This yearly, four-day fine art exhibition is again coming to South Tampa, and will be held from November 17 – 20, 2011 at the waterfront home of event sponsor Ciney Snook. The event opens with a meet and greet with the artists from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 17 at 4605 W. Vasconia St. in Tampa. On Friday and Saturday, November 18-19, the art will be on display and available for purchase fro
m noon to 8 p.m., and on Sunday, November 20, from noon to 4 p.m. Artists new to CovetArt:
Woodworker Vernon Blackadar – After a life of dairy farming, Vernon, an Ohio State grad in Dairy Science, switched hats. Now, the self-taught fine wood craftsmen, is recognized as the guru in the world of complex and intricate joinery. Since 1986 he has received many “Best of Show” and has been recognized with the “Lifetime Achievement for Excellence in the ARTS” award. Feature articles on his craftsmanship techniques have been published in magazines such as “Fine Woodworking” and “Home Furniture.” Among the unique features of his work are his trademark secret latches and hidden compartments in his incredible humidors, about which cigar smokers and collectors rave. Glass artist Virginia Spalter. Virginia discovered her love of art in 2004, creating functional glass pieces for the home and beautiful glass jewelry. She studied at the Pilchuck Glass School, founded by Dale Chihuly, and was commissioned by Toyota in 2009 to create glass awards. In addition, she was a presenter at the Artful Play Show for Florida craftsman in 2010, and placed in 2011 at the Englewood Art Exhibition. Her seamless glass designs accentuate color, texture and play of light. Jewelry artist Laurie Calkins. Laurie, from Rockville, M.D., is a self-taught jeweler specializing in custom design of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones set in gold and silver, creating statement pieces unique to any jewelry collection. Having been in both fashion and interior design for over 25 years, her line of creations for bridal and special events has catapulted her works into the “must have” category. Fiber Artist – Gayle, of “CreatingGayle.” Gayle is making her first public appearance at our CovetArt exhibit this year. She has a unique approach to the world of fiber and quilting design, and has studied under such well known artists as Sue Benner, Libby Lehman and Carol Taylor. Gayle’s work can be found in private collections across the United States and as far away as Australia. Using an array of vibrant fabrics and fibers, her works include abstract landscapes, textural geometric designs and a variety of functional art pieces which are a joy to use in everyday life. Returning Artists:
Local wood turner – Rudolph Lopez. Rudy was a featured artist at the Tampa Museum Of Art’s “Dirty” event, and also winner of the “Best Emerging Artist” award at the 2009 Gasparilla Festival of Arts. His work has been on display in the American Association of Wood Turners exhibits for 2008, 2009, and 2010. This third generation native of the Tampa area found his love for working with wood while growing up on his family’s cattle ranch in Lutz. Working primarily with fresh wood, he seeks to reveal the beauty that nature has hidden beneath the bark. He uses techniques such as carving, texturing and wood burning to enhance the turned pieces. Using a variety of woods, including mahogany, rosewood, Norfolk Island pine, magnolia and ambrosia maple, and exploiting their spectacular grain patterns, he transforms rough blocks of wood into objects of beauty and function. Ceramic artists Wesley Allen and Takashi Hirose. Wesley, originally from Oklahoma, now a well-known potter living in Tampa, and Takashi, from Osaka, Japan, have partnered to produce unique works inspired by methods that transcend time. Combining the influence of Takashi’s many years in Nepal and Wesley’s oil painting background and love of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, they push pottery to a new level. Their unique pieces, both functional and beautiful, display a variety of interesting glazes, including one method that originates from the Kamakura Period in China dating back to 1185-1333 AD. Local painter Donna Morrison. Donna’s inspiration comes from historic Florida, details of nature, people of character, and world experiences. Her use of watercolour, acrylics, oils and pastels has been recognized with a long list of awards over the years, including Best of Show in both the 2010 Florida Suncoast Watercolour Society Member Show and the 2010 Bay Area Art Show in Tampa. She secured acceptance into the Louisiana Watercolour Society’s 40th International Exhibition, the 22nd Tri-State Juried Water Media Exhibition, and most recently won Best of Show at the Tampa Regional Artist 2011 Watercolour exhibition. Her memberships and other awards are too numerous to list.
