‘Creative Coast’ Christmas to take place on island
Christmas is in the air and shoppers are busily checking off items on wish lists. After fighting the mall and department store mobs, there are always those on the list who are nearly impossible to shop for.
Those in need of that special unique gift need look no further than Pine Island, and the galleries and gift shops will be open and ready this weekend for shoppers to find that perfect gift.
The December Creative Coast weekend takes place Friday and Saturday with participating galleries offering special hours of operation as well as featured artists, demonstrations and workshops.
At Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery and Gifts in Matlacha, spend an evening with one of the island’s most renown book authors, Robert Macomber.
From 5-7 p.m. Friday, join Macomber for the sixth annual Lamplight Christmas Book Party. Listen as Macomber shares his adventures, which have taken him all around the globe while researching material for his book series.
Macomber will discuss “The Honorable Dead,” the seventh book in his award-winning Honor Series, which finds Office of Naval Intelligence Lt. Cmdr. Peter Wake aboard a riverboat on the Mekong River in 1883 French Indo-China.
Macomber also will give attendees a glimpse at his latest novel, “The Darkest Shade of Honor,” scheduled to be released in the spring of 2010.
Just down Pine Island Road, Julia’s Arts will host the annual Fashion Show in Matlacha, featuring textiles that are wearable and decorative. Open until 9 p.m. Friday, visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy the works of artists Patricia Anderson Turner, Michelle Jones, Deborah Zwetsch and Jan Dreifer.
Across the road at WildChild Gallery, the featured artist will be oil painter Mimi McCallum.
Demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday by McCallum in acrylics, Laura DeVoe in bead jewelry, Sue Coller in scrimshaw, Megan Kessinger in acrylics and Cheryl Lamm with in media. Joan Hall Bush will demonstrate gourd art from 2-9 p.m. Friday.
Demonstrations will be presented again from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
At Bonnie’s and Christina’s Gallery, on hand will be artists Bonnie Beers and Christina Jarmolinski and their students. Choice works from the students will be on display as well as Beers’ funky island furniture and mosaics and Jarmolinski’s acrylic and mixed media paintings.
On Friday and Saturday, Island Visions will feature a book signing with author Wilson Hawthorne for his latest book, “The Last Pirate.”
Visitors will want to stop in at Florida Gallery, where the featured artist will be John Sinclair Manson, and head further north to Koucky Gallery and Garden for a painting workshop with acrylic artist Thom Millsap from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information about the two-day workshop, call Koucky Gallery and Garden at 283-4414.
To introduce a new “Glaze your own Ceramics” activity offered at Koucky Gallery and Gardens, Chuck and Nancy Koucky are offering a special, discounted Holiday Gift Workshop.
From 4-7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, bring the family — this is a great project for children — and indulge in the spirit of a homemade Christmas ceramic. Paint in brightly colored glazes an ornament, tile, trivet, mug or a bowl.
Each piece will be ready for participants to paint in white bisque. Koucky’s will fire it and the work of art can picked up the following week. Prices from $5-$25. The Kouckys will be available to assist participants, and previously fired examples will be on hand.
Visitors to the island are also invited to plan a stop in the heart of St. James City at the Paisley Parrot. The establishment is an eclectic mix of art, antiques and garden supplies. Unwind with a cup of tea and scones in the garden while enjoying the Christmas season.
Other galleries participating in the December Creative Coast weekend include Footprints in the Sand Shoe Gallery and Traders Hitching Post in Matlacha, and Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery and the Potter’s Workshop and Gallery in St. James City.
For more information, visit: galleriesofpineisland.com or floridascreativecoast.com.