DAAS Co-Op Gallery to feature art of JoAnn LaPadula

DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts features the work of award-winning artist JoAnn Lapadula in February.
The exhibition is a collection of colorful pieces, created within the years. The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk event. The pieces will be on display through Feb. 29.
JoAnn LaPadula is an award-winning artist residing in Fort Myers. Four years ago, she moved from the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Currently, LaPadula is the director and member of Fort Myers Beach Art Association, member of the Alliance for the Arts and the Florida Watercolor Society. Her work has been featured on the cover of the Sand Life Magazine, Gulfshore Life and the Florida Watercolor Society online. Her work is collected in places as far as Guantanamo and California.
LaPadula obtained a B.A. degree in arts from the Buffalo State University, after graduating from the Rockland Community College. She worked in the field of graphic design for 30 years. Now in retirement, she has welcomed the opportunity to return to her interest in fine arts, especially watercolors. Her signature style features a blowing/spraying technique combined with negative painting. “I was not interested so much in the traditional watercolor style, so I attended a few workshops to find my own style. I do not consider myself a traditional watercolor artist but would say I am more of a colorful abstract realist. Here [in SWFL]I am thrilled to find people who have been a great inspiration to me and found the support needed to begin my second career,” says LaPadula, whose technique was developed after she attended a workshop by the artist Lian Zhen, a nationally known watercolor artist.
The gallery invites all SW Florida art collectors, supporters and enthusiasts to join them for the opening reception. As always, the gallery will be filled with the most beautiful inventory of art, fine crafts, apparel, sculptures, pottery and jewelry, all produced by member artists. DAAS Co-Op is located at 1815 Fowler St., Unit 3, in Fort Myers. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More gallery info and how to become a member can be found at www.daascoop.com or by calling 239-590-8645.