The Arts Council of Southwest Florida (ACSWF) along with COCO Art Gallery at Coastland Center in Naples, kicked off its “Bucolic Florida” summer themed exhibit in July.
Twenty-eight finalist artists from 10 different local art associations participated in the show and five artists received awards. John Melleky, Collier County arts and culture manager, served as the judge and was assisted by Garry Wheeler, ACSWF president, in handing out the awards.
The Conductor by Barbara Swift (first place)
First place went to Barbara Swift, a member of Arts of the Inland. Her watercolor painting, The Conductor, made quite an impression on everyone.
Lagoon in Yellow by Martin Jeffrey Sherman (second place)
Second place went to Martin Sherman, a member of Bonita Springs Center for the Arts and an artist of the COCO Art Gallery. His acrylic painting, Lagoon in Yellow, captivated viewers.
In third place was an acrylic abstract, Coastal Reflections, by JoAnne Crowson, a member of Marco Island Center for the Arts and of the COCO Art Gallery was a hit with the crowd.
Honorable mentions went to Dr. Jane Ruprecht, President of Naples ArtCrafters for her photograph on metal titled, Let’s Stop for Lunch and to Kathryn Fitzgerald, a member of Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild for her stained glass piece titled, Blue Crab.
The exhibit will remain in place at the COCO Art Gallery at the Coastland Center Mall until Sept. 10 with all of the available artwork for sale. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. and is free to the public.
The COCO galleries are located at Coastland Center in Naples and at the Coconut Point in Estero.
To learn more about the COCO Art Galleries, visit their website www.cocoartgallery.com
