GALLERY ONE
Gallery One, located in the front of the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, features a new themed exhibition every month. The shows are open to the public, admission is free. Please see EXHIBITIONS for a complete list of our upcoming shows.
Gallery One Exhibit May 2026
Please join us on Friday, May 1st from 5:30-8:30 for our Opening Receptions and Awards Ceremony for our 20th Annual juried exhibition, 100% Pure Florida. Awards will be announced at 7:00 PM.
2026 100% Pure Florida Catalog
Judge Susan Hanssen’s statement
It was truly an honor to jury this show. The work is terrific, and consider yourself a winner just having your piece here at the Fifth Avenue Art Gallery. Congratulations to everyone.
I will admit, the variety of disciplines: painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography made judging the show a challenging experience. It did take a considerable amount of time to decide
the pieces I wanted to recognize.
I walked through the exhibit several times just looking, taking it all in. I’m looking at the overall presentation, the design, the subject, even the titles; the criteria stays fluid. Many times, I depend on the fact that when I’m drawn to a piece…there is something being triggered; I’m connecting to it either visually, intellectually or emotionally???
Ist Place “Wings of the Dandelion”
I saw this piece almost immediately when I walked in the gallery. Right away it made me smile.
The title is rather thought- provoking and certainly adds to the mystery of this ceramic. I was totally entertained. The wonderful detail on every limb, the variety of texture, patterns and fascinating things going on in her legs… the beak like prop on her face… there is nothing arbitrary on the figure, not even her wardrobe. It is an intriguing piece.
2nd place “Captive #6”
This is a powerful, complicated piece that kept me asking who?, what?, where? and when? It has a painful quality to it, and yet you can’t look away. I want to know more. I kept asking myself, “who’s the captive here? The figure in the painting or the viewer?” The size of the
canvas adds to the impact, as well as the position of the figures head. The contrast of the intricate design to the rendering of the figure all works to make this painting extremely memorable.
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3rd Squid Lips in Lights.
A night vision, full of luminous light. When I look at this painting, I can almost hear the music and feel the night air. The artist has captured the feel of this festive evening. The colorful reflections in the water are just beautiful and a treat for the viewers eyes.
“Pop Top”
The artist did a super job with color in this painting. The scarcity of the contrasting colors makes them even more important to a painting dominated by blues and greens. This is a joyful painting that is painted with skill, and the artist used color the beautifully.
The two photography pieces that I chose to recognize couldn’t be more diametrically opposed
in their presentation. “Blackwater Creek” is stunning because of its composition.
The circular tree limbs giving flow to the stillness of nature. The black and white format brilliantly creates an almost mystical/spiritual space, where reality and reflection appear interchangeable.
“Ghost Rider” is also a remarkable piece. The woods are depicted in an unusual, limited palette, and then boldly interrupted by the centered bike and cross. This is a beautifully designed and powerful piece. Not easy to ignore.
“Viva la Frida!” caught my eye with an interesting composition. The young, exuberant girl is cropped off at the chin, allowing a big space for her floral headpiece. The painting is beautifully
executed and the artist captured the enthusiasm of her subject. It is a happy painting.
“Blue and White Glassware” also shares an interesting composition. The still life occupies only a third of the composition while the tablecloth consumes the majority of the space. The painting is skillfully done and the flat dark background is impressive.
“Rising Women Series: Strength Endures” is a beautiful piece of sculpture, full of discovery.
It has an appearance of an altar, that gives it a mystical feel. The metallic turquoise color on the outside is in contrast to the flat black interior. I would like to hear the artist tell us what this
piece means to her.
“Forest Sprite” incorporates elegance, exaggeration and surprising natural elements to create a
spirited sculpture. It is a nicely designed piece at any angle.
“Board Meeting” The placement of the three canvases made me
smile, and the smart use of pure, flat color in combination with clean design works very well.
“Still Life #11” There is a Mattisse like quality to this painting. The objects float, as well as the floral- patterned fabrics: it has an almost childlike charm that got my attention.
“Embroidered Earth” This is simply an exquisite jewel. Beautiful work..
“Lessons Unlearned.” A powerful, aggressive piece in it’s rough, almost “crude” presentation.
However, kudos to the artist because that all works in his favor to express the anger and frustration I felt from it. It is definitely a statement.
Thank you again. Enjoy your evening.
Susan Hanssen
A Virtual Visit
MEMBER ARTISTS
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is an artist owned co-op. Our gallery member artists are local professional artists, many are nationally recognized! They are what makes our gallery the best in Central Florida.
Gallery Members
Our Artists at Work
Reviews & Comments
Kevin Roberts Local Guide·16 reviews·5 photos
a year ago
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery has been my neighbor for something like 20 years now over here in Eau Gallie. Always beautiful and intriguing art of every description. A credit to the the Arts District, a gem!
5 STAR REVIEW
D SMITH
6 years ago
Went by to pick up my 100% Pure Entry and met Mark Mittleman. He was getting the next sjow set up for March. He was so bubbly and excited about his artwork. It was contagious! I enjoyed talking to him about his art and the upcoming show, “DOUBLE VISION”. Opening Friday, March 1 at 5:30pm. Looks good!
5 STAR REVIEW
8 years ago
What an awesome find, a true gem. It’s wonderful that Melbourne has an arts district and Fifth avenue Art Gallery really stands out. Its a must visit place in Melbourne, tucked away near the water. The variety of art done by local artists is noteworthy. I’m a recent transplant to the area from San Diego CA and I found more quality pieces in Fifth Avenue art Gallery than I did in San Diego arts district. Places like this really mark Melbourne as an up and coming area. Support the arts and visit this gallery, purchase original art, you will be glad you did!
5 STAR REVIEW
Patricia Foster (Mayalilium)
Local Guide·1,151 reviews·6710 photos
2 months ago
Very lovely display of unique art and creations. Nice people working here too
5 STAR REVIEW
D WELLER
11 months ago
Beautiful art in this gallery. So glad we stopped to see it. As artists from Florida’s west coast, we appreciated touring this gallery. …
GALLERY HOUR
TUESDAY-SUNDAY 11:00-4:00. (Or by appointment)
SUMMER HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00- 4:00 (or by appointment) June, July and August
We will be closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
