HOLMES BEACH – Art imitates life at the Island Gallery West with the “Live Colorfully” exhibit currently on display. Vibrant works of art inspired by the flora, fauna and people of Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas draw the eye to native birds, crashing waves and everything in between.
The artists displaying their paintings, drawings, photographs, mixed media, pottery, jewelry, glass mosaics and more are all Island Gallery West members.
“The works featured in the ‘Live Colorfully’ display were juried in by a member committee,” Gallery member Susan Maas said. “Members were invited to submit a couple of works each for consideration; that was the process for this exhibit.”
The Island Gallery West is a co-op with each member paying a portion of the sale of their art to fund the operating costs. They currently have 30 member artists, all of whom are from the area. The Gallery welcomes submissions from any local artist who would like to become a member. After submitting required material and documentation, new members must get a 2/3rd majority of current members’ approval to be accepted.
“Not all of our members live on the Island, but everyone is from the area. I think we have one artist who lives in Tampa, but that would be the farthest away. We’re certainly local,” Maas said.
The “Live Colorfully” exhibit has been extended through the end of September, so there is plenty of time to view or purchase these works of art. Island Gallery West is located at 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, trolley stop 15. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information on the Gallery and its artists, or becoming a member, visit the website or call 941-778-6648.
