Quiet Sunset, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Quiet Sunset, 2015, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x 7" - sold

After searching the Internet for solutions, and trying many of them over the past few weeks, I'm finally once again able to upload photos to my blog, The answer for me seems to be downloading and switching to the browser Chrome. So far, it's lovey.  With a painting to show you, I can write to you between monthly newsletters and keep you up to date on what's going on in the arts and around Marco. Remember, if it gets too much, you can always unsubscribe at the bottom of each post.

What fun it was to be able to attend the Marco Island Center for the Arts Gala last week.  It was held at the Country Club which is always a treat to visit.  I sat with some people who have been helping me out in the studio as well as some good friends.  The night was colorful, delightful, and full of surprises.  Congrats to all who made it possible. To see what else they're planning, click here.

I'll be teaching a three-day workshop through the Center for the Arts next week, so I'm deep in the specifics of teaching art again.  I've made a couple of handouts because I know how hard it is to remember everything a teacher might say.  Having some written words in front of you, and a place to take notes will help to reinforce the lessons.  We'll spent some time in the studio, I'll demo a bit, and we'll work from photos.  Then we'll go outside, and really look at the landscape.  That's where the real learning takes place as students use their eyes and palettes to interpret what's in front of them. Since you may not be able to attend, I'll post some of the information we discuss here for you, too!

Three at the Beach, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board,  7"x5

  

Since the pursuit of art is often a lonely one, I love an artist get-together.  It's rewarding to exchange ideas, learn what other artists are working on, talk techniques and exchange ideas. 

The Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Avenue, is supporting their artist members with a new activity called "The Artist's Table'" a quarterly gathering for artists and about artists.   "Artist" is a self-defined term, and all artists are welcome.  

The first meeting will be held at the Marco Island Center for the Arts on Monday, November 3, at 4 p.m.  We'll have a beverages, light refreshments, and watch the movie "Who does she think she is?"  about the struggles of women artists.  This movie should lead to some interesting discussion. 

Please encourage any artist you know to come along!  You don't have to be a member, or a woman,  There is no charge. Hope To see you there.

Arts on Marco, and Palms by the Water daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palms by the Water, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

 

Things are finally calming down after a few very unsettling weeks.  I'm delighted to know that I will be in the studio/gallery at the Esplanade for another three years.  I just couldn't image having to start all over elsewhere! So now there's time to focus on other things.  

 

The new director of the Marco Center for the Arts has hit the ground running, and the center is now experiencing a renaissance.  There are a number of new activities for both artists and art lovers.  The upcoming Miami trip on May 31 should appeal to both groups, and will be a blast!  Guests will visit the new and special Perez Art Museum, (called PAMM by those in the know) and the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art.  A nice day trip by luxury motor coach  including lunch.  Space is filling up, so check it out and make your reservations now.  If you are a member of the Marco Center, you will get a discount until April 30, so don't delay!  Nice to have something happening in "off season."

 

If you can't make the trip, check out their redesigned website.  There are some wonderful choices for summer classes, including classes for children, in conjunction with Marco Parks and Rec. department.  You can sign up to get their emails so you'll know what's going on if you are interested in the arts on the island.  There are also new member opportunities, so if you are an artist who hasn't been a member for a while you may want to re-join. 

 

There's also a new arts alliance in the works called the Marco Island and Goodland Alliance for the Arts.   The organization of Marco's cultural groups, will including the Center for the Arts, MIHS the Goodland Alliance, MIFA, and the Marco Players and the Island Players.  Terrific to see them working together for the benefit of the arts!

Wet Feet Daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Wet Feet, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

 

 

One of the very first things I did when I came to Marco Island twenty years ago was to join the Marco Island Center for the Arts, then the Art League. I made my first friends there, painted en plein air for the first time, and had my first one person show there.  It's been on the island nearly forty years, and has become dear to my heart. 

 

The Art Center, like many arts organizations, has had some rough going with the economic downturn, competition from other arts organizations, and loss of membership for various reasons.  Art Center director Lynn Holley is leaving the island, but has been able to get the Center off the economic rocky bottom and poised for a positive future.

 

Lynn has been been an inspiration about what we can become by encompassing other arts, bringing in music through the Bach Society.  She's opened it up to the broader community by partnering with the Renaissance Academy and Marco Writers and the Chamber of Commerce.

 

Membership is up, the terrific staff is doing a great job, and the Board of Directors has grown and is finding it's footing.  But there's still a lot to be done to make the Art Center fully successful again. 

 

We're a small island, with lots of heart, and the support of both visitors and residents can make a difference.  Marco Island Center for the Arts needs your support.  Support can take many forms.  Take a class, attend an opening (Second Tuesday, tomorrow night at 5:30) donate money, visit the gift shop, or volunteer a few hours a week or a month. Your help will be welcome and you'll have some fun, too! 

Moonshine, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Moonshine, 2013, J0-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 12x12

 

 

Magical, mystery moon!  The moon's glow seems even more exotic when viewed between the palms.  The light from the moon is cooler than that of the sun, so lights and shadows are more subdued and tinged with blue. 

 

Cool as it is, seeing the moon in the night sky warms my heart.  If you are interested you can get daily information about the night sky in the northern hemisphere here.  If you do, you'll find  a constellation featured that was new to me.  A teapot! 

 

Which brings me to remind you that the Center for the Arts on Marco will be featuring a multimedia show of teapots in November with intake on October 31.  Visit the website for more information, but start your teapot artwork now. 

Light Wind, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Light Winds,  2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 12"x12"

 

 

Marco Island Center for the Arts director Lynn Holley visited me about a month ago and ask if I would be willing to chair the Gallery Committee at the Arts Center for the coming year.  Since I believe in giving back, and it's been a while since I had been active in the broader arts community, I agreed to give it a try. 

 

Some of the programs for the coming year are already in place or in the works.  For example, we will have an exhibition for the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Women artists in January, and one on Trains, Planes, and Automobiles, in Feb of 2014. And there's a core committee of wonderful members in place too. 

 

If you have an idea for an exhibition, want to sponsor an exhibition, or have an interest in joining this active and fun committee, just let me know.  Our first meeting will be August 5, at the Art Center.  Hope you'll join me in producing some new and exciting art exhibitions for Marco. 

 

 

Today's painting, Light Wind is painted in acrylic on canvas.  I like the square format very much, and will do a couple more companion pieces to this one as time allows in the weeks ahead. 

Over 80 Exhibition and Palm in the Sun, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palm in the Sun, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn,

acrylic on canvas, 7"x5"

The Art Center of Marco Island held  a lovely reception last Tuesday evening for the Over 80 Exhibition.  Long-time member artists over the age of 80 were invited to show their work, and fourteen artists responded with quality work of  paintings, pottery, and sculpture.  Many of the 80's  group attended the reception, as did much of the Marco Island arts community.  Great turn-out and enthusiasm for a summer show.  

 The  work represented  a wide range of styles,  mediums and subjects.  Many of the artists had been classically trained, and some of the pieces are just breathtaking.  Among other delights,  Shirley Piercy's (84) glowing watercolors in jewel tones lit up the room, and the wide variety of mediums used by Rena Tippett (92) showed her broad talent.  Marilyn Wirth's (83) fanciful impressionist pieces were pure joy.  Gerry Brunjulson (93), Bill Mosley (84,) Marie Senechal, (84) and Edythe Newbourne (82) are long time favorites of mine.

These people are a generation of artists on Marco Island, our forefathers in the arts. I learned something from each of them along the way, as no doubtnother artists did over the last 20 years. I value their sharing.  The show is a not-to-miss island event.  It will hang till the end of the month, with the gallery open from 10-4 daily.  Don't miss it.

One for All, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 5"x7"

Have you seen the exhibition at the Marco Island Center for the Arts this month?  The opening of the new gallery show last Tuesday drew a great crowd.  

With a theme of music and art, the main gallery was hung with artwork of local  artists, enhanced by old player piano rolls.  The piano rolls seemed to evoke memories of songs and stories of the past as people talked about a time when music was a more participatory event in many homes. 

In addition to the main gallery, it was a surprise and delight to turn into the Rush gallery and see the work of nationally know artist Rita Blitt.  Her abstract organic forms, inspired by the music of American composer Lancing McKlosky were refreshing after the rich  darks of much of the music exhibit.  In addition, the film about Rita in La Petite Gallerie added depth to the program. 

It was especially rewarding that the opening drew composer Lancing McKlosky himself, who came over from Miami in support of Rita's showing, and Glenn Basham, concertmaster at the Naples Philharmonic.

The Marco Art League is slowly but surely transforming into a true Center for the Arts on Marco.  if you missed it and would like to see photos, here's a link.  And if you're on the island, you can go in and see the show in person.

Commissions, and helping the victims of Sandy

Quiet Place, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 8x10, sold.

 

It's been a couple of busy weeks, mostly working on commissions.  They are always stressful for me, as the reality of creating another person's vision gives me fits.  Still, The challenge and the income makes it worthwhile, so I do most of what's asked in the hopes of artistic growth.  The small painting above is one of a pair that will be traveling soon, and be placed on either side of a fireplace, reminding their owner of the joys of visiting Marco Island.

 

David and Carol Marine, at Daily Paintworks are doing a Hurricane Sandy Artists Challenge, and the proceeds of the art sale will go to the victims of the dreadful storm.  My first painting sold, so I'm putting in a second painting.  You can bid on Gull, or another painting to help the storm victims here.  

 

 

Gull, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

Hope to see you at the Art Center's reception for the show America the Beautiful tomorrow, Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30.  There will be refreshments and its, free.  See if you are beginning to recognize the local artists without peeking at the labels!   

 





Luncheon for the Arts on Marco Island

Bird Centerpiece

Calusa Garden Club

Last Friday's Luncheon for the Arts was a wonderful success, with about 215 people from all segments of Marco Island coming out to honor the arts.  Harpist Kim Adamson provided delightful gathering music to get everyone in the mood and Forrest Nickols beautiful and inspiring photo of a rising heron in full plumage greeted everyone. 

The reception table was exceptional, getting everyone in on time and solving any issues quickly and with grace.  The table hosts were fabulous in both inviting people to the event and making them feel at home.  Artists and dignitaries were sprinkled throughout the room. 

The Marco Island Hilton Resort and Spa did a splendid job of feeding that many people without fuss or disturbance, and were able to offer free parking as well.  Yummy chocolate cake completed the meal. 

The Calusa Garden club provided centerpieces for each of the 22 tables, and a large display for the entrance.  One lucky person at each table got to take one home.  They were creative and distinctive and gave a wonderful, natural air to the event. 

If you missed it, you can see the opening film, Rita Blitt's "Caught in Paint" here.  And, if you couldn't come but want to see the arts remain strong on Marco, donate to the Marco Island Center for the Arts.  A rebirth, or renewal is well underway, thanks to new Executive Director Lynn Holley and a supportive board. 

Two regrets.  I completely forgot about taking photos!  Phooey!  And only one of our seven City Council members, Mr Wayne Waldack, attended.  Were the rest too busy to attend a free lunch in support of the arts?  Their loss.

Bras for LIFe Fundraiser

Heavenly Bodies

Jo-Ann Sanborn

BRAS FOR LIFE has a website!

You can see all of the wonderful entries into this fun Marco Island Center for the Arts and American Cancer Society on Marco Island fundraiser through the miracle of the Internet.

Click to view the BRAS FOR LIFE website

On the Bras for Life site, comments (in the information at the end of the post) are welcome and all suitable will be published. Use "anonymous" if you prefer to remain private.

If you place a bid, your information will be kept private and you will only see the highest bid appear under the bra. Bid information can also be called into the Marco Island center for the Arts. (239-394-4221)

Bid information on the bra site will be updated daily until 4 p.m. on October 6th, the day of the Auction.

 Auction

October 6th, 6:30

Marco Island Center for the Arts

1010 Winterberry Avenue

Marco Island, FL 34145

Hope to see you there!

New Director for the Center for the Arts, Fun in the Sun daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Fun in the Sun, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 5"x7"

Lynn Holley is the new director at the Marco Island Center for the Arts.  I first heard about of Lynn from a friend of hers who wandered into my studio at the Esplanade and ended up purchasing one of my daily paintings for her home. 

My new collector was waiting for a friend being interviewed for a new job.  She raved about her Lynn's abilities and qualifications even before she knew I had any personal interest.  It was nice hearing that kind of support from a friend.

Lynn is eminently qualified, knows that the Center for the Arts has been under a bit of a rain cloud lately, and is just itching to take on the challenge of turning things around. She has some great ideas, and is already in the process of implementing them.  She says she's here for the long haul, and there's every indication she means it.

Center staff, Linda Henell, Lynn Holley, Cindy Crane

If you've dropped your membership,  it's time to renew.  Don't wait!  There will be some good things going on, and you'll want to be part of it.  If you've been hanging in the background, now is the time to get involved. We're going to have some fun in the sun! 

Many of our members are away for the summer, but if you're around you can welcome Lynn at the Second Tuesday Social, on June 14th at 5:30. Bring your friends.  Admission is free for everyone, and we can help her drink up some of the wine that's in a back room she'd like to use as a gallery!