News & Exhibitions

Opening: Saturday, June 1, 4-7 PM
Exhibition dates: June 1 - 29, 2013

Arts on Douglas, Fine Art and Collectibles is pleased to feature six extraordinary jewelers for the month of June.  Join us as we welcome: Stefan Alexandres, Robert Farrell, Gabrielle Gould, Bridgette Rallo, Mary Schimpff Webb, and Barbara Umbel in “More than Just Bling!” Each of these remarkable talents has been personally invited for their unique styles and distinction in the arts community.

Stefan Alexandres designs poetic yet contemporary jewelry, with solid craftsmanship and design. Stefan is known for his alternative metal fabrication methods, and has broken new ground in creating his titanium jewelry.  The uniqueness of his work is based on his intuition for singular designs and starts with a pencil drawing ( no CAD). He works the metal directly without molds and is involved in every step of the process. Learn more about Stefan Alexandres at http://www.stefanalexandres.com

Robert Farrell believes that jewelry should quietly enhance a woman’s natural beauty rather than become a distraction from it.  With that in mind, his current body of work consists of simple forms with subtle surfaces.  The patterns are inspired by my admiration for Japanese graphics, African textiles, and the elegance found in nature.  The primary material used is sterling silver.  Robert does not use casting, plating, stamping, or any other mass-production techniques.  Each object is created from flat sheet metal and wire.  The surface patterns are created by either ‘hammered inlay,’ or true, ‘married metal’ inlay—a process in which different metals are fit together like a puzzle, and then soldered in place.  Learn more about Robert Farrell at www.farrellsilver.com

Gabrielle Gould uses feathers the same way many jewelers use gemstones.  Her work is an interpretation of the natural feel of coastal Florida and is inspired partly by the ornamentation of indigenous people. Each of her fascination works covey harmony in design, grace in execution and a sense of simple elegance.  Learn more about Gabrielle Gould at http://www.gabriellegould.com

Bridgette Rallo considers jewelry “wearable art” and approaches each of her pieces that way. She strives to create works that evoke a special feeling in the viewer or the wearer. Her work is strongly tied to the environment and incorporates both gems and minerals in her jewelry, as well as fiber, glass, shells, coral, primitive and ethnic beads. Learn more about Bridgette Rallo at www.greenwoodsstudio.com

Mary Schimpff Webb has been represented by Arts on Douglas since its onset in 1996. Her distinctive use of materials and techniques developed over her extensive career sets her apart from other jewelry makers.  Her wearable artworks are fluid, sculptural and textured forms utilizing unusual combinations of precious and semi-precious stones with gold, platinum, silver and wood. All of her works are handcrafted, including the gems she often shapes herself. Learn more about Mary Schimpff Webb at http://artsondouglas.net/pages/mary-schimpff-webb

Barbara Umbel loves walking the sands of Melbourne Beach, collecting colorful seashells.  Her fascination of their color variations and precise geometry has led her to her current works which are not only inspired by, but in part, come from the Atlantic Ocean. Learn more about Barbara Umbel at www.barbaraumbel.com.

An Opening Reception for More than Just Bling! will be held on Saturday, June 1, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  The event is free and open to the public.   This exhibition will be on display until June 29, 2013.  Some works by may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

Special Feature: The Food Trucks are rolling in! 
20 Food Trucks will arrive for the event to draw new attendees and bridge the art organizations participating in the monthly Downtown Arts District Gallery Walk in New Smyrna Beach. The caravan of savors will be stretched from Arts on Douglas on Magnolia Street to The Hub on Canal Street.  Items to be served rage from Tacos to Lobster and will be available for purchase from 3 PM to 9 PM. 

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: May 4 – 25, 2013
Opening: Saturday, May 4, 4 - 7 PM

Does your art collection wish list include: Jean Banas, Christine Peloquin or Donne Bitner? The upcoming exhibition “Past Perfect” could help your collection vision come true. 

Arts on Douglas is pleased to announce the return of this unique group exhibition.  The “Past Perfect” exhibition includes works by artists currently represented by the gallery, who have been invited to include older works and/ or works that may need some revitalizing; like a new matte or frame.

This type of sale is rare for the gallery, and provides an exceptional opportunity for you to acquire two and three-dimensional works by some Central Florida’s top Artists.

On the showing, Meghan Martin, Gallery Director states, “Arts on Douglas has maintained a policy, throughout the 18 years we have been in business not to discount the works of the artists we represent in an effort to maintain each of the artists market value. This policy is equally important to the artists as it is to our collectors – as they know we stand behind our prices. The “Past Perfect” exhibition creates a unique opportunity for our artists to “clean out” their studios and move works that may be slightly older and/ or in need a update. The works included in this show are discounted to reflect those needs.”

The “Past Perfect” participating artists include: Jean Banas, Hope Barton, Donne Bitner, Tom Brewer, Marilyn Catlow, Judi Dold, René Guerin, Jane Jennings, Jane Manus, Larry Moore, Gretchen Nass, Lee Nesler, Christine Peloquin, Audrey Phillips, Wendy Tatter, Trish Thompson, Anna Tomczak, and Barbara Wagner.

As a regular feature, Arts on Douglas stages a continuing series of group exhibitions of works by all artists represented by the gallery.  Unparalleled in scale of its exhibition space (5,000 square feet) and artistic stable (50 Florida artists), Arts on Douglas furnishes viewers a unique opportunity to enjoy a wide range of artistic style and temperament under one roof.

The exhibition will open on Saturday, May 4 with an Opening Reception for the artists from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.  The exhibition “Past Perfect” will be on display until May 25, 2013.  Some works may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

Special Feature: The Food Trucks are rolling in! 
20 Food Trucks will arrive for the event to draw new attendees and bridge the art organizations participating in the monthly Downtown Arts District Gallery Walk in New Smyrna Beach. The caravan of savors will be stretched from Arts on Douglas on Magnolia Street to The Hub on Canal Street.  Items to be served rage from Tacos to Lobster and will be available for purchase from 3 PM to 9 PM. 

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: April 6-27, 2013
Opening: Saturday, April 6, 4-7 pm
Artist’s Talk: Friday, April 19 at 11 am

When April arrives, the spring flower bloom season gains momentum.  Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles in Smyrna Beach, FL is celebrating the color, vibrancy and promise of warmer days ahead with an exhibition by John Wilton entitled Floral.

John Wilton is a true mixed media artist, blending several mediums, as well as stylistic conventions, even within a single work.   Influenced by American Pop Art, Wilton masterfully combines techniques from painting, collage, printmaking, digital media, photography, sculpture, and even video. In addition to painterly handling, there are machine-generated patterns, apparent repetitions, and abstract forms in combination with sleek photographic stereotypes. Consequently, his process transforms the accustomed into the unusual, giving the viewer a sense of the complex visual possibilities of the everyday world. 

This spectacular body of work is a result of an artistic exploration that spans over a decade. “A concentrated focus on flowers began with Memorial Day, 2010 and “blossomed” from there” puns Wilton. “I was exploring sculptural pieces decorated with Pop-infused collage. I had incorporated flowers into many pieces over the years; I began to think about the flower as the dominant subject.”

Like many artists of his generation, John Wilton chooses to find poetic, even epic qualities in the ordinary aspects of contemporary life.  His paintings, collages, sculpture and mixed-media works layer images from mass culture with hand-painted and digital passages, replicating the sensory overload we experience in our media-driven age.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  John Wilton will give an Artist’s Talk on Friday, April 19 at 11 am.  Both events are free and open to the public.  The exhibition “Floral” will be on display until April 27, 2013.  Works by John Wilton may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Opening: Saturday, March 2, 4-7 PM
Exhibition dates: March 2 - 30, 2013
Artist’s Talk: Friday, March 15 at 11 AM

This March, three extraordinary talents will share the spotlight and their love of nature in an exhibition entitled Intertwined.  Arts on Douglas, Fine Art and Collectibles are pleased to feature: Anna Tomczak, Linda Broadfoot, and Louise Freshman Brown.  

Each of these remarkable women is recognized nationally and internationally for their unique composite works that thoughtfully convey their admiration and respect for the world around them.  With a shared goal, to express the wonder that comes from observing broadly and looking closely at the natural details that surrounds us all.

“The idea of this exhibition developed from a simple conversation with Linda and Louise” Anna Tomczak recalls, “We immediately struck on the convergence of our passions for botanicals.” 

Anna Tomczak earned a BA in Theater Arts-Film Studies from Pennsylvania State University and an MFA in Fine Art Photography from the University of Florida. This combination of theater, film and photography provided her the foundation for the development of dramatic imagery realized in her current work.  Tomczak's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and collections. 

Linda Broadfoot, a former biology major who at one point considered pursuing a career in architecture, worked as an operating room nurse as she studied for her BA degree in art history and photography. Her varied interests and experiences in science and the arts coalesce in subtle, sensitive, stunning photographic studies of insects and plant forms that seem to come from another era.  Broadfoot has exhibited throughout the United States and in Europe and her work is held in many private, public and corporate collections.

Louise Freshman Brown is a painter and mixed medium artist whose works have been featured in exhibitions in museums and galleries in the United States and Europe. She is a Professor of Art at The University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL where she has been awarded for excellence in teaching and scholarship. In 2005 she received the Outstanding Faculty Scholarship Award and in 2007 the Distinguished Professor Award. She conducts workshops and lectures nationally and internationally.

An Opening Reception for Intertwined will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  The event is free and open to the public.   In conjunction with the Downtown Music Festival, Arts on Douglas will be one of the destination venues. During the opening, the gallery will be hosting the William Perrry Duo a jazz keyboardist with a guitar player.  William Perry is a classical and jazz pianist, piano teacher, student at Stetson University, and a resident of New Smyrna Beach. He began his studies at nine, and has performed regularly in the local area, America, and in Europe.  The exhibition Intertwined will be on display until March 30, 2012.  Works by may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Image 1: Untitled by Louise Freshman Brown,mixed medium monoprint, prisma color, and conte crayon, 30" x 22".
Image 2: Sterling Orchestra by Anna Tomczak, 20 x 24 Polaroid image transfer.
Image 3: Medinilla cummingii (Cumming’s Medinilla), Linda Broadfoot, hand manipulated 20 x 24 Polaroid image transfer.

On Exhibit: February 2 – 23
Opening Reception: Sat., Feb. 2, 4 – 7 PM
Free and open to the public. Arts on Douglas, Fine Art and Collectibles

The New Smyrna Beach gallery, Arts on Douglas will be presenting a celebration of fine jewelry making in an exhibition by Mary Schimpff Webb entitled Nouvelle et Fraiche.

Mary’s distinctive use of materials and techniques developed over her extensive career sets her apart from other jewelry makers.  Her wearable artworks are fluid, sculptural and textured forms utilizing unusual combinations of precious and semi-precious stones with gold, platinum, silver and wood. All of her works are handcrafted, including the gems she often shapes herself.

In addition to making jewelry, Webb also creates sculptural boxes, fine silverware, belt buckles and other unique pieces. During her prolific career, Webb has continued to challenge herself with new styles and techniques to apply to her artwork. She has firmly established herself as a fine craftsman of modernist jewelry.

On the current works, Webb states “Each new gem stone, whether is it one that I’ve cut, collected or acquired, brings fresh inspiration to my designs.”

Mary began studying jewelry making at a very early age. Her mother Frances was an accomplished artist and jewelry maker. Webb's childhood was surrounded by art. In the 1970s, Webb opened a jewelry studio with her mother in Glen Arbor, Michigan.  Webb has taught and shown extensively through the US. and has been featured in numerous books on fine jewelry and metalsmithing.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  This event is free and open to the public.  The exhibition “Nouvelle et Fraiche” will be on display until February 23, 2013.

Mary Schimpff Webb has been represented by Arts on Douglas since its onset in 1996. Her beautifully crafted designs have been featured in a solo exhibition each February for the past 12 years.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: January 5-26, 2013
Opening: Saturday, January 5, 4-7 pm
Artist’s Talk: Friday, January 18, 2013, 11 am

Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles in Smyrna Beach, FL is kicking off the New Year with an exceptional exhibition featuring the work of Randall Smith.  The exhibition entitled “and you’re bringing what mr. smith” will showcase the vibrant mixed media works of this recognized Central Florida artist.

Chasing the creative moment has always been the driving force behind Smith’s work.  These current works combine acrylic and oil paint, oil pastel and collaged imagery or photograph.  On his new works Smith states, "Sometimes it is really good to travel away from one's comfort zone and revisit different mediums.  If you're not nervous (scared to death) about new work, maybe it's too safe."

Randall Smith lives and works in Winter Park, FL.  He received his BFA from University of Central Florida in drawing. His works are widely collected by public and private collectors throughout the US.  Randall Smith has been represented by Arts on Douglas gallery since 2004.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  An Artist’s Talk by Randall Smith will be held Friday, January 18 at 11 am.  Both events are free and open to the public.  The exhibition “and you’re bringing what mr. smith” will be on display until January 26, 2012. 

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: December 1 - 22, 2012
Opening: Saturday, December 1, 4 - 7 PM

Arts on Douglas is pleased to announce the opening of the 13th annual group exhibition entitled “Small Things Considered”.  This exhibition is open to all the artists represented by the gallery. This special exhibition features a unique collection of two and three-dimensional works created specifically for this show. The only restrictions for the work included in this exhibition is size—all work submitted must be 8” x 8” x 8” or smaller.

The Small Things Considered Exhibition 2012 participating artists include: Susan Bach, Donne Bitner, Tom Brewer, Jill Cannady, Marilyn Catlow, Giuseppe Corazzina, Judi Dold, René Guerin, Ed Harris, Jane Jennings, Riitta Klint, Jane Manus, Kevin McNamara, Larry Moore, Carol E. Napoli, Gretchen Nass, Lee Nesler, Christine Peloquin, Don Reagan, Mary Schimpff Webb, Wendy Tatter, Trish Thompson, Anna Tomczak, Marylee Voegele, Barbara Wagner.  For this exhibition, Arts on Douglas invited four guest artists to be included in this exhibtion: Kelly Berning, Trent Berning, Cheryl Mackey Smith, and Lynn Whipple.

The Small Things Considered Exhibition 2012 is one of the gallery’s most popular and anticipated shows of the year.  It has evolved over the years to become a great crowd-pleaser and a motivating challenge for our participating artists, many of whom do not normally work so small.  The exhibition will certainly pique the interest of everyone on your wish list this holiday season. 

As a regular feature, Arts on Douglas stages a continuing series of group exhibitions of works by all artists represented by the gallery.  Unparalleled in scale of its exhibition space (5,000 square feet) and artistic stable (50 Florida artists), Arts on Douglas furnishes viewers a unique opportunity to enjoy a wide range of artistic style and temperament under one roof.

The gallery will open on Saturday, December 1 at 9:00 am with an Opening Reception for the artists from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.  The exhibition “Small Things Considered” will be on display until December 22, 2012.  Works may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: November 3 – 24, 2012
Opening: Saturday, November 3, 4 - 7 PM
Artist’s Talk: Friday November 9, 11 AM

With a medium originated by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks; Florida artist Jeff League expresses an environmental message to a modern audience.

This November, Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles in Smyrna Beach, FL will feature Jeff League in an exhibition entitled “On Withered Branch: Encaustic Paintings”.  In this notable collection, League uses an involved process combining a unique photographic transfer process with encaustic medium; an ancient form of painting made from a mixture of beeswax and resin like that once used ceremoniously in antiquity.

League’s awareness of this material is attuned with his subject of exploration - myth and nature. With simple imagery and abstract color painting or ancient maps, Jeff League is a visual storyteller.  Drawing inspiration from archetypal imagery, his compositions build upon layers of expanding and saturated pigments, dreamlike textures, and haunting silhouettes.  His use of crows in many of his pieces is a mythical reference, alluding to their role as messengers in Greek mythology. The messenger is telling us – warning us about what we are doing to the environment.

Jeff League’s works have been exhibited at The Polk Museum, The Museum of Florida Art, Orlando Museum of Art, and the Austrian Super Circuit in Linz, Austria. Polaroid Corporation has selected his photographic work for their permanent collection

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. An Artist’s Talk and Demonstration will be held Friday November 9 at 11 AM.  Both events are free and open to the public.  The exhibition “On Withered Branch: Encaustic Paintings” will be on display until November 24, 2012.  Works by Jeff League may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: October 6 – 27, 2012
Opening: Saturday, October 6, 4-7 pm
Artist’s Talk: Friday, October 12 at 11 am

Since 1996, Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles has brought the finest commercial artists to the community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.  This October, oil painter Heidi Edwards will be featured in an exhibition entitled “The Ubiquitous Marsh”.

Landscape is the catalyst for this body of work, particularly Florida’s unique waterways, including rivers, springs, headwaters, coastal salt marshes and great savannahs.  However, imagery is only a point of departure; Edwards’s paintings are surreal and almost dreamlike. The work is not concerned with what a place looks like, but what a place feels like. 

With a palette juxtaposing low key and high key colors, each of her painting echoes emotions and her awe of nature.  The primary subject is color and the manner in which it becomes atmospheric space.  Her emphasis on the liquidity of pigment is a constant in the work, as is an active gestural surface. 

On her new works Edwards states, “The work is not intended as social commentary; instead it is a lyrical abstraction – a place of the imagination – a self-portrait of respite and tranquility.  It is the feeling of a place declared in color.” The contrast between graphic and painterly is also of interest; playing off the simplicity of large planar forms against sharp, staccato movements.” 

Heidi Edwards is a Florida landscape artist that has been living and working in Florida for over thirty years.  Edwards studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and received her BFA form the University of Illinois. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions and is widely collected.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, October 6, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. An Artist’s Talk will be held Friday, October 12 at 11 am.  Both events are free and open to the public.  The exhibition “The Ubiquitous Marsh” will be on display until October 27, 2012.  Works by Heidi Edwards may be viewed online at http://artsondouglas.net/pages/heidi-edwards.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: September 1 – 29, 2012
Opening: Saturday, September 1, 4-7 pm
Artist’s Talk: Friday, September 21, 11 am

This September, Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles in Smyrna Beach, FL will be featuring Marc Barrett in an exhibition entitled “Tilted Tectonics”.  In This remarkable collection, Barrett captures the beauty of steel, concrete, structure lines and mirrored glass in the modern architecture of downtown office buildings.

Barrett’s paintings are illusions of space. The repetition of railings, windows, and balconies painted with a kaleidoscope of colors shows various dwellings that set up a constant visual rhythm.  His low angled linear perspective creates structures that want to spin the viewer creating a feeling of vertigo.

On his new works Barrett states, “As a painter, I am interested in how the transparency of the glass windows, along with reflections and shadows create optical tension. I believe architecture is a visual language understood throughout the world.  This architecture has allowed me, as a painter, to locate beauty in the modern world. By focusing on a structure I am able to discover new patterns of expression.”

Barrett was born in Franklin, Indiana.  He received his MFA in painting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. An Artist’s Talk will be held Friday, September 21 at 11 am.  Both events are free and open to the public.  The exhibition “Tilted Tectonics” will be on display until September 29, 2012.  Works by Marc Barrett may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: August 4- 25, 2012
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 4, 4 -7 PM
Free and open to the public 

You will recognize several of the names in this group exhibition as it includes many of Central Florida's finest festival, gallery and graphic artists; art educators and community art leaders. 

On the exhibition, Gallery Director Meghan Martin shared “We are thrilled to have this talented group of artists exhibiting together in our gallery.  We currently represent four of the twenty artists that are included in this exhibition. We are pleased to showcase this group of major award winning artists, many whose works are included in public and private collections, to our audience.”

McRae studio artists participating in this exhibition include: Cindy A. Anderson, Stephen Bach, Susan Bach, Krista Berman, Donne Bitner, Victor Bokas, Matthew Cornell, Dina Mack, Cheryl Mackey Smith, Martha Jo Mahoney, Larry Moore, Mary Ostrander, Cheri Riechers, Randall Smith, Don Sondag, Byron Walker, Chip Weston, John Whipple, Lynn Whipple and Marty Whipple.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, August 4, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  The event is free and open to the public.  This exhibition will be on display until August 25, 2012.  Works may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.  Arts on Douglas, Fine Art and Collectibles is located at 123 Douglas Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL.  Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays 11 AM to 3 PM.  For more information, please call 386-428-1133.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

McRae Art Studios is located at 904 Railroad Avenue, Suite 200 in Winter Park, FL.  The studios may be viewed by appointment or on the web at www.mcraeartstudios.com.  

Exhibition dates: July 7- 28, 2012
Opening Reception: Saturday, July 7, 4 -7 PM
Free and open to the public

This July, Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles asks the questions, what makes us smile?  Scientists have proven that happiness does not come from age, gender, intelligence, physical attractiveness, or money.  But they all agree that Art is an important component.  Art connects people to their humanity, to the excitement of being alive. It teaches us things, ignites our emotions, overwhelms our senses, makes us laugh, and gives us insights into ourselves we couldn't gather on our own.

What Makes Us Smile is sure to be one of the gallery’s most delightful shows of the year.  Open to all the artists represented by the gallery, this special exhibition features a unique collection of two and three-dimensional works from whimsical to downright hysterical created just to make you smile.

“Some people think of an art openings or exhibitions as stuffy” said Meghan Martin, Gallery Director, “but it doesn’t have to be.  With this show, we wanted to embrace the summertime fun and present art just to make you smile.”

What Makes Us Smile participating artists include: Jean Banas, Donne Bitner, Marilyn Catlow, Judi Dold, Rene’ Guerin, Bryce Hammond, Jane Jennings, Riitta Klint,  Jane Manus, Jan Miller, Larry Moore, Gretchen Nass, Audrey Phillips, Beau Redmond, Mary Schimpff Webb, Wendy Tatter, Trish Thompson, Anna Tomczak, and John Wilton.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, July 7, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  The event is free and open to the public.  The exhibition will be on display until July 28, 2012.  Works may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: June 2 - 30, 2012
Opening: Saturday, June 2, 4-7 pm

This June, Carol Elder Napoli will share the spotlight with colleague and Arts on Douglas’ guest artist, Gregory A. Jones.   Both artists will present bold works that seem to be as much of a journey for the artists as they are for the viewer.

Carol Elder Napoli, a resident of New Smyrna Beach, has been showing and winning art shows for decades with her spiritually moving works.  Carol’s works are made with layers of acrylic paint and acrylic mediums worked over with various washes of transparent color.  The textural areas she creates direct the eye within the compositions and builds interest in surface.  Her “weaving” process of surface, color, images and abstracted compositional shapes are the tools used to form narrative themes expressing life in spiritual terms.   Using acrylic paint upon 300 lb. rag paper or board, the works display a “history” of marks and images, which have been created by the previous layers. Charcoal is often used mixed with mediums to offer various blacks and drawing marks. 

On her new works, Napoli states “I enjoys both the formal aspects of art and its’ less easily defined intuitive and emotional side. I desire to create images that speak to the heart as well as bringing interest and delight to the viewer.”

The works of Gregory A. Jones are also an exploration of the spirit.   Jones strives to develop “layered” paintings that capture the unconscious; images that speak to us about the “human condition, our place in the environment and/ or something of the future. 

“I simply follow paths through the woods as I did as a child.  The idealism of my youth and the realism of my adult life run head-on in my work, forming an expression that merges seriousness, playfulness, and superficiality with depth.  To reach inside and free the creative child within each of us is what my art is about” Jones states.

Napoli received her B.F.A. degree from Florida State University in 1976.  She has been painting and showing her work throughout the country for the past 30 years. 

Jones received his undergraduate degrees from Polk Community College, Winter Haven, FL, 1966, and the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 1968. He has won more than 100 Best of Show Awards and has accumulated a list of more than one thousand awards in art competitions throughout Florida.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, June 2, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  The event is free and open to the public.  The exhibition will be on display until June 30, 2012.  Works by Carol Elder Napoli may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

Exhibition dates: May 5 - 26, 2012
Opening: Saturday, May 5, 4-7 pm
Artist’s Talk: Friday, May 11 at 11 am

This May, Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles in Smyrna Beach, FL will be featuring an exhibition that captures the natural splendor of Florida in “Larry Moore: Sensu Naturae”.

With subjects painted in natural light, Moore conveys the sensory experience of being outdoors: the sounds, the smells, temperature, wind, and the challenges of color and design.

“To paint the great outdoors is to give homage to nature and maybe give the viewers of my paintings a reminder of what was and what could still be.” say Moore.

Moore’s love of nature was first influenced by his Florida childhood home that was situated on a river right next to the ocean, surrounded by a vast preserve of islands and wildlife.

Beginning his career in illustration, Larry has worked in almost every medium and style.  His passion settled on painting en plein air, a French expression which means "in the open air", during the mid-80′s.  “The direction chose me”, says Moore, “and it is more for the experience of nature and the process of creating in it than anything else”.

On his new works Moore states, “This form of art has taken me to many magnificent places; my desire is to share these experiences.”

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 5, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Larry Moore will give an Artist’s Talk on Friday, May 11 at 11 am.  Both events are free and open to the public.  The exhibition “Sensu Naturae” will be on display until May 26, 2012.  Works by Larry Moore may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.

This March, Arts on Douglas, Fine Art and Collectibles in New Smyrna Beach, FL will be featuring Christine Peloquin in a 2-D mixed media exhibition entitled “Part of the Process”.

“Art and life is always about becoming more conscious, more aware, and more of yourself”, says Peloquin.  “The joy in my process of collaging, drawing and painting is the instinctual choices of rendering and harmonizing what I will cover up and what I will leave to be revealed.”

Mary Schimpff Webb invites you to Open It!

Images in Batik - The Art of Painting with Wax and Dyes on Fabric