The Sawgrass Country Club Art Show on Oct. 2-4 left visitors with one big question: How can so much talent be concentrated in a single place?
In all, the members-only show featured 23 artists working in a wide variety of mediums. There were paintings in watercolor, oil and acrylic; photographs; pieces of jewelry; creations in glass; woodturning; scale wooden boat models and much more.
While many were returning artists, five of those exhibiting were new to the annual show. That may be due to organizers’ decision to move it from the spring to the fall. Artists who usually winter up north and, as a result, miss the show were available to take part this year. The same holds true for those in attendance.
The move was made in part due to competition for space at the clubhouse. Spring is a big time of year for weddings, and the clubhouse is a desirable location for receptions.
Strolling into the show, the sense of excitement was palpable. Visitors sipped wine and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while wandering among the exhibits.
Suzanne Comella was there with her astounding creations in glass, many of which replicate the look of fabric. A self-taught artist, she started out by blowing glass and then moved into stained glass. Her work always attracts a lot of attention.
Julianna O’Hara was present with her captivating still lifes, executed in oil and a style reminiscent of the Old Masters.
Photographer Linda Caden exhibited a large photograph of a magnolia bloom, but she also brought eye-catching acrylic blocks through which her botanical subjects, captured with a macro lens, can be viewed with almost a 3-D quality.
Nearby, photographer Michael Miller showed his landscapes and wildlife pictures. He enjoys visiting national parks and trying to “capture the essence” of each through the lens of his Nikon.
Maria Bentley was at a table she shared with her sister and mother exhibiting a striking, abstract piece: gold and white acrylic paint poured over a black background and coated with glistening resin.
Mary Herald was back this year with her textured, three-dimensional art, created with a unique medium: joint compound.
The Sawgrass Country Club Art Show has been presented for about three decades.
“It’s one of the most popular events at Sawgrass,” said O’Hara, who co-chaired the event with Comella.
Many of the artists donated pieces to a silent auction, which benefits the Sawgrass Foundation. Comella said the funds raised there will help employees when an urgent need arises.
