Coral Springs Museum of Art

Opening night for four local artists at the Coral Springs Museum of Art was a well-attended event and included an appearance by Coral Springs Mayor Roy Gold, a long-time supporter of the arts. Director Barbara O’Keefe, once again brought to exhibit some of the area’s best local artists. Isabel Salazar, Deborah Gregg, Jack Newman, Anne Deon, Barbara O'Keefe

The new artists, showing until August 19, are Anne Deon, Jack Newman, Deborah Gregg and Isabel Perez Salazar.

Anne Deon’s large brightly colored canvases include images that run the gamut from the Statue of Liberty to ancient Egyptians to Jesse James and his gang. Deon’s work is lively and uplifting, the imagery bold and colorful. There are also some vibrant abstracts in the collection. The exhibit is titled “A Retrospective: Selections from Three Decades of Work.”.  Anne Deon with Jesse James with his Gang

Jack Newman’s “The United Tastes of America” offers a whimsical and mouth-watering look at American cuisine. From stacks of blueberry pancakes, bacon and eggs, and the much commented about “Vegan Nightmare” an uncannily realistic painting of a pastrami sandwich (which might send even the most resigned vegan straight to the corner deli.) Newman also paints some wonderful images of old movie posters which include the Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman flick “Notorious.”

Deborah Gregg’s “Inscriptive Manifestations: The Inner Voice” is a psychological exploration into the inner chasms of the mind. With what might be considered steampunk overtones, the meticulously constructed pieces address such issues as fear, dreams, and inner feelings. The work is thought-provoking and emotional, with a strong focus on the unspoken thoughts all humans embody. Vegan Nightmare by Jack Newman

Isabel Perez Salazar’s exhibit “Mixing Nature” favors bright colors and lively interpretations of the relationship between man and nature brought together on a mixed media canvas. Her work is a combination of threads, paints and cloths. The piece “Hands” can be viewed as an example of the harmonious melding and integration of different cultures and peoples.

The entertainment for the evening was provided by guitarist, Bella Kawalec, of Coconut Creek. Ms. Kawalec’s soft, folksy songs were the perfect backdrop as guests sipped wine and viewed the treasures around them. Why Does it Rain by Deborah Gregg

Artist in Residence Jan Kolenda was also in attendance with her display of “Imagine Florida” a ceramic sculpture. The piece resembles a scroll placed on its side offering a panoramic view of Broward County from ocean reef to beach on one side and hardwood hammock to Everglades on the other side. The surface is done in relief featuring many creatures that are indigenous to the Florida landscape.

The Coral Springs Museum of Art is a comfortable and inviting space; very visitor friendly. Should you get tired viewing all the wonderful art – there’s an ample sitting area in center of the Great Room where you can rest your weary tootsies and leaf through the well-stocked supply of art books on the coffee table until you’re ready to go again.  Hands by Isabel Salazar

(Note: Much of the artwork is for sale and any inquiries should be made directly to the museum staff.)

The Coral Springs Museum of Art is located on 2855 Coral Springs Drive Museum Hours Monday-Saturday: 10am~5pm closed Sunday, Admission Adults: $6, Seniors: $5
Tours: $4, Students $3, Wednesday Free Admission, Members and Children under 12 always Free. (954) 340-5000 www.csmart.org

Jan Kolenda 

 All photos by Anna Collins