Bold Statements Show Artists
Below read about each of the artists that entered artwork into the BOLD STATEMENTS Show:
Artist Lori Ann Sweet
It is hard to imagine when a pencil or paintbrush was not in my hands.
The pencil began a personal journal documenting ones journey and influences. One repetitive theme is experiencing nature and the habitats or wildlife up close. This has led down paths least predicted and offered much more than one could ever hope for. This has impacted the subject matter when creating and offered valuable life time of experiences. The story began while growing up on the shore of Long Island, NY. Traveling became a part of every day adventure. I found comfort in learning about history, enthusiasm in creating, and peace in observation of nature. I attend the School of Visual Arts, NYC, NY and became a recipient of both the MFA and BFA. This offered an awakening on how to express and create artwork. When my husband and I moved to Florida in 2015 the colors and stories being told had developed into a new chapter. The artwork is a small sample reflecting only an afternoon or in one’s life. There story will continue and there is so much more to express and be told.
Social Media Links . Website: Lori Sweet Fine Art . Facebook: (20+) Lori Ann Sweet Gallery | Facebook
Instagram: Lori Ann Sweet (@lorisweet94) • Instagram photos and videos
The pencil began a personal journal documenting ones journey and influences. One repetitive theme is experiencing nature and the habitats or wildlife up close. This has led down paths least predicted and offered much more than one could ever hope for. This has impacted the subject matter when creating and offered valuable life time of experiences. The story began while growing up on the shore of Long Island, NY. Traveling became a part of every day adventure. I found comfort in learning about history, enthusiasm in creating, and peace in observation of nature. I attend the School of Visual Arts, NYC, NY and became a recipient of both the MFA and BFA. This offered an awakening on how to express and create artwork. When my husband and I moved to Florida in 2015 the colors and stories being told had developed into a new chapter. The artwork is a small sample reflecting only an afternoon or in one’s life. There story will continue and there is so much more to express and be told.
Social Media Links . Website: Lori Sweet Fine Art . Facebook: (20+) Lori Ann Sweet Gallery | Facebook
Instagram: Lori Ann Sweet (@lorisweet94) • Instagram photos and videos
Artist Peggy Harrell Jennings
Peggy Harrell Jennings is a visual artist/writer from Jacksonville, Florida who works primarily in oils and acrylics. She has taught art in Clay and Duval County public and private schools, the Jacksonville Art Museum (now MOCA), MOSH and numerous other venues and exhibited locally with JAG and Orange Park Art Guild. She has been an exhibiting member of the Jacksonville Watercolor Society, Jacksonville Weaver’s Guild, Crown Craftsmen, and National Art Education Association.
Peggy Harrell Jennings has been creating art and writing since childhood. She earned degrees in English and minors in Psychology, Philosophy (University of West Georgia) as well as a minor in art from Reinhardt College and completed her degrees in Fine Art and Applied Art at University of Southwestern Louisiana. She continued with post graduate studies in fine art, art history and art education at University of North Florida.
Peggy is also a member of the Art Center Cooperative, Inc. Besides teaching visual art, classical ballet and Language Arts to all grades and ages from pre-k through adults, she has worked in advertising, is a costume, set and prop designer for theater productions and ballets and choreographs for The Jacksonville Concert Ballet Company. She illustrates her published children’s books as well including the latest – Ginny’s Journey – written in rhyming couplets. The book pairs educational information about Jacksonville’s historic districts with humor as a giant guinea pig navigates her way to MOSH, the Cummer Gallery and other well-known sites.
Peggy Harrell Jennings has been creating art and writing since childhood. She earned degrees in English and minors in Psychology, Philosophy (University of West Georgia) as well as a minor in art from Reinhardt College and completed her degrees in Fine Art and Applied Art at University of Southwestern Louisiana. She continued with post graduate studies in fine art, art history and art education at University of North Florida.
Peggy is also a member of the Art Center Cooperative, Inc. Besides teaching visual art, classical ballet and Language Arts to all grades and ages from pre-k through adults, she has worked in advertising, is a costume, set and prop designer for theater productions and ballets and choreographs for The Jacksonville Concert Ballet Company. She illustrates her published children’s books as well including the latest – Ginny’s Journey – written in rhyming couplets. The book pairs educational information about Jacksonville’s historic districts with humor as a giant guinea pig navigates her way to MOSH, the Cummer Gallery and other well-known sites.
Artist Leila Griffith
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Raised in Georgia by a well-known Golden Isles artist mother, she studied painting most of her young life and ultimately pursued a visual arts degree at Georgia State University. After college, fate had a different plan for her and she embarked on a career in catalog merchandising, which she enjoyed for over 35 years. She traveled the globe exploring wholesale trade shows, artists’ studios, rural warehouses, antiques markets and arts museums and markets to source and develop the most appropriate products for the discriminating direct mail audience.
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She designed, merchandised, and managed the gallery shop at The Bascom, a Visual Arts Center, in Highlands, NC, for five years, but she rarely picked up a brush or pencil until four years ago. When recovering from several serious health issues, and the need to lighten her mood, family and friends encouraged her to rediscover her inner creative voice – and she has found her new passion. Her work now mostly reflects her love of flora, fauna and nature and her world travels - whether detailing memories of Paris flower shops, farmers’ markets in Chile, wood storks by a neighborhood stream, canine companions, parks outside of London or small Italian villages, she is inspired by color and all things living.
Artist Mary Atwood
Author and fine art photographer Mary Atwood is a long-time resident of the Florida’s First Coast area whose deep appreciation of its natural beauty, rich history and diverse culture is often reflected in her work.
As the daughter of a World War II military photographer, Mary grew up with a camera in hand. Her earliest memories of taking photographs are of using a Kodak Brownie when she was six years old. From there, her experiences involved learning to use a wide variety of camera equipment from Polaroid to Hasselblad, and just about everything in between.
Mary’s fine art photography is included in numerous public, private, and corporate collections in the both the United States and France. She was the recipient of the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida’s prestigious Art Ventures grant in 2011, has done commissioned work for MOCA Jacksonville, and was invited by the Sister Cities organization of Nantes, France to exhibit her First Coast Reflections project as part of the inaugural celebration for la Maison des Etates-Unis (The American House) during the summer of 2013.
Mary’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and public art venues, with over twenty solo shows. To date, her photographs have won more than fifty awards in local, regional and national juried exhibitions.
As the daughter of a World War II military photographer, Mary grew up with a camera in hand. Her earliest memories of taking photographs are of using a Kodak Brownie when she was six years old. From there, her experiences involved learning to use a wide variety of camera equipment from Polaroid to Hasselblad, and just about everything in between.
Mary’s fine art photography is included in numerous public, private, and corporate collections in the both the United States and France. She was the recipient of the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida’s prestigious Art Ventures grant in 2011, has done commissioned work for MOCA Jacksonville, and was invited by the Sister Cities organization of Nantes, France to exhibit her First Coast Reflections project as part of the inaugural celebration for la Maison des Etates-Unis (The American House) during the summer of 2013.
Mary’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and public art venues, with over twenty solo shows. To date, her photographs have won more than fifty awards in local, regional and national juried exhibitions.
Artist Lisa Lofton
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I am a 2-D artist using acrylic on canvas as my primary medium. I do like to create mixed media pieces as well, combining ink, charcoal, and acrylic. My images are illustrative and vibrant. With a background in architecture and drafting I have a fondness for old buildings and functional objects with history, with a story. I search for subject matter with an open mind and feel that no apparatus, scene, or person cannot be depicted in a way that will result in a reconnection to it. What is considered often mundane and ordinary has a functional history and beauty.
like the humor that can be found in an object, place, or time. My current series, “Vintage Florida” was born out of a pandemic and the reminiscence of a carefree and joyful time of discovery in my life. As a transplant in childhood, I saw the State of Florida as a wonderful adventure with so much to offer a visitor. |
Born in the 60’s, many of my Florida pieces reflect memories of objects and places that have brought me a sense of happiness and peace.
For me, painting is like reading a well-loved book, a vehicle for escapism when needed, and always a path to understanding myself and my surroundings. There is more than an intrinsic value in things, their relationship with a person gives them a new identity that is often sentimental and priceless. I hope to revive fond memories for each viewer with my current series. Welcome to Florida and a Sunshine State of Mind!
For me, painting is like reading a well-loved book, a vehicle for escapism when needed, and always a path to understanding myself and my surroundings. There is more than an intrinsic value in things, their relationship with a person gives them a new identity that is often sentimental and priceless. I hope to revive fond memories for each viewer with my current series. Welcome to Florida and a Sunshine State of Mind!
Artist Leslie Kruzicki
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Born in NJ, Leslie enjoyed growing up in a creative atmosphere. She watched her parents perform in, or direct productions by the local community theater. Some of her parents' friends were visual artists. Her first formal art lessons were at age 8. Leslie studied Fine Arts and Literature, receiving a dual BA from Ramapo College. She worked as a Graphic Artist in Virginia as well as opening her own Boudoir Photography Studio. For many years her garden and photography were her means of visual expression. She returned to painting in 2007. Her work has grown and expanded from photography & watercolor, to include a passion for mixed media. Learning new techniques and improving her skills is a constant goal. She is grateful to live in an area with an intensely active artistic community and belongs to several local arts organizations. Her work can be viewed and purchase on line at SharedVisionsArt.com |
Annelies Dykgraaf was born in Nigeria where she lived for 18 years. She has a BFA from Calvin College and studied in France through the Cleveland Institute of Art. Annelies moved from Michigan to Florida in 2001.
In 2008, Annelies was awarded an Art Ventures grant from the Community Foundation in Jacksonville. She is a founding member of Jacksonville Cultural Development Corporation (2004)(f/k/a JCAAA) and The Art Center Cooperative Inc. (2005). She served on the Board of the Beaches Fine Arts Series for 12 years and is currently the President of the Jacksonville Artists Guild.
Her art is mainly in relief work; carving into a block of wood or linoleum depicting people, symbols, textile patterns and motifs of West African culture/myths.
In 2008, Annelies was awarded an Art Ventures grant from the Community Foundation in Jacksonville. She is a founding member of Jacksonville Cultural Development Corporation (2004)(f/k/a JCAAA) and The Art Center Cooperative Inc. (2005). She served on the Board of the Beaches Fine Arts Series for 12 years and is currently the President of the Jacksonville Artists Guild.
Her art is mainly in relief work; carving into a block of wood or linoleum depicting people, symbols, textile patterns and motifs of West African culture/myths.
William Garcia
William Garcia is a TAC Member and also one of our studio artists. William works in oils to create very thought provoking abstract pieces. He has participated in may of the exhibition shows and earned awards for his work.
You can see more of his work on our site by visiting his artist page CLICK HERE.
You can see more of his work on our site by visiting his artist page CLICK HERE.
Valentina Nedelcheva
Valentina was born and brought up in Bulgaria. She studied in Kiev´s University of cultural Arts. In 2008 she has finished the unique Bulgarian school of untraditional art with well known Stefka Baldjieva.
There are different techniques in finger painting. All her work is done by her fingers with no brushes used, directly on the canvas without preliminary sketches or compositions on subconscious level.
Valentina expresses her inner world the harmony of colors, including them as elements of universal harmony. Created on the level of subconscious, these paintings radiate energy which flows into every one who sees them.
There are different techniques in finger painting. All her work is done by her fingers with no brushes used, directly on the canvas without preliminary sketches or compositions on subconscious level.
Valentina expresses her inner world the harmony of colors, including them as elements of universal harmony. Created on the level of subconscious, these paintings radiate energy which flows into every one who sees them.
Denise Sawyer Johnson
Denise is a new artist and a member of TAC, who enjoys painting faces using pencil sketches, acrylic and mixed media to create. Denise has exhibited in Maryland and has participated in juried shows. She has sold works to art enthusiasts from DC, Maryland, Boston, Miami, Savannah and Jacksonville. Denise is also a board member.
You can see more of her work on our site by visiting her artist page CLICK HERE.
You can see more of her work on our site by visiting her artist page CLICK HERE.
Andriyesh Bukov
Andriyesh Bukov grew up and attended school in Chișinău, Moldova. Moldova is nestled between Ukraine and Romania. He now calls Jacksonville, Florida, his home. Andriyesh paints in acrylics and oils. He also paints both realistic and abstract images. Many of his paintings depict his native Moldavian culture. Many of his paintings are influenced by his love of poetry.
Cookie Davis
COOKIE DAVIS is a native of Jacksonville and has been involved in the art community since the early 1970s both as an exhibiting artist and as a volunteer chairperson and board member of a number of cultural organizations and events. Ms. Davis’ sculptures and paintings are stories without words. She says of her work, “Over the years I have filled many sketch books with ideas and themes for sculptures. Beginning in early 2016, I began to translate some of these ideas into paintings...Story People on Canvas.”
Cookie has work in permanent collections both nationally and internationally and is proud to have been the first recipient in 2014 of the Robert Arleigh White Award for Art Advocacy presented by the Cultural Council of Jacksonville
Cookie has work in permanent collections both nationally and internationally and is proud to have been the first recipient in 2014 of the Robert Arleigh White Award for Art Advocacy presented by the Cultural Council of Jacksonville
Martina Munzar
As an artist, Martina is deeply committed to using her art as a means of connecting with others and conveying the human experience. Working primarily with acrylic paint on canvas, Martina's abstract pieces are influenced by themes such as the feminine mystique and the power of nature. These themes are brought to life through her use of vibrant colors, which have become a signature element of her style. Martina's background is diverse and has played a significant role in shaping her art. Born to Czech immigrant parents and raised in the Caribbean, Martina spent a year abroad in Paris, where she worked as an au pair and fashion model while studying art. She earned a BA in Modern Languages and a minor in Fine Art and Women's Studies, further fueling her passion for creativity and self-expression. After living in Las Vegas for over a decade, Martina calls Northeast Florida home. Outside of her art, Martina is an avid swimmer and competes in various competitions. However, it is with a paintbrush in hand that Martina truly feels alive and able to express herself fully. Martina strives to create a pipeline to the soul through her art, inviting others to connect with her experiences and emotions through her work.
Deborah Lightfield
Art reflects the artist’s surroundings, beliefs, and experiences. The more I paint, meet people, visit galleries, and study art history, the more I enjoy this journey of exploration. My artistic intention is for my art to interpret these subjects while using a variety of expressive, interesting, and bold colors and textures. I enjoy the challenges of making unifying compositions, working with different styles or experimenting with different mediums. Art is a multilayered experience with many perspectives.
Personally, I want to live and create while seeing similarities and embracing differences. The visual experience of music, nature and positive energy have always been important parts of my creative process. Hopefully, my visual interpretations will relate to the viewer with the joy I had in creating each piece of artwork.
Personally, I want to live and create while seeing similarities and embracing differences. The visual experience of music, nature and positive energy have always been important parts of my creative process. Hopefully, my visual interpretations will relate to the viewer with the joy I had in creating each piece of artwork.
Paula Foster
Paula has been a professional artist for almost 30 years. She enjoys modern impressionistic paintings and collages that often focus on ethereal themes.
She has studied with numerous well-known artists here in Jacksonville and taught an art class for Nemours Children’s Clinic employees for two years. In addition, she taught students at the North Florida School for mentally and physically challenged children for two years.
She is presently teaching classes in her studio for beginning and intermediate students and a class at Reddi Arts. In addition, she taught two continuing education classes for UNF in 2012 and 2013.
Her works have been exhibited in numerous galleries, such as Avondale Artworks, Reddi Arts Gallery, and The Ward Room in San Marco. In addition, her painting “Mary, Ark of the New Covenant” is part of the Marial Museum of Art’s permanent religious art collection that travels worldwide.
She has studied with numerous well-known artists here in Jacksonville and taught an art class for Nemours Children’s Clinic employees for two years. In addition, she taught students at the North Florida School for mentally and physically challenged children for two years.
She is presently teaching classes in her studio for beginning and intermediate students and a class at Reddi Arts. In addition, she taught two continuing education classes for UNF in 2012 and 2013.
Her works have been exhibited in numerous galleries, such as Avondale Artworks, Reddi Arts Gallery, and The Ward Room in San Marco. In addition, her painting “Mary, Ark of the New Covenant” is part of the Marial Museum of Art’s permanent religious art collection that travels worldwide.
Stephanie Pyren
Stephanie Pyren's art is a mixture encompassing the energetic essence of modern and the live sensibility of the old masters. Competent in all medias, oils, watercolors, pastels and graphics: she has exhibited in one man shows and groups, nationally and internationally, France, Bangkok, and Holland and throughout the United States. In 1989 she moved to Barbizon, France to become involved in the “New Barbizon School of Arts” with artist Jacques Harvey.
While in France Stephanie was commissioned to paint various commercial and private pieces, which included portraits and murals and copies of famous artist throughout history. At this time, The American Animation Co. based in Los Angeles asked her to travel to Bangkok for a three-week period to teach traditional background painting for the upcoming Warner Bros. animation show “Tiny Toons”.
Upon returning to Barbizon France Stephanie had sold several pieces to a buyer. Unbeknownst to them, they would be married and eventually, both would become dual citizens of their new countries.
They moved to California on the request of the licensing division of Warner Brothers.
Stephanie continues to exhibit her artwork. And has built a clientele of collectors worldwide. She also continues receiving commission work both commercially and privately. Also, to her credit: Stephanie has illustrated 4 children’s books, and has worked in all the major animation studios in Los Angeles as a character designer and background painter. She has also taught life drawing and fashion illustrating and window display at the Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. Her and her husband have recently relocated to Jacksonville Florida.
Loving Jacksonville, she has been getting involved with the art scene in Jacksonville and throughout Florida. She is a current member of Jacksonville Artist Guild and has joined the Jacksonville Branch of the National League of American Pen Women.
While in France Stephanie was commissioned to paint various commercial and private pieces, which included portraits and murals and copies of famous artist throughout history. At this time, The American Animation Co. based in Los Angeles asked her to travel to Bangkok for a three-week period to teach traditional background painting for the upcoming Warner Bros. animation show “Tiny Toons”.
Upon returning to Barbizon France Stephanie had sold several pieces to a buyer. Unbeknownst to them, they would be married and eventually, both would become dual citizens of their new countries.
They moved to California on the request of the licensing division of Warner Brothers.
Stephanie continues to exhibit her artwork. And has built a clientele of collectors worldwide. She also continues receiving commission work both commercially and privately. Also, to her credit: Stephanie has illustrated 4 children’s books, and has worked in all the major animation studios in Los Angeles as a character designer and background painter. She has also taught life drawing and fashion illustrating and window display at the Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. Her and her husband have recently relocated to Jacksonville Florida.
Loving Jacksonville, she has been getting involved with the art scene in Jacksonville and throughout Florida. She is a current member of Jacksonville Artist Guild and has joined the Jacksonville Branch of the National League of American Pen Women.
Lynn Syrcle
Lynn Syrcle is a photographer who specializes in nautical themes.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nauticaloceanphotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nauticaloceanphotography
