Art Walk: A Showcase of Local Galleries

September 2021

ROBiN BOWMAN, 
FABRiC COLLAGE ARTiST
ART FOR YOUR NEST

ArtForYourNest.com • (941) 735-8627

“I was born a textile artist,” says fabric collage artist and designer Robin Rowley Bowman. “Even as a child, I stitched clothes for my dolls and made fabric accessories for my doll house!” Many years of hand and machine sewing came together when she discovered fabric collage, earning her awards at local and national juried art shows.

Today she hand-dyes cloth and stitches it together with various other fabrics, fibers, and embellishments into works of art.  “I use bits of cloth like dabs of paint, layering one on top of another until the piece tells me we are finished,” she says. Robin’s works often feature sportfish, turtles, and other sea creatures.  “I love the water and find inspiration at beaches, aquariums and in our beautiful Florida environment.”

What makes the process unique?

Her creative process begins with gathering hand-dyed fabrics, beads, threads, and metal buttons.  The subject (for example, a fish) is created by sewing patterned and textured fabrics together, collage style, as an art quilt. Then it is sewn on background fabric and embellished. Robin recently studied silversmithing and now creates metal beads and buttons incorporated into her works. Frequently she repurposes materials, like netting from veggie bags or scraps of fabrics that would have otherwise been discarded.

Bowman’s signature style features small cloth “mosaic” pieces spaced in such a way that the background fabric is revealed and looks like the grout in tile mosaics. 

Where can buyers find her?

Bowman sells fabric collage originals and fine art prints online at www.artforyournest.com and at Vanessa Fine Jewelry in Lakewood Ranch. Gift items featuring her work can also be purchased at www.artforyournest.com. For further information, reach Robin at robin@artforyournest.com or by phone at (941) 735-8627.

CARLA NiERMAN, EXECUTiVE DiRECTOR
ARTCENTER MANATEE

ArtCenterManatee.org • (941) 746-2862
209 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

The ArtCenter was started in 1937 by a small group of artists who felt Manatee County could support their own art center. Their drive to create a space to exhibit and share their creations and a place where they could hone their craft and teach art to others continues today.

Visitors will discover art everywhere! This center has three galleries and five active art studios including painting, silversmithing, clay, mixed media and glass.  We also have an artisan gift boutique that features hundreds of artists’ handcrafted items. This artisan gift boutique also has an e-commerce site that extends our reach and provides the artist and the ArtCenter with an additional revenue stream.

We are unique because we change our exhibits monthly and the caliber of art exhibited at ArtCenter Manatee is exceptional. Our goal is to expose our community to the highest quality art – local, national and international work. Also, we strive to make art accessible to all with free entry and a warm, inviting atmosphere.  

We also strive to stay relevant with creative ideas that will stimulate our community. The artworld is ever changing. Our job is to find that balance and then stretch ourselves! When curating a show it is a dynamic process that comprises quality work, aesthetic cohesion and something to stimulate our audience. This is an exciting and gratifying process.

Our new season, starting in September, has a robust roster of exhibits, classes and events. This will be the inaugural visit to ArtCenter Manatee by the Oil Painters of America (OPA). The collection of high-quality work is diverse and is all available for purchase. In February, we host the highly anticipated 154th American Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibition. This prestigious exhibit will only be in three locations in the country and we are the only venue in Florida. Guests come from all over the state to enjoy this exhibit. 

DAViD MANOLA, OWNER
BOULEVARD FiNE ART & CUSTOM FRAMiNG SOUTH

www.BoulevardFineArt.com • (941) 220-1227
110 Colonia Lane East, Nokomis, FL 34275

When clients step through the door of Boulevard Fine Art South in Nokomis, they are often surprised at the depth of fine art and framing options available—and also to learn that the gallery has only been open in this location since February of this year.

Owner David Manola explains. “After running our gallery in Chicago for 26 years, we’ve been spending more time each year down here. Eventually we hope to spend most of the year here in Florida.” Opening a location in the Sarasota area has been a longtime goal, and they finally found the perfect building.

“We carry one of the largest selections of fine art,” says Manola. “We have developed our line-up of artists over the years and keep adding when we find a new artist that captures our attention.” 

Who are some of the artists represented?

Manola says that Ursula Brenner is among their top artists. “We have been selling her work for 26 years, and it keeps getting better,” he says. “She really adapts to the ever-changing interior design trends. Color is everything.”

Another artist who has been quite popular is Alexis Henry. With a clean color palette and sophisticated abstract textures, his work complements almost every décor. 

Also noteworthy, says Manola, is work by artist Charles Dwyer. Formerly selling in the $2,000 to $3,000 range, his works are now available for $6,000 up to $22,000 as his artistry continually improves and evolves.

Boulevard Fine Art South carries more than 50 artists from all around the world—from emerging artists to award-winning, established artists. Visit them at 110 Colonia Lane East, Nokomis, FL.

CLYDE BUTCHER PHOTOGRAPHY

ClydeButcher.com • (941) 486-0811
237 Warfield Ave, Venice, Fl  34285

Internationally renowned photographer Clyde Butcher celebrates and captures the natural world in heirloom-quality, exquisite black and white photographs. Working exclusively on film using 8×10, 11×14, and 12×20 format view cameras, he reveals elaborate detail and textures that distinguish the intricacy of pristine, breathtaking landscapes. 

Museums across the world display his works; in the Venice location, visitors and collectors have the opportunity to experience these lush images up close. His award-winning, limited-edition and hand signed photographs are available in sizes ranging from 8 x 10 inches to 5 x 8 feet. Each is epic in its beauty and scale.

“Butcher’s art is a national treasure.” —Ken Burns, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker

Butcher believes in the restorative power of nature and sees the splendor of the wilderness as a healing sacrament. Visitors are invited to experience the power of Butcher’s vision at his gallery and studio, featuring a 2000 square-foot darkroom, located just south of Sarasota in the quaint town of Venice. 

For more than 50 years, Butcher has traveled across the country and abroad to capture a living record of the world’s most stunning, and yet threatened natural landscapes. Now you can share the journey by stepping behind the camera lens to explore Florida’s natural treasures up close on daily guided tours. Also available are two nature retreats, which blend pristine natural surroundings with modern amenities. Nestled deep in the Florida Everglades, these private accommodations sit on 13 lush subtropical acres of Big Cypress Swamp, surrounded by a million acres of wilderness.

“It is my hope that the vision I give to you will inspire you to love and protect our environment for generations to come.” —Clyde Butcher

BRANDON STONE & AUSTiN HELMUTH, 
OWNERS & PROPRiETORS
HELMUTH STONE GALLERY

HelmuthStone.com • (941) 260-9703
1467 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

Step through the doors at Helmuth Stone, a boutique fine arts gallery and auction house, to discover much more than a single style or period of artwork. Owners and proprietors Austin Helmuth and Brandon Stone welcome visitors to browse their wide selection of artworks, buy pieces for their own collection, or get assistance with selling any of their collection.

How is the work curated?

The retail gallery, opened in 2018, boasts a broad range of genres and provenances. On any given day, visitors may find pieces by 14th or 15th Century Old Masters displayed alongside early 20th-century Impressionists and local living artists. Curated collections change on a regular basis.

“We ran estate auctions for years and wanted to bring our passions for the business together in a boutique, high-end setting,” says Stone. “Our auctions help collectors with any style or taste find something that can fit into their collection, while the gallery is a mixture of what we see to be popular not only locally in the Sarasota area but from all over the United States.”

What’s available now?

Among current offerings are an original gouache painting by well-known Sarasota artist Jon Corbino (1905-1964) called “Design for Dancers” and an oil on canvas painting by Edward Moran (1829-1901) called “Summer Morning New York.” 

Helmuth Stone welcomes all to their September 26th auction and remind collectors that fresh fine art is always coming into the gallery. Watch for an upcoming curated selection of 18th and 19th century American and European fine art, contemporary art, sculpture, bronzes, estate jewelry, and more.

TRE MiCHEL, OWNER AND GALLERiST
STATE OF THE ARTS GALLERY

SarasotaFineArt.com • (941) 955-2787
1525 State Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

Since opening in March 2004, State of the Art Gallery has represented Sarasota artists who have dedicated their careers to a variety of visual media. The 5,000 square-foot gallery space invites the viewer to relax and engage with a great variety of works on display.

Owners David Steiner and Tre Michel often say to patrons, “We do not sell art…the art sells itself.”

What influences curation of exhibits?

“Variety is one element of our mission statement“ says Michel. “Our goal is to provide a dynamic space where visitors are welcome to explore and discover works across a broad spectrum of art mediums; relax and enjoy.”

“We realize that SRQ is a melting pot with collectors arriving from all around the globe,” says Michel. “We have always strived to be a world class gallery. The sophistication of our clients requires us to always move forward. We are also very fortunate to be able to show large scale works, given we have 14 foot ceilings and great lighting.”

What’s new and noteworthy?

“We are showing large scale paintings by David Steiner, Christopher Martin, and Tim Jaeger along with 25 other artists. We also have paintings of all sizes, photography, mixed media on paper, metal, wood, and other innovative mediums. One novel collection is from Nancy Guth, who captures panoramas of three-dimensional vacation and beach scenes housed in Lucite boxes. The miniature tableaux are fascinating,” says Michel.

What’s coming soon?

“That’s a mystery to us,” says Michel. “We are always open-minded and our artists are constantly surprising us.”

Visit State of the Arts Gallery for their wide array of offerings and be captivated by artworks that speak to you. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Sunday and Monday. Appointments upon request.

MARY MOSCATELLi, 
EXECUTiVE DiRECTOR
VENiCE ART CENTER

VeniceArtCenter.com • (941) 485-7136
390 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, Fl. 34285

Venice Art Center has been around for more than 65 years, yet it continues to surprise and delight. Back then, a group of 28 artists in Venice decided to put on an art exhibit. They got together and said, “Let’s do it.” They held their first exhibition in a small beach house, met with success, formed the Venice Art League, and blossomed into the Venice Art Center. 

With 12 exhibits annually, hundreds of classes for adults and children, 50 teachers of all disciplines, 1,400 members, an inspired staff, more than 200 volunteers, an Italian café (The Art Caffe), and a venue for multiple events, fundraisers, and concerts, the Center has become a focal point of the community. 

“What’s unique about the Center is that no matter who walks in the door, there is something for everyone here,” said Mary Moscatelli, the Center’s Executive Director. “We want to make it inclusive, so that anyone who walks in here can find something that they enjoy.” 

Moscatelli is also the Chair of an exciting new public arts project, FantaSea Venice. During August, the streets of Venice were adorned with dozens of 5-foot-tall artfully painted sculptures of mermaids and seahorses. Each of the 52 pieces has been painted by different artists, sponsored by various businesses and individuals, and will grace the streets through April of 2023.  

FantaSea Venice is the third public art project and promises the same allure as its predecessors. In 2005 the Center hosted a sculpture project called Pigs of Paradise, and in 2012, they showcased dolphins and mermaids, called Sea Venice. 

Moscatelli urges everyone to come downtown and experience FantaSea Venice. “The sculptures are beautiful. Make it a day trip! Try the restaurants, explore the shops, and just enjoy downtown Venice.” 

Visit veniceartcenter.com and fantaseavenice.com to learn more.