Students Shine at Art Center

Students of all ages have their art showing at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. The Student Exhibit, running from April 7 to April 29, features pieces by both adult students and Marco Island Academy students. The adult student show features 41 participants with 68 pieces. The Marco Island Academy student participants created their art in a class at the Art Center during this season and are featured in La Petite Galerie. According to art teacher Juliana Pisculli, "Simplicity is the exploration of the power of restraint, clarity, and quiet beauty. This year’s exhibition showcases student artwork that embraces minimalism, clean design, and expression. From black-and-white sketches to unique paintings, each piece speaks to the idea that less can indeed be more. Join us as we celebrate young artists who found creativity and expression in simplicity." 

The Rush Gallery features Dick James, a stone sculptor, under the mentorship of renowned artist, Joel Shapses. Under Joel’s guidance, James refined his techniques and developed a unique style, blending organic shapes with architectural precision. According to James, “All my sculptures are carved from alabaster, and it comes in a number of colors. The typical color is a milky white or an off white, but it can also come in gray, yellow, pink, brown, orange, crystal white, translucent red, and red. The red alabaster is only found in Utah, and the other colors can be found in many countries around the world.” James is a co-founder of the Multigraphis Art Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and has earned three ribbons for his work.

According to James, his passion for art began in childhood, inspired by his mother, a clay sculptor. His early fascination with sculpture led him to study architecture and interior design at Oklahoma State University, where he explored the relationship between structure, space, and form. His sculptures reflect a deep connection to nature, capturing both movement and permanence.

Artist of the Year “Past and Present” will honor the works of two very important people who worked in the area of Performing Arts on Marco Island. Award recipients will be recognized during a cocktail reception on May 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM.

Pat Berry, also known as the “Grandmother of Theater,” co-founded the island’s first children’s theater in 1974, which later evolved into the Marco Players, a nonprofit adult theater. She also launched the Marco Island Film Festival in 1998, drawing tourism and celebrity attention to the island. Pat’s contributions to youth theater continued with the Island Theater Company, where she created summer camps and productions, including the popular "Broadway Sings" show. She also founded SoapFest, a charity event that raised funds for local youth programs. Though she stepped back due to health reasons, Pat’s legacy in the arts remains strong, inspiring future generations and leaving a lasting impact on the island’s cultural landscape.

Ron Clark has over 10 years of experience in video, editing, sound, and photography. According to Clark, “In 2012, I wrote my first short film, diving into production and learning about cinematography, sound, and teamwork. A friend introduced me to a sound and lighting role at Marco Players Theater, but the theater closed due to COVID-19. I used the downtime to learn Qlab and theater lighting. When Marco Island Center For The Arts took over, I helped modernize the system. Last year, I worked on The 39 Steps, a technical challenge that prepared me for larger live theater productions.” While Clark began his creative journey in film, cinematography, and photography, he has expanded his work to being the technical genius behind the intricate lighting sights and sound of Arts Center Theatre.