Open Tuesday through Saturday 10-5pm. Closed Sunday & Monday.

Please call to confirm hours 941-778-6648

Visit our Website Online Gallery: www.islandgalleryandstudios.org

Island Gallery and Studios

Presents our Featured Artist for September

MARIE GARAFANO

"Finding the Sublime in the Ordinary"

A Visual Exploration by

Marie Garafano


Island Gallery and Studios is proud to announce Marie Garafano as our Featured Artist for September. With a career rooted in creativity and observation, Garafano presents a thoughtful and refined body of work that embodies the theme inspired by philosopher Cornel West: "To find the sublime in the ordinary."


Originally from Philadelphia, Marie moved to Florida in 2008 after an accomplished 30-year career as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, creating work for corporate clients and publishers.

Today, Marie devotes herself to painting in oils and watercolor, both in the studio and in Plein Air.

She is an active member of several Plein Air communities including The Artist Guild Gallery of

Anna Maria Island, The Light Chasers, Plein Aire Artists of Sarasota and Plein Air Artists of the Suncoast. Her work captures the quiet beauty of everyday life and reflects her deep

connection to Florida's landscapes and light.

Marie's charming little beach scene in oils, above, was Sold recently. Someone took home a precious memory for themselves.


Top Left, a bright charmer titled,

"MORNING IS BREAKING"


Left, a serene moment in time, CHINESE BOWLS


Bottom Left, "ORLANDO'S FLOWERS



Meet Marie in person on September 2nd & 26th from 10-5pm and view her work at Island Gallery and Studios or online at

www.islandgallery

andstudios.org

Marie Garafano: The artist at work.


All are welcome to come and enjoy our impressive local artists' work!

It is the best place to find original cards all in one place on our Card Tower,

one of-a-kind gifts or an addition to your own art collection.

Island Gallery and Studios

Art by Local Artists

Established in 1990 by a small group of local artists on Anna Maria Island, the Island Gallery has evolved into a successful artist's cooperative of over 20 members.

The Gallery is staffed each day by one of our knowledgeable member artists.


We offer a rich variety of our fine works of art including paintings, artistic photography, drawings, mixed media, ceramic arts, jewelry, paper mache and much more.

Here we will continue to serve the interests of our local community by offering frequent classes and free demonstrations, while providing an enjoyable and cultural

atmosphere for visitors to the downtown area.

Host a Party, stop by after a group Lunch, make it

an afternoon destination! You are always Welcome at the

Island Gallery and Studios

Are you looking for a fresh new Location for hosting your next event?

Consider Island Gallery & Studios' unique venue.


 Please contact Events Coordinator, Jody Goldman for more information

ArtistJodyGoldman@gmail.com

Independent Living Centers visit

Island Gallery and Studios

Island Gallery and Studios recently welcomed residents from Water's Edge of

Bradenton and Summerfield Senior Living for a special guided tour of the Gallery.

These visits are part of the gallery's ongoing outreach to independent and assisted

living centers. During the visits, residents enjoyed light refreshments and a

personal tour of the gallery led by the exhibiting artists.


To arrange a visit, please contact Tom Goldman at

407-832-0116 or twgoldman@gmail.com

The mission of Island Gallery and Studios is to provide a supportive, collaborative and enriching

venue for artists to exhibit and market their work; and to celebrate, promote and expand the

local arts community through education and outreach.

Island Gallery and Studios is a 501(c)3 Artist Co-operative.

Our Island Gallery & Studios

Member Artists have been creating new

works and are being recognized!

Resident Paper Mache artist Tom Goldman

created a sculpture good enough to eat. Come see

his other whimsical characters as well.

Artist Sue Elliott sold one

of her signature creations recently with touches of gold leaf. The client sent us a photo celebrating her purchase.

Marg Williamson has been juried into the

Florida Watercolor Society's 54th Annual Exhibit

to be held at the Orlando Museum of Art with her transparent watercolor "A PAINTERLY SKY"

19x25 $760

Gary Green has been juried into the Florida Watercolor Society's 54 Annual Exhibit with his

"SAVANNAH BLUES STREET MUSICIAN"

22x30. Exhibit will open 9/13/25 and run

through 1/4/26


Cheryl Sudbury Buerger recently sold this

impressive custom framed 14x22 acrylic titled

"SUNSET ON THE DOCK."

Giclee and prints are available.


Artist Marg Williamson sold this

charming little watercolor titled

"STATION REPURPOSED".

Watercolor artist Marg Williamson is shown with one of her paintings that will be in the "Four Artist's Show" opening September 2 at the Lakewood Ranch Com-Center Professional Building, 9040 Town Center Drive. The exhibit runs through October.


Gary Green has been accepted into the Oil Painters of America Summer Online Showcase Exhibition with his unique approach to his "BORN IN 53", 15x30 oil



WILLIAM MEARS (d. 8/5/2025)


It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the passing

of our dear friend Bill Mears. The Resident Artist's deepest

condolences to his wife, Lee Mears.


Bill and Lee were among the founding members of the original Island Gallery West formed on Anna Maria Island more that 30 years ago. They both contributed their leadership and artistic talents until their retirement; Bill as a Ceramicist and Treasurer of the organization, and Lee, an acrylic painter and

the gallery President for many terms. Our grateful thanks to Lee and Bill for all their contributions to Island Gallery.


Island Gallery and Studios

Presents our New Resident Member

Jean Cipriano

Jean Cipriano grew up in New England, where she discovered her passion for painting in oils under the influence of a talented teacher. In the late 1980's she began exploring acrylics, determined to master the medium. Her dedication led her to teach and share her knowledge across the United States. Over the years, Jean has painted everything from small decorative rocks to expansive murals on 15 foot ceilings.

Twenty-five years ago, Jean and her husband Vin moved to Florida , where she began creating murals throughout Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota. Soon after, she was invited to teach at a local studio, "Let's Create Art", and her career flourished. Today, she continues teaching oils and acrylics to children, adults, schools, parties and summer camps. Although she has slowed down somewhat, Jean still finds joy in teaching and painting. She hopes others enjoy her artwork as much as she enjoys creating it.

A refreshing, bright still life by artist

Jean Ciprianno.

Jean Ciprianno offers an oil painting of a whimsical fish surrounded by waving coral.





An oil of one

of Jean's shoreline scenes at break

of day.


WATCH HERE FOR MORE CLASSES, DEMOS AND

THE NEXT "CRITIQUE CORNER" SEPT. 27th


New Class coming Sat., Sept. 13, 11-1:30

Create Original Cards

Create chic original scratch greeting cards

for many occasions!


From beginners to advanced, no experience is needed.

Your cards will sparkle as artist Carol Farkas shows you how to embellish them with crystals & beads.


Everything you need is included; envelopes, cards, stylus, crystals and beads. All skill levels are welcome.



$35 per person. Call soon to save your space.

Class fills up quickly. (941) 778 6648


New Class coming Thur., Sept. 18, 2-4:30

Paint With A Pro!

Our class on September 18th will pay homage to Bill Inman's painting, "Southwest Sun"


Spend the Afternoon having fun and take home a unique Painting you will be proud of! This acrylic painting class was such a success in August, resident artists Darryl Goldman and Jody Goldman are presenting it again with a new image to paint.


It is a genuine artistic experience for those wanting to learn how to paint. This is about mastering techniques and creating something wonderful.


We supply everything you need - the paint, canvas boards, brushes and expert guidance.

$50 per person. Call soon to save your space. Class is filling quickly. (941) 778 6648

This recent class working hard, and with their completed paintings. That could be you!



Continuing Classes


JANET FLICKINGER

Fundamentals of Drawing


The foundation of all art is drawing. If you are a beginner or just want to sharpen your skills, this is a must. All ages welcome.

Focus is on perspective, balance, form and contrast as it all relates to composition, training the eye to take a drawing from sketch to finish.

Please RSVP 24 hours in advance,

941-778-6648


GALLERY CLASSES

Wed. 2-4:30pm $30 per class




Drawing's title, REPAIRING TREASURES

Island Gallery & Studios Presents

Session #14,September 27th


Critique Corner with

Janet Flickinger & Dawn Gerardot

Critique Corner has presented itself as a very enriching experience

for everyone involved! We have a variety of interested visitors with varied questions to get us started. One e-mail stated, "You two did a fantastic job this morning. I'm a very satisfied customer."


We will analyze your art or a piece of art from the gallery. One artist

bringing in 2 pieces was stuck and needed advice on the next move. We discussed contrast, distribution of color, balance and the all-important eye path into a painting. Our participants got their issues/questions answered and left with positive responses on our presentation and approach.


Come SIT & SIP and join the fun at Island Gallery & Studios for these free

interactive discussion sessions on what makes a good piece of art.

If you are having trouble deciding whether or not your painting is finished, come join us as we introduce you to Critique Corner. It's a wonderful learning experience and interesting conversation full of sharing, insight and inspiration. Each session will address different issues, so come to one session or all for something a little different each time. See you there!

 

Time: 10:30 to 12:00 @ Island Gallery & Studios

456 12th St. W, Bradenton, FL, 34205

941-778-6648


NEXT SESSIONS:

Saturday, 9/27/25

Saturday, 10/25/25

For additional information and to sign up to hold your place, please call 24 hours before at

Island Gallery & Studios, 941-778-6648

Gallery Hours - Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm - Closed Sunday-Monday

CALL FOR ARTISTS, GUEST ARTISTS-

JOIN US!

Island Gallery & Studios is now actively seeking new

resident and guest artists to join our special collection of talented people at our location in Bradenton,

456 12th Street W (Old Main St)


Membership, Guest Artist information, requirements and application forms

can be acquired on the "Join Us" page of our website at www.islandgalleryandstudios.org

For additional information, please call Island Gallery & Studios, 941-778-6648

GIFT FOR THE ARTS

Honor your family, friends and loved ones by making a “Gift for the Arts” donation

to Island Gallery and Studios. (*)Your generous tax deductible gift will help promote the arts

and encourage individuals who might not otherwise have had a chance to further

their artistic interests and education.


When you make a gift to Island Gallery and Studios “Gift for the Arts” your loved one will receive a special notice sent by email or by postal mail delivered letting them know you have provided a gift made in their name. There are many special occasions when a

“Gift for the Arts” makes for the perfect gift:

 Anniversaries,  Birthdays  Graduations

 Memorials  Milestones or achievements

Give now to honor someone special and personalize your donations. Imagine the joy your friend or loved one will feel knowing your meaningful gift in their name will allow Island Gallery and Studios to continue educating, promoting and sharing art in our community.

Recent Donors:

To Memorial Fund for William Mears

from Shirley R. Dean

Please note: A minimum $10.00 donation per event is suggested.

Call or email Jody Goldman for more details and to start the process for your donations. 941-757-9667 or artistjodygoldman@gmail.com * [Island Gallery and Studios is a 501©3 non profit organization.]

We hope you will enjoy your visits to Island Gallery & Studios. Leaving a short review helps other people find us and supports our co-operative gallery, the arts and local business. Watch for our updates on the Island Gallery & Studios on Old Main Street, Bradenton; meet our Featured Artists, plus get a brief view of what else is new in the Gallery. The Gallery is Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Closed Sunday & Monday.

Business hours are subject to change. Please call the Gallery to confirm the hours 941-778-6648

Visit www.islandgalleryandstudios.org, Facebook and Yelp for updates. 


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