Artist Robert Lovejoy at Art Center Sarasota

"The Departed", 26' x 16", acrylic on paper by lolly

Artist Robert Lovejoy's latest work is on display at Art Center Sarasota until the end of March. I recommend you see it. His bold paintings express his love of puns, interesting absurdities or the power of symbols. The work is unexpected and delightful. If you step into the second gallery you will find another exhibit "Breaking Boundaries" which runs until March 10, 2012. My work "No, they don't" is in this juried exhibit.

National Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibition

Art Center Manatee will host the 90th Annual Traveling Exhibition of the National Watercolor Society. It is an honor to host this prestigious exhibit. The exhibit will be at the Center from February 1 - March 18, 2011. If you are anywhere near Bradenton, FL, you must see the exhibit!

Dancing Crane Gallery presents art from Russia

On Friday, March 3, 2011 from 6 -9 p.m. The Dancing Crane Gallery, 1019 10th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL will present artwork of artists from Russia and the art and music of David Lieberman. It ought to be a good evening. Visit http://www.dancing-crane.com for more information.

Art on Anna Maria Island

After a 2 years absence, I am pleased to see art remains alive and well on Anna Maria. Many people come for the beautiful outdoor activities and are delighted when they discover a history museum, orchestra, choir, theatre and fine arts. Island Gallery West at 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach has weekly Saturday art demos. Artist Shirley Dean will demo acrylics on January 15 and Jane Keeling will demo oils on Janurary 22. You can pick up a pink sheet with the listing for they year which range from watercolor to painting on glass and wood. My friend Barbara Hines will demo watercolor whimsy on March 19.

Birds,
Frog and Fish, acrylic on yupo.

Back on Anna Maria Island and art at Dancing Crane

Three winters have passed since I last walked the beaches on Anna Maria Island. Happily the BP oil disaster has no visible impact on the surface of the sands or waters here. Much has changed and much remains as I recall. The changes come to the single storey houses that once were the dreams of island residents. Now they are renewed and for vacation rent rather than full-time living. The need to have a pool remains a mystery to me with Tampa Bay on one side of the island and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Pine Street sparkles with buildings that have an island feel. For the most part they fit with with architecture of Roser Church and other original buildings of the 1900s. A man asked me if I were vacationing. Although my mouth moved no words made a sound. I had come home but in reality I am vacationing as I have no room to call my own. He said he could never leave. "Your body may leave but your heart remains," was my reply.
My art is now represented by The Dancing Crane Gallery in the Village of the Arts in Bradenton. Please as Beverly to see it.

I am can now be found at http://www.facebook.com/LollyOwens or at
http://www.twitter.com/LollyArt

A Sudden Burst of Color, acrylic on canvas

I have news for Anna Maria Island cat lovers. The controlled colony of 13 cats which were happily living on the lot in back of Publix has to be moved. 12 of the 13 have been captured and are safely living with islanders Sam and Justin. Here is how you can help. Sam is a fantastic artist and her work can be seen at http://www.islandcatrescue.org/Shop If you buy one of the fun bowls or glittery pieces of jewelry all proceeds will go to help the Publix cats or others she and her husband have rescued. The Island Cat Rescue is not yet a non-profit but they are working on that aspect so if you would like to donate to those legal fees that would be great as well. Visitors to the island enjoy our cats without thinking that they must be fed, neutered and given medical care when needed. Please help.