Watson MacRae Gallery

A Sanctuary of Art
About Me

Visit Watson MacRae Gallery and discover extraordinary fine art and wonderful artisan glass, ceramics and jewelry by local and nationally known artists.

2340 Periwinkle Way #B3
Sanibel, Florida 33957
239-472-3386
Monday – Saturday 10:30 To 5:30
and by appointment.

maureen@watsonmacraegallery.com

www.WatsonMacRaeGallery.com

Archive
2012 (1)
2011 (12)
2010 (15)
2009 (5)
 

Save the Dates: Jewelry Trunk Show & Jeffcoat Exhibition

SAVE the DATES

 

1. Jewelry Trunk Show: “East Comes West” 2 DAYS: Tuesday, Jan. 31st & Wednesday, Feb. 1st from 10:30 – 4:30 at the Gallery.  Meet the artists.

2. Hollis Jeffcoat Solo Exhibit “Aqua Journey” Opening Reception Tuesday, February 14th, 5 – 7 pm and Artist's Talk on Friday, February 17th at 11AM.

1. Jewelry Trunk Show  Find a wonderful piece of artist made jewelry for yourself or someone equally special at the Gallery’s first ever Jewelry Trunk Show: “East Comes West.”  On Tuesday and Wednesday (1/31 & 2/1) from 10:30 – 4:30 the gallery will be filled with the exceptional work of four diverse jewelry artists from the East Coast of Florida.  New ideas and designs in jewelry will be featured from gallery favorites, Cathy Conn and Andrea Morris and equally wonderful artists, Jane Levy and Cheryl Gibbs.  Come and see the unique hand-formed and heart-felt pieces and meet the artists who created them. 

2. Opening Reception for Hollis Jeffcoat’s Solo Exhibit: “Aqua Journey”  Tuesday, February 14th from 5-7pm.  It is an exciting exhibition of her latest work and a celebration of her return to full vigor.  Hollis will give an Artist’s Talk about her work on Friday, February 17th at 11AM.

I hope you will attend both events and I look forward to seeing you at the gallery.

Peace and Art, Maureen
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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

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Oops, Sorry - the Invitation

Jan-2012-eblast

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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

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Invitation - New Exhibit

New Exhibit: “Artful Homes:  New Ideas for Seaside Living” 
Opens Tuesday, January 10th 5-7pm

2012 – Bring it On!  I’ve heard from many that 2011 has been a difficult year, and I for one am VERY glad to be welcoming in the New Year.  It feels that there has already been a shift and people seem to be more positive and upbeat.  I hope that’s true and true for you. 

Here on the Islands the weather has been unseasonable warm, turtle hatchings have been good, Blind Pass looks like it is going to have on-going maintenance, the legacy of Carol’s Island Nutrition will continue as The Sanibel Sprout, new restaurants are opening … the list goes on.  2012 – a good year, a very good year and I wish you “All the Very Best.”

At the Gallery:
The current exhibit “Sacred Season; Sacred Art,” which has received high praise from viewers, will be up until January 8th and I invite you to come see this terrific show.  Of note for fans of Sheena Cameron’s Messenger Horses:  Sheena has created a new series of her amazing horses inspired by Goddesses of Ancient Cultures for this exhibit.  Her knowledge, skill and insight have given us special Horses with special messages.    

New Exhibit:
Opening Reception for the new exhibit, “Artful Homes:  New Ideas for Seaside Living” is Tuesday, January 10th from 5-7pm. Please join us for the opening of our first ever Watson MacRae Gallery of home interiors displaying handmade colorful and creative accents for your seaside lifestyle.  Furniture, lamps, tableware, pottery and glass from seven new artists along with paintings and sculpture from current artists will transform the space into a showcase of home décor.  When artists make functional objects with skill, care and love, the pieces are transformed from everyday to art.  Such is the work in this exhibit – both hand-formed and heart-felt pieces that not only add to the beauty of a home, but also to the warmth and personality of the surroundings.

“Artful Homes,” which has three themes – Island Style, Asian and Contemporary is intended to present unusual combinations, new ideas and new artists.

Two Sanibel artists are featured in this exhibit.  Katie Gardenia has applied her ‘Katie-flare’ to creating chairs, lamps and stools that are wonderful accents to any style of home, and Lacy McClary as created whimsical Adirondack chairs with sports themes for the outdoors.  Ed Koehler from Naples sculpts lamps and tables from steel and resin influenced by Florida flora that are centerpieces in themselves. 

Tables will be set with the work of exceptional artists in ceramics and glass.  Two young potters from Key West, Kelly Lever and Adam Russell bring luscious new colors to their Island Pottery.  While the exquisite bowls of Ani Kasten from Maryland have an ancient and Zen quality in their design and feel.  Also with an Asian feel are the strong ceramic jars and plates of Courtney Martin from North Carolina.  Andy Shaw of Louisiana has thoughtfully and expertly made tableware of porcelain that is both beautiful and sturdy.  The clean lines and clear colors of contemporary pieces from Liz Zlot Summerfield of North Carolina adds spark, while the delicate textured bird tablescapes of Virginian Lucy Dierks brings art to the table.  And of course we must have shells.  Claire Prenton from Cincinnati via England brings a Victorian aesthetic to her delicate rendering of sea inspired porcelain pitchers and tumblers.

Each of these artists is expressing through the materials they choose and the process they use, the love they have for the objects they create and a desire to transmit that love and connect through their art.  I invite you to come and experience this unique exhibit and I hope it will ignite your senses and desire for selecting handmade for your home — teapots, bowls, chairs, plates and vessels – strikingly practical yet individually and imaginatively formed for use and collection  …  Follow your heart to handmade.

·      Please join us Tuesday, December 13th from 5-7pm for the Opening of this exhibit. 

·      There will not be an Artist Talk for this exhibit.

·      But as we are doing this Season, we will be exchanging “a can of beans for a glass of wine” in support of the wonderful F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here), which provides a food pantry, transportation, among other services for folks in need on the Islands.  Once again, please bring your food donations to the Opening – it is very needed and appreciated.

I hope you will attend and I look forward to seeing you at the gallery.

Peace and Art, Maureen

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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

Posted
 

Announcement: New Exhibition Opening Reception

First Opening of the Season: “Environs” Tuesday, November 15th 5-7pm

I love this time of year on Sanibel.  The weather has turned cool and dry, the Islands are cleaned and clipped and the first Snowbirds (and I mean that in the most respectful way) are re-appearing like colorful crocuses popping up around the Islands – early harbingers of Season. 

Most establishments are ready with a few, hustling to be open.  It seems that now both Twilight Café and The Crab Shack have reopened.  (Is this my first retraction?)  Things must have worked out in some way.  Well, welcome back to you all. 

At the Gallery:

The Gallery is ready with a varied and exciting group of artists to show - more pottery, new jewelry, sparkling glass, home accents and evocative exhibits. 

The first exhibit, “Environs” features three local artists who express their love and concern for our beautiful environment.  Having moved as a child from Chicago to Bonita Springs, Greg Biolchini, who is nationally known for his pastels and portraits has turned his considerable talents to painting the power and majesty of his life-long love – Florida Skies.  Mally Khorasantchi fell so in love with Florida that she moved from her native Germany to Naples.  Struck by the color and exuberance of the landscape, Khorasantchi creates big, bold, graphic works to capture her view of nature.  While Lindsey Wollard, a fourth generation Floridian, builds small, quiet tree sculptures from used population and land development books making statements about environmental destruction.
Each of these artists in their unique way is expressing their deep love and concern for our environment.  As we experience this wonderful exhibit, we can both see and feel the beauty and power of their view-point.

Please join us on Tuesday, November 15th from 5-7pm for the Opening of this exhibit.  You can meet the artists, as well as see your neighbors and friends who are back – a little kick-off to another fabulous season On Island.

I look forward to seeing you at the gallery.
Peace and Art, Maureen

Nov-2011-eblast
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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

Posted
 

Exhibiton Schedule - Save the Dates

Exhibition Schedule:  Opening Receptions & Artist Talks 

Welcome to Season 4 at Watson MacRae Gallery.  I am looking forward to delighting, inspiring and surprising you with a new season of exciting and diverse exhibitions.   A description of the exhibits and the artists will be sent in another e-mail soon, but for your planning purposes below is the schedule.  I hope you’ll join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Openings, which from past experience, promise to be lively and interesting gatherings and the next morning for the Artist’s Talks that will continue to be informative and educational.

Schedule

          Exhibit                             Reception             Artist Talk
                                                  Tuesday               Wednesday
 
"Environs"                                 November 15             -
 
“Sacred Season; Sacred Art”       December 13          December 14: "Art Heals"
 
“Artful Homes:  New Ideas         January 10              January 11: "Home Decor:  Not
 for Seaside Living                                                              Your Mother's Flamingos"                                                                                                                                                 
“Hollis Jeffcoat: Aqua Journey”   February 14            February 21: "Recent Work"

“Sanibel Invitational:                 February 27             In conjunction with the Island-wide
  See – Shells”                           (Monday)                 "Shellabration"
 
“New York, New York”                March 13               March 14: Panel Discussion: Art in NYC
 
Talk: Abstract Art by Hollis Jeffcoat                           March 21

Surprise”                                   April 10                  April 11
 
New Times:  Opening Receptions are from 5:00 – 7:00 and the Artist Talks from 10:30 – 11:30 ish.  The schedule will be posted on my website.
 The artists and I thank you for all your support and we look forward to seeing you again at the Gallery this season.

Peace and Art,  Maureen

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Posted
 

News from Sanibel & the Gallery

While the temperature is still in the 80’s – “Autumn is in the Light,” as painter, Hollis Jeffcoat, quipped.  We can see the change in season and this signals a change in pace, activity, conversation, as the Islands ready for every ones’ return. 

There have been a few projects that have been underway, while you were Off Island.  As you may remember, Summer is Black Top Season and the City has been at it again.  Not only have they improved the bike path in many places, but also brand new sections have been added in different parts of Sanibel.  I’ll leave the discovery of ‘where’ for when you return. 

Comings and Goings:

After a buyer for the business backed out at the last minute, Arundel’s Stationary closed last week after decades of service, which will prove a loss to the Islands both in terms of character(s) and convenience.

There is a For Lease sign in front of both the Twilight Café and the Stone Crab Shack … sounds like there is a story behind these departures.

However, another sign – Painters working on the ‘La Dolce Ellington’s’ building may indicate a new restaurant coming into that location.

The Green Flash was getting a facelift when I was there last week – new walkway pavers, tables, chairs, rug … same great view.  I heard that they bought a majority share in the Mucky Duck.  I wonder if that means that menu will sport scalloped potatoes and creamed spinach 364 days a year.

The 2011 Best of the Islands votes are in and …

Watson MacRae Gallery was voted BEST Art Gallery!!!  I am very excited and grateful.  The wonderful artists who created such fabulous art are at the heart of this honor.  And two of them, Leila Walker and Hollis Jeffcoat deserve special acknowledgment not only for their art, but also for their contribution to the gallery.  Leila for helping keep the gallery and me running, and Hollis for her very special talent of hanging exhibits that are beautiful, interesting and visually engaging.

A heart-felt thank you to the visitors, friends and patrons of the Gallery, I greatly appreciate your support at all levels and have loved everyday of the past 3 years.

Oye! And now the pressure is really on for Next Season!  But I’m ready.  I’ll have the schedule with openings, artists’ talks and new special events in the October letter.  It’s going to be great!  We re-open on October 3rd with a wonderful exhibit of selected work from the gallery artists.  Please come by, I’d love to see you.  Best, Maureen 
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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

Posted
 

gallery news and sale

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New at the Gallery & On the Island

First,

 I would like to thank everyone for supporting the gallery this season.  
It’s been a good one and lots of fun.  
Thanks for visiting, admiring and acquiring.  
It’s all appreciated.

 

1. June SALE: A once a year sale - many of our favorite artists’ work in ceramics, glass and jewelry is
30-60% Off!  Do Come By.

2. New Exhibit “Summer Salon”:  Our wonderful summer exhibit featuring several pieces from the artists we showed this season.  The gallery is like a little museum with artwork for everyone to enjoy.

3. Japanese Potters Fund: In April donations to help the Japanese Potters rebuild their kilns after the earthquake raised $300 (thanks to all and the nice contribution by Wilson Jewelers).  I matched the funds and sent $600 to Mud Flats Studio School in Boston who is collecting the monies (contributions are still being accepted).  It’s an amazing effort by artists and art lovers worldwide.

 

A Note about the Islands:

Signs of Summer on Sanibel:  The temperature heats up, the natives (that’s us) slow down, restaurants are happy for walk-ins, visitors are from the North – of Florida and the “Other Coast’, the police are off the streets, Snowbirds fly down to check the progress or lack of, on the home renovations they planned, and the big one – left hand turns are possible – even easy!  Nature’s indicator however, the daily cooling summer storms have not arrived and that’s problematic.  We are down 9 inches in Lee County and more on Sanibel/Captiva.  The storm clouds hang over Ft. Myers.  They don’t seem to like to cross the Causeway either and the rains stop short of us.

Summer is also the time when changes on the Island often happen.  A few things that are in the works:  the tavern formerly known as Mc T’s is getting an “extreme makeover”; while the “Ellington’s” sign is down, they claim they’re not out; plans are underway for an Island wide “shellabration” marking the 75th Anniversary of the Shell Fair in late February; and casting calls are going out for the next “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser …

And I’m planning for next season as well.   January’s exhibit called “Artful Home” will be very different and will feature artist-made furniture, tableware, lamps, garden sculptures, artwork and other surprises. And that’s just the beginning.

Wishing you a Wonderful Summer and looking forward to seeing you at the Gallery or on-line which I’m also working on … more to come. Best, Maureen
All_season_2011_card_front

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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

Posted
 

Invitation to New Exhibit

AT THE GALLERY … 

 1. Special Note - Meet the Artist: Messenger Horse Artist, Sheena Cameron Wednesday, March 23rd from 2 to 3pm.

 2. “People and Places” New Exhibit Opening Reception  Tuesday, April 5th from 5:30 to 7:30 

3. Artists’ Talk Wednesday, April 6th 11:00 to 12:30

 

The current exhibit, “On Paper: Print, Paint, Draw” is on view at the gallery until Saturday, April 2.  This exhibit features three masters of their mediums, Hollis Jeffcoat, Pattie Lipman and Dan Welden and their unique way of creating works on paper.  The exhibit has had a great response, please come by and enjoy the wonderful variety of images and styles or watch the video on our website watsonmacraegallery.com

A Note about the Islands:
Given the tragedy in Japan I find it hard to write anything about our beloved Islands that doesn’t seem trite.  All is well and wonderful here.  Happy Spring.

The new exhibit, which interestingly has five pieces about Mt. Fuji by Jim Krieger, is dedicated to the people and creatures of Japan.  At the Opening and throughout April we will have a collection jar for donations to the American Red Cross’ efforts.  The Gallery will match the amount donated.

Now About the Gallery:
Sheena Cameron, creator of the wonderful Messenger Horses the will be at the Gallery on Wednesday March 23rd from 2-3pm.  Sheena is making a special stop in Sanibel on her way from New Mexico to Cuba and bringing a new herd of her fabulous horses and ponies with her.  If you have your own Messenger Horse or just admire them, I invite you to visit the Gallery.  There is no formal talk, but Sheena will tell stories about her new creations and answer questions, so just come by anytime between 2-3pm and please feel free to bring a friend … and a horse story of your own.

New Exhibit: In April’s exhibit, “People and Places” (see card below) the gallery is pleased to introduce a very talented painter from South Carolina, Harriet Marshall Goode and welcome back sculptors, Leila Walker and Jim Krieger.  In addition we honor the one-year anniversary of the wondrous Nicolas Carone’s visit to Sanibel by including a selection of his work. 

In “People and Places” the figure and landscape are featured … in interesting combinations.  Harriet Marshall Goode’s ethereal paintings place women in a symbolic and metaphysical landscape, while Leila Walker’s new wire sculptures are filled with odd bits providing each with a symbolic inner landscape.  Jim Krieger has created a tribute to Japanese artist, Hokusai in his beautiful work on copper and lead of Mt. Fuji some of which include figures.  The late Nicolas Carone always loved painting the figure and even in his spacious landscapes in this exhibit they appear.

The remarkable work in this exhibit is like a travelogue through which we can visit the inner and outer worlds of these four amazing artists. 

The Opening Reception is Tuesday, April 5th from 5:30 to 7:30pm and the Artists’ Talk on Wednesday, April 6th from 11:00 to 12:30.  Please join us for the Opening of this very exciting exhibit and informative artist talk.  Look forward to seeing you at the Gallery.
Best, Maureen 
Art Heals.

Apr-2011-eblast
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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

Posted
 

New Exhibit Opening Announcement

New Exhibit Opening Reception and Artists’ Talk

  “On Paper: Print, Paint, Draw” Exhibit Opening Reception

Tuesday, March 6th from 5:30 to 7:30

Artists’ Talk Wednesday, 7th  from 11:00 to 12:30

 

February’s beautiful show, “Florida Abstracted:  Darby Bannard and Hollis Jeffcoat” ends on March 5th.  Both of these accomplished artists had articles in the papers this month –

 I hope you enjoy reading about them and stop by to see their extraordinary work.

A Note about the Islands:
Season is in full swing and that means social events, Company, fund-raisers, beach and … traffic.  I don’t want to say it’s been bad, but the other day I was driving to Dixie Beach Road from the Gallery and as I sat in stopped traffic at the Community Center, an elderly couple strolled past me on the bike path.  I didn’t time how long it took me to get to the turn off, but – as I pulled into the turning lane – that’s right – there they were!  So, I could have walked there faster!  But the weather has been glorious, we’re on Sanibel - so who cares.

Now About the Gallery:
 “On Paper: Print, Paint, Draw” brings three masters of their mediums together for this exhibit.  Hollis Jeffcoat, Pattie Lipman and Dan Welden, who all studied and worked in New York present their unique way of creating works on paper.  Hollis Jeffcoat continues to capture the glory of Florida with pastel and oils.  Pattie Lipman uses the time-honored methods of printmaking – intaglio, mezzotint to produce delicate, intimate prints.  While Master Printmaker, Dan Welden, inventor of the solar plate process, creates fascinating, mutli-media abstracted prints. 

“On Paper: Print, Paint, Draw” presents us with a wonderful variety of images – subtle, strong, colorful, monotone, realistic, abstract, quiet, bold – a harmony of contrasts.  The Opening Reception is Tuesday, March 8th  from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  Welden and Lipman will talk about their work and different printmaking processes at the Artists’ Talk on Wednesday, March 9th  from 11:00 to 12:30.  

This season the Gallery has been supporting an Island cause each month.  March will be devoted to supporting the efforts of Zonta and the Onyx & Breezy Foundation.  Please join us for the Opening of this very exciting exhibit and informative artist talk.  Look forward to seeing you at the Gallery.
Best, Maureen 

1_mar-2011-eblast
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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

Posted
 

Winner, New Video, Save the Date for March Exhibit

3 Things:  Winner of Raffle, New Video: “Florida Abstracted”, New Exhibit Opening Reception and Artists’ Talk

  1. Save the Date:  “On Paper: Print, Paint, Draw” Exhibit featuring Hollis Jeffcoat, Pattie Lipman, Dan Welden with

Opening Reception Tuesday, March 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 and Artists’ Talk Wednesday, 9th from 11:00 to 12:30.  I will send out the announcement card shortly as a reminder and preview of the remarkable representational and abstract work by these artistic innovators and explorers.  

2. New Video:  This month’s “Florida Abstracted” featuring the wondrous work of Hollis Jeffcoat and Darby Bannard closes on March 6th.  If you can’t make it to the gallery, you can see the video on my website at www.WatsonMacRaeGallery.com.  But before you click …

 

3. The Winner:  A month long raffle was held for a beautiful hand-blown glass shell by Cia Friedrich donated by the Gallery with all the proceeds going to benefit CROW.  And the winning ticket, which was drawn by CROW Board Member, Susan Dunn was purchased by … Ruth Woodham, Island resident, Zonta member, BIG Arts volunteer and art collector.  CROW was pleased with the results and we both thank everyone who participated in the raffle.

Look forward to seeing you at the Gallery.

Best, Maureen 
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Maureen Watson

Watson MacRae Gallery
2340 Periwinkle Way, #B3
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3386

Posted