Arts for Act: An Artful New Year for Arts for ACT Gallery - Janu...

Arts for Act: An Artful New Year for Arts for ACT Gallery - Janu...: Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, January 03, 2014 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening r...

Arts for Act: An Artful New Year for Arts for ACT Gallery - Janu...

Arts for Act: An Artful New Year for Arts for ACT Gallery - Janu...: Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, January 03, 2014 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening r...

An Artful New Year for Arts for ACT Gallery - January 2014

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, January 03, 2014 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for January 2014.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature Morgan Raines doing his “Sgraffito” art, the art of Susan Mills and Fort Myers photography by Buck Ward.  ACT Gallery will also be featuring the photography of new Member Artist, Dan Buechele of Akron, Ohio.  Come downtown to view great art and support ACT Gallery and Boutique. 

Morgan Raines

Morgan Raines

Morgan is originally from Jacksonville, Florida.  He started drawing and painting at age eight.  After college graduation, Morgan pursued a business career that took him to various places in the United States.  Along the way he followed his love of art through painting.  In 1992, while raising cattle on a farm in the Missouri Ozarks, he opened Double-R-Prints, a graphic arts company that used many of Morgan’s art images on consumer products and business logos.  He now has a home in the Ozarks and Fort Myers, Florida.  Morgan continues to paint his themes from nature in his own artistic style called “Sgraffito.”  His work brings the viewer special textural contrasts and color combinations not found in the subjects depicted.  Working in his own variation of the “sgraffito” painting method, he applies 20 to 30 separate layers of various colored acrylic paints that dry individually on a stretched canvas.  When completely dry, he scrapes the painting with knives, working down to the desired color in the appropriate location on the painting, producing exceedingly multi-colored images with tactile, as well as visual textures.  You can see more of Morgan Raines online at www.morganraines.com or call 309-530-4731 for more information. 

Buck Ward

Buck Ward

Buck Ward grew up and was educated in Atlanta, Georgia.  He came to live in Fort Myers in the 1970s and, with an old inherited camera, began photographing in the early 80s.  Buck’s first focus was birds and butterflies and eventually landscapes.  For years, his focus was nature photography.  Buck tries to find the bits of beauty, the natural interstices in the urban coastal landscape. To find art among the myriad signs, poles, wires and parking lots; to find a beach not crowded with people, a horizon with no cell tower – are his challenges.  He embraced the built environment as the subject of his lens, using the light, the sky and clouds, the water, to reveal the art of nature in the mundane works of humans. 

Susan Mills

Susan Mills is a mixed media artist, painter and teacher.  This talented artist traditionally paints on canvas in various media including acrylics, pastels, oil and watercolors, she also incorporates recycled objects, babbles and jewels into her art.  The ordinary becomes extraordinary with her repurposed materials.  Belts become a part of tables and chairs.  Bowls are incorporated into her paintings and coffee filters become gorgeous handbags, wallets and clutches. 

Dan Buechele

Dan Buechele

Dan grew up in Highland Square in Akron, Ohio.  He received a BFA in photography from the University of Akron in 1998.  Returning as a graduate student in 2006 Dan received a MS in art education with an art, teaching license for K-12^th grades in 2010.  Dan works part-time in Akron Public Schools as an intervention specialist tutor.  Dan was interested in photography since 6^th grade summer camp where he made pin-hole cameras.  Dan’s favorite content is wildlife, nature and landscapes.  He has traveled across the States photographing in national parks.  He also has made several books encompassing his twenty five years as a photographer. 

These exhibits continue through Monday, February 03, 2014.   

Arts for Act: Berreitter, Brodersen, Anfinsen and Koyanis at ACT...

Arts for Act: Berreitter, Brodersen, Anfinsen and Koyanis at ACT...: Press Release Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, December 06, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm...

Arts for Act: Berreitter, Brodersen, Anfinsen and Koyanis at ACT...

Arts for Act: Berreitter, Brodersen, Anfinsen and Koyanis at ACT...: Press Release Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, December 06, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm...

Berreitter, Brodersen, Anfinsen and Koyanis at ACT Gallery

Press Release

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, December 06, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for November 2013.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature two photographers,Lynn Berreitter & Pam Brodersen, the art of Carol Anfinsen and mixed media art by Alisha Koyanis.  Come downtown to view great art and support ACT Gallery and Boutique. 

The Red Fish House Lynn Berreitter

Lynn Berreitter's interest in photography came at an early age while watching her Father develop images of her in his basement darkroom. Fascinated by the process, she picked up her sisters brownie camera and began to take photos. She still has those black and white pictures from the late 1960’s which were taken to the local pharmacy for developing. She was finally able to "play" in the darkroom when she took her first photography class in 7^th grade. Through school, she played with 110 cameras and amassed many snapshots and photo albums and fell in love with the camera. For her 12^th grade graduation, she received a Canon TX as a  present, her first SLR camera with interchangeable lenses.  In college, Lynn worked on the school newspaper and spent many hours in the darkroom. She became a freelancer with the local Trenton, NJ newspapers, opened up her own black and white archival print lab, and worked at photographing the local flavor of the area. The introduction to Digital came later with her first DSLR which was purchased in 2003. The switch from shooting people to shooting nature happened when she and her husband moved to Florida. Fighting the “manipulation of the image” she strived to keep her images pure and unaltered. With the advent of the iphone, that all changed. The pure fun of shooting with the iphone was irresistible.  Not only did she start to use her iphone everyday to shoot, she also uses toy cameras with film to experience why she picked up that camera in the first place. It’s been a long love affair that she hopes will continue to the end.  

 

World's Largest by Pam Brodersen

Pam Brodersen is a digital artist whose process goes far beyond the taking of a digital photograph.  A stylus on a pressure sensitive monitor becomes her brush and allows her to hand work her images.  Computer software becomes her digital darkroom.  With a mastery of these tools and technology there is no restriction to her creativity. Pam is a full time resident of Sanibel, who draws on her experience as a commercial photographic illustrator.  In her Chicago studio she worked on national advertising campaigns for clients such as Kelloggs, United Airlines,  MacDonalds, Pillsbury, Disney.  Her commercial film work won both national and local Gold Addys.  She continues to win awards with her digital images.

Ragaae Night Carol Anfinsen 

Carol Anfinsen – "The Human Spirit -- a Celebration of People and Places" Showing off the main Gallery 

Carol started her fine art career first as a freelance writing consultant. She also wrote children’s stories and articles for children's magazines. This led to a contract for writing a series of educational video scripts for children which branched out into adult education and training projects; consulting with such entities as Marshfilm Companies, The Learning Exchange, local school districts, Courage Center, St. Paul Companies, Vancouver Aquarium, and Northwest Airlines.  Carol has created children’s stories, scripts, educational and training materials for schools, physician organizations and corporations. She has designed and written newsletters, brochures, stationery and varied marketing materials using elements of graphic design.  Carol believes there is spirit, voice, and emotion even in inanimate objects, but especially in living things. She envisions each object, each life force speaking out – no, shouting out to her. Carol tries to portray nature as honestly and beautifully as she sees it. She exaggerates color and movement. Having a vivid imagination her portraits are a favorite. Carol hopes viewers will experience joy when they look at my paintings.

Alisha Koyanis is a new and emerging artist but is quickly making her mark in the art scene. She has been featured in galleries, won awards and even started her own event Drink and Doodle in Southwest Florida. She is an art teacher in Fort Myers, Fl. She attended FSU, but is a self taught painter. She was raised in Rhode Island by her mother who fed her creative imagination full of colorful, whimsical creatures which can be seen in her work today. Alisha's work can be best described as a skittles bag explosion of color. Not a tradition artist inspiration is drawn from comic, tattoos, childhood adventures, found materials, family and friends. Each piece does not follow a constant theme. However, each piece is bright and eye catching in hopes of bringing happiness to the viewer.

Angry Attack Smore - Alisha Koyanis

These exhibits continue through Monday, December 30, 2013

Opening November 1st Stephen Gray Blancett, Michael Pohlman and Bill Hofer at ACT Gallery

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, November 1, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for November 2013.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature “Expanding the Palette” by Mixed Media Artist Stephen Gray-Blancett, Photography by Bill Hofer and “Patterns of the Land” by Michael Pohlman.  Come downtown to view great art and support ACT Gallery and Boutique. 

Beach Boy - Stephen Gray Blancett

Stephen Gray Blancett

Born in Southeastern Ohio, Blancett moved to South Florida in 1982 and studied advertising design at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and business at Nova University. For the past 25 years, he has worked two sides of the advertising and publishing businesses, as a creative/art director and model for clients ranging from Citi Corp to Jockey Underwear. Stephen said: “I love the business, but find creativity is sometimes limited by a market or product. My fine art gives me the fuel and freedom to express myself, my feelings and my individuality. It allows me to be me.”

Blancett started painting and winning awards for his work at the young age of seven. He painted portraits and pastoral scenes in watercolor almost exclusively until the mid 90’s. “I enjoyed working in watercolors, but felt no ownership of a style. I tried many approaches, but it always looked like someone else’s work. The results were okay, but too wholesome for me. I like things that are bright, colorful and sometimes sexy. It may have taken me a long time, but I have discovered my own style – my own way,” says Stephen.

Stephen Gray Blancett's works are in the collection of many notable celebrities, and in corporate and private collections around the world. His work has been featured in numerous publications and is exhibited in galleries across the country and in the UK.  He was honored in 2011 as the Visual Artists of the Year, by Lee County Alliance of the Arts.

Stephen's work are fun, contemporary and colorful.

Artist statement:

The art I create allows me the fuel and freedom to express myself, my feelings and my individuality.

 

Promises for the Future by Michael Pohlman

Michael Pohlman will be exhibiting off the main gallery

Michael Pohlman studied Art at Bradley University, Prairie State College, and Calumet College with professors from the Art Institute of Chicago.  In 1995, he was juried into the inaugural show at the Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights, Illinois.  After this exhibit, he accepted a Union Street offer of a Resident Artist studio. For the next ten years, his abstract and sports paintings were shown in multiple venues in Chicago.  In 2005, he moved to Fort Myers and opened his Gulf Breeze Studio.  Michael has had two individual and a two person exhibit at Arts for ACT Gallery in Fort Myers.  He has been juried into various shows at ACT Gallery, as well as, the Alliance for Arts, daas Gallery, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and the von Liebig Center in Naples.  His work is in collections in  China, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United states.

Michael was a recipient 2013 City of Fort Myers Art and Cultural Grant.  “Patterns of the Land” A City of Fort Myers Art and Cultural Grant Exhibition

Using the principles of Gottlieb, Braque, Hofman, Rothko, and Hodgkins,  Pohlman started this series on small surfaces by exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Hex symbols and Antique quilt patterns as muses.  He moved on to larger format landscapes and blending them towards abstraction with line and color value.  This provided an intriguing juxtaposition of real symbols to abstract canvases of color and line patterns. It is his hope that this will become a catalyst for new thinking about our land and its beauty for all who encounter these images.

These exhibits continue through Monday, November 26, 2013.   

Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of ART Walk with David Acevedo, Xavier Brignoni and the Art of the disABLEd

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, October 4, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for October 2013.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature “Protese Proposal” series by David Acevedo in the main gallery also showing off the main gallery will be Xavier Brignoni and Art of the DisAbled.

David Acevedo presents Protest Proposal Series at Arts for ACT Gallery – After a self-imposed artistic hiatus, visual artist and former art gallery owner David Acevedo presents a new series of paintings that mark a transitional period in his career. The Protest Proposal series, which unveils Friday, October 4, 2013 at the Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers, explore a different side of the artist with darker and more suggestive subjects. The opening reception coincides with the month’s Art Walk fifth anniversary celebrations.Acevedo became known in Southwest Florida for his vibrant and aggressively textured paintings with impeccant whimsy. “Color is still a big part of my work. I am simply exchanging the tones because the style of these new paintings demands it.” – says the artist whose new collection features collages and mixed media pieces with a deeper message. “I am opening up a bit more in regards to my personal beliefs, dis-beliefs, points of view and social opinion.” – adds Acevedo. David Acevedo was born in Puerto Rico. He moved to Southwest Florida in 2000 and in 2007 opened his first professional studio. In 2008 he opened daas Gallery in the heart of downtown Fort Myers. Along with a group of gallery owners, he co-founded the Fort Myers Art Walk, which now celebrates its fifth year. In 2009, Acevedo was awarded Visual Artist of the Year during the Lee County’s Angel of the Arts ceremony. During his gallery owner years, he discovered and promoted many emerging artists including Veron Ennis, Joe Lemay, Troy Thomas, Willow and others. He curated numerous exhibitions for his gallery and other art spaces around town and collaborated with international artist Ronnie Ford in the creation of the Vibrant Arts Movement or VAM, which promotes arts through exhibitions, performance and culinary arts in Europe and the United States.

Xavier Brignoni was an artist before he became an artist. Having a natural sense for beauty and balance, his understanding of color and composition was evident. Being a custom framer by trade for over 10 years, he learned to admire and love art in all shapes and styles.  Photography was an ever-present medium in his life. His father, an avid amateur photographer, had cameras and films around the childhood home.  Yet it wasn't until his adulthood that photography took center stage in this artist's body of work. Brignoni started taking pictures and playing with filters, lighting and others to create his photographic works. Innevitably, the mixed media works began. Traces of his former practices of drawing, interior design and collage constructions opened the doors to his current works. His love for vintage looks and styles in fashion play an important role in the subjects. Architecture, which is yet another one of Brignoni's admired forms of art, plays a role in what forms his collections of photos and mixed media pieces. The jewelry design is another way of self expression for Brignoni. Currently, his designs can be purchased through this website. Brignoni co-owned daas Gallery from 2008 to 2012. A co-founders the Fort Myers Art Walk, ACT Gallery and Fort Myers Art Walk welcome him back for the 5 year anniversary. He is also an avid art collector and supporter of the arts and culture in his community.

The disABLEd Artists

The Arts in Healthcare program at Lee Memorial Health System is proud to share the works of local disABLEd artists with the Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers for the month of October. The artwork consists of over two dozen paintings, drawings and photographs created by artists within our Lee County disABLEd community including those from The Lighthouse Center in North Fort Myers, and the Special Population Program within the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department.  Artists with many diverse physical and emotional challenges all share their artistic abilities with the general public.

Contact the ACT Gallery for more information at (239) 337-5050, or Doug MacGregor, Arts in Healthcare coordinator for LMHS at 343-2633. 

 These exhibits continue through October 28, 2013.

Arts for ACT Gallery Exhibit Opening September 6, 2013 Meet Dr. Kyra Belan, Lynne Reinas and Suzanne Mikulka

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, September 6, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for September 2013.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature “Scared Ladies” by Dr. Kyra Belan in the main gallery also showing off the main gallery will be Lynne Reinas and Suzanne Mikulka.

"Mary M" part of the Scared Ladies Series by Dr. Kyra Belan

Dr. Kyra Belan artist, author, scholar, and a resident of Cape Coral will exhibit her oil and acrylic paintings, drawings, digital art and mixed media artworks in the main gallery in September.  Belan has been exhibiting across the country and abroad for over two decades, as well as writing her books, articles in journals, creating installations and performance art, while teaching studio art and art history classes at Broward College. This artist received her BFA from Arizona State University, her MFA from Florida State University, and her EdD from Florida International University in fine arts, art history, and higher education. She travels to research, lecture or exhibit within the USA and abroad. Raised in Argentina, Belan is a US citizen.

 

Dr. Kyra Belan's "Durga & Kali"

Dr. Kyra Belan has developed a style for her two-dimensional works that she calls magic realism. She also researches world mythologies, and is inspired by “sacred ladies” featured in legends from prehistoric to contemporary times. She believes that myths, symbols, and archetypes enrich our lives, and should be present in the arts.  Inspired by the beauty of Nature, and the tales of the divine women, Dr. Belan believes that Mother Earth is sacred.  Belan received numerous awards, honors, and grants, and her artworks are in public and private collections. You can find her books in the libraries across the world, bookstores, college campuses, and amazon.com. You can view more information about the artist on her website at www.kyrabelan.com. During the September 6^th opening, the artist will sign copies of her recently published book, Lucid Future.

Untitled by Lynne Reinas

Lynne Reinas filled her first sketchbook with drawings at age 8, but her lifelong love of art was not fully explored until retirement allowed her the opportunity to pursue it.  In 1975, she completed the course requirement to teach decorative ceramics - a phase of art she pursued for 10 years.  Much experimentation with other surfaces and mediums - furniture, gourds, fabric, walls - fulfilled her insatiable appetite for artistic expression.  Her works in watercolors, color pencil, acrylics, pen and oils depicts locations and creatures native to Florida as Lynne sees them.  She is currently working on a series of works entitled Conserve, Preserve & Protect to promote environmental consciousness.   You will find the words Conserve, Preserve & Protect embedded somewhere in each painting in the series.   Lynne’s artwork has been purchased and hangs in many residences throughout SW Florida.

Suzanne Mikulka is an artist, teacher and a breast cancer survivor!  Eight years ago, she moved here to begin a quiet retirement of sun and sand.  With brushes in hand, Suzanne had a purpose and a reason to get up, create and work through her battle with breast cancer.  she paints every day and teaches many times during the week.  She enjoys her students and shares their joy when their paintings are complete.   Suzanne’s paintings reflect the spirit and hope she experiences with every day she is given.

Untitled by Suzanne Mikulka

These exhibits continue through September 30, 2013.
 

 Arts for ACT Gallery provides a quality, contemporary exhibition gallery featuring original art, limited edition prints, giclees, hand-crafted fine crafts, tee shirts, silver and glass bead jewelry, gourd art, raku, clay, and art cards. It is a “must see” destination for all art lovers and collectors, providing a unique opportunity for everyone to learn and enjoy art.  Highlighting the art of the current featured artist, the front gallery, reminiscent of galleries in SoHo, has 12 to 16 foot high ceilings, distressed brick walls, and warm wooden floors. It is a great opportunity to meet the gallery has featured artists, enjoy some local food and have a glass of wine, and engage in lively artful discussions.

August 2013 Exhibits at Arts for ACT Gallery in the River District

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, August 2, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for August 2013.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature the art of Illustrator Joe Lemay, Photographer and Naïve Painter Cheryl Hucke and the mother and daughter duo exhibit of Christina and Carol Machula.

        

Joe LeMay was born and raised in the Midwest, Joe made the move down to Southwest Florida in 1998. In 2004 he went to study art in Savannah, Georgia where he graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After getting his Bachelor of Fine Arts he returned to Fort Myers and began working in freelance illustration.  His freelance work has included children’s book illustration, logo design, poster design and comic strip illustration. The majority of this work is typified by oddball characters both fictional and right out of pop culture, infused with a humorous and satirical tone.  His gallery work blends elements of his illustration background with an abstract expressionistic style.  Subjects in the paintings exist within a world of bleeding colors that serve as a virtual playground for a variety of characters and creatures.  It is a take on illustration that places some traditional subject matter and characters in a non traditional physical environment.

Joe is currently living and working out of Fort Myers, Florida.

"Friendship" by Joe LeMay

Cheryl Hucke has a degree in graphic design. She worked for many years as a floral designer.  She is greatly inspired by nature.  She mainly paints with acrylics and enjoys photography.  Cheryl will be featured off the main gallery, this exhibit will feature both photography and naïve paintings.    

"Glassy Waters" by Cheryl Hucke

Mother and daughter duo exhibit, Christina and Carol Machula will be featured in the white gallery room.  Christina Machuca is a new artist to southwest Florida.  From Evansville, Indiana, Christina received her Bachelor’s degree in Art from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 2006.  Christina has always found inspiration in music.  Over the years, Christina has experimented with a wide variety of mediums and subject matter, but has found that she enjoys using acrylic on canvas the most due to her rapid method of painting. Christina uses a bold color palette to transform even the most somber, dark, or dilapidated subject matter into vibrantly colored pieces.

"Flowers" by Christina Machuca

Mother, Carol Machuca has been experimenting with art since childhood.  She has exhibited in several galleries in southern Indiana. Carol has found much pleasure and inspiration from all the masters, as well as fellow local artists, but the most inspiring have been her daughter Christina.  Carol's favorite medium is acrylic on canvas. Though her passion is flowers, she also enjoys lizards, birds, and occasionally an abstract thrown into the mix.

"Lizard" by Carol Machuca

These exhibits continue through September 2, 2013.

June Exhibits at Arts for ACT Gallery

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for May 2013.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature a “Smorgasbord of Art” by Brian Christensen, Abstracts by Sally Clarke and a group exhibit by ACT Member Artists.  Come downtown to view great art and support ACT Gallery and Boutique.

Juicy Lucy's by Brian Christensen

Brian Christensen was born in Chicago and raised in the farmlands of northern Illinois.  He had his first exposure to art at age four when his older cousin showed him how to highlight with a white crayon in his Huckleberry Hound coloring book.  At age eight, it was discovered that Brian’s eyesight was deteriorating rapidly.  He overheard his optometrist explain to his mother that he would likely be blind by his twenties.  Brian kept his grief at the news to himself and plodded along with thick glasses for the next decade, a boy without hope or ambitions, not much was known in the medical community of his rare and peculiar eye maladies.  By age eighteen, there were no glasses that would allow Brian to see clearly.  He was fitted and refitted repeatedly with ill-fitting gas permeable contact lenses enduring unimaginable pain at the slightest speck of dust and extreme photosensitivity.  Diagnosed with Keratoconus, a thickening of the cornea due to the buildup of scar tissue was just one of his eye diseases.  His vision with naked eyes was 20/1400 and 20/2100.  Brian’s eyesight moved to another little known chart with readings of -8 rt. and -12 lt. Brian relocated to Fort Myers in 1988.  In 1991, he underwent a cornea transplant in his left eye.  The procedure prevented his cornea from rupturing and destroying his eyeball but did not improve his vision.  In 2012, Brian was in such excruciating pain with his right eye that he could only wear his lenses for short durations a couple of times a week. The short times he could wear lenses he would paint.  He was in the midst of executing his "My Cheeky Muse" painting.  He was faced with what he called “having a going blind sale".  His eye doctor fitted him with a SCLERAL lens (Google it) and ever since he sees great and has not experienced an iota of pain.      
After moving to Fort Myers, he found himself under the wing of local sculptor Don Wilkinson and renowned pastel portrait artist Greg  Biolchini.  His eyesight soon caused him to delve into self-study.  After seventeen years as a civil engineer, Brian was laid-off allowing him to advance his career as a professional artist. He earned a first place ribbon soon after joining the art scene. He also joined the Alliance of the Arts.  During the past three years, Brian has earned numerous awards of varying degrees at local art exhibitions including a second place at Big Arts for his first attempt at sculpture.  He works in "found objects" as his eyes cannot cope with welding or any type of dusts. 
The majority of his work is acrylic painting.  While he does appreciate the works of major artists such as Polack, Dali, Picasso and  various album cover artists of his youth, he must say that his most overwhelming influence is his lifelong struggle to see without pain and appreciates the wonders revealed by the Hubble telescope.  Brian’s style is bold, colorful, thick and imaginative. He loves to experiment with materials, tools, and dealing with time restraints. He attempts works that provoke emotion, thought or even a chuckle.  His future endeavors include continuing with his "Red Guitar" series, and a new series of large works depicting the juxtaposition of odd objects in outer space, a pallet knife bamboo series, building more "found objects" sculptures and plein air speed painting.   Brian signs his works with his middle name, Bent.
ACT Gallery will host a  workshop on the use of the pallet knife in June.  Sign up at the gallery. Brian’s work is owned and enjoyed by many local patrons and travelers from many states, Canada and various European nations.

 

Sally Clark Untitled

Sally Clark was born in King’s Lynn, Great Britain in England.  She loved to haunt London museums and galleries as a young girl, studying the old masters’ works.  She studied at Norwich School of Art.  Sally describes her work as high key and intense.  She has always been interested in figure painting but the narrative aspect has become less important to her.  Sally tries to express the subconscious self by changing the figure into a physical and psychological being.  Her very intense pictures reveal the humanity the nerve-ends of a person.  She moved to the USA in 1994and to Fort Myers in 2009, new ideas often keep her working through-out the night.  Sally paints abstract landscapes and portraits in oils, mixed media and charcoal. 

ACT Member Artists Annual Group Exhibit  will spotlight the new works from Alan Tiller, Kyra Belan, Lynn Van Sciver, Lana Picciano, Cavan Guenther, Linda Benson, Susan Mills and Carol Anfinsen.  Works shown will range from abstract to realism in a wide variety of mediums.  These pieces of art represent the creative energy that you will find ongoing at Arts for ACT Gallery.

We need Artists for the July Exhibit at ACT Gallery!

A Call for Professional Artists and Emerging Artists for Arts for ACT Gallery’s Open Group Themed Exhibit

Arts for ACT Gallery owned by Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc., the domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault center serving Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, hopes we can count on all artists to enter our juried themed group exhibit. The money we raise supports ACT, a non-profit agency that provides safe shelter, counseling, a 24-hour hotline, information and referral, forensic examination, advocacy and education.

This year the themes for the group exhibit are “Storybook Magic”, Far Away Places” and “Silhouettes and Shadows”  Artist may submit two or three dimensional works in any media.  The art must represent or evoke the artists interpretation of the three themes, use your imagination and creativity to express the themes. 

A nonrefundable fee of $8.00 per entry, 2 entries for $15.00 or 3 entries for $20.00 will be charged.  Artists have the choice of any and all themes.  The artists can mix the themes when submitting their works. 

Cash prizes will be awarded: first place $100.00 – second place $75.00 – third place $50.00 and Honorable Mention of $25.00 will be awarded.  Judge to be announced.

Art drop off days are Saturday, June 22, Monday, June 24 through Thursday,June 27 from 11 am to 4 pm. 

Non-accepted art must be picked up on 06/28 or 06/29.

Exhibit opens on July 5, 2013

 
We need artists to make this exhibit a success.

Please contact Claudia at 939-2553 or cgoode@actabuse.com with any questions about participating in this exhibit. Forms may be downloaded from our gallery website at http://www.artsforactgallery.com

  Support Arts for ACT Gallery and ACT!

May Exhibits at ACT Gallery

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for May 2013.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature AQU-The Art Quilters Group’s display of fiber art, “Ronda at Eye Level” documenting a 1980’s streetwalker and addict, Photographer George Mitchell and “Cupcakes and Tea Anyone” the whimsical art of Cassandra Schulz.  Come downtown to view great art and support ACT Gallery and Boutique. 

The Art Quilters Group AQU will be showing their works of fiber art, including hanging art quilts,  and fiber jewelry, purses, clothing and more at the art gallery.  This group of talented women come from Sanibel, Fort Myers, Matlacha, St. James City, and the Cape Coral area  are interested in expanding their knowledge and pushing the boundaries of their creativity with fiber art.  The group ranges from the novice to the expert.  They meet the second Saturday of each odd month at the Alliance for the Arts from 1 pm to 3 pm – new members are always welcome.  This is the second exhibit that ACT Gallery has hosted for the Art Quilters Group.    

Cassandra Schulz was born in 1987 and was raised in the paradise of South West Florida. Throughout her years at school, Cassandra developed a passion for art. During her collegiate years at Florida State University, she explored every type of technique and style available in the effort to find her voice.  It was at Florida State that she earned her bachelor’s degree in studio art, as well as a minor in art history and anthropology. Cassandra continues to work to grow and develop her artistic career. She continues to discover and explore other creative outlets, such as most recently jewelry design.

Cassandra’s artwork developed from the simple idea of comfort. When pondering this concept the first thing that came to mind was food. Food is so much more that just providing nourishment. It is something that brings families together, bonds relationships and fosters happy memories. Everyone has that one iconic food from their childhood that transports them to happy times and lifts their spirits. Her “Cupcakes and Tea Anyone?” brought about the whimsy and fun of both past and present.  Growing guests that may be at the Mad Hatter’s tea party to a world all their own and full of dangers and perils, this exhibit will make you smile.  The creation of these pieces begins and ends with feelings. Representing and experiencing them in the process, Cassandra is having fun with her art.

George Mitchell is a professional photographer and author.  He began photographing traditional blues artists in the early 1960’s.  He has worked as a reporter and photographer in Columbus, Georgia.  He was the executive editor of the Columbus Times.  He has taught both journalism and photography at the University of Minnesota before returning to Atlanta.  In Atlanta, he taught at four high schools for a total of twenty-five years.  George authored six books of photography and interviews from the Atlanta area.  This is the second exhibit for him at Arts for ACT Gallery.  “Ronda at Eye Level,” the story in pictures and words will be shown.  Ronda is a streetwalker and addict that Mitchell documented during the 1980’s in Georgia.  This moving and sometimes hard to view exhibit will take you from their first meeting on the streets to her at times happy moments and through her personal and dark struggles with her demons of addiction.  Mitchell will also show some of his landscapes and landmarks of the Fort Myers area. 

These exhibits continue through Monday, June 3rd, 2013.   

Sign Up now...Make It ~ Take It Workshops

Arts for ACT Gallery located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers is now offering Make and Take art classes for adults.

Frida Kahlo Muse Box made from a cigar box

A make it – take it mixed media workshop for adults will be offered at ACT Gallery featuring Memory or Muse Boxes.  Another name for a Memory Box is Prayer, Reliquary, Alter, Muse or Wish Box.  Cherished mementos do not always fit in a scrapbook or album.  They are also not visible to friends and family.  Come create a memory or muse box at ACT Gallery.  This special box will safe guard and hold dear your memories.  You can make your box into a hanging assemblage or a freestanding sculpture.  ACT Gallery will supply the box and the glue.  You will bring in your photos, fabric, memories, keepsakes, embellishments and treasures to assemble.  This Memory Box Workshop is being offered for $25.00.  Date: Saturday, March 30^th from 1 to 4 pm.  There must be six students signed up to hold this workshop.  Class is limited to 12 students.

Inside of Frida Kahlo Muse Box

A make it – take it mixed media workshop for adults will be offered at ACT Gallery featuring  Paris Flea Market Crystal Pendants.  These pendants made from crystal pendants from old chandeliers use magazine or book pictures and embellishments that inspire you.  These will truly be one-of-a-kind pendant art necklaces.  ACT Gallery will supply the crystal pendants and glue.  You will bring a small image and other embellishments to make your art pendant.  The Paris Flea Market Crystal Pendant Workshop is being offered for $20.00.  Date: Saturday, April 6 from 1 to 3 pm.  There must be six students signed up to hold this workshop.  Class is limited to 12 students.

Paris Flea Market Crystal Pendant

      

Class instructor for “Memory Muse Box” and the “Paris Flea Market Crystal Pendant” workshop will be artist Claudia Goode.  Sign up now – by calling 239-337-5050, email cgoode@actabuse.com or sign up at the gallery.  

ACT Gallery - Opening & Meet the Artists - April 5, 2013

Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, April 5, 2013 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening reception and art walk for April 2013.  This month, ACT Gallery will feature The Florida Penn Women Group, Photographer Andrew Miller and the painted furniture, gourd art and more of Kim Kraft-Beckler.  Come downtown to view great art and support ACT Gallery and Boutique. 

The Southwest Branch of National League of American Pen Women, Inc. will be showing their works of art, including paintings, mixed media, photography, digital art, glass, pottery and jewelry at the art gallery, while the writers will display their published books.  This group of talented women come from Sanibel, Fort Myers, Matlacha, St. James City, Cape Coral and the Port Charlotte areas.

The National organization of American Pen Women began in 1897 in Washington D.C., to promote the creative talents of professional women artists, writers, dramatists, and musicians. The Florida Branch, established in 1977 is comprised of professional women who work in the arts as artists or writers. 

These professionals are award winning, published, many are speakers and lecturers at conferences, with state or national recognition. 

Participating members in painting and photography are Barb Albin, Cheryl Fausel, Christine Reichow, Honey Costa, Janis Balabon, Joan Klutch, Dr. Kyra Belan, Pam Brodersen, Peg Cullen, Sharyn Dahn, Shirley Hales, and Lynn Berreitter.  Beverly Spana will display her glass works and Gay Cable will show her jewelry.  Authors j.d. daniels, Lorraine Walker Williams, Marsha Perlman and Dr. Kyra Belan will have books for sale. 

Andrew Miller

Photographer “Raw Images from the Camera to the Frame”
Andrew Miller is a downtown Fort Myers based photographer, with a preference for shooting on 35mm film. Displaying a passion for 'street photography', Miller's photographic influences include Henri Cartier-Bresson, and contemporary actor Jeff Bridges.  Often selected for juried exhibits, in 2012 his work has been on gallery display in Los Angeles, NY, CT, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Tampa, and Ft. Lauderdale.  Most recently, he was one of the selected artists on display for the “CAMERA USA,” exhibit at the prestigious Von Liebig Museum in Naples, FL.

The 'RAW IMAGES' series of fine art nude portraits is the artist's 'answer' to what he calls the 'over-photoshopification' of the commercial photo environment. Believing that far too many images are created in post-production by a photo edit program, the photos in this series remain untouched by any electronic medium. Using a vintage Polaroid camera and contemporary Fuji film, the images you see on display are the very photos that were literally pulled from the camera. They have not been edited in any fashion. Each one is THE original, and no copies exist.

Kim Kraft-Beckler  is an award winning gourd artist and is in many personal and corporate collections here and abroad. She also paints canvas and unique furniture.  Her love of nature, color, and the simple pleasures of life inspire her work.  Kraft-Beckler is a naïve painter whopaints on anything she can get her hands on.  Furniture, knick-knacks, doors, windows are just some of her found objects that she brings the beauty out in, recycling is the driving force behind her art.  Come see what beauties Kraft-Beckler has created from recycled items, gourds and even on canvas!

These exhibits continue through Monday, April 29, 2013.   

Arts for Act: Arts for ACT Gallery Exhibits opening March 1st

Arts for Act: Arts for ACT Gallery Exhibits opening March 1st: Michael Pohlman Baseball - Michael Pohlman Baseball Art Michael Pohlman was raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, where his art training st...

Arts for ACT Gallery Exhibits opening March 1st

Michael Pohlman

Baseball - Michael Pohlman

Baseball Art

Michael Pohlman was raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, where his art training started in a well organized public school program. Mike attended Rollins College and Bradley University in the early 60's on a scholarship for baseball.  He was told that Art and athletics did not mix. He graduated with majors in Physical Education, U.S. History, and Art. He taught all three subjects before moving to Chicago Heights, Illinois. He eventually became Coordinator of Physical Education and Varsity Baseball Coach at Bloom High School. His creative energies went into an innovative Outdoor Adventure curriculum and Baseball program that led him to the Illinois Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame Honors.

Mike began painting again in 1988. He won a spot in the Union Street Galley's inaugural show in 1995 and was offered a studio. Over a ten-year period, his work was shown in multiple venues in Chicago and its suburbs. His abstract series "Before Time" is an extension of his 60's training and his sports renderings incorporate his extensive knowledge of baseball and athletics. Mike says, "Art is like athletics to me. The discipline of the process is the same. You train yourself to use skills to compete for a desired outcome. Whatever the results, you continue to refine your performance along with looking for new ways to use your abilities to succeed."

Mike now paints in Fort Myers, Florida and is the Varsity Pitching Coach at Bishop Verot High School.  Baseball fans and art lovers alike should not miss this mixed media Baseball exhibit.

City Park by B. A. Mintz

B. A. Mintz

Born in New York City and raised in Southern California, Barb’s first exploration with acrylic paint was decorative and extended from 1967 until 2004. From 2004 until 2008, she studied with Gale Bennett in his studio in Giverny, France, and in workshops in Lee County Florida.  Bennett taught her to see color and shape.  Barb paints entirely from imagination.  Almost like a stream of consciousness in writing, she sees her painting in her mind. Barb feels emotion from the color relationships she uses and likes to experiment with different applications.  As her paintings evolve, figures or objects often emerge.  She encourages these visions to stay, hoping the viewer might envision it too.  Color remains a big passion in her abstract expressionism paintings.  B. A. Mintz’s paintings are in collections in California, Texas, Vermont, Georgia and Florida. 

Artist Statement:  “Color and Music are languages we all understand. They skip over our logic and go right to our soul. They evoke feelings that words find difficult to express.  I hope my paintings convey this to the viewer.” ~ B. A. Mintz

These exhibits continue through Monday, April 1, 2013.