The Rickie Report received a phone call from Jim McCann who wondered if we might be interested in seeing his art work.  We sent a reporter and photographer to meet Jim and Donna but had no idea from his description, what a treasure was waiting to be seen! At our urging, Jim applied to ArtiGras as an “Emerging Artist” and he was accepted!  The Rickie Report wants to celebrate Jim’s artistry and knows you will be astonished at what he is making! Stop by his booth at ArtiGras and consider how many places in your home, one of his copper torch and ink paintings belong.

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival

February 16-18

Abacoa Town Center,  Jupiter, FL

Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm

Monday 10 am – 4 pm

A former welding instructor, Jim has developed his own technique to create amazing art pieces on copper.  Having no formal art training, he used to draw Spanish Galleons and comics from “Mad Magazine” as a child.  Now he makes the copper look like the wood of those great ships, using his self-developed chemical and torch techniques.  The combinations of wood grains and patinas are limitless.  And wait until you see the stone effect he’s developed!  What a dramatic back splash in a kitchen his work would make.

Jim is drawn to nature and is exacting when he creates a Piper or a Loggerhead.   The prismatic blues and reds jump from the copper as the sunshine changes the colorations.  Jim sometimes hand engraves areas to give even more richness to the patinas.  Right now he uses his own kitchen but is purchasing a pizza oven so he can work in larger sizes.

Loggerhead Turtle for Shower Ceiling

Walking around his yard, filled with different species of palm treees, a wild male peacock announced itself and then appeared.  It was easy to see where Jim gets his inspiration for color and detail.   His loggerhead turtle is almost finished and ready to be placed on the ceiling of his shower.  He pointed out his plans for a mermaid sitting on some rocks for over the tub and will eventually decide between one of two different fish designs for over the sink.

Jim’s workshop is filled with potential projects.  And he keeps a small space for his reference library.  His work is precise and drawn to scale, whether he is working on a bird or a fish.  The rain did not deter from his work, though we would have seen more brilliance of color on a sunnier day.

The Rickie Report is honored to continue to advise Jim on the next steps to further his hobby.  To contact Jim, call:  561-313-9296.  For more information about ArtiGras: www.artigras.org

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

ArtiGras  Fine Arts Festival is always a highlight event for art lovers.  The Rickie Report is proud to have mentored a large number of the “Emerging Artists” for the 2013 show!  The Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce produces a top-notch juried show, which is presented with the help of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.  This is truly a community-wide effort, which involves hundreds of volunteers.  Here is an introduction to one of the “emerging artists”, Lazaro Ruda.

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival

February 16-18

Abacoa Town Center,  Jupiter, FL

Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm

Monday 10 am – 4 pm

Out of the hundreds of artists who are juried into ArtiGras, the organizers recognize eleven artists who have never been involved in a juried show of this type.  These “Emerging Artists” are taken under the ArtiGras’ wings and nurtured to enable them to participate in future events with a base of understanding and experience.

The eleven “Emerging Artists” include:

• John Cooksey
• Jim Maddox (Eydylhands Studio)
• Edward Grates
• Taylor Loughlin
• Christopher Thomas (C. Thomas Photography)
• Lazara Ruda (The Living Sea)
• Brent Hoosac
• Shelly Cox (Norma Cockwell)
• Irene Jalowayski (Smashing Glass)
• Jim McCann (Copper Canvas)
• Joan Hendelman (Hendel Jewelry)

The Rickie Report urges you to take the time to visit each of their booths, see their work and talk to them about what they do and how they do it!  Remember, when you buy an item from an “emerging artist” you can  say  you knew them before they became famous!

Raised in south Florida, Lazaro Ruda has been around the ocean his entire life. Through the span of over thirty years he has watched his ocean world slowly change due to human impact. With the thought that people only protect what they love, he took up the challenge of learning to photograph underwater in order to bring the ocean’s splendors to the eyes of a worldwide audience. Through his web site, TheLivingSea.com, he shares his love and passion for our ocean planet in the hopes that others will understand, cherish and protect our natural world.

Laz Ruda’s Artist Statement begins, “Ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau wrote, “People protect what they love.”  These simple words form the foundation of why I photograph the nature of our oceans.  I use my photography and my ocean experiences to bring to light what to many is an alien world.”

His experiences as a scuba diver enhance his understanding and vision of what he wants to share via his camera.  He tells The Rickie Report, “My photography entails decades of experience as a scuba diver.  Before holding an underwater camera in my hand, it is important that I feel completely comfortable in this unique environment for my own safety and, just as important, the well-being of the creatures I photograph”.

Male Seahorse Giving Birth in Wild

Working underwater has its constraints regarding technical equipment.  Laz shares, “Underwater photography does not give me the liberties of using zoom lenses.  I must approach an animal well beyond its comfort zone to capture its image.  Having an intimate knowledge of the creature, it’s environment, and an enormous amount of patience is required.  Some of my photographs have taken hours to capture.  Many have taken years to perfect.”

When he is asked why he chooses to work underwater, Laz is quite straightforward in sharing his philosophy. “In my decades of exploring the oceans, I have encountered untold damage to this delicate environment caused by our every day actions. I have also seen our oceans improve when ordinary citizens have cared enough to make a difference.  My hope is that my images and stories will help you understand our amazing ocean planet a little better and my passion and admiration for the natural world becomes your own.”

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

 Everyone loves a good party, especially when it involves our local community, art and the unveiling of the ArtiGras 2013 Commemorative Poster!  The Rickie Report hopes you’ll RSVP and attend this exciting event!

ArtiGras’ Official Kick-Off Party and Commemorative Poster Unveiling

Thursday,  January 24  from 6 – 9 pm

$25  Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce members and $35 non-members.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

ArtiGras gets a large crowd of attendees as well as hundreds of applications from artists and artisans to be accepted into this prestigious show each year.   The Rickie Report had the opportunity to speak the judges of Artigras 2012.

Consider these numbers:

Applicants to ArtiGras 2012:  1,100  Accepted:  280

Emerging Artist Applicants:  42  Accepted: 13

The application process for ArtiGras 2013 begins in April!

The day after ArtiGras 2012 is over marks the beginning of the planning process for ArtiGras 2013.  Did you notice that this is truly a “show within a show” in many aspects?  There are the 280 artists’ tents and 13 more to include “emerging artists” ( who have not been in a professionally juried show before).  There are the food and beverage vendors and don’t forget the local non-profit organizations whose presence informs the community.

Add to this the entire local school district’s involvement in the “recycle art” program which enhances the decor of the refuse cans along the ArtiGras route.  We hope you put your coins in the boxes to vote for your favorite!   The top 10 prize winners will get monies for their school arts programs.  There were 20 participants this year, including whimsical and serious “recycle” messages.

The 2012 theme, “One of a Kind”  worked well.  The 30 committee members (all volunteers) and the 1,200 other volunteers needed to make this event happen seamlessly are the true heroes.   A post-event survey will be sent out to help form Artigras 2013 into an even better event.

The Rickie Report often hears grumbling comments about having to pay to walk into ArtiGras, when other art and craft shows on the streets of our communities are free and open. Why is Artigras different?

There is rigorous jurying involved with this event, as you can see from the number of applicants.  Professional judges are involved in the three day-long jurying process.  The Northern Palm Beach Cultural Council accepts applications from April through September.  In October, the jurors meet for an “open jurying” process.  They spend 3 days from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm looking through the digital Zapplication files. 

Did you know that anyone is welcome to be present during the jurying process?  This “‘open jurying” helps artists understand the underpinnings of the heart of this show.  The jewelry applications include the highest number of applicants and can take over 3 hours to go through.  The judges are looking at digital images, one at a time, in each category.  They then record their choices through a numbering system.

If you are applying, you can see not only your work, but your competition’s!   This is a moment you might want to take advantage of…see where you stand in the line up.  Sobering yet a real life learning opportunity.  The staff will let applicants know the approximate hours and day that their category will be judged.

In addition to this exhaustive and intense jurying system, ArtiGras offers live entertainment, demonstrations by the artists, a kids area where they can make show their own budding artistry and painting classes for adults.  All of the monies generated by Artigras stay in the local community, going to schools and area non-profit groups.  The ArtiGras planners try to ensure that there is something for almost everyone, meaning price points ranging from $8.00 to beyond.  In fact, The Rickie Report was impressed with the affordability of this show’s wares.

Once an artist has been accepted to ArtiGras, their judgement days are not over!  There is a different set of judges who walk the entire show, deliberating which artist will be deemed “Best of Show” and awarded  $3,000.  Plus, First Place of each of the 13 mediums will be judged and awarded $1,000. each.

Judith Wood of West Palm Beach, FL was awarded Best in Show with her mixed media jewelry.  “Wow! That is the best adjective I can think of to describe how I feel.  Winning Best in Show was not expected so all I can really say is wow”, she shared.

Necklace by Judith Wood

The winners were selected by three judges who scored each artist and awarded a Best in Show and a first-place winner in each of the 13 categories. The following is a list of the artists who placed first in each category:

Marvin Bower of Boonsboro, MD, in Fiber – Wearable; Jayne Demarcay of Abita Springs, LA, in Jewelry; Shelagh Forrest of Gainesville, FL, in Photography; R.C. Fulwiler of Lakeland, FL, in Digital Art; Peter Gerbert of Dade City, FL, in Painting; Barrie Harding of Dunnellon, FL, in Wood; Corey Johnson of Royal Palm Beach, FL, in Mixed Media; Edward Loedding of Brandon, VT, in Drawing and Printmaking; Don McWhorter of Carrollton, GA, in Ceramics; Richard Ryan of Bourbonnais, IL, in Glass; Alex Santamarina of San Francisco, CA, in Metal; Jean Yao of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in Fiber – Nonwearable.

Gilded Koi by Corey Johnson

There are so many aspects to ArtiGras that  you need more than one day to walk the show, speak with the artists ( who must be at their booths unless they are relieved by an ArtiGras volunteer for a break), take in all of this creative energy, and hopefully, go home with a new piece of hand made artwork.   The artists also have an opportunity to donate a piece of their work to a children’s sale.  You will see a purple ribbon “thank you” at these artists’ tents.  (As we said, this is truly a “show within a show”).

The winners of the 2012 ArtiGras Youth Art Competition were announced  the first day of the ArtiGras Fine Art Festival presented by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.  More than 250 students in grades kindergarten – 12^th submitted artwork for the competition in mediums ranging from pencil and crayon to chalk and paint.  Artwork was judged by local artists and art educators who had the daunting task of narrowing down the hundreds of entries to only 77  finalists then selecting a first, second and three place winner along with three honorable mentions for each school grade.

The following is a list of the first, second and third place winners along with three honorable mentions per school grade:

The judges listed below decided on the cash prizes.  It took them almost a full day on Saturday to achieve their goal.  They looked not only at the artists’ work but also their displays.  The Rickie Report has written about this aspect of being in a show previously.  For the artists reading this, please consider how appealing your display is – by the time someone has reached your booth they have probably seen other booths in a similar medium.  What will make yours stand out from the rest?

Meet the jurors:

Andrea Schoen

Andrea Schoen is an accomplished Art Teacher who has now retired and returned to her passion of jewelry design and creation.  From 1988 to 2006, Andrea was a tenured Art Teacher at Spring Valley HS- Art/Comp Graphics and Studio Art.  She taught Primary through High School levels developing specialized programs in darkroom, photography, computer graphics and calligraphy. Upon retiring, she continued her studies in glass and metal work.  She has sharpened or added to her skills in fabrication, stone setting, wax, enameling, hinges, clasps, casting, lapidary, and jewelry repairs.  Andrea is currently the 2011-2012 Vice President of the Florida Society of Goldsmiths SE Chapter.

Ilene Adams

With over 25 years of professional experience in graphic design, print making, illustration, fabric design, and faux finishing, Ilene brings a wealth of information and creativity to her work.  After owning a nationally acclaimed broadcast marketing company in the Northeast for over 20 years, Ilene focused her energy and skills on the creation of wonderful, warm environments for homes and businesses from New York to Miami.  She has over 300 commissions and collections in homes and businesses from Boston to Ft. Lauderdale.  An award winning artist, Ilene has been featured in many design magazines both in the New York metropolitan area and the Palm Beaches.  Ilene’s business and art education spans Harvard University – MA, School of Visual Arts – NY, Temple University, Tyler School of Art – PA, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tyler School of Art, ROME.

Ofra Friedman

Ofra Friedman is a sculptor who works with a unique technique of wire mesh, welded metal and mixed media.  Her sculptures are in public and private collections throughout Florida and in Canada.  In 2009 she created 3 outdoor sculptures for Tampa outdoor kinetic sculpture competition, and was awarded ‘People’s choice’ award for her sculpture.  Ofra is an experienced judge and a prolific art exhibitor throughout Florida. She brings a well rounded and diverse, global art education beginning with Wire Mesh Sculpture gained in Israel, Stone Sculpture acquired in Florida, Visual Arts and Interior Design studied in Maryland and Performing Arts and Dance in New York.  She is a member of a number of professional organizations dedicated to the women and the arts throughout Florida.

Joe Korth

A jewelry artist and metalsmith from Denver, Colorado.  Joe was born in Berkeley, CA.  His first exposure to jewelry creation was in a high school art class.  Joe continued his education at Eastern Michigan University where he earned a B.A. with a dual major in Philosophy and Literature.  After completing his degree in 2002, he moved to Denver and began to explore his love for the arts.  He enrolled in classes at the Clear Creek Academy of Jewelry and Metal Arts (formerly the Denver Jewelry Academy) and began exploring his potential as a jewelry artist.  He has devoted himself completely to jewelry since 2004.  Joe is currently working as an instructor at the Clear Creek Academy, teaching the Introduction and Intermediate level Silversmithing classes as well as a workshops in Chainmaking and Jewelry Photography.  Since 2009, Joe has been on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Metalsmithing Society.

The Rickie Report spoke to each of these jurors to get their impressions of the overall show, the artwork, and personal observations.  They all agreed they enjoyed the experience and would be interested in jurying this as well as other shows in the future.  Each judge, when interviewed, expressed amazement at how well managed ArtiGras is, considering its large scope.

TRR:  How did you prepare for this jurying process?

The Judges:  We met for the first time on Saturday at ArtiGras.  We agreed that there would be a scale from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest).  We tried not to use “4″ unless necessary.  Zapplications provided us with wireless computers to keep track of the scoring and make sure we saw every artist’s tent.  This process eliminated discussion among us and helps eliminate our own personal opinions.  Though there was a learning curve using the new technology, most agreed that this leveled the playing field in terms of scoring.  The computer program also gave thumbnail overviews of each artist’s work.  This turned out to be important not only to help the judges score the correct booth, but to ensure that the work the artist was initially accepted for was indeed in their booth.  Judges disqualified themselves from scoring artists with whom they had personal relationships.

TRR: Tell us about your overall impression of the work you saw this year.

The Judges: Some of it was beautifully crafted, while a large part of the wares the vendors were selling were commercially oriented.  One judge felt that 5-10% was truly fine art and considered it very well done.  The excitement of seeing an artist create a totally new medium impressed all of them.  While one judge may look for emotion, depth and originality, another is looking for craftsmanship and creativity.  There may have been many potters, the ones that stood out were trying new processes and working with new materials.  Though the jurying process was exhausting, it engendered a lot of excitement because of this creative energy.

TRR:  Do you have any suggestions for artists applying to shows such as ArtiGras?

The Judges:  An artist should develop a clear artistic style.  This does not mean they cannot grow or change, but there needs to be a common element in each of their pieces of work.  Maintain your training.  Keep sharing with other artists in your field and accept feedback.  Identifiability is necessary for success but you don’t have to confine yourself.  Consider having a well-rounded approach to what you are offering to the consumers: some semi-commercial pieces which are your “bread and butter” and some one-of-a-kind pieces as well.  Hone your business skills.  If you are not sure how to market yourself, hire someone to do that part of the business while you work on your art.   Most people attending an art show like this are looking at aesthetics and elements of design rather than technical aptitude. Do something with your tent/booth area to draw people in.

The Rickie Report thanks the judges, organizers, and artists of ArtiGras 2012 for sharing their insights.  TRR is honored to have been part of the call not only for artists but judges as well.   For more information about ArtiGras contact: Suzanne@npbchamber.com or 561-748-3945.

ArtiGras 2013 Application is ready – go to:

 www.artigras.org

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Hundreds of artists and artisans will be taking part in ArtiGras 2012.   We know there are a lot of booths and one can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of artwork to peruse.  The Rickie Report wants to share a few booths you should not miss.

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival

Saturday, February 18th 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, February 19th  10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Monday, February 20th  10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Amber Moran

Loggerhead Paddle

Amber M. Moran has been passionate about painting and illustrating since a young girl and has always loved to experiment with paint splashes and textures.  Amber is captivated with the transparent element found when playing with watercolor paints. Her artwork is largely influenced by nature, most recently by the tropical environment of South Florida.  She enjoys using saltwater fish and other ocean life as subject matter since they already hold such brilliant color.

Florida Sunset

By using the combination of paint splatters and drips she artistically portrays the environment, such as the ocean, while expertly capturing fish and other ocean life realistically.  She extends her paintings and illustrations onto the mat using black ink and bits of paint splashes.

Don Tran

Display of Artwork

Don Tran, a native of Vietnam and the youngest of 13 children, has a MBA degree from Webster University (St. Louis, MO).  Handcrafted silk embroidery has been a traditional artwork form within the Tran Family for generations. His mother started when she was 14 years of age and Don inherited her precious skills.  Mr. Tran has won awards around the US for his masterful artwork using this technique.

Storm

The artwork is done on black linen fabric (Nylon, Satin, Cotton, Silk) so that the vibrant colors of the silk threads stand out.  The artwork is created from the mind of the artist.  Mr. Tran starts with simple light chalk lines, then with his imagination, patience and skills  he creates one-of-a-kind works of art.

These stitched paintings are not made by painting the colors on canvas, but by stitching individual colorful silk threads on black linen fabric.  They are high quality with vibrant pictures and delicate shading, made by fine threads with high density.  The process of making these intricate embroidery paintings requires the artists’ patience and talent. In the painting, the artist uses a paintbrush with different colors to make a picture. In hand embroidery, the artist gently and carefully selects each tiny thread with different colors and shades.

Love In The Moonlight

It is important to note that Don’s work is done in the Vietnamese style, on black background.   Our readers may have seen this type of artwork at other shows, as there are at least two other embroiderers who come from China. They are Chinese style working on white background.

Deb La-Fogg-Docherty

Our readers may remember Deb’s amazingly realistic artistry from The Rickie Report interview with her September 21, 2011.  (You can go back and read it).   Deb will not only be showing her artwork at ArtiGras, she will be giving demonstrations!   Look for her on Sunday at 11:00 am and watch as she makes her canvas come alive!

Deb and a Wolf Friend

Anna Kern

Anna tells us, “Where art is concerned there is no limit to my experimentation.  I Iove to paint.  My studio is my private paradise and constant reminder of my passion for creating art.  I paint almost every day and feel cheated if I miss a day”.

 She works in watercolor and acrylics and loves experimenting with new ideas, techniques and materials that help define her artistic style.  She says, “ I have a compelling interest in abstraction, bold design and fine detail.  I accomplish this with the use of natural fibers, handmade papers, oriental papers and gauzes.  I use several different gels and mediums to create texture”.

Marylou Doehrman

In the Hawaiian language, Keko means “monkey.”  Marylou Doehrman, owner of Keko Tile Designs, has always referred to herself as having a monkey brain – little monkeys jumping in her head, and each one has an idea.  Getting them to come together is the challenge she faces – and does quite nicely!

Barracuda

Marylou says, ” Art allows me to incorporate my endless ideas, using copper, wood

Mystic Reef I

burning and pen and ink techniques. My pieces start out with wood as my canvas and from there I create pieces that reflect my love of the ocean and nature.  All of my finished pieces are coated with an epoxy-resin mix to achieve a glossy, glass-like effect”.

See you at ArtiGras!  Enjoy!

For coverage of your events, listing of announcements in our events section, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

There is a reason Artigras is more than one day – you need at least three to see everything worth seeing – and there is a lot to see! 

The 27th annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, presented by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, is an outdoor arts event showcasing a juried exhibition of outstanding fine art and featuring activities which include live entertainment, artist demonstrations, interactive art activities for all ages and a youth art competition. Listed as one of the top 50 festivals in the country, ArtiGras 2012 expects more than 250 artists and 125,000 guests over the three-day holiday weekend.

The Rickie Report will highlight a few of the artists you will be able to meet at this year’s event.

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival

Saturday, February 18th 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, February 19th  10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Monday, February 20th  10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Put your sunscreen and comfortable footwear on and head to Abacoa!

You don’t need to scuba dive if you love fish!  When you go to Artigras, stop by Michelle Nicole Lowe’s booth to see her amazing artwork.   You may feel like the fish are looking at you!  Their realistic colors and markings are a true marvel.

Michelle Nicole Lowe’s Fish

Michelle’s art has a tropical theme as she hopes to share her love of the Caribbean through her paintings.  The artist resides in Islamorada in the Florida Keys where she can be inspired by diving, fishing, kayaking and all activities around the ocean.

Michelle’s family has been in the Bahamas and the Florida Keys for generations and she has thus spent most of her life enjoying these islands.  She has loved art since she picked up her first paintbrush at North Palm Beach Elementary School.  By the time she was attending Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami her art began to win awards including first place in watercolors in the Beaux Arts Festival Student Artist Showcase at the Lowe Art Museum for her painting, Tropical Beauty.

While at the University of Florida, Michelle was an exchange student in Florence, Italy where she enrolled in art classes.  After graduating from Florida with a finance degree, Michelle worked for Accenture, an IT consulting company, in Washington D.C.  While with Accenture, she continued to develop her artistic talent by attending classes at the Corcoran School of Art.  Michelle was also able to show her art at the 10th Annual Artomatic, a month long art festival in D.C.

In 2009, Michelle was accepted to Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy where she could pursue her dream of being an artist on a full time basis.  While in Florence for the year, she began to hone her skills in mediums other than her now expert watercolor painting and even picked up a bit of the Italian language.

Michelle currently exhibits her work at many of Florida’s top rated art shows, see her event page for a frequently updated show schedule.  Michelle’s original artwork is also available in Limited Edition Giclée Reproductions.  If you are interested in original artwork, giclée reproductions or commissioned artwork, please contact her at   www.michellenicolelowe.com  .

Color saturates Nancy Tilles paintings!   Take a deep breath and just stand in her booth taking it all in.

Waterlilies

Nancy Tilles is an award winning artist, well known for her paintings and portraits. Her paintings are joyful expressions brought to life through color and form.  Influenced by living in South Florida for over 30 years, her images often reflect a tropical theme, rich in color.

Nancy’s work has been commissioned publicly and privately numerous times. In March, 2011 her painting “Gemstone Hawksbill Turtle” was chosen to represent the Art Fest by the Sea in Jupiter with a commemorative poster.  “Sea eScape”, her underwater series, was purchased by the City of Sunny Isles in Miami Beach. Her portrait of a young rider jumping her horse in “Sheer Determination”, was awarded best of show and chosen as the cover of “Palms West Almanac” Magazine 2004.  Community participation is important to Nancy and she regularly donates work to various charitable organizations.  She is presently licensing many of her images to appear on different products.

Nancy enjoys exhibiting her work at art festivals where she can meet people and exchange ideas. She has appeared in festivals throughout Florida including Artigras, Sunfest, Naples Art Fair, and Jupiter Art Fest by the Sea.  Recent exhibits include the Palm Beach International Airport , the Village of Wellington’s Art in Public Places, the Town of Jupiter Community Center, Village Art Gallery in Tequesta and one man show at Whole Foods in Wellington.  Presently her work can also be seen at Alligator Art in Wellington, Hurricane Cafe in Jupiter and Palm Beach Jewelers in North Palm Beach.

Originally from New York, Nancy earned her BFA from the University of Miami in 1977.  She currently resides in Palm Beach Gardens and spends her time working on commissions and teaching adults who are interested in perfecting their painting skills or learning how to paint for the first time.  To contact Nancy: ntilles@comcast.net

For more information about ArtiGras, please contact the Northern Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce at (561) 748-3946 or  www.artigras.org

For coverage of your events, listing of announcements in our events section, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

1)   American International Fine Art Fair

Features of the upcoming American International Fine Art Fair include Historic Jewelry, Modern Masters, Fine Musical Instruments, Ancient Art, and Classic Cars . . . and a New Fair Design

Please join us as past meets present at the 16th annual American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF) in Palm Beach, Florida.  Providing a break from convention in a world-class destination, AIFAF will present exhibits that span time around the world including all disciplines of fine art from classical antiquity to contemporary, the world’s finest collection of haute and period jewelry and, new to the fair this year, fine musical instruments and classic cars.  The Fair is fully vetted by leading museum curators and experts.

Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Boulevard West Palm Beach, FL 33401 • Fair Hours: Preview, Feb 3, 2012 6-10 pm • Public Hours: Feb 4-12, 2012, 12 pm – 7 pm (til 6 pm on the 12th)

2) Alexis Barbeau Designs

Clam Shell Earrings

Meet Alexis at The Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts February 4-5!

Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts  A1A and Dixie Hwy Hobe Sound, FLFebrury 4 -5, Sat, Sun; 10 – 5

www.seametal.com

3)     Call New Earth Gifts & Beads for Classes

Chain Of Hearts Necklace

New Earth Gifts & Beads  561-799-0177

Legacy Place, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Between Five Guys & The Vitamin Shoppe  Across from Barnes & Noble

http://bit.ly/NewEarthGiftsandBeadsOfficial

4) Whitespace Open House

Elayne Mordes at The Whitespace Collection

Saturday, February 4 or Sunday, February  5

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

5)  11th Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts    February 4th & 5th, 2012

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Free Admission   A1A/Dixie Highway in Hobe Sound, FL

For information: www.artfestival.com

Ross Markley Sculpture

6) Read The Rickie Report for more events: Wild Things Benefit,   See Smashing Glass at the Antique and Collectibles Show at the South Florida Fairground, and a Photography Exhibit at the Jupiter FAU campus that include the work of Jean Williams.

For coverage of your events, listing of announcements in our events section, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

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