In Flight Artists
Below read about each of the artists that entered artwork into the "In Flight" Show. MAKE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN TO SEE ALL OF THE ARTIST'S BIOS. THANK YOU!
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ARTISTS IN SHOW:
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Mary Atwood
Amber Bailey Alexandra Blake Christine Booras Michael Cenci Bronwen Chandler Linda Chipperfield Earl Coggins Susan Aertker |
Nikole Cooney
Jim Cox Sophie Dare Annelies Dykgraaf Cookie Davis Ronald Episcopo Leila Griffith Cindy Guy Ed Hall |
Peggy Harrell Jennings
Douglas Johnson, MD Paul Ladnier Lisa Lofton Mary McAllister Kathy McCall Erin McCullough Richard McGee Stephanie Pyren |
Cyndy Reynolds
Ruth Ryberg Celina Rohman Midge Scelzo Pat Setser Lynn Syrcle Laurence Walden Stephanie Welchans Harriet Wilson |
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 Amber Bailey
Amber Leigh Bailey is a figurative painter living and working in Jacksonville, Florida. Through a painting and drawing discipline, Bailey uses the human form to represent the emotional, psychological and spiritual forces that drive consciousness and emotion. From the struggle to find identity, to sexuality and anxiety, Bailey strives to capture raw human emotion through expressive color and mark making. Bailey graduated from the University of North Florida in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and a minor in Studio Art. After developing an independent practice of showing and working in Jacksonville, Bailey earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Visual Art from Jacksonville University in 2015. Click to read her artist statement and writing samples.
Artist Alexandra Blake
After a corporate career in insurance accounting, Alexandra (Sandy) Blake became interested in painting while raising a son. A collage class in painting with paper got her fascinated with creating 3D birds in shadow boxes. Involvement in local art organizations and attending workshops have furthered her interest, skill and art knowledge. She has lived in St. Augustine since 2007 with her husband, Bill Snow, and grown son, Robert.
Sandy is a mixed media artist who likes to play with colorful paper (pre-decorated or painted) and other found objects to create nature inspired art along with Asian themes and playful abstracts. Color, patterns and texture are used to create her subjects or visions. Creating artistic birds have a special place in her heart as their habitats deteriorate or diminish and their numbers dwindle. You can find her art on www.sandyblakeart.com.
Sandy has exhibited with the Society of Mixed Media Artists (SoMMA), Art Guild of Orange Park, Jacksonville Art Guild, St. Augustine Art Association and The Art Center at various venues including the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra, Butterfield Garage, The Landings, Palatka Larimer Theater, JCA and RAP in Riverside Jacksonville.
See more about Sandy at:
Website: http://sandyblakeart.com/
Sandy is a mixed media artist who likes to play with colorful paper (pre-decorated or painted) and other found objects to create nature inspired art along with Asian themes and playful abstracts. Color, patterns and texture are used to create her subjects or visions. Creating artistic birds have a special place in her heart as their habitats deteriorate or diminish and their numbers dwindle. You can find her art on www.sandyblakeart.com.
Sandy has exhibited with the Society of Mixed Media Artists (SoMMA), Art Guild of Orange Park, Jacksonville Art Guild, St. Augustine Art Association and The Art Center at various venues including the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra, Butterfield Garage, The Landings, Palatka Larimer Theater, JCA and RAP in Riverside Jacksonville.
See more about Sandy at:
Website: http://sandyblakeart.com/
Artist Christine Booras
Christine Booras was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL exploring local woods and creeks, fascinated by the wildlife and trees that had made it their home. Attending the University of Florida she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, attempted scuba diving and played clarinet in the band.
As an artist, author, athlete, and musician Christine finds pleasure in working with wire to design nature-themed art. She has had her writings published, competes in traditional barebow and recurve archery and plays the bagpipes. Participating in numerous athletic activities over the years, ranging from rock-climbing and fencing to kung fu and K9 frisbee, she has spent years studying the martial arts which is reflected in her work and love for bonsai trees. Maintaining a deep respect for and connection to animals and plants, she served as a volunteer at Marineland and the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens and gains inspiration from nature’s “gifts” every day.
As an artist, author, athlete, and musician Christine finds pleasure in working with wire to design nature-themed art. She has had her writings published, competes in traditional barebow and recurve archery and plays the bagpipes. Participating in numerous athletic activities over the years, ranging from rock-climbing and fencing to kung fu and K9 frisbee, she has spent years studying the martial arts which is reflected in her work and love for bonsai trees. Maintaining a deep respect for and connection to animals and plants, she served as a volunteer at Marineland and the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens and gains inspiration from nature’s “gifts” every day.
Artist Michael Cenci - 3rd Place Winner
Michael was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He has been photographing Florida wildlife and nature for over 25 years. As an avid outdoorsman, he attempts to capture nature at her most defining moments. From the delicate butterfly perched on a flower, to the prehistoric gator lurking in the swamp, from the tranquility of the marsh at sunrise, to the bald eagle capturing his prey. He hopes that those viewing his photography will see the wonder of nature through his eyes.
Michael’s photographs are on display in many corporate collections and local galleries and have been published in The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, and The Mirror in Great Britain, as well as other international media.
More of Michael's photographs can be seen at: https://www.cenciphotography.com/-/cenciphotography/
His woodwork can be found on Facebook at: Michael Cenci's unique woodwork
Michael’s photographs are on display in many corporate collections and local galleries and have been published in The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, and The Mirror in Great Britain, as well as other international media.
More of Michael's photographs can be seen at: https://www.cenciphotography.com/-/cenciphotography/
His woodwork can be found on Facebook at: Michael Cenci's unique woodwork
Artist Bronwen Chandler
Bronwen’s work has focused on capturing the beauty in nature. Her first love islandscape/seascape painting – “I want the composition to be solid, and the viewer to be drawn into the work and to be able to strongly relate to it. When that happens, it definitely feels like a success.” Some of her collectors have stated that they feel as though they could step right into her work.
Artist Linda Chipperfield - Honorable Mention Winner
Linda Chipperfield is a formally trained watercolorist and designer with a BFA from Missouri State University. She has done commission portraits and other works in Missouri and Washington DC. In 2014 Linda was an artist in residence at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria Virginia. Since relocating to Atlantic Beach, her work has been shown at Ponte Vedra Cultural Center, Gallery 725, Archway Gallery, MOCA, Florida State College, and Word Revolt Gallery among others.
Linda’s artwork is her advocacy. She loves to create and is passionate about protecting our environment and inspiring respect for nature. Eastern Monarch butterfly populations have declined by 80% since the 1980s. Extreme weather fluctuations caused by climate change, and the loss of the milkweed that they thrive on, have had a negative impact on these sensitive creatures. You can help the monarch population survive by planting milkweed in your garden.
www.LindaChipperfield.com
Linda’s artwork is her advocacy. She loves to create and is passionate about protecting our environment and inspiring respect for nature. Eastern Monarch butterfly populations have declined by 80% since the 1980s. Extreme weather fluctuations caused by climate change, and the loss of the milkweed that they thrive on, have had a negative impact on these sensitive creatures. You can help the monarch population survive by planting milkweed in your garden.
www.LindaChipperfield.com
Artist Earl Coggins
Earl Coggins Bio
I have had an appreciation for art in most forms since my earliest memories. Coloring books were my favorite thing to do as a young child. Later in life, the urge to create art was always there, but without the courage to pursue it. Life’s brevity has a way of dispensing courage where courage is in short supply. I squeezed out of my psyche enough courage to attend a few art classes. I then purchased nearly a dozen books on painting. One of those books turned out to be a pivotal lesson for me. Acrylic Painting Mediums & Methods: A Contemporary Guide to Materials, Techniques, and Applications by Rheni Tauchid had me hooked on texture.
I started painting and soon found myself using acrylic texture mediums as a way to accentuate my abstract art. It felt good. Tauchid's book and my infatuation with mazes led to the creation of Dadalus Dreamed, my interpretation of The Labyrinth, a maze built by the master builder Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. The Labyrinth was a prison for the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull beast.
A half-day class discussing and practicing the use of pallet knives as an alternative to brushes as a way to create art, along with my favorite color, blue, led to the creation of Cobalt Blues.
Inspired by Monet, Van Gogh, Pollock, and my favorite contemporary abstract artists, Gerhard Richter and Rheni Tauchid, I waded out into the deep end of my dreams. That was January of 2019. I was half past my 62nd birthday. I hope I get the opportunity to paint for a long while.
I hope everyone who reads this will take a peek at my artwork and also consider wading into the deep end of their own dreams, whatever they might be.
I have had an appreciation for art in most forms since my earliest memories. Coloring books were my favorite thing to do as a young child. Later in life, the urge to create art was always there, but without the courage to pursue it. Life’s brevity has a way of dispensing courage where courage is in short supply. I squeezed out of my psyche enough courage to attend a few art classes. I then purchased nearly a dozen books on painting. One of those books turned out to be a pivotal lesson for me. Acrylic Painting Mediums & Methods: A Contemporary Guide to Materials, Techniques, and Applications by Rheni Tauchid had me hooked on texture.
I started painting and soon found myself using acrylic texture mediums as a way to accentuate my abstract art. It felt good. Tauchid's book and my infatuation with mazes led to the creation of Dadalus Dreamed, my interpretation of The Labyrinth, a maze built by the master builder Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. The Labyrinth was a prison for the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull beast.
A half-day class discussing and practicing the use of pallet knives as an alternative to brushes as a way to create art, along with my favorite color, blue, led to the creation of Cobalt Blues.
Inspired by Monet, Van Gogh, Pollock, and my favorite contemporary abstract artists, Gerhard Richter and Rheni Tauchid, I waded out into the deep end of my dreams. That was January of 2019. I was half past my 62nd birthday. I hope I get the opportunity to paint for a long while.
I hope everyone who reads this will take a peek at my artwork and also consider wading into the deep end of their own dreams, whatever they might be.
Artist Nikole Cooney
Nikole grew up in a country setting in the small town of Green Valley, Illinois. This sparsely populated but densely wooded environment along the Mackinaw River nourished a long-term appreciation for nature and wildlife. Her formative years were divided between caring for strays, pets, and creating artwork of the animals she adored.
College years proved to be a continuation of this balance between animal health care and creating artwork in their likeness. Nikole obtained a degree in Veterinary Technology from Parkland College moving on to work with exotics at zoos in St. Louis and Peoria. Simultaneously she attended as many art classes as her schedule allowed. The relentless pull of the art world never ceased. Nikole decided to pursue her artistic education by attending The School of the Art Institute of Chicago on a Presidential Scholarship.
Today Nikole is a full-time artist residing in northern Florida. This tropical environment has proved to feed the work with new life and experiences. Her work has been exhibited extensively in several galleries and museums across the country in New York, Chicago, Peoria, Baton Rouge, Mesa, AZ, and more.
“Animals and nature have always been at the core of who I am. Wildlife and domestic animals lack the complexity of humanity. This simple purity is a never-ending source of peace and joy which is the heart-fuel behind my work.”
Nikole Cooney
College years proved to be a continuation of this balance between animal health care and creating artwork in their likeness. Nikole obtained a degree in Veterinary Technology from Parkland College moving on to work with exotics at zoos in St. Louis and Peoria. Simultaneously she attended as many art classes as her schedule allowed. The relentless pull of the art world never ceased. Nikole decided to pursue her artistic education by attending The School of the Art Institute of Chicago on a Presidential Scholarship.
Today Nikole is a full-time artist residing in northern Florida. This tropical environment has proved to feed the work with new life and experiences. Her work has been exhibited extensively in several galleries and museums across the country in New York, Chicago, Peoria, Baton Rouge, Mesa, AZ, and more.
“Animals and nature have always been at the core of who I am. Wildlife and domestic animals lack the complexity of humanity. This simple purity is a never-ending source of peace and joy which is the heart-fuel behind my work.”
Nikole Cooney
Artist Jim Cox
My drawing and painting training started in high school in 1970. I was fortunate to have an art teacher that was 100% with his challenges and expectations and desire to teach in a REAL art environment. I learned the fundamentals at Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore, Md. winning awards in the schools all juried art shows. I was accepted to Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fl. by merit of the portfolio I compiled at Calvert Hall. Jacksonville Universities Art program exposed me to glass blowing, intaglio printmaking, watercolor and drawing along with oil painting and a variety of sub categories in those disciplines. My concentration has been primarily in watercolor, developing my technique and style. I will often use my photographs as source material for my painting. I currently have private collectors in 12 states. You can view my work at www.facebook.com/jimcoxsfineart .
Artist Sophie Dare
After a traumatic loss in 2002 of their oldest son at eight to a rare heart disease, Sophie’s art was a necessary outlet for healing, seeking beauty and inspiration in nature. She painted magnified blooms and butterflies and began to get invitations to speak, sharing her art, and a message of hope through grief and loss. She was the featured speaker in over 20 women's events, with the message of finding beauty in our darkest places.
She holds a BFA from U.G.A. and was raised with rural roots in NC. Sophie currently works from her home studio in FL and has been the project manager for several large community murals in Clay County. Her current original works celebrate dimensional textures and patterns - simple beauty we can glean in nature and everyday life. Striking botanicals, coastal landscapes and peaceful wildlife, showing homage to her beloved life in the south.
Online Website – www.sophiedare.com
[email protected]
She holds a BFA from U.G.A. and was raised with rural roots in NC. Sophie currently works from her home studio in FL and has been the project manager for several large community murals in Clay County. Her current original works celebrate dimensional textures and patterns - simple beauty we can glean in nature and everyday life. Striking botanicals, coastal landscapes and peaceful wildlife, showing homage to her beloved life in the south.
Online Website – www.sophiedare.com
[email protected]
Artist Anneiles Dykgraaf
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. Currently showing at the Florida Ballet (Nov.-Jan.2020); Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum (Port Elizabeth, South Africa); exhibited at The Beaches Museum (July 26- Nov. 11, 2019); The Appleton Museum of Art (Jan-June 2017), JIA Haskell Gallery, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Wilson Center for the Arts Gallery at FSCJ South Campus, Karpeles Manuscript Museum, Reddi Arts Gallery 1037, FSCJ Kent and North Campus gallery, Riverside Fine Arts Series, Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, the Jewish Community Alliance and other venues; and part of the permanent art collection at UNF Thomas G. Carpenter Library and The Appleton Museum of Art.
You can see more of her work at:
http://anneliesdykgraaf.com/
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. Currently showing at the Florida Ballet (Nov.-Jan.2020); Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum (Port Elizabeth, South Africa); exhibited at The Beaches Museum (July 26- Nov. 11, 2019); The Appleton Museum of Art (Jan-June 2017), JIA Haskell Gallery, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Wilson Center for the Arts Gallery at FSCJ South Campus, Karpeles Manuscript Museum, Reddi Arts Gallery 1037, FSCJ Kent and North Campus gallery, Riverside Fine Arts Series, Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, the Jewish Community Alliance and other venues; and part of the permanent art collection at UNF Thomas G. Carpenter Library and The Appleton Museum of Art.
You can see more of her work at:
http://anneliesdykgraaf.com/
Artist 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.
Artist Ronald Episcopo
Ron Episcopo is well know in the Jacksonville Art Community for his art and participation with a number of art groups. He has been created and his creations star in many shows and have garnered many awards. Although he is not a member of the Art Center, we are happy he chooses to participate in many of our shows.
Here are a few words from Ron, "Although I never went to art school, I constantly had the urge to create. Corporate America didn't take my creativity away, new relationships didn't take it away - and I was learning not to take creativity away from myself. In 2005, I began to study basic photography, I took art classes, I engaged the art communities where I lived - and I fell in love with something other than my husband. After over 48 years of art suppression, I decided it was time to define myself. I decided it was time to art. I've been creating my pieces ever since and have sold numerous small projects and 10 large, mixed media pieces. My art, to my delight, continues to win awards at shows and exhibits. I am proud of what my art has accomplished and I am so excited to push it further, I have 48 years of art to make up for and I am ready to move forward. I am defining myself, I am an artist.
Here are a few words from Ron, "Although I never went to art school, I constantly had the urge to create. Corporate America didn't take my creativity away, new relationships didn't take it away - and I was learning not to take creativity away from myself. In 2005, I began to study basic photography, I took art classes, I engaged the art communities where I lived - and I fell in love with something other than my husband. After over 48 years of art suppression, I decided it was time to define myself. I decided it was time to art. I've been creating my pieces ever since and have sold numerous small projects and 10 large, mixed media pieces. My art, to my delight, continues to win awards at shows and exhibits. I am proud of what my art has accomplished and I am so excited to push it further, I have 48 years of art to make up for and I am ready to move forward. I am defining myself, I am an artist.
Artist Leila Griffith
Leila Griffith was 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.
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.
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 Cindy Guy
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Cindy has always been interested in art and in the past twenty years has journeyed from interested to being a participant. She began taking ceramic workshops, jewelry workshops, watercolor, drawing and travel journaling classes in Asheville, NC and Jacksonville and continues today to develop her techniques, styles and skills through these same opportunities.
Her passions are art, travel, gardening and the outdoors and she uses every opportunity to incorporate her impressions and experiences into her art. As an avid Anglophile she was delighted to use some of the cottage types she visited in England and inhabit them with nesting and curious birds. She hopes you enjoy her English Thatched Cottage with a curious bluebird and her English Cottage Birdhouse with a nesting Cardinal. |
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Artist Ed Hall
Ed Hall graduated from The University of Florida with a Master’s degree in Fine Art. While in college he did political cartoons and illustrations for The Florida Independent Alligator, UF's school newspaper.
After college Hall worked for several weekly publications in and around Jacksonville, and finally settled at The Baker County Press in Macclenny (just outside of Jacksonville) where he continues to work as the weekly cartoonist. Over the last 30 years, Hall has won numerous journalism awards, and numerous fine art awards in national and international competitions. In 2003, Ed was presented the 53rd Annual Green Eyeshade Award for weekly cartoons by The Society of Professional Journalists. Ed has also won the prestigious Florida Press Club Award three times, and for the past three years he has been awarded the Sunshine State Award for Editorial Cartooning, also presented by The Society of Professional Journalists.
Ed's work is published in newspapers across North America and worldwide. His cartoons have been featured in USA Today, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, The New York Times and on CNN Headline News. Internationally, his work has been published in Le Monde (France), Le Temps (Switzerland) and in Germany’s EuIenspiegel. His illustrative and fine art work has also been displayed in galleries and museums across the world. His work is also held in the permanent collection of The St. Augustine Art Association.
After college Hall worked for several weekly publications in and around Jacksonville, and finally settled at The Baker County Press in Macclenny (just outside of Jacksonville) where he continues to work as the weekly cartoonist. Over the last 30 years, Hall has won numerous journalism awards, and numerous fine art awards in national and international competitions. In 2003, Ed was presented the 53rd Annual Green Eyeshade Award for weekly cartoons by The Society of Professional Journalists. Ed has also won the prestigious Florida Press Club Award three times, and for the past three years he has been awarded the Sunshine State Award for Editorial Cartooning, also presented by The Society of Professional Journalists.
Ed's work is published in newspapers across North America and worldwide. His cartoons have been featured in USA Today, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, The New York Times and on CNN Headline News. Internationally, his work has been published in Le Monde (France), Le Temps (Switzerland) and in Germany’s EuIenspiegel. His illustrative and fine art work has also been displayed in galleries and museums across the world. His work is also held in the permanent collection of The St. Augustine Art Association.
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 Jacksonville Watercolor Society, Jacksonville Weaver’s Guild, Crown Craftsmen and National Art Education Association.
Recently she was accepted into the MOSH Essence of Jacksonville exhibit at MOSH where she earned a Best in Show award for her assemblage “My Jacksonville in Bits and Pieces.” Her acrylic painting “Purple Passion” was accepted and is on exhibit at the Art Center Cooperative show “Purple Rain.”
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.
Recently she was accepted into the MOSH Essence of Jacksonville exhibit at MOSH where she earned a Best in Show award for her assemblage “My Jacksonville in Bits and Pieces.” Her acrylic painting “Purple Passion” was accepted and is on exhibit at the Art Center Cooperative show “Purple Rain.”
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.
Artist Douglas W. Johnson
Doug Johnson has been painting for over 45 years, using his talents to describe in oils and acrylics his travels, careers, and passions for nature, medicine, technology, and aviation.
Born at the West Point Military Academy, Doug traveled the world as an “Air Force brat” during his youth. After receiving his B.S from Virginia Tech and M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia, he studied Internal Medicine in San Antonio, followed by Radiation Oncology at Stanford. After several years as an active duty U.S. Air Force cancer specialist, flight surgeon, and hospital administrator, Dr. Johnson continued his civilian practice in Florida and Georgia.
Creativity lies at the heart of what drives Dr. Johnson: “My world revolves around thinking in three or four dimensions, whether it involves creating complex treatments to target cancer, winging safely through the skies as a pilot, or to laying down feelings and memories on canvas.”
Although largely self-taught, Doug has studied under artists Paul Ladnier, Greg Barnes, Ken Dewaard, George Van Hook, and Bill Farnsworth. He is a member of the St. Augustine and North Georgia Art Associations, Jacksonville Artist Guild, Jacksonville Coalition for Visual Arts, and the First Coast Plein Air Painters association.
Born at the West Point Military Academy, Doug traveled the world as an “Air Force brat” during his youth. After receiving his B.S from Virginia Tech and M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia, he studied Internal Medicine in San Antonio, followed by Radiation Oncology at Stanford. After several years as an active duty U.S. Air Force cancer specialist, flight surgeon, and hospital administrator, Dr. Johnson continued his civilian practice in Florida and Georgia.
Creativity lies at the heart of what drives Dr. Johnson: “My world revolves around thinking in three or four dimensions, whether it involves creating complex treatments to target cancer, winging safely through the skies as a pilot, or to laying down feelings and memories on canvas.”
Although largely self-taught, Doug has studied under artists Paul Ladnier, Greg Barnes, Ken Dewaard, George Van Hook, and Bill Farnsworth. He is a member of the St. Augustine and North Georgia Art Associations, Jacksonville Artist Guild, Jacksonville Coalition for Visual Arts, and the First Coast Plein Air Painters association.
Artist Paul Ladnier
Paul Ladnier, Professor Emeritus, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, taught painting and drawing for nearly forty years. He received numerous awards and recognition for the quality of his teaching and dedication to his students, the community and the university. Upon his retirement, UNF honored him with an eponymous scholarship, which provides educational funds for exceptional painting majors. He received the MFA degree from Syracuse University and the BFA degree from Ringling School of Art, Sarasota, Florida. Paul has exhibited in solo exhibitions and numerous group shows throughout his career. He is an invited artist to many plein-air competitions and events, including the prestigious, annual Publisher’s Invitational, “Paint the Adirondacks,” and 2016’s Publishers Invitational, Cuba. He taught two summers in Italy as part of UNF’s study abroad program. He has painted throughout the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
He is a member of The American Impressionist Society, The Society of Illustrators, since 1984, and in 2017 he was elected to the prestigious Salmagundi Club, New York. He was one of six charter members to start the CoRK Arts District in Jacksonville, which has become a focal point of the arts in Jacksonville. It has grown to more than 65 artists and studios.
Paul continues to travel, paint, exhibit his works, teach privately at his CoRK studio and conduct painting and drawing workshops. In June 2019, he taught a plein-air workshop for Il Chiostro at San Fedele, Italy and has been invited back to teach again in 2020.
He is a member of The American Impressionist Society, The Society of Illustrators, since 1984, and in 2017 he was elected to the prestigious Salmagundi Club, New York. He was one of six charter members to start the CoRK Arts District in Jacksonville, which has become a focal point of the arts in Jacksonville. It has grown to more than 65 artists and studios.
Paul continues to travel, paint, exhibit his works, teach privately at his CoRK studio and conduct painting and drawing workshops. In June 2019, he taught a plein-air workshop for Il Chiostro at San Fedele, Italy and has been invited back to teach again in 2020.
Artist Lisa Lofton
Lisa has been a resident of Jacksonville Florida for over 35 years. She is a member of The Jacksonville Artists Guild, The Art League of Jacksonville, and the Murray Hill Art Center. She has a true love of all art that is POP! She has a very real interest in Jacksonville history and Architecture which is the inspiration for many of her original acrylics and prints. She recently displayed her work at an Artists Guild event which commemorated Jacksonville where she was honored to receive the Jurors award. She has also shown and sold work at The Riverside Avondale Home Tour Art House and Preview Auction. Her work has also been displayed at "The Vault at 1930" in San Marco, Jacksonville. Lisa Is committed to paint all of Jacksonville one canvas at a time!
Artist Mary McAllister
My work for the past 35 years has always been about patterns—in buildings, in people, and in nature. I believe that there are always patterns to be illuminated, and I have tried to do that with oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolor and silkscreen.
Art is the one thing that connects the artist with the viewer and with the surrounding world, and there is nothing like the feeling when someone sees what the artist saw in a specific painting and appreciates the uniqueness and beauty of the subject.
Pastels were my first medium and from there, I studied other techniques at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and later, at the University of Notre Dame of Maryland. During that time, and subsequently, I exhibited at several shows in locations in and around Baltimore and won awards for several pieces.
When I retired from Johns Hopkins University, where I had been a medical writer for 25 years, I moved to Jacksonville. My work at Johns Hopkins gave me an appreciation of what art can do for those in need of support, reflection, and hope. I continue to derive inspiration from the varied forms of vegetation and landscapes that are everywhere in Florida.
Art is the one thing that connects the artist with the viewer and with the surrounding world, and there is nothing like the feeling when someone sees what the artist saw in a specific painting and appreciates the uniqueness and beauty of the subject.
Pastels were my first medium and from there, I studied other techniques at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and later, at the University of Notre Dame of Maryland. During that time, and subsequently, I exhibited at several shows in locations in and around Baltimore and won awards for several pieces.
When I retired from Johns Hopkins University, where I had been a medical writer for 25 years, I moved to Jacksonville. My work at Johns Hopkins gave me an appreciation of what art can do for those in need of support, reflection, and hope. I continue to derive inspiration from the varied forms of vegetation and landscapes that are everywhere in Florida.
Artist Kat McCall - 2nd Place Winner
Kat McCall’s “Hummers Delight” fashioned from a found branch and enhanced by the charming hand carved hummingbird is a delight. Many hours of patience, experience and talent went into the fine detail of the tiny bird as he collects nectar on his daily rounds.
Artist Erin McCullough
Erin McCullough Biographical Sketch. I was raised in the suburbs of Washington, DC in Chevy Chase Maryland. It's a wonderful, diverse, stimulating place to live but I always felt like a fish out of water until I moved to Hawaii at age 19. I got my BFA in Painting from the University of Hawaii and then continued to work, play, paint and exhibit in Hawaii for eleven years until I moved to Savannah, Georgia to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). While I did not get my master’s in fine arts at SCAD, I did get to enter the world of sculpture and that has been priceless. I continue to make art wherever I go; so, while Ormond Beach, FL is home for now, HOME will always be where the art is.
Artist Richard McGee - 1st Place Winner!
Having been an avid outdoorsman for as long as I can remember, it was quite natural that when I started painting, my work would reflect the scenes and experiences that have become part of my world.
I find beauty and art in the shapes and forms created by nature and time. A fallen tree trunk and the pattern of its shedding bark, the knots in an old weathered board, lily pads that are turning color in the fall, a carpet of leaves on the forest floor. These are a sampling of things I find beautiful and interesting that are “art worthy” and have become important images on my canvases.
It is my hope that those who view my work will agree that my subjects and themes are worthy of my creative efforts and enjoy my interpretation of that which has inspired me.
I find beauty and art in the shapes and forms created by nature and time. A fallen tree trunk and the pattern of its shedding bark, the knots in an old weathered board, lily pads that are turning color in the fall, a carpet of leaves on the forest floor. These are a sampling of things I find beautiful and interesting that are “art worthy” and have become important images on my canvases.
It is my hope that those who view my work will agree that my subjects and themes are worthy of my creative efforts and enjoy my interpretation of that which has inspired me.
Artist Stephanie Pyren
Stephanie was Born in Pennsylvania and raised in California and received her BA degree in fine arts at CSUN. Competent in all medias, she has exhibited in solo and groups exhibitions nationally and internationally and has built a clientele of collectors worldwide.
In 1989 Stephanie moved to Barbizon, France to become involved in the New Barbizon School of Arts. While in France, she was commissioned to paint various commercial and private pieces, which included portraits, murals and copies of famous artists.
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”. On returning to Barbizon, she sold several pieces to a collector who would soon become her husband. They became dual citizens to their new countries. At the request of the licensing division of Warner Brothers, the couple relocated to California until their retirement to Jacksonville, Florida.
In 1989 Stephanie moved to Barbizon, France to become involved in the New Barbizon School of Arts. While in France, she was commissioned to paint various commercial and private pieces, which included portraits, murals and copies of famous artists.
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”. On returning to Barbizon, she sold several pieces to a collector who would soon become her husband. They became dual citizens to their new countries. At the request of the licensing division of Warner Brothers, the couple relocated to California until their retirement to Jacksonville, Florida.
Artist Cyndy Reynolds
Cyndy Ira Reynolds, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, developed her love of pottery during the long winters in Wisconsin where she managed a hotel for Marriott. Upon retiring in 2017, she and her husband moved back to Jacksonville where she, with the support and assistance from her father, established her own pottery studio in the family’s former car shop and began her new venture, Cirama Pottery and More.
Based on her love of gardening and achieving Master Gardener status in both Wisconsin and Florida, her work has been nature-inspired and driven by intriguing textures and shapes. Cyndy doesn’t just admire leaves on the neighborhood trees, but takes samples and turns those leaves into planters, bowls, platters and trays.
An enthusiast of both wheel and slab creation, Cyndy has successfully marketed her functional and garden whimsical work at art and garden events. She uses primarily mid-range clays and glazes and is at work most days in her shop amid the leftover tools from the shop’s history of creating national championship racing cars.
Based on her love of gardening and achieving Master Gardener status in both Wisconsin and Florida, her work has been nature-inspired and driven by intriguing textures and shapes. Cyndy doesn’t just admire leaves on the neighborhood trees, but takes samples and turns those leaves into planters, bowls, platters and trays.
An enthusiast of both wheel and slab creation, Cyndy has successfully marketed her functional and garden whimsical work at art and garden events. She uses primarily mid-range clays and glazes and is at work most days in her shop amid the leftover tools from the shop’s history of creating national championship racing cars.
Artist Ruth Ryberg
Ruth Ryberg has been painting for over 30 years. She has a BA in art, has completed over 12 public murals, and is part of collections in Michigan, Maine, Florida, and Georgia. She takes her current inspirations for her oil paintings from the beautiful Golden Isles of Georgia where she resides or the coast of Maine where she’s summers.
Artist Celine Rohman
Artist Midge Scelzo
My career had been primarily focused in the financial world as a bank executive and as a CFO. However, my passion has always been art. Between family and career that passion for creating art was put on hold for years. Now that I returned to my passion, my hobbies of travel and cooking have influenced my work. My husband and I enjoy the rustic, simple beauty in the cities and countryside. The smell of fresh breads at open air markets, sipping fine wine on a terrace, walking cobblestone streets, light filled scenery with natural wildlife, all these sights, sounds and aromas inspire me. I paint in what I call “Stylism” to create stylistic impressions of my senses. I use quick strokes, simplifying the subject with representational expressionism using color as my essential element. I hope my work is intriguing enough to invoke curiosity to come and look closer and see the detail of the work, experience the colors and light filtering throughout. As one travels through my paintings, I would like them to feel the excitement I felt as I created each area of the work to become the composition.
Works have been exhibited in juried shows with Jacksonville Coalition for Visual Arts, (JCVA), Jacksonville Artists Guild, (JAG), FemArt Gallery and the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra Beach winning several prizes including “Best in Show”. Solo shows have been at the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra Beach and a 3 Woman Show at Players by the Sea. Group exhibits have been at the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, Wells Fargo Gallery, South Kitchen, Trends Gallery, The Players Community Center, Jewish Community Alliance Center, Players by the Sea, JAXPORT, Wilson Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Museum of Science and History (MOSH) and The Sky Mall at Jacksonville International Airport. Two paintings are part of a permanent installation at Baptist Beaches Medical Center. Select pieces are currently on exhibit and for sale at Village Arts Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Works have been exhibited in juried shows with Jacksonville Coalition for Visual Arts, (JCVA), Jacksonville Artists Guild, (JAG), FemArt Gallery and the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra Beach winning several prizes including “Best in Show”. Solo shows have been at the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra Beach and a 3 Woman Show at Players by the Sea. Group exhibits have been at the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, Wells Fargo Gallery, South Kitchen, Trends Gallery, The Players Community Center, Jewish Community Alliance Center, Players by the Sea, JAXPORT, Wilson Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Museum of Science and History (MOSH) and The Sky Mall at Jacksonville International Airport. Two paintings are part of a permanent installation at Baptist Beaches Medical Center. Select pieces are currently on exhibit and for sale at Village Arts Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Artist Pat Setser
Pat Setser has been a creative all of her life. As a child she was awarded a scholarship to the Dayton Art Institute. She has continued her art studies, classes and workshops throughout high school, college and in her adult life.
The beauty of the natural world and its people are what inspires her. Pat has traveled to many continents where she enjoyed the landscapes, the history, the art and the people.
Experimental and diverse themes encompass her work. Over the years, Pat has done sculpting, mural art and textile art. She has used an array of art materials in her work such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, graphite. Now she primarily does mixed media art. She also does commissioned artwork.
As an award-winning artist who belongs to the Jacksonville Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc., SoMMA (Society of Mixed Media Artists) and JAG (Jacksonville Artists Guild), she continues to enjoy supporting other artists and learning. Pat has recently won awards at MoSH and in Washington D.C. Her art is in collections
in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio.
The beauty of the natural world and its people are what inspires her. Pat has traveled to many continents where she enjoyed the landscapes, the history, the art and the people.
Experimental and diverse themes encompass her work. Over the years, Pat has done sculpting, mural art and textile art. She has used an array of art materials in her work such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, graphite. Now she primarily does mixed media art. She also does commissioned artwork.
As an award-winning artist who belongs to the Jacksonville Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc., SoMMA (Society of Mixed Media Artists) and JAG (Jacksonville Artists Guild), she continues to enjoy supporting other artists and learning. Pat has recently won awards at MoSH and in Washington D.C. Her art is in collections
in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio.
Artist Lynn Syrcle
Lynn Syrcle is a photographer who specializes in nautical themes. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nauticaloceanphotography
Artist Laurence Walden
Laurence Walden AKA “Blinky” is a native of Chicago, he now resides in Jacksonville Florida. He is a self-taught visual artist as well as an accomplished Jazz Vocalist, Playwright and historian. Laurence, an honorable discharged United States Air Force Veteran, served as a Technical Illustrator and was the featured vocalist with the air force jazz band during the Viet Nam era. While in the force, he created costumes and album cover for Issac Hayes, The Bar Kays and Jimi Hendrix. He has received many honors for his art worldwide.
One of Walden’s visual art rendering specialties is creating decorative masks out of fine dining silverware and other found objects in addition to rendering abstract paintings, mixed media collages, murals and portraits. He also designs and creates wearable art accessories to include clutch purses, steampunk hats, T-Shirt designs and jewelry.
Laurence believes that great art is the result of a collaboration between GOD and the artist, “Our Father Who ART In Heaven”.
One of Walden’s visual art rendering specialties is creating decorative masks out of fine dining silverware and other found objects in addition to rendering abstract paintings, mixed media collages, murals and portraits. He also designs and creates wearable art accessories to include clutch purses, steampunk hats, T-Shirt designs and jewelry.
Laurence believes that great art is the result of a collaboration between GOD and the artist, “Our Father Who ART In Heaven”.
Artist Stephanie Welchans
As a “maker” you are always looking for the perfect balance between the head, the heart and the hands – no matter what your craft, talent or medium may be. While I don’t necessarily consider myself an “artist”, I have been a “maker” for most of my life.
When I decide I want to learn something new – or to do something I’ve never done before, I spend time researching the medium, the techniques involved, the various applications that may be used, and the “masters” who have forged before me. If it is something I think I’m capable of doing, then I dive in – headfirst - nothing ventured, nothing gained. If it is something I’m unsure about – then I resign myself to finding the best educational assistance/mentorship I can, and I allow myself to grow and be challenged throughout the learning process.
When I decide I want to learn something new – or to do something I’ve never done before, I spend time researching the medium, the techniques involved, the various applications that may be used, and the “masters” who have forged before me. If it is something I think I’m capable of doing, then I dive in – headfirst - nothing ventured, nothing gained. If it is something I’m unsure about – then I resign myself to finding the best educational assistance/mentorship I can, and I allow myself to grow and be challenged throughout the learning process.
Artist Harriet Wilson
After raising a large family and retiring from the Miami-Dade School System Harriet joined the Miami Art League. She continued taking lessons when she could find them and worked in oils. Her work has been displayed in Karen Ledbetter Galleries and later International Galleries in Oakland Park, FL.
Harriet moved to Jacksonville in 2014 and joined the Jacksonville Art League. She is currently taking acrylic and watercolor classes and paints anything that inspires her which takes in a wide range of subjects.
Harriet recently painted an oil study of the Masters, which was given to the Father of her Church. He based a sermon around that painting after she started attending last year. Several of her paintings are shown in the Fellowship Hall after services, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 5201 Atlantic Boulevard.
Harriet moved to Jacksonville in 2014 and joined the Jacksonville Art League. She is currently taking acrylic and watercolor classes and paints anything that inspires her which takes in a wide range of subjects.
Harriet recently painted an oil study of the Masters, which was given to the Father of her Church. He based a sermon around that painting after she started attending last year. Several of her paintings are shown in the Fellowship Hall after services, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 5201 Atlantic Boulevard.
