Lake Eustis Institute - The Art of Collecting 2008

"Florida Regional Art in Focus Exhibit"

I have been invited to participate in an exhibit of Florida Regional Art presented by Ruggie Wealth Management. The exhibit will be from January 11 through January 28, 2008 at the Lake Eustis Institute Exhibition Hall, 135 Grove Street, Eustis, Florida.

The title of the art exhibit is "Florida Regional Art in Focus" featuring established Florida artists working as Regionalists. Each artist was invited to participate because of their professional art accomplishments and contribution to the arts in Florida. I am honored to be included in such an illustrious group.

The exhibiting artists are limited to two paintings each, which will show a wide spectrum of art created in Florida. The following images are the paintings I will present.

My first painting is titled "Enchanted Lagoon". It was inspired by plein air painting sketches I did at McKee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach on the east coast of Florida. Many north Florida residents are not familiar with the Royal Poinciana Tree, or Flamboyaunt (as it is called in Jamaica). It is not native to Florida but was imported to south Florida many years ago where it thrives, particularly in Miami and Coconut Grove. When in full bloom, it looses all of its fern-like leaves and puts on a magnificent display of firery red flowers.

My second painting for the Florida Regional Art in Focus is titled "Jewels of Nature". It too was inspired by a plein air painting trip this time in my kayak on the west coast of Florida. There is nothing more beautiful than Roseate Spoonbills feeding among the mangroves. Spoonbills get their pink color from the food they eat, the pinker and more plentiful the shrimp, the pinker the birds.

This should be a spectacular exhibit and exciting event. If you can attend any of the receptions/lectures/auctions you will gain a wealth of information.

The Art of Art Collecting is a two week art event presented by the Lake Eustis Institute. It is designed to provide practical information for anyone desiring to collect or build an estate with fine art. Contact the Institute to purchase tickets (352-357-3995)

January 11 - Opening Night Reception. The speaker will be Jim Fitch, founder and past Curator of the Museum of Florida Art and Culture. Fitch will present his approach to collecting art with an emphasis on acquiring contemporary regional art of Florida. Some of the exhibiting artists will attend. (Reception only tickets are $30.00 per person)

January 12-25 - Florida Regional Art in Focus Exhibit The exhibit features established Florida artists working as Regionalists. The paintings are available for purchase. (Free to the public)

January 25 - Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Art Auction. The exhibit will end with a catered dinner at Lake Receptions, Mount Dora. A highlight of the gala will be an auction of some of the art from the exhibit that will provide a perfect opportunity for attendees to put their new-found knowledge to work. 6-10PM Some of the exhibiting artists will attend. (Gala only tickets are $50.00 per person)

If you are interested in attending all of the events you will get a GREAT DEAL. Tickets are only $70.00 for the opening night reception and lecture AND the Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Art Auction.

I am not pushing the tickets, just giving you information. The FREE Florida Regional Art in Focus Exhibit is the thing I hope you won't miss. It is shaping up to be one of the most spectacular art exhibits in the state.

I plan to attend the opening night reception on January 11 and the Gala on January 25. If you attend please let me know, I would love to meet you.