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Ben Keys, 2nd Friday Open House and more news from Spectrum Art & Jewelry

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Ben Keys, Found at Sea

Open House and Artist Demo!

It's that time again...

Spectrum Art and Jewelry's monthly

Open House and

Artist Demonstration

is this Friday

September the 9th!

We have not just one but two featured artists this month!

Join us as we watch Jane Faudree and Ann Hair

create beautiful new paintings right here in the gallery.

Here's a sneak peek of new paintings from Jane and Ann...

Jane Faudree, Blue Striped Awnings

Ann Hair, Carolina Skies

A collection of new paintings by Jane and Ann

will be on display at Spectrum

as well as new work from other gallery artists.

Get here early to see

Jane Faudree and Ann Hair's

Artist Demonstrations

from

3:30-5:30 pm

and

Stay for our

Open House

from

5:00-7:00 pm

Enjoy an evening of art, wine, hor' doeuvres,

and live music provided by Galen!

Let us celebrate with you!

Do you love gifts?
I know I do!
Especially when I get to pick out what I want.

We have started something new at Spectrum Art & Jewelry that we are really excited about and we know you will be too!

We would like to send you a
$25 gift card
for your
Birthday and Anniversary
to spend on anything your heart desires here at Spectrum!

We just need the dates of your special days and your address to send you your card, so make sure you come in to Spectrum soon to give us your information.

Once we have your information you will be sent your gift card to spend during the month of your Birthday and/or Anniversary each year!

We are excited to celebrate your special days with you
and we look forward to seeing you soon!

AUGUST STUDIO SALE

An exceptional opportunity awaits you at Spectrum...

Have you been waiting to buy some new paintings
to spruce up your home or office?

Now is the time

to check out

Spectrum Art & Jewelry's

Studio Art Sale!

Our painters are cleaning house!
They have gone through their studios
to clear out and make room for new work.

We have over 60 select paintings of all sizes
that are at least 25% off!

Visit our side room to view the offerings of
Jane Faudree
Ann Hair
Ben Keys
Nancy Noel May
Phil Meade
Mike Rooney
Jaqueline Perry
Kristin Gibson

(To see more work by the artists that are involved in our
Studio Sale click on their names above.
The paintings on their web pages are not on sale.)

Don't wait, this is your last chance!
These paintings will only be here for the month of August
and at these great prices they are going fast!

Phil Meade: Sneak Peek

(In case you haven't heard...Spectrum Art and Jewelry has an open house and wine tasting the second Friday of every month with live music, artists, new artwork and wine!)

Local painter, Phil Meade, is going to be the featured artist for Spectrum's July open house and wine tasting! Phil will have fresh new work on display and will be available to speak with you and answer whatever questions you may have.

I have gotten the pleasure of seeing two of his new paintings!
They are amazing and like always Phil's ability to catch natural light in his work is absolutely breathtaking. I am so excited about these new paintings! I am going to share them with you too, but don't miss out on seeing the real thing, photo's just don't do the paintings justice!

Phil Meade "His Brothers Boat"

"While riding around coastal areas looking for possible subjects to paint, I came across this scene behind an old building on a river. To me it seemed perfect. The smaller boat was resting on the mud pointing right at me. The larger boat was in part shadow and at a right angle to the smaller boat. The lighting was perfect. I quickly did a small tonal sketch. When I was almost finished the owner of the shrimp boat appeared. He was very friendly. He noted what I was painting and said the small boat belonged to his brother. His brother used it for fishing and clamming. Although he doesn't use it too much anymore, he still takes care of it. It was a perfect story for my feelings about this subject."
-Phil Meade

Phil Meade "Port City"

"The river is always a place of inspiration for me" says Phil.
"The old historic buildings on the hill. Shops along the rivers edge.
Boat activity. The river itself racing with the tides.
The views and the light are always changing."

The Open House is Friday, July 8th. It will be from 5-7 pm, but get here early because Phil will be here doing an artist demonstration in the gallery from 3:30-5:30 pm. So mark your calendars, you don't want to miss this!

Live music will be furnished by husband and wife duo, Lisa and Galen.

Come and meet one of our favorite artists, enjoy live music, wine and light refreshments!


Taylor

State of the Art/Art of the State Exhibit at Cameron Art Museum

State of the Art/Art of the State

EXHIBITION RUNS:

May 8 – October 30, 2011

Spectrum Art & Jewelry artists
Anne Cunningham, Jane Faudree, Ann Hair, Kristin Gibson, Nancy Noel-May & Phil Meade

are part of this exciting exhibition of contemporary NC artists.

Curated by CAM and top curators from

Tate Modern, London

Guggenheim, NYC

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
and

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Be sure to see this exhibit of Artists from all over North Carolina.
It has a wonderful variety of art forms and styles so everyone will get the chance to discover new artists and experience the many flavors of our state.

Visit CAM in Wilmington, NC
www.cameronartmuseum.com

Visit Spectrum Art & Jewelry to see more work by these artists

www.spectrumartandjewelry.com

"French Twist" by Nancy Noel May

Fishermen of Marseille 8x10Acrylic on Canvas

Nancy Noel May, local artist and painter is Spectrum Art & Jewelry's featured artist for the month of May. Nancy has recently returned from a trip to France. Inspired by the many flavors of Avignon, Marseille and Paris, Nancy has created some of her best work to date. These paintings are vibrant, exciting and bursting with color.

Nancy Noel May has always loved to paint and has been doing so now for over 50 years. Having grown up in a small community on the Chesapeake Bay, the coastal influences of color, light and scenery have been with her from the very start. Bright color and impressionistic lines are characteristic of her work. She enjoys painting in the plein-air style, which is pianting outdoors. Plein-air was a central feature of French Impressionist masters, another clearly seen influence in Nancy's work. In 2004 she returned to acrylics after a long stint with oils. She has found that the quicker drying time forces her to paint more spontaneously.

In addition to her first love, painting, she is also extremely passionate about traveling. She is never caught traveling without a sketch book and camera to record her experiences. She went to Paris, France for the first time three years ago and it was love at first sight. This second trip she was able to explore more of France extending her travels to Marseille, Avignon and Paris. She loved the glamor of Paris but found the quaint villages of Avignon and the coast and boating communities of Marseille to be equally charming. Each location offering a unique variety of aesthetic riches for her to translate into paint. The paintings for her “French Twist” Exhibit are acrylics on either 8x10 or 6x12 canvas of a variety of subjects and locations from across France. Her vision is to make paintings reminiscent of post cards and snapshots to inspire reflection and memories.

There is an artist reception during Spectrum Art & Jewelry's May Open House and Wine Tasting from 5 to 7 pm on Friday May 13 where Nancy will present her work. Music will be provided during the evening by local musician, Phillip Pennington.

Taylor

WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS?

DREAMS OF WILMINGTON is near and dear to our hearts here at Spectrum. We have sponsored several fund raisers for them, having lots of fun in the process. They offer a rare opportunity for many young people who may not otherwise have the chance to participate in classes in the literary, visual and performing arts. For over a decade Dreams has educated and enriched the lives of so many children, we are fortunate to have them in our community. I'm enclosing a link to their website and would encourage everyone to take a look at the program, it's very impressive. Children are our future, and investing in them is a major key to that future.

Our Paint Around event in November will be another fund raising event for Dreams. On the 6th five of our artists, Phil Meade, Nancy Noel May, Ann Hair, Kristin Gibson and Jane Faudree will be working on a colloborative project where in the artist will rotate around five easels. The end result will be five unique paintings bearing the touch of all five artists. These paintings will be raffled off to benefit Dreams. Raffle tickets will be on sale starting on the sixth, and it will be the perfect day to stop by and cheer the artists on. It's an ideal time to visit with your favorite artists and see how they each work! Put the date on your calendar!

UNDER THE BIG TENT...

If you happened to drive by the Forum on Saturday you saw a tent in front of Spectrum. No, the circus wasn't in town, but the same excitement was in the air!

Kristin Gibson, our favorite Carolina Beach artist, was here showing how she hand paints her silk scarves, and helping many participants make their own silk ornaments using a less complex technique. Everyone expressed how much fun they had and how amazed they were at using simple techniques to create some wonderful masterpieces! It didn't matter how old your were (we even had a 3 year old) or how much artistic skill you possess, each piece was fantastic! Thanks to everyone who attended, we collected one hundred and fifty dollars for DREAMS OF WILMINGTON!

What is in the box?

Star and Nancy found some fabulous treasures on their last buying trip, and the packages are coming in daily! The "dynamic duo" surely know how to shop!

WOVEN GLASS is a new line for us. Located near Saratoga, New York, Terry Weaver left his career as an architect to become a glass artist. Wait until you see his hanging vases!
Because they hang you can see the light coming through the glass, adding even more brilliance to the fantastic colors. They are intended to be used as vases, but are beautiful on their own. Need a gift for some who has everything? This may be just the thing! I'm sure you'll want one for yourself as well! We also have some WOVEN GLASS ring holders. Each one is hand made and for nineteen dollars is a great buy!


Wilmington's own Sarah James recently brought in some of her newest pieces. Still using her hand made glass beads, she has added more hand wrought metal to emphasize a very contemporary look. There are hoop earrings, bangle bracelets, and stunning necklaces.

And still more is coming!

Enjoy these lovely cool and crisp fall days!


Kathleen

American Craft Week at Spectrum

American Craft Week is October 1 - 10.

Here are events happening here at Spectrum that week:

Friday, October 8, from 6pm - 8pm:
Open House featuring Gallery Craft Artists


We will be featuring North Carolina craft artists: Metal artist, Anne Cunningham; bead maker and jewelry designer, Sarah James; painter and textile artist, Kristin Gibson, sculptor, Tripp Gregson and jeweler designers, Star Sosa & Nancy Noel May. Enjoy refreshments and wine while ...checking out all the new creations. Learn what makes the "Art of Craft" so special.

Saturday, October 9, from 10am - 2pm:
Silk Painting Workshop with Kristin Gibson
This workshop benefits Dreams of Wilmington. Kristin's Textile Design background and love for color make for a winning combination as a visual artist and painter of fabrics. She has kindly agreed to do a workshop to demonstrate her technique on silk. A $5.00 materials fee lets you create your own piece of art to take home. Each participant will complete a 6x6 silk ornament. It will be such fun!


Jane

Spectrum Art & Jewelry goes to the dogs.

Sadie Says:

I was lucky enough to be selected by Monty's Home - Pawsitive Prison Partners Program. I learned how to be sociable and obey simple commands. Then I got adopted! Yea, best day of my life! I get to come to work with Mom and play with lots of nice people - I love hearing how cute I am, but Mom tells me to just smile and offer a paw.

Can you help out with your spare change to assist Monty's Home to save more dogs like me? The shelters are full and trying to save as many dogs as possible is very expensive. Vet bills, food, medicine and toys really add up quickly.

My new family at Spectrum Art & Jewelry has offered to give a $10 coupon for every $10 you give to my favorite charity - Monty's Home. You can spend your coupon on anything in the gallery and there is no expiration date.

Please come by to visit me at Spectrum Art & Jewelry. I'm on duty here Monday - Thursday or come anytime to drop off your spare change - some lucky dog will thank you for it.

Please help, XO, Sadie (arf!)

Spectrum Art & Jewelry
1125 - H Military Cutoff Road
Wilmington, NC 28405
910-256-2323
www.spectrumartandjewelry.com

Meet the Artists ~ Rick & Valerie Beck

Glass artists, Rick & Valerie Beck recently visited Spectrum Gallery where they are our featured artists for July. It was such a great opportunity to get to know them better and to learn more about the intricacies of their glass art. I've known them for many years and have visited their home studio in the North Carolina mountains, near Penland. It is such a privilege to represent their work.






"When meeting the Becks I saw two people who were as bonded as their glass. They are kindred spirits in creation and life. Their love of nature and animals become elements reflected in their unique designs. One great example is this painted vessel showing their dog Milo in a field of cows (he just loves cows for some reason)." Kathleen Gray



Valerie hand paints these motifs onto the glass when it is a small form on the blow pipe. She uses a specialized vitreous enamel which is no longer available. The glass blank is then encased in more clear glass and blown and manipulated into its final form. I am simplifying the process, but it is anything but simple. There are multiple layers of paint which must be "cooked" each time before more paint or glass is added. She also has to understand the way a piece will grow when it is stretched. Some colors absorb the heat and move at a different rates than others.

Her vivid color palette is one thing that makes Valerie's painted vessels so appealing. They take on a totally different color quality than your average blown glass objects. She can add colors that are not readily available in glass and she can control their interaction with the stroke of a brush. Her motifs are naive and charming with a nod to pop art.

Valerie just informed us that due to its lead content, this type of enamel is no longer manufactured and that other products simply do not perform in the same way. What that means is this is the final collection of the Beck's painted vessels. Once these are gone, there will be no more. Can you say "collector's piece"? She is earnestly working to develop a new direction and I'm sure it will be fascinating.


Rick Beck is a master glass artist with degrees from Hastings College and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. After the Beck's both completed graduate school, they went on to art residencies at the Appalachian Center for Crafts and the Penland School of Crafts. In addition Rick has taught at the Pilchuck Glass School. His sculpted, cast and carved creations are in museum collections such as the Mint Museum in Charlotte and he represented by some of the top glass galleries in the country.

Rick is intrigued with contrasts; small objects depicted in monumental scale, sturdy tools created in fragile glass, deceptively simple forms and rich colors challenge the eye and the mind. Among his inspirations are Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani. Their influence can be seen in his figurative forms.

Once again, the process of creating these sculptures is much more complicated that they appear. He sculpts an original in clay and then builds a plaster mold around it. Once the mold is completed, he scoops out the clay original and fills the mold with chunks of recycled glass. This is then slump cast into the form. The final edit comes when he breaks out his grinding tools to refine and shape and modify the casting. Chemistry comes into play when the glass alloys or veils with lines that can form between the original chunks. The serendipitous aspects of working with hot glass combine with the intentional carving away of excess glass until he reveals the artwork within.

The density of the sculpture affects the color of these luminous creations. I think that one of the main reasons we are all so attracted to glass is its many personalities between opaque and translucent, shiny and textured, and all the myriad of colors.

Stop by the gallery to see the collection or visit our website. Spectrum Art & Jewelry

Kathleen Visits the Studio of Anne Cunningham

During a recent visit to the home studio of Wilmington artist, Anne Cunningham, Kathleen Gray had the opportunity to speak with the artist and see a wonderful selection of Anne's work in process as well as the newest completed creations. Here are her impressions:

"A blended tapestry of multiple mediums is the way I would describe the work of Anne Cunningham. Metalwork that has elements of painting, sculpture, weaving and patchwork. During my visit to her studio I had a chance to see the evolution of her work from painting to metal sculpture. She has been working with metal for almost 20 years and has an impressive list of corporate collectors including Rex Health, Duke and PPD. Anne's love of nature, color and movement combined with her playful spirit are obvious characteristics of her work. Inspiration comes from a limitless palette of size, shape and color that she continues to experiment with. " Kathleen Gray

This Friday will be a treat you won't want to miss. Anne is one of our Featured Artists at our

Spectrum Art & Jewelry
July Open House & Wine Tasting,
Friday, July 9th
6-8pm.

Also featured are Rick & Valerie Beck, glass artists from Spruce Pine, NC
Here is an example of their whimsical glass art.

There will be live music that night
Lisa & Galen, a local jazz duo, will be performing.

I look forward to seeing you there.
For more details feel free to call 910-256-2323.

Patricia Daunis Jewelry ~ The Port City Connection

During a recent jewelry show at the gallery I had the opportunity to speak with visiting designer, Patricia Daunis. Our conversation brought back many wonderful memories of another port city that I used to call home: Portland, Maine. In fact, it was the similarities between Wilmington and Portland that captured my heart and led me to move here.

The two cities, both major ports on the East coast, are rich in history and exquisitely beautiful. The Maine Coast, differs from ours in that it abounds with rocks, moss and evergreens coming right down to the shore line.


What struck me most about Patricia's jewelry designs was the way she captures the same essence that exists between my two favorite parts of the country. The warmth of the golden sand, the play of waves, the history, tradition and creativity of the people and the stones that can be added to all of her pieces.





Patty has named many of her designs after favorites places in Maine. These names evoke beloved memories for myself and I expect, many of Patricia's collectors. Memories of Camden, Bar Harbor, Sebago Birch Island, Friendship and many more. The movement of the waves and the play of light on the water are easily imagined in each earring, ring and pendant. In some creations she even incorporates natural beach rocks, set with gems and gold to turn them into one of a kind works of art.





Come by the gallery and see if you don't agree with me. You won't find any lobster here but I'm sure you will enjoy this "taste of Maine".

Kathleen Gray

12 Gift Ideas Under $50!

Well, the holidays have arrived and here at Spectrum Art & Jewelry we are ready! The gallery is displayed beautifully and decorated with a festive flair. I look around and see the widest variety of items, colors, styles, prices and artists that we have ever had.

So, as you start your holiday shopping, think of us. To spark your imagination here are a dozen gift ideas for under $50!

1. Hand made cork screw/wine pull by Daily Woodworking. These hand turned, precision tools come in maple burl or jewel-like acrylic. Only $41

2. Cards of Heart - These unique playing cards feature 54 original artworks by Cape Fear artists. This is a fund-raiser for First in Families. So great gift as well as a great cause. $25.

3. Ornaments - We have a great selection of very unusual ornaments and sun catchers. Hand made in glass, wood and metal, there is something for everyone. Starting at only $15.
4. Shea Butter Lotion Bars - Artisan made, these luscious shea butter lotion bars make a fabulous hostess or girlfriend gift. The small shell compact is great for travel. Perfect stocking stuffers. $6 - $12

5. Laserglass Shells - A perenial favorite, these gorgeous shell paperweights are cast in lead crystal and coated with special metal oxides on the bottom to make them glow with color. Starting at only $35.
6. Handmade Candles by Becky Hemby - A perfect coastal gift, embellished with sea shells and beach glass. The candles are re-fillable, which the artist will do for free! She also makes candle lights that use a 4watt night light bulb, a safe alternative to an open flame. Starting at $25.

7. Hand painted silk scarves by local painter, Kristin Gibson. Every one is a unique work of art. Two sizes. $45 - $60

8. Starsong Earrings and Bracelets -hand made right here in the gallery by Nancy Noel May in Sterling Silver or Gold Fill with various gemstone accents. Starting at only $20 a pair in Silver.

9. Hand made copper earring stands. Also made right here in the gallery. Keep your earrings in front of you so you remember to wear all your favorites. Whimsical and warm in rosy copper they accomodate 18 - 36 pair. Small $39 Large $69

10. Dichroic Glass Barrettes by A Touch of Glass - Luminous and vibrant colors make these barrettes a jewel-like adornment for those with long hair. Only $28.

11. Art Glass Pen Holders - Shaped like a large Hershey's kiss, these pen holders add color and style to anyone's desk. Only $19.

12. Art Glass Key Chains - Kiln formed colorful dichroic glass makes these key chains unforgettable. Be creative and attach a message: "the key to your dreams", "the key to my heart", etc. $15

Last, but not least, we are re-introducing our "Free Gift with Purchase" promotion. Spend $100 or more and receive a free pair of real pearl earrings, a value of $20. Keep them for yourself or consider them a bonus gift for someone you love.

Next post - 12 Gift Ideas for $100 - $250! Stay tuned, or just drop by and we will show you in person.

Spectrum Art & Jewelry is featured in CNN Money

CNN Money has recently run a feature of the 50 best places to launch a small business. It turns out that Wilmington ranks #14 in the mid-size towns considered. But I knew that already. They chose yours truly and Spectrum Art & Jewelry to talk about why Wilmington, NC is such a great place for small businesses. Check out my feature by clicking here.

From the first day I visited Wilmington, I found the people and the business climate to be very open and friendly and conducive to opening a store here. I could have gone to a large city and maybe been more successful, but I was always drawn to the small town atmosphere here. It has proven to be a wonderful place to live, work and do business.

Spectrum Art & Jewelry has been around for over 12 years now and we are still growing and evolving. We are in our third consecutive location, a bigger, brighter and better located spot than ever before. It is such a treat to earn a living doing what I love and working with delightful people and customers. I intend to keep doing this for a long, long time.

Hope to see you all soon!
Star

$50 OFF

For the first 10 people to sign up for an appointment with Patricia Daunis, Spectrum Art & Jewelry is offering you $50 off of your final project! Sign up for your appointment where you can learn about the many possibilities to make a completely customizable piece of jewelry. Call the gallery today at (910)256-2323. Appointments will be available from 11am-4pm Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th.

SPECTRUM ART & JEWELRY HOSTS MAINE JEWELRY ARTIST, PATRICIA DAUNIS

Friday & Saturday, October 9 & 10th, 10a – 6pm
Artist Reception October 9th, 6-8pm

Nationally renowned jewelry designer, Patricia Daunis has designed and created fine jewelry for more than 28 years. She will be exhibiting her collections of gold and sterling silver jewelry at Spectrum Art and Jewelry on Friday and Saturday, October 9th and 10th between the hours of 10am and 6pm. There will be a reception and Open House October 9th from 6-8pm.

Daunis’ reputation as a designer has been acknowledged with multiple awards such as Diamond Today Award, Jewelers of America Award and two World Gold Council Grand Prizes, to name a few.

Her collection is infinitely customizable. Starting with unique and graceful forms in gold and silver Daunis can add a selection of gemstones according to each customer’s desires. To make it easy for the client to visualize, Patricia uses her computer to “virtually” set the jewels into her pieces. This allows her to clearly show what the piece will look before it is even made.

While at Spectrum Gallery, Daunis will be designing unique jewelry creations for clients using their own gemstones or a selection from her extensive inventory. These designs are especially appropriate for family jewelry when set with various birthstones. “Every one is one-of-a-kind, just like every family.” Daunis declares.

Daunis will also have her famous earrings and specialty earring jackets---that can go with a person’s existing diamond stud earrings as an enhancement. Speaking on her upcoming show, Daunis said, “I enjoy when women come in to play dress-up and try on my jewelry. I get inspiration for new ideas and we often collaborate on designs together.”

About Spectrum Gallery
For the past 12 years, Spectrum Art & Jewelry has offered an irresistible selection of dazzling jewelry, original art and memorable gifts in a uniquely uplifting and warm environment. They are widely known for custom jewelry design. Spectrum is located on Military Cutoff Rd. at The Forum shopping center. This event is free and open to the public.

For more info and to see her work, click HERE!

Paint Around

Spectrum Art & Jewelry

presents a

"Paint Around"

benefit for

Dreams of Wilmington

Featuring:

Jane Faudree, Kristin Gibson, Nancy Noel May & Phil Meade

Watch them paint:

Saturday, November 7,

10:30am – 12:30pm

See the results:

Reception and Auction

Friday, November 13, 6pm – 8pm

at
Spectrum Art & Jewelry
1125-H Military Cutoff Rd., Wilmington, NC 28405
910-256-2323
www.SpectrumArtAndJewelry.com

Ever wondered how a painter starts a painting? What about their style of composition, laying down the paint and completing the work that makes it uniquely their own?

Come by Spectrum Art & Jewelry on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from
10:30am until 12:30pm and watch this process be turned upside down and inside out!

Four local Wilmington painters – Jane Faudree, Kristin Gibson, Nancy Noel May and Phil Meade* will demonstrate their creative process. Each artist will be given an identical B&W landscape photograph for inspiration and an 11x14 canvas. The each of the artists will begin a painting, laying out the composition according to their personal interpretation. After 30 minutes, the canvases will be passed to the next artist. Each of the four painters will work on all canvases. In just two hours it will be readily apparent in how different each painting will look – depending on which artist begins and which completes each piece.

Then plan to return on Friday, November 13 from 6pm - 8pm for an Artists’ Reception and a Benefit Auction. The four paintings will be auctioned off with the entire proceeds of their sale to benefit Dreams of Wilmington. Other artworks by the four participating artists will also be on display and a portion of the proceeds from any sales made in the gallery that evening will also be donated to Dreams.

Spectrum Art & Jewelry is located at The Forum on Military Cutoff Road. These events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at the Friday night reception. For more information please contact the gallery at 910-256-2323.

*see below for brief artist statements about the four participating painters

Jane Faudree

“Painting is an integral part of who I am. It’s in my bones. My favorite subjects are of coastal North Carolina, which made it easy to move here. Most of my work is done with palette knife, thickly applied, which gives it a wonderful tactile quality. Color, light play, and contrasts all attract my attention when I start to compose a painting. Living in an area rich with wildlife, an ocean, river, lake and gardens keep me absolutely dizzy deciding what to paint next.”

Jane is a native of Greenvile, North Carolina. An award-winning artist, Jane’s work has been consistently accepted in local and national exhibits and hangs in corporate and private collections throughout the U.S. and in Europe. She currently resides in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Kristin Gibson

Kristin Gibson is a professional artist who lives and works in Carolina Beach near Wilmington, NC. A prolific painter and mother of two, Kristin creates spirited “alla prima” paintings stirred from elements of daily life. Color and pattern inspire the lyrical sensibilities of her paintbrush. Further influenced by the ebb and flow of a lifetime by the sea, she calls her backyard work space “Saltwater Studio.”

“My works begin as drawings using my paintbrush, with composition, color, and intuition my subjects. Organic shapes and hues from daily life offer a jumping off point for the very act of drawing, painting, and composing color. A fluent process of color into color, wet paint into wet paint takes over and continues until I find harmonious resolution of form, pattern, and color.”

Nancy Noel May

I have always loved to paint, starting with formal lessons as a young child in Hampton, VA. The coastal influences of color and scenery have been with me from the start. I grew up in a small coastal community on the Chesapeake Bay and daily trips to the beach provided me with infinite sand canvases. I remember drawing pictures in the sand and decorating them with shells and driftwood.

Clear, vibrant colors and a strong source of light are the prime elements of my paintings. I love to travel and explore new places, I rarely go without my digital camera and sketch pad to record my experiences. Bringing these images back to my studio enable me to relive my travels through my paintings.

Moving to Wilmington, NC in 1984 brought me back to the coastal influences with which I started. The easy going style, clarity of light and color continues to be a significant reminder that I am essentially a sea-level woman.

Phil Meade

Weathered dune fences and the wild flowers that struggle to grow around them, the ocean and inland waterways, formal gardens that show off the beauty that is the southeast coast - all provide a wealth of inspiration for Phil Meade.

Oil painter, Phil Meade, of Leland, NC has always been interested in art. He started drawing and painting in high school and went on to study art at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art. After graduating, he went on to pursue a commercial art career. As a graphic designer, he found that his understanding of light and shadow along with form and perspective guided his illustrations in a real and convincing manner.

During this time, Phil never lost his passion for painting. However, between raising a family and working full time, he found only limited amounts of time to focus on his own pursuit of fine art. Now that Phil has retired, he is pursuing his dream of painting full time as a professional artist.