JANUARY
Rediscovering Klimt
FEBRUARY
Childs Play, a journey into imagination
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery welcomes Lisa Mistiuk, a Michigan artist, for the month of February 2017. “Child’s Play, a journey into imagination,” will reflect her most recent work. Lisa has studied art from Germany to San Francisco, turning her skills into strong oil paintings with an emphasis on the elements that make up our everyday lives.
Brian Sherwin, an art critic, said of her, “Lisa Mistiuk brings a lot of painterly skills to the table… she meshes styles and subjects in a way that is uniquely her own. She is clearly an informed student of painting. Her focus on everyday life — specifically her works involving children — allows her to capture the energy of the ‘here and now’. In fact, one could suggest that these paintings serve as a form of social documentation… reminding viewers of their own cherished experiences.”
Lisa will be at the First Friday Opening Reception on Friday, February 3, 2017 and will offer a gallery talk on Saturday, February 4th. Both events are free and open to the public. The exhibit will run from January 31st through February 26th.
2006 Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA A.A. Fine Art
2003-2004 HAWK Hochschule Fur Angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst, Hildesheim, Germany
2003-2004 Volkshochschule, Hildesheim, Germany, Language Studies
2003 Yuba College, Marysville, CA, selected art courses
· Presidents Honor Roll, Academy of Art University 2004-2006
· The National Dean’s List 2004-2006
· Portfolio Grant Recipient, Academy of Art University, Amsterdam, 2004
· Honorable Mention, San Leandro Art Association, San Leandro, CA, 2005
· 1st and 3rd place, Bangor Art Association Annual Show, Bangor, CA, 2004
MARCH
MUSINGS IN COLOR
Witha Lacuesta, Solo-Exhibition
Opening on February 28 at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, Musings in Color will feature the work of artist Witha Lacuesta. Witha is a member of Fifth Avenue Art Gallery and has been painting for many years. She has studied in Germany and the US.
This exhibit will consist of two series. The first, Cypress Tree series, was inspired by a recent excursion to the Blue Cypress Conservation area which serves as headwaters for St. Johns River. The beauty of these century old trees was deeply moving. Having withstood various weather extremes, they stand for persistence, resilience, and grace. They also inspire us to strive for the same attributes when facing adversity or solitude.
In contrast, my second series entitled ‘Dancers’ conveys a different mood through the serendipitous use of color and shapes as expressed in dynamic abstract watercolors.
“I would like my viewers to find a pleasant sanctuary in my paintings where they can quietly reflect and discover a sense of peace.” – Witha Lacuesta
APRIL
Inspiration: France
April 4-30
The artists of Fifth Avenue Art Gallery will be offering a taste of France at their member exhibit, Inspiration: France, opening on April 4. The First Friday celebration will be on April 7 from 5:30 pm through 8:30 pm. Come and revisit Paris, or kindle a desire to go to France. Experience the wonder of tiny sail boats at a pond side stand, remember Jim Morrison with a visit to Pere-Lachaise Cemetery, or discover the wonder of French graffiti. This exhibit will feature artwork inspired by France from the membership of Fifth Avenue Art Gallery.
MAY
A Family Affair
Joint exhibit by Marlis and James Newman
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is proud to host A Family Affair, an exhibit by Marlis and James Newman, during the month of May. Marlis Newman, a beloved, longtime member of Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, is a contemporary impressionist painter whose work has achieved regional and national recognition. She has had many solo exhibits and participates regularly in prestigious group and juried exhibitions. She says, “Every painting is a new challenge. It’s exciting and scary and wonderful. I really love the process of making art.”
James Newman, Marlis’ son, has been painting since the 1970’s when he studied under Eliot McMurrough at his private art school. Growing up with artist parents he was provided with great inspiration and encouragement. His career as a graphic artist with the University of Florida also added to his development as a painter. James’ passion for painting comes from a fascination with and appreciation for the colors, shapes, and patterns found in nature. This fuels his love for plein air painting.
Mother and son have joined forces to mount this once in a lifetime exhibit, A Family Affair. The exhibit will open on May 2 and run through May 28, with a First Friday opening reception on May 5, from 5:30 pm through 8:30 pm where you can meet both artists and hear about their work.
JUNE
May 30 – July 1, 2017
FABRICATIONS
Fabric Art by Gabriele DiTota, Winner of 2016’s 100% Pure Florida, Juried Exhibition
Born in Northern Germany, where Gabriele’s mother was a seamstress, she would play around the sewing machine trying to stay out of the way of the treadle. The family immigrated to America and a new way of life. Textiles and sewing didn’t return to Gabriele’s life in a meaningful way until she retired from the early education field. Since then Gabriele’s art quilts have been widely exhibited throughout the United States as well as overseas in England, Ireland and Australia. Both her Art Quilts and her Art Dolls have been published in books and in magazines.
Matching seams and meticulous piecing were her first efforts in textile art fabrication, but they quickly gave way to a more organic, raw edge approach to quilting. Surface design techniques including monoprinting, mark making, dyeing, discharging and screen-printing help Gabriele create the unique fabrics she uses in her art works.
JULY
Babz Lupoli
The Stripes Run Through Us
Summer will sizzle at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery with The Stripes Run Through Us, art by Babz Lupoli. This exhibit will open on July 5 and run through July 29. Plan to meet Babz at an opening reception on First Friday, July 7, from 5:30 pm through 8:30 pm. There will be light refreshments available while you chat with the artist.
Lupoli is an experimental mixed media artist who retired from her career in elementary education and relocated to the Daytona Beach area in 2002 after living in 10 states. She specializes in collage with rich texture and a vivid color palette. She has since concentrated on creating big, bold energetic pieces that draw the viewer inside and make them feel and seek something new or hidden within themselves. She paints intuitively and finds recycling various papers and tidbits of life onto her pieces is especially gratifying.
Lupoli says of her artistic journey, “The Arts enrich our lives, lift our psyches, and heal our bodies and souls. All art and beauty is immensely powerful and inspiring. When I create abstract art, it feels as if I am connected with the whole of humanity and we are all working as one. I am continually amazed at the shapes and concepts and imagery that show up in my work as if by magic. Creating art is a spiritual journey for me…I invite the viewer to join me…”
On Saturday, July 8, Babz will be holding a second Saturday artist’s talk about her journey and methods. This should be a nice chance for a more intimate time with her. Come, learn about her process and driving forces.
AUGUST
Best In Show
August 2-26
SEPTEMBER
September 1-30, 2107
12 Annual 100% PURE FLORIDA, a juried exhibition
Calling All Florida Artists! The prospectus/entry form for Fifth Avenue Art Gallery’s annual juried exhibition, 100% Pure Florida is now available. Last year was one of our very best juried show presented at the gallery. We are looking forward to another great exhibit highlighting the amazing artistic talents of artists across the state. The First Place Winner will receive $500 and a Solo-Exhibition in 2018. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this Florida artist showcase! The deadline for entry is July 8, 2017.
100% Pure Florida hangs each year during the month of September. “Pure Florida” refers to the artists’ residence. Subject matter is unlimited.
For Entry Information: 100% Pure Florida
OCTOBER
Dreams and Wishes, Birds and Fishes
Solo exhibit by Renee Decator
The art process, for me, involves exploration of my personal history and what the future may bring. I like creating art that is unpredictable and inviting—art that allows the viewer to use their imagination. I’ve always loved to draw, and at 38 years old I took a drawing class prompted by my sister, and it changed my life by transforming the way I see and connect with the world, both physically and spiritually.
My current work is mixed-media using acrylic paint, paper, found objects, textiles and beeswax. I also love challenges, and combining different materials allows for lots of creative problem solving. I am excited every single day I’m in my studio, and more inspired lately than I’ve been in years.
Dreams and wishes…
My dad was a dreamer. He forever had plans and projects. He was hard-working from a young age, having grown up in Appalachia during the depression. A man of great fortitude. I loved being a part of his dreams.
He was always a vegetable gardener like his mother before him. If he wasn’t planting or harvesting, he was making a list of the seeds he wanted to order for next season. I still remember the last order we made together. When he died at 94 and 3/4 and his home and property were sold, I realized how special those times in the garden together had been. I had an overwhelming desire to find my “garden” in this world. After an extensive search, and numerous circumstances that were blessings in disguise, my husband and I found 3 acres of property and we are going to have a farm of sorts. I’m looking forward to spending time with my dad and grandmother in my garden.
Dreams and Wishes, Birds and Fishes will showcase the artwork that has been inspired by all the blessings in my life and the big dreams that make each day exciting and full of possibilities. I wanted this collection to be dreamy and full of surprises, with love and hope and lots of fun 2D and 3D art that expresses the wonders that I encounter each day.
Renee Decator is a mixed-media artist who lives in Indialantic, Florida, with her husband Jay and two wiener dogs, Sweet Pea and Beau. She attended Artquest School of Art & Design in Volusia County, Florida, before moving to Brevard County in 1995. She has been a member of Fifth Avenue Art Gallery for 10 years and has chaired many charitable exhibitions since joining the gallery. She works at her studio in downtown Melbourne, Florida. She loves tropical gardening, which is often an inspiration for her work.
work in progress:
35th ANNUAL FINE CRAFT SHOW
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
October 31 – January 6
Set aside time this coming holiday season to experience the Tropical Themed 35th Annual Craft Show at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery. This year the show opens on October 31 and will run through January 6 of the new year. Many new and returning crafters and artisans will be represented offering you a wide variety of gifts to explore.
The First Friday Opening Reception will be on December 1, from 5:30 pm through 8:30 pm. Many of the participating artisans will be in attendance affording you an opportunity to chat with them about their work. Come to Eau Gallie and kick off the holiday season with us.
