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"Commingling I" by Ashley Cassens, Oil on Canvas, 11x14

In this piece, my ever-present hairs (a habit that is quite annoying when you live with someone!) is pressed against my husband’s chest. As the daughter of a hairdresser, I associate hair with nurturing. This gesture mimics touch, and allowed me to literally touch my partners hand, in a multitude of little brushstrokes.

"Enfold" by Ashley Cassens, Oil on Canvas, 12x16

This painting is part of a series that explores paint as a conduit for touch. I believe this to be especially prescient and vitally missing given COVID. Through sensuous layers of paint, I seek to excavate the physicality of my husband in intimate places. In these vulnerable spaces, I allow the viewer to enter into a private encounter, which examines how paint be a conduit for touch in absentia. This series was born through the beginnings of a long-distance marriage.

"Wrap" by Ashley Cassens, Oil on Canvas, 12x16

This painting is part of a series that explores paint as a conduit for touch. I believe this to be especially prescient and vitally missing given COVID. Through sensuous layers of paint, I seek to excavate the physicality of my husband in intimate places. In these vulnerable spaces, I allow the viewer to enter into a private encounter, which examines how paint be a conduit for touch in absentia. This series was born through the beginnings of a long-distance marriage.

"Morning in Morocco" by Peggy Banks, Mixed Media (handmade paper, Thai papers), 40x30

Traveling in Morocco I was captivated by all the rich colors, the textures, the sky and the desert. I found the soulks, the medinas, and the markets full of interesting textiles, jewelry and spices. In the Jewish quarter I was drawn to large baskets full of colored spices that had blue, yellow and pink flowers. I never did learn the name, but the images stayed with me. Creating this piece of art I pierced the handmade abaca paper when it was wet. Then I allowed the silk to push through, resembling new life as each tiny mound appears to be budding and blossoming before our eyes. I am forever grateful that I am able to experience the world through travel and to meet each new experience with a state of wonder.

"Treasures" by Peggy Banks, Mixed Media (handmade paper, Thai papers, copper), 40x30

Treasures was inspired by Covid. As this dreadful pandemic surges through our country, taking innocent lives and instilling fear and isolation, I am reminded of the small gifts we are given and I strive to focus on that beauty and the mystery that fills us with peace if we let it unfold and encircle our being. This handmade paper and origami construction rests on top of 16 gage copper I organically patina. Little turquoise stones are embedded in the copper metallic paper. We discover its healing properties as we walk through the art. As we come to the garden we see symbolic flowers in bloom and are grateful for natures renewal.

"Portal to this Mortal Coil" by Barb Forristall Scapin, Mixed Media, 24x12

This is a mixed media piece using string with various textures in shades of white that depict in a futuristic robotic abstraction the process of birth as mother pushes child from her womb onto this mortal coil. Something this pandemic has shown us is just how fragile the gift of life is for everyone. A new appreciation arises each day we remain healthy. Each medical breakthrough that develops to stop the spread of Covid-19 is cause for being thankful. We all enter the world the same way; however, we all leave this world in different ways. Since how or when it is our time to leave life is unknown, every moment of life we and those around us are given needs to be celebrated with gratitude.

"Botanica Marina No. 2 " by Johanna Riddle, Mixed Media Collage, 26 x 16.5

My work speaks to my reverence and gratitude for the natural world, and to the spiritual connections it offers. Part of an on-going series, Botanica Marina II is a reference to our connectedness—indeed, to our reliance—upon the quiet, unspoken, most elemental, and for the most part, unnoticed- contributors to a life we often take for granted. Having lived on the coast all of my life, the ocean is part of who I am. I appreciate it for its beauty and its power, but I also have a deep appreciation for the role it plays in my own life. I look out on the ocean, walk alongside the tide line, float above it. So many things seen, and so very many more, unseen. The idea of marine life may conjure up images of dolphins and whales, starfish and sea urchins for many. But the truth is that the foundation of ocean life—the stuff that makes life possible for all of us-- is largely invisible. There are approximately five million living organisms in a single teaspoon of water, and most of those are invisible to the human eye. Yet those largely inconspicuous life forms--bacteria, phytoplankton, plankton--things we cannot see, so simple that we do not even think about them--sustain life for every single living thing on Earth. That's a remarkable thought: It is the things we cannot see, the things that aren't even part of our consciousness (unless, of course, you happen to be a marine biologist) that are sustaining us, supporting us, nourishing us, keeping the planet going. When I was a little girl, my grandmother told me that "the most important things in life are always done quietly." Though I could not fully understand those words as a child, I never forgot them. They have come to have great meaning to me as my life has unfolded. This piece is an acknowledgment of the many, many small invisible things that sustain us and enrich us as we find and make our way.

"Midnight Magic" by Johanna Riddle, Mixed Media Collage, 25x39

My work speaks to my reverence and gratitude for the natural world, and to the spiritual connections it offers. Midnight Magic addresses the unconditional sanctity of nature—the expression and intersection of divine and earthly, physical and spiritual, waiting to be discovered and experienced in the natural world. I am lucky enough to have spent the last twenty years living in the middle of what is now protected hardwood hammock. Open any window or door in my home, or my studio, and you step into deep forest. So many small things of significance unfold there every day—my morning hummingbird fly-bys, the cardinals that have actually flown into the house for a minute or two, settling themselves on a curtain rod or chairback, just to commune for a minute or two before flying away again, the lessons that the cattleya orchid offers when it finally comes to blossom, in full glory, after four years of patient waiting, the seeds that come to birth in the second year—just about one year and eleven months after I gave up hope. One of the things that I’ve witnessed, so many times, is the pure white light of the full moon shining through the trees in the dead of night. It is a sacred thing, equal in beauty and holiness to any manmade cathedral. Our world, and our culture, can be so artificial, so fast, and so unbalanced. This particular work is an affirmation of gratitude to the fact that I have been given the opportunity to live in tandem with the natural world and that exquisitely complex and beautiful web of life. I know that I am connected to it all. Midnight Magic is a tribute of gratitude for that connectedness. It is embedded with a number of symbols and design elements representing life, mysticism, continuity, connection with spiritual realms, wonder, beauty and joy.

"She Waits for the Garden" by Johanna Riddle, Monoprint and Collage, 19x25

My work speaks to my reverence and gratitude for the natural world, and to the spiritual connections it offers. She Waits for the Garden is a self-reflective piece. In my early adult years, I genuinely believed that if I worked hard enough, and tried hard enough, and loved enough, and gave enough, that I could change anything for anyone that I loved. At times, it actually worked. Over the subsequent 40 years, I’ve learned that, while, the influence of my love and passion and energy can impact those around me in true and even measurable, ways, there are some things that I simply cannot change. At the current point in my life journey, I’m learning how to carry burdens I cannot heal with as much grace and fortitude and acceptance. I’m remembering that hope can still reside in the darkest of places, that seeds are always waiting—and can wait a long time—to be born to the light—and that the mystery and wonder of that lies well beyond human perception. I’m learning that sometimes you just have to wait for your own to come to you. This piece is an expression of hope and gratitude that there may well be a vital power to faith, to believing in the things hoped for, and yet unseen.

"The Peace of Wild Things" by Johanna Riddle, Collage with Cold Wax, 24x36

My work speaks to my reverence and gratitude for the natural world, and to the spiritual connections it offers. I am a great reader, delighting my way through at least 50 books each year. The Peace of Wild Things is directly inspired by the poetry of Wendell Berry, and is relative to my deep connections and reverence for the natural world. Below is the poem that inspired this piece:

When despair for the world grows within me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water. 
And I feel above me the day-blind stars 
waiting with their light. For a time, 
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

I’ve read and re-read this poem many, many times. It says exactly what I feel, so keenly, in my little corner of the world. It expresses, with simple eloquence, the healing and reassuring powers of the quiet, natural world.

"The Nest Builder" by Walter Osteen, Oil on Masonite, 48x48

I am very grateful to have spent most of my life in an area where natural spaces are still to be found and experienced. The time that I have spent over the years on the ocean and rivers here has been and continues to be a wonderful resource to draw from in the production of my studio paintings. This painting is a somewhat whimsical depiction of a male great egret flying low over the river under the watchful eye of a curious deer as he brings more building material back to it and its mate's nest. Inspired by a trip down the Tomoka River near Broadwater where I came upon two deer swimming across the river as a great egret watched from shore.

"The Hunter" by Walter Osteen, Oil on Masonite, 24x34

I am very grateful to have spent most of my life in an area where natural spaces are still to be found and experienced. The time that I have spent over the years on the ocean and rivers here has been and continues to be a wonderful resource to draw from in the production of my studio paintings. The Hunter was inspired by a scene that I witnessed years ago as I was fishing on the Tomoka near the Addison Landing. A large osprey came swooping down the river and flew just over my boat with what appeared to be a king snake firmly in its grasp. Over the years I have occasionally seen osprey flying overhead after catching a fish, but this was a first for me.

"Without Thorns" by NC Hagood, Mixed Media, 22x28

From the dirt, up came a beauty of a flower. All that lay their eyes on it relish in its splendor. Especially me, so I tried to capture this gratitude I feel in “Without Thorns”.

"Tia" by NC Hagood, Mixed Media, 22x28

A tender touch from a young child. The sensitivity it reflects to the receiver. Both reveling in the moment of fondness. All can appreciate the emotion it reflects in “Tia”.

"Street Sounds" by NC Hagood, Mixed Media, 22x28

While walking down a street, stopped, and listened to a musician. He nodded and smiled, appreciating an audience enjoying his talents. I delighted and was grateful to him for sharing his gift. This recollection inspired my piece “Street Sounds”.

"Oasis" by Lisa Argentieri, Acrylic on Canvas, 24x30

In this painting, Oasis, I am expressing my gratitude and appreciation of nature. I was inspired to paint this using a palette knife and acrylic paint because it allowed me to physically get more involved in the scene: to immerse myself in the paint so to speak. My gratitude towards nature is something I feel deeply about. My landscape paintings capture the atmosphere with my choice of colors and expressive brush and knife strokes. I thank Mother Nature for all she provides!

"Restoration of the Heart" by Kelley Batson Howard, Acrylic and Powertex on Wood Panel, 24x24

This piece was created after the death of a friend’s child. Restoration of the Heart relates to gratitude because I am grateful that God has the power to heal our hearts and restore it to its original state from tragedy and broken times in this world. I am thankful for that. There’s nothing in the world I am more thankful for.

"Honey Dripper I" by Kelley Batson Howard, Acrylic, 24x24

Honey Dripper I & II are abstract pieces representing the beauty of nature. All around us in our world, we are surrounded by the beauty God created with the brilliant colors and shapes being everywhere. I am thankful each day for that beauty and as an artist it makes my heart sing!

"Honey Dripper II" by Kelley Batson Howard, Acrylic, 24x24

Honey Dripper I & II are abstract pieces representing the beauty of nature. All around us in our world, we are surrounded by the beauty God created with the brilliant colors and shapes being everywhere. I am thankful each day for that beauty and as an artist it makes my heart sing!

"Raining Daisies" by Kelley Batson Howard, Acrylic, 48x36

Raining Daisies is an abstract floral piece representing the beautiful flowers that God created. The world is full of vivid colors and intricate blooms that lift our days. The cheer given to us by flowers cannot be underestimated. I am grateful for their existence. They remind me of the magnificence of God and His creation.

"Pokrov - Our Lady of Protection" by Marcia Allison, Egg tempera medium and 24kt gold leaf background on flat wood panel, 10x12

My gratitude comes from my work being guided by God through prayer and study of scriptures. Icons allow me focus on the image that portrays the reason in which it is being written (painted), for you see, each piece is completed with a specific prayer intention that expresses an individual need that relates to the image. As a form of inspiration, the icon is to the eye the same as music is to the ear; as incense is to the smell; as veneration to the touch; and as Holy Communion to the taste. The intent is to charge all our senses and guide us toward a higher and spiritual understanding. That even through my failures or mistakes in the artform, I am ever grateful they are not erased as if forgotten, but layered upon with new life, symbolic to receiving eternal life. The icon allows the viewer to see their own story, connect with the divine in a way that leads them to their personal spiritual journey in color, symbols, and imagery. I am grateful for the peace icon writing gives me when the biblical figure or set of figures tell a story. Icons are sometimes described as “windows to heaven” that bring your awareness to God’s presence. My hope is to share the spiritual peace and closeness with God. Continue contemplating the icon as you invite God to speak to you. The Protection of the Mother of God is one of the most beloved feast days on the Orthodox calendar among the Slavic peoples, commemorated on October 1. Its origin lies in the story that in the year 902 (some say 911) c.e., the people of Constantinople gathered in the Church of the Vlakhernae (Blachernae), fearing a military invasion; some say the invaders were Saracens (Muslims), some say a fleet of northerners from what was then called Rus. During the all-night prayer vigil, Андрей Юродивый — Andrei Yurodivuiy — Andrei the “Holy Fool” — supposedly had a vision in which he saw Mary standing in the church, taking off her veil, and holding it over the congregation as a covering sign of her protection. With her were various saints and angels. (David, 2015) The image portrays her in the full view upon a cloud appearing above a crowd holding the veil for protection.

Luke 1:46 recognizes Mary as blessed when Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

Then of course the Magnificat in versus 46-55: 

Mary’s Song of Praise
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our
ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

Marcia Allison will lead a Sacred Windows Icon Workshop (Dec 9-12) at St. James Episcopal Church. More info about her workshop can be found at https://mallison0408.wixsite.com/mysite

"Holy Family" by Marcia Allison, Egg tempera medium on poplar wood with indented frame, 11x14

The icon of the "Holy Family" shows the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and infant Jesus. The icon has been painted by great icon painters, both in the West as well as in Orthodox, Byzantine iconography and has been considered “heretical”. Those who claim the heretical depiction of the “Holy Family” are based primarily on St. Joseph and his contribution, and the undermining of the virginity of the Theotokos. The Holy Family is being depicted for hundreds of years in Orthodox iconography and this refutes the argument that this particular icon is part only of the Catholic Church’s faith. Moreover, Christ, from his birth and until the revelation of His divine nature, lived among people as a man, without of course committing any "human” mistake. However, He was "protected" and "brought up" by His mother, the Theotokos and by Joseph. For me, priests and millions of people who love it, this icon is accepted by those that have chosen it among thousands for the message of “family protection” and “love” it conveys.

Marcia Allison will lead a Sacred Windows Icon Workshop (Dec 9-12) at St. James Episcopal Church. More info about her workshop can be found at https://mallison0408.wixsite.com/mysite

"Holy Trinity" by Marcia Allison, Egg tempera medium with 24kt gold leaf frame, halos, and enlighteners on poplar wood with indented frame, 13x17

This icon is a prototype copy from The Trinity originally created by Russian painter Andrei Rublev in the 15th century. It is his most famous work and the most famous of all Russian icons, and it is regarded as one of the highest achievements of Russian art. The Trinity also known as The Hospitality of Abraham (in earlier versions) biblical root comes from Genesis in the story of Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality to strangers by the oaks of the Memre tree. Three nameless visitors appeared in front of their tent were warmly welcomed and given food and drink. They then promised the aged couple that barren Sarah would soon bear a son. Abraham and Sarah realized their guests were angels. This representation is the first expression of God the Father in three (Father – figure on left, Son – center figure and Holy Spirit - right). Feast Day: Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday following Pentecost. Trinity Sunday has the status of a Principal Feast in the Church of England and is one of seven principal feast days in the Episcopal Church.

Marcia Allison will lead a Sacred Windows Icon Workshop (Dec 9-12) at St. James Episcopal Church. More info about her workshop can be found at https://mallison0408.wixsite.com/mysite

"Archangel Michael" by Marcia Allison, Egg tempera medium with 24kt gold leaf halo on flat wood panel, 10x12

"Archangel Michael is the commander of the heavenly hosts and the great defender against evil, especially in time of war. Among the archangels, Michael is most directly concerned with the troubles of us earthlings. His element is earth, and he wears an “earthy” red outer garment which in traditional icons red symbolized vitality, humanity, and beauty. The biblical root for St. Michael is mentioned three times, in the book of Daniel, The epistle of Jude and the Revelation of St. John. Michael commands God's army against Satan's forces in the Book of Revelation found in the New Testament. It is during the war in heaven Archangel Michael conquers Satan. Daniel is speaking of the end times in 12:1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” Angels and archangels, powerful and mysterious spiritual forces in attendance on God, are known in many cultures and religions. Their youthful faces nevertheless betray experience and wisdom, for they are as old as the universe. Light streams from their wings. Their light blue hair bands, ending in floating ribbons or even white lightning, function as “antennae” to instantly pick up instructions from God. The transparent globe and slender staff are emblems of their angelic powers and their affiliation with the Divine."

Marcia Allison will lead a Sacred Windows Icon Workshop (Dec 9-12) at St. James Episcopal Church. More info about her workshop can be found at https://mallison0408.wixsite.com/mysite

"Archangel Gabriel" by Marcia Allison, Egg tempera medium with 24kt gold leaf halo on flat wood panel, 10x12

"Archangel Gabriel is the Messenger of God’s Providence. St. Gabriel is occasionally cited as the one who blows God’s trumpet to indicate the Lord’s return to Earth. Gabriel is recognized as the patron saint of messengers, telecommunication workers, and postal workers. The biblical root for St. Gabriel appears by name four times: twice to Daniel to interpret the meaning of his visions (Daniel 8-9), once to announce John the Baptist's birth to his father Zacharias (Luke 1:11-20), and once to announce the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Feast Days: St. Michael is September 29th and St. Gabriel is March 24th but often both are celebrated together on September 29th."

Marcia Allison will lead a Sacred Windows Icon Workshop (Dec 9-12) at St. James Episcopal Church. More info about her workshop can be found at https://mallison0408.wixsite.com/mysite

"Spring Anew" by Diamond Johnson, Acrylic & Watercolors on Canvas, 12x12

Within nature awaits a quiet, safe, and welcoming space for healing, solace, and relaxation to occur. My passion for nature grew during my residency in Japan. Today, I am grateful for nature and the positive, uplifting impact it’s had on my life. Nature inspires me every day to embrace new opportunities and never take them for granted. To express my gratitude, I created an abstract mixed media painting, with specific inspiration from one of my favorite places in Ormond Beach, Ames Park. I love how in the spring colorful flowers coat the landscape and lily pads. The colors from the flowers, ponds, and river appear throughout my painting. Appreciating nature has taught me how to value simplicity. May this painting inspire you to allow nature to Spring something Anew in your life.

"New England Tranquility" by Kathy Blomquist, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x16

This photo appeared on my childhood friend’s Facebook page where we reconnected through the wonders of modern technology. Her photo, so New England-ish took me to my many vacations spent in Provincetown with my newer “adult” friends where we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. How amazing it is that one picture can connect us all.

"Winter Night at Granada Bridge" by Kathy Blomquist, Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24

The hustle and bustle of the holidays over, the bridge in winter less traveled provides a well-deserved break and time to reflect for which I am grateful.

"Sunrise in the Backyard" by Kathy Blomquist, Acrylic on Canvas, 12x16

To be able to wake each day surrounded by the beauty of nature, a labor of love created just for us by my spouse accompanied by another spectacular sunrise.

"Lily Pad Pond" by Kathy Blomquist, Colored Pencil on Suede, 8x10

A view of part of a water feature in Untermyer Gardens, Yonkers, NY where restoration is currently taking place to return the estate of Samuel Untermeyer to the grand gardens they once were. The estate gardens include fountains, a reflecting pool, a marble and iron “Temple of the Gods” as well as a grand stage and stone waterfall. The Gardens are open to the public and free to wander about and enjoy it’s beauty.

"Chakras and Gratitude" by Liz Canali, Felt on Hard Foam Board, 14x15

By focusing on each chakra as I transmit gratitude during meditation, I’m aware that every area of my life is receiving blessings and positivity. The stones represent the 7 chakras: Root (red - grounding), Sacral (orange - pleasure), Solar Plexus (yellow - confidence), Heart (green - love), Throat (blue - communication), Third Eye (indigo - imagination), and Crown (awareness). Gratitude for my health, my talents, my family and my friends has grown through this practice of gratitude especially during the trying times of the last 2 years.

"Cattitude" by Dolores DeCarlo, Acrylic, 8x10

I've called this painting Cattitude because Clancy exudes it. Clancy is a rescue that Linda McCauley saved. She and her husband Paul saw him at the Humane Society when he seemed unadoptable and took him home with them where he reigns as king of the house. I fell in love with him at first sight and asked Linda to take several pictures of him for me. Paul was the one who took this picture that inspired me to put Clancy on canvas. He is regal in stance and handsome to behold. Here's Clancy for all the Cat lovers and those who wish they were.

"Gigi" by Dolores DeCarlo, Acrylic, 10x8

Gigi is my daughters pet Pomeranian aka Hedgehog who is a rescue. He obviously was mistreated as it has taken us several years to help him trust humans again. He is the cutest little dog ever and very photographable. Maria takes him to work every day and her colleague has gained his trust. He goes up to her several times a day for a treat and allows her to pet him. This has been such a game changer in his life that I wanted to paint a picture of him for her. This is a painting I made from a photograph of Gigi in his bed, taken by my son.

"Sweet Memories" by Dolores DeCarlo, Acrylic, 10x10

Sweet Memories are thoughts of when I was a little girl and had no idea that we were poor. All my friends had baby carriages except for me. My dad saw one sitting on a sidewalk for disposal. It was a little worn for wear and had no wheels. He picked it up and brought it home and put it in his workshop. He had my mom come look at it and asked if she could redo the inside to which she said yes. That Christmas I had the most beautiful carriage on the block. It was Rattan, which my dad repainted, and put on black wheels. The interior was lined in pink Dotted Swiss with a pillow and sheets to match. My mom crocheted a blanket for it and I took my kitten for a ride in it every day. I added the little dog because my neighbor's dog Fritz was a big part of my childhood.

"Santa Maria della Fiore" by Dolores DeCarlo, Acrylic, 16x20

Santa Maria della Fiore is named after the Duomo in Florence Italy. I owe the Blessed Mother a debt of gratitude. She has been by my side my whole life and answered many of my prayers too numerous to mention during that time; most importantly my two children. I felt that this was, in some small way, an opportunity to repay her. This was a difficult undertaking and I had to repaint much of the picture several times, especially her face. I prayed over it every day, and finally I felt in my heart that I got it right. I used metallic paints mixed with acrylics to achieve the ethereal look I wanted.

"The Tides: High & Low II" by Desiray Blackburn, Acrylic, 24x36

When I was painting these I was thinking of all the bright colors by high tide. Not the trash or plastic, but the true treasures of the sea. I noticed after the lockdown all the oceans of the world looked cleaner and brighter. No dumping into our oceans please, I want to paint bright and wonderful colors for you.

"The Underwater Cave" by Desiray Blackburn, Acrylic & Fairy Dust on Canvas, 12x12

I adore the greens and blues of the sea. I mix my paints with an open mind. As I am stirring the paint, I let in a wonderful feeling of safety. As I have health issues I study the oceans on my internet and real life for inspiration..

"The Lagoon" by Desiray Blackburn, Acrylic & Mermaid Dust on Canvas, 12x12

I am so happy with the way this painting turned out. I love seeing the colors of the sea, so bright and cheerful. I try to always have a safe place, lagoons work wonderfully.

"Bee in the Bulbine" by Donna Lovelace-Flora, Photography, 16x20 (framed 19x23)

These tiny sunny, yellow and orange bulbine flowers that dance in the sea breeze always make me smile, not only for their beauty and the way they blow in the wind, but also because they attract so many bees to the vegetable garden. This precious honey bee is so grateful to have a bounty of pollen available from the bulbine flowers in order to create its food, honey. I am grateful that the flowers draw the bees into the yard where they also can dine on a variety of lettuce, bean, and herb blossoms, providing cross pollination which produces wonderful additions to my dinner, as well as seeds for future plantings. This is one of nature’s greatest miracles, and it gives me much joy to observe it in action. Thank you, little bee!

"Blossoming Bananas" by Donna Lovelace-Flora, Photography, 20x16 (framed 23x19)

There is a divine relationship and balance in nature, where each plant, insect, and flower work together in harmony. The bees need the flowers for pollen in order to create honey, their food, and the flowers need the pollination of the bees in order to create the bananas. Each is grateful for the other. I am grateful not only for the tasty bananas, but for the beauty, peace and serenity I obtain from watching this miracle unfold before me.

Ashley Cassens
ashleycassens.com

Ashley Cassens is a native Floridian who earned her BFA from Florida Southern College in 2006 and an MFA from Florida Atlantic University in 2017. She was born in Daytona Beach, FL and still visits often. In addition to her Graduate Teaching Assistantship in the MFA program, she has been awarded the Provost Fellowship, two Graduate Advisory Board Grants, a Friedland Grant, a Rothenberger Scholarship, an Ambassador of the Arts Scholarship, and was twice awarded a Women in the Visual Arts Scholarship. She has exhibited her work at the ARC Gallery in Chicago, The Cornell Museum in Delray Beach, the Box Gallery in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. She has studied in workshops with Julian Schnabel and Steven Assael. In 2016 she worked at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL in museum education, furthering her passion for teaching. She is certified to teach Art K-12 and enjoys teaching Elementary Art by "day". Her recent paintings juxtapose craft and crushingly lovely figure painting in her favorite medium, oil paint.

Barb Forristall Scapin
artofbarb.com

Barb's body of work varies by subject, however her style can be defined as modern with use of non-objective, color field, minimalism, lyrical and geometric abstraction concepts. She began to paint in Pennsylvania, where she also founded her business. Since moving to Florida, she interacts with the local art communities as a member of many art groups where she volunteers and participates in art exhibits. She was represented by Art Pool Gallery and Arts on Granada for three years. She was a Salvo studio artist for about two and a half years. She presented a solo concept art exhibit the month of November 2020 called “Fluidity, Saturn’s Storms in False Colors” under black lights at Arts on Granada.

Desiray Blackburn
blackbeardstreasures.org

I am a disabled Veteran who has had migraine headaches since 1980, but still trying to be of service to those around me. I loved the military, and I appreciate all that other Veterans have given. My son, Jason, was killed in a tragic accident in September 2018. I started acrylic abstract painting to calm my mind. Stirring paint allows me to be mindful.

Diamond Johnson

From an early age, Diamond loved nature and created landscape artworks with crayons and chalk in her childhood home in North Carolina. Her passion for art and nature grew when she moved to Japan during her sophomore year of high school. Here, Diamond explored photography and calligraphy while embracing new experiences and a new culture. Diamond professionally began developing her art skills when she returned to the United States after graduating high school and earned an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts at Daytona State College. Diamond would combine her passions of art and people by becoming an Art Educator for K-8th, a Gallery Assistant, Certified Framer, and a Volunteer Coordinator. Over the years, she has created collections of mixed media works, both abstract and pop-art-like portraits. Today, Diamond attends the University of Central Florida and enjoys painting in her studio, traveling, and spending time in nature

Dolores (Dee Del Negro) DeCarlo

I was born and raised in Long Branch, New Jersey. My parents were both very talented; my dad was a sculptor in marble having been taught in Italy while my mom was the crochet and crafts queen. I sign under my maiden name to honor them. I attended the Art Center of Los Angeles with a goal of becoming a designer but somewhere along the way a dear friend of mine decided I should become a Travel Consultant and got her wish. She introduced me to her boss and the rest was history. I only painted for friends and charities because I had a family and a very demanding job. It is only in the past few years, having retired, that I took up a paint brush again. To my astonishment I discovered that I could not only paint landscapes but I could paint animals as well. Having a deep love for animals, I started to paint them on river rocks. I started adding them to my landscapes as well. It brings me great joy to have something emerge on my canvas; most of my paintings come from my mind’s eye, others have parts taken from pictures that I like, especially the animals. I rarely draw a sketch before painting; I usually pick up a brush start and let it take me where it wants to go. I believe it is God's hand guiding me. He's the one that gave me this gift.

Donna Lovelace-Flora

I always feel my best when I’m out in nature, whether working in the garden, exploring parks, walking on a tree lined path in the woods, or walking along the ocean surf on the beach. My high school choir trip to Galveston, TX got me hooked on the ocean, but it was not until my husband and I moved to Ormond by the Sea in 2014, that my interest in photography really began. All of a sudden, I was surrounded by the amazing bio diversity of this area, whether volunteering or enjoying some R&R. When I dropped my little Canon Powershot in the sand lens-down while capturing snaps of hatching baby loggerhead turtles from our adopted nest, I realized it was time to get a better camera that took good quality photos. So, I did, and yes, I am still learning. I’m intuitively drawn to a scene that makes me smile, so I’m grateful that I can share that same sense of joy, beauty and wonder of our delicate world with others.

Johanna Riddle
johannariddle.com

When I was a child, I visited the dinosaur exhibit at The NY Museum of Natural History. Objects were arranged to link dinosaurs to modern reptiles. Years later, I would return and view the identical objects, re-curated to tell an entirely new tale linking dinosaurs to birds. This sparked an interest in the changeable nature of stories that remains with me to this day. I am captivated by the power of the visual storyteller to arrange, rearrange, add, and layer elements to shape a narrative, feed the imagination, evoke memories and emotions. I began exploring this idea by developing panels that could be rearranged and interleaved. My process has evolved to the construction, deconstruction and reconstruction of mixed media art to create fresh and often unexpected stories. Layers, transparencies, and connections between media and subject are vital parts of my process. Like memories, images and colors float across the canvas. The ultimate story is born in that spark of connection between an artist and a viewer. I tell my story. The viewer makes fresh interpretations, discovers details, layers their own life experiences over the image. A richer, more meaningful message emerges. Each piece I create ultimately becomes a never-ending tale.

Kathy Blomquist

I have loved to draw and color since I was a young child. While in high school, I won a ribbon at the school’s art exhibit for a clay sculpture. I enrolled in a Saturday oil painting class where I learned the basics of applying oil paint to canvas. After high school I attended the New York Phoenix School of Design for one year followed by the Ridgewood School of Art in New Jersey for 2 years. I had dreams of becoming an illustrator and applied for several jobs. At each, I was asked how fast I could type as their plan was to hire a talented receptionist/illustrator. I decided to learn to type and attended Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. I found that I liked the work, so I set my art aside, and began my secretarial career. Now, after retiring from a decades-long career as an executive assistant, I have returned to my passion of drawing and painting. I am influenced by all that is around me. Nature’s fluidity of color changes influenced by daylight to darkness. I see wonderful views and enjoy recreating them on canvas and paper. I love drawing and making a permanent record of what surrounds me. Being able to capture on paper or canvas what my eye sees is very rewarding. Over the last 2 years, I was fortunate to have been able to attend classes offered by Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens which included Colored Pencil on Suede with Bill Shoemaker, Watercolor for Beginners with Pam Bleakney, and Plein Air Painting with Robin Weiss. I also attended virtual drawing classes offered by the City of Yonkers as well as Drawing with Shelley Haven at Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers. My current works are in acrylic, oils, pencil (both colored and graphite) and watercolor.

Kelley Batson Howard
kbatsonart.com

Kelley is a life-taught abstract artist born in Alabama and transplanted to Central Florida. She realized her dream to be an artist later in her life so she is a prolific producer of paintings because of her enthusiasm about getting to create. She loves using texture, shapes, pattern, transparent paints, and brilliant color in a combination that makes the viewer want to reach out and touch. Being a very tactile person, the artist loves seeing how the paints and different mediums flow together on the canvas. She works intuitively and lets the Spirit guide what happens. She may start with a particular color palette but the rest is Divinely guided as the paintings come together into something she recognizes from her mind’s eye. Her biggest desire as an artist is for the paintings she creates to give the viewer a glimpse of God's magnificence and glory while uplifting their spirit. When they see her paintings, Kelley hopes the viewer is reminded of a pleasant place in time-something happy and familiar for them-a fond memory or a special place they recall. Her current work is shifting from abstract landscapes to paintings of bold color and shapes that lend themselves to a more modern, midcentury feel.

Lisa Argentieri
lawatercolor.com

Lisa is from New York, now living in Florida. She received her art education at The School of Visual Arts in New York City (BFA degree.)

Painting, drawing and sculpting since she was a child, Lisa’s award-winning watercolor paintings have been published in numerous publications including five Florida covers, and has been selected to exhibit in several major New York juried shows, including The Salmagundi Art Club, The Brooklyn Waterfront Arts Coalition, The Allied Artists of America Inc., The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, and Audubon Artists, Inc. She is internationally-recognized since her feature on The Escoda Brush Company website (Barcelona, Spain) and in Blick Art ads.

Florida has inspired her to experiment in different mediums; to paint more landscapes and her color palette has changed.

Liz Canali
lizcanali.com

Liz Canali has been involved with art and crafts since early in her life. Trained as a commercial graphic artist, she first worked as a paste-up artist at the telephone company but quickly moved into the education field. Liz worked as an elementary art teacher in Hopkinton, MA and then as the jewelry and weaving teacher at Northfield Mt. Hermon School in Northfield, MA. At the same time she owned and created one-of-a-kind and art-to-wear jewelry for her company, Canali Silver. She sold her work to individuals and galleries throughout the US.

Her art journey brought her into the world of art administration. She was director of Leverett Crafts & Arts in Leverett, MA and then returned to her roots as a graphic artist. Combining her design experience and her husband Al’s office and sales experience, the two opened Canali Designs more than 25 years ago. Liz is the graphic designer for the business, focusing on print and web coordinated projects, logo design for small to medium businesses.

In search of a non-computer creative outlet, Liz rediscovered fiber arts especially felt. Liz began researching traditional felting techniques. Her latest wall pieces are made with the Florida climate in mind. Felt is a sustainable, renewable and biodegradable textile. An excellent insulator of heat and sound, it is also anti-static, non-allergenic, self-extinguishing, a controller of humidity and absorber of pollutants. It has intrinsic properties which help to maintain a healthy interior that is pleasant to live in. Her recent wall hangings and felted light shades reflect this direction in her latest work.

Liz’s work has been featured in The American Architectural Digest, Felt - The Australian Magazine for Felting, and Orlando Sentinel. She has won various awards: Best of Show at three St. Augustine Art Association Exhibits (17th Annual and 18th Annual Touch! Annual Tactile Exhibition, 2020 Honors Show), Award of Distinction at Flagler County Art League (Pick Your Picasso, Anything Goes, Textures) 2nd Place at Flagler County Art League (Textures, 2018 Fall Exhibition). Exhibitions include: Group Shows (Shared Stitches, Mount Dora Center for the Arts) and One-Person Shows (Explorations In Felt: Interior Design, Explorations In Felt: Textures and Color, and The Lore of Stones, Salmon Falls Gallery). Her work is in many private collections in Florida and New England.

Liz is on the support staff at Salmon Falls Gallery in Shelburne Falls, MA. Her hats, scarves, vessels and lights are for sale there. She is a member of the St. Augustine Art Association. She lives in Flagler Beach with her husband, Al.

Marcia Allison
https://mallison0408.wixsite.com/mysite

My work in iconography comes from God guiding my hand through prayer and study of scriptures. I was led to study iconography in 2009 while my husband was in seminary. I was tutored for three years under Judith Kaestner in Oconomowoc, WI. Her teaching methodology came from the Russian Orthodox founder of the Prosopon School of Iconography, Vladislav Andrejev. I have continued my studies with Icon Masters Theodoros Papadopoulos, Greece and Daniel Neculae, Romania using egg tempera mediums and other Russian icon masters as well as Theresa Harrison in acrylic. I teach icon writing in egg tempera Byzantine style. Icon workshops bring a presence of peace and spiritual presence. My hope is to share the spiritual peace and closeness with God that comes from the practice of icon writing. Each of my icons have a story, and specific prayerful intention. You may contact me regarding commissioning a specific icon for your spiritual needs or review my gallery & workshop opportunities on my website.

Marcia will lead a Sacred Windows Icon Workshop (Dec 9-12) at St. James Episcopal Church. More info about her workshop can be found at https://mallison0408.wixsite.com/mysite

NC Hagood
nchagoodart.weebly.com

"I love being an artist. My pieces are abstract and take you and many journeys of your own. My inspiration comes from people, things, places I love. Certain things stay in my mind and so I use them as my muse. They tell stories of things that happened, people and places my stories or emotions I share these with the viewer. We are all alike and suffer, enjoy, are happy, sad we all have stories. I hope the viewer will see a story of their own in my pieces."

NC Hagood is an abstract artist, who works in acrylics and mixed media. Her pieces are powerful and have ethereal quality to them. Hagood was born in Ecuador, South America. She arrived in New York City at the early age of five. Here she was influenced by her brother, an artist and the city itself. As she was growing up, she would watch her brother in the studio, he was her first mentor. Hagood fell in love with art and her brother, and the city provided a muse and much to ponder. Her work in the legal field exposed her to very high and low emotions, this evolved in her desire to capture such in her art. Hagood studied with various mentors and developed into a contemporary artist. It is apparent she favors abstract figures with glimpses of the characteristics and aspects of life and all its emotions. Hagood has received numerous awards and is affiliated with many organizations and galleries throughout the State of Fl. Her studio is located in New Smyrna Beach where she resides

Peggy Banks

Peggy Banks is an award-winning artist who exhibits her work locally, regionally and nationally. Her mixed media pieces have been collected throughout the United States and Europe. She is represented by Timothy’s Gallery in Winter Park; Arts on Douglas in New Smyrna Beach; and Clay and Fiber in Taos, New Mexico.

Walter Osteen

Wally is a mostly self-taught oil painter. His work is inspired by 35 years of living on and observing the timeless old Florida beauty of the Tomoka River and 55 years of surfing along the beaches and inlets of Florida’s east coast. Wally’s process for studio painting is time consuming. It consists of applying multiple layers of thick and thin oil paint to the canvas over a period of several months. This slower pace allows the painting to develop and evolve beyond his initial concept into something that is hopefully deeper and more meaningful; thus, becoming a sort of collaboration between the painting and the painter. The final goal is the creation of an image which the viewer will find both interesting and compelling. Wally’s paintings and prints are highly prized by surfers and non-surfers alike and may be found in many private and public collections, including his painting on permanent display at Daytona Beach International Airport.