fogel as he navigates the complexities of love and commitment in a riotous whirlwind of relatable characters and witty humor.

April 28, 2024 - The Carl Granieri Orchestra’s Voyces is coming to Marco Island after their sold-out show in Naples. Prepare to be dazzled by the harmonious vocals of The CGO Voyces, performing intricate arrangements of songs from every era and genre. Featuring talented vocalists selected from the CGO Stars of Tomorrow Educational Program and accompanied by Carl Granieri, renowned conductor, pianist, keyboardist, arranger, producer and vocalist, this performance promises to be a sensational musical journey.