By Shaun Ryan
Extraordinary works of art were on public display this past weekend during the annual Sawgrass Country Club Member & Employee Art Show.
About 20 artists working in a wide variety of mediums took part. There were paintings in acrylic and oil, photography, glasswork, pottery, drawings and more. Participating artists ranged in age from middle school through retirement.
The opening reception on Friday, April 5, introduced visitors to some of the most talented people in the Ponte Vedra Beach area. Hundreds were expected to attend, and complimentary wine and appetizers were provided.
The show continued Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7. A silent auction of works donated by the artists raised funds for The Sawgrass Foundation to benefit the families of club employees.
Though space precludes an in-depth description of all the works exhibited, here’s a quick look at a few of the participants:
- Suzanne Comella displayed her newest works in glass, each an astounding creation that immediately captured the attention of visitors as they entered the room.
- Mary Herald showed off her sculpted creations made, incredibly, with joint compound and resembling details from classical European architecture.
- Julianna O’Hara returned this year with new paintings in her style reminiscent of the work of Caravaggio or Pieter Claesz. Her ability to realistically capture her subjects, in addition to textures, reflections and the play between light and shadow, has earned her participation in some major exhibits.
- Bob Nickerson, a longtime co-chair of the show, demonstrated a new direction with his work: paintings that imply a narrative and spark the imaginations of viewers.
- Christine Dragonetti displayed works that celebrated the effects of light and reflection, often in images of the surf or large birds.
Young artists also captured a great deal of attention.
- Shannon Brady’s thought-provoking paintings, often on nontraditional backings, commanded the attention of viewers with her inventive surrealism.
- Eva Meuse’s portraits captured the unique expressions of her subjects with the insight of an artist far beyond her years.
- Palmer Catholic Academy sixth grader Rilan McTammany’s works, spanning a range of mediums, left visitors marveling at his talent.
