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Passing Through Melrose
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Each year Florida's family of artists show off their stuff in Downtown
Gainesville, Florida and if you missed it this year, you missed an opportunity to enjoy and maybe bring home a real treasure from this highly respected showcase of some of Florida's finest artists. Driving from Florahome, even before you get there you have the opportunity to sample a taste of what to expect as you pass through the small town of
Melrose with resident artists such as
Harriet Huss being a part of that colorful Florida family. Just by viewing some of the well preserved architecture as you pass through Melrose, you get the feel of a community that respects, preserves and enjoys the wonders of nature and the creative mind, More fine examples of this 'family of artists' living in the area can be found at the
Melrose Bay Art Gallery and even Melrose dentist,
Jeff Smith right across the street has a marvelous display of his wildlife photography right in his office. Gator fans and Harry Potter fans take note as Dr. Smith has captured both alligators and owls that are, well,... 'stunning' as Harry would put it. Now that you're in the right frame of mind so to speak (sorry), the main show really is in Gainesville. Once you get passed the usual parking pain common to these affairs, you are immediately calmed and enchanted by the harmonious tapestry of sound woven by a magical flute and an ancient harp that one day found each other at another such event. The Celtic spirit has never been stirred more beautifully than through the music of
Lisa Lynne and
George Tortorelli providing the perfect atmosphere for a stroll through the world of art. Art in every form is on display from glass creations by artists such as
Herb Thomas and
Sandy Lent to
Jim Deyrup 's fine-grained gems demonstrating his special way with wood. And of course there are the paintings. With so much talent in the art world today, you have to really know your stuff to stand out when it comes to paintings. Neither
Bruce Nawrocke nor Gainesville's own,
Angela Hoppe have any problems in that regard.
Gail Snivley 's masterful hand at the potter's wheel is equally amazing and if you've ever taken a turn at it yourself, seeing Gail's work is a real ego killer. Getting back to photography, one artist has one guessing whether they are looking at a painting or a photograph. With
Catherine Laurenzi, it's sometimes hard to tell - but either way they are in the very truest sense, genuine works of art. Unfortunately they lose something viewing these unique photos over the internet as do all these works to some degree. So next time Florida's family of artists has a get-together, be sure you are there as well, it's really a 'gotta be there' kinda thing.
For more see The Florida Art and Artists List
