Signing off for the season, Barbara Quinn-Grasso heads north to Cape Cod.  News for the MIOA will come from Phyllis and other painters...keep up the postings!

Karen Swanker and a wall of her amazing Found Object creations!

Judy Chinski flanked by two of her remarkable watercolors!

Thursday, March 21, I attended a Gallery Opening at The Esplanade. Judy Chinski and Betty Newman own this new gallery, The Artist Gallery Marco Island, and invited Karen Swanker to be a Guest Artist there. The new gallery is around the corner (to the right) from the Jo-Ann Sanborn Gallery. A beautiful, sparkling spot on the water of Smokehouse Harbor, we wish them all the best of luck!

Kathy Vondorn and her beautiful oil painting of Mary Crawford Reining in the garden!

Vince Coppola works in the open air of one of the docks.

Maggie Zografakis with her watercolor-in-progress.

Francie Best and her lovely, delicate watercolor!

Linda Masten and her pastel, viewing the Marco River over the bougainvillia.

Viewing Mary's sparkling watercolor over her shoulder.

Jerri Smith and her pastel including the Jolley Bridge.

Nancy Shelly tackles the beautiful front entrance.

Judy Harthorne paints the flowers in the entryway.

Mr. Johnson discusses his book, A Matter of Trust, with Mary Crawford Reining.

A Day Painting at the Johnson Estate!

On Wednesday, March 20, the Vernal Equinox...aka first day of spring...we had a wonderful opportunity!  We  painted at the estate of Lavon and Glenn Johnson, our most gracious hosts, at the north end of Polynesia Court, which I now call the Johnson Botanical Garden!  A large compound developed by talented and perceptive landscape architects working with the design aesthetic of the home owners, the property includes a lovely home, many paths and structures, plants of all sorts with many beautiful sculptures tucked here and there, pools, docks, an orchid house, and even a pocket-sized butterfly garden.  Overcast skies gave way to full sunshine and clear blue above, while the flowers and plants below were the subjects of many paintings...and many photographs were taken for future artworks.  Warm thank-yous to the Johnsons for sharing their paradise with us!

While we have missed Florie Enders our last few outings, she has been busy up north...welcoming her first grandchild, Ryan Edward Ralph! Four generations pictured here, a radiant family!

Cathy's watercolor sings with color!

Judy Harthorn and her brilliantly colored oil!

Karen Swanker and her lovely interpretation of the shop area!