Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in
downtown Fort Myers on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 6 to 10 pm for the opening
reception and Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 11am to 4pm for the slower paced art
walk for August 2017. This month, ACT
Gallery will feature Tonya Bautista- Barnes, a Photographer, Artist and Costume
Design, in the main gallery. In the
white gallery, 4 Generations of Artists –
The family of Celia Malloy. Also
showing,
New Works from our Co-op Artists!
Main Gallery Artist BIOGRAPHY – Tonya Bautista – Barnes
Photographer,
Artist and Costume Designer
Free Warrior
Designs brand was originally born on the Big Island of Hawaii. Tonya
Bautista-Barnes always loved the splendid look of natural materials like bone,
feather, metal, leather and stone. Growing up islander and looking
towards her Marianist heritage for inspiration, gave her much creativity and
room for growth. Her love for the bright macaw feathers with the neutral
tones of the bone and leather gave her the inspiration to create. All of
Tonya’s designs are 100% handmade by her and are inspired by the bright colors
and natural materials of the earth, air and sea. Using as many materials
originating from the US and donated or purchased feathers from bird sanctuaries
and private owners throughout the Marianas, Hawaiian Islands and the US. She
strives to support as many artists and small businesses as possible.
“Each piece represents a part of
myself which will be seen in the individuality and craftsmanship of my
work. I choose my Warrior Sisters carefully. I photograph them as I
see them and how they wish to see themselves.
Each person I photograph has
endured hardships and flourished – proving their strength and determination to
RISE. Every woman is a Warrior and
should be respected as such. "The
true warrior isn’t immune to fear. She fights in spite of it." ~
anonymous (but I'm positive she was a
strong woman.).” ~ states, Tonya.
In the White Gallery 4 Generations of Artists – The family of Celia
Malloy
An energetic vibe radiates throughout this
multi-generational exhibit of visual art, as engaging and diverse as the women
who created it. Spanning approximately a
half century, this eclectic, yet connected body of work is impressive as it
represents varied artistic styles and content.
Celia Baiada Malloy, the 97 year old family Matriarch is the main focus
of this exhibit. Celia's formative time was spent in the Philadelphia Metro
area, and her training of many years ago, is beautifully reflected in unique
and elegant acrylics. Daughters Lynne
Van Sciver, Taire Malloy, and Donna Malloy, share their mother's interest,
along with granddaughter, Cavan Guenther, and great granddaughters, Julia and
Scarlett Novak and Stella Guenther.
Their collective works both contrast and respond to the familial
influence. Lynne's abstract
expressionistic style, infused with balance and freedom, has been influenced by
training as a psychologist. Taire's charcoal life drawings display a subtle
organic style and exude a feeling of calm movement. She studied art at Arizona
State, and remains involved with the visual arts in the role of festival
director of Art Fest Naples. Donna Kay
echoes her mother and grandmother's love of birds which culminated in the publication
of Donna's children's book: "Criss Crow, Flying on Sunshine." Donna earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in
Interior Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology, Tampa. Cavan, Lynne's daughter, is a former science
teacher. She is an accomplished abstract artist and rustic-glam jewelry
designer. Her art is a mixture of earth, energy and vintage objects. This delightful exhibition tells the story of
connectedness found in art, that flows through generations, moving through
time, taking on an exquisite life of its own.
ACT Gallery is also featuring new
works by over 25 co-op artists.