Palm Coast, FL – Curating more than 80 works from a variety of Flagler County artists including Dex Whestphal, Judi Wormeck, Rick de Yampert and Stephanie Salkin, the annual Gargiulo Art Foundation’s 8×8 Inch Show opened on Sunday afternoon at the Grand Gallery in Palm Coast.
Housed within the Grand Living Realty real estate office on Colbert Lane, the gallery has featured a number of artists over the past two years, with Flagler County Artist of the Year 2020 Jan Jackson serving as the gallery’s curator. The gallery takes no commission nor does it charge rent for the art on display, making it a popular place for artists across the region to show their work.
“My shows are about six weeks long and I have them lined up because there’s no other act in town,” said Jackson. “There are so many professional people and great artists in this area, so I have a big pot to choose from.”
The annual 8×8 Inch Show is a community favorite, as it allows a broader audience to appreciate and purchase work from local artists who must all present pieces within the confines of 8 inches by 8 inches and be priced at $50 or under.
The show’s concept was created by foundation CEO Tom Gargiulo several years ago and was traditionally displayed at the Flagler County Art League’s gallery until the pandemic took its toll on the organization.
“I think it’s a very good show, and a lot of space to fill in with very small 8×8 inch pieces. I think it turned out very good,” said Gargiulo. “Jan Jackson is an excellent curator and she’s very enthusiastic. She hangs the shows well and we have a very good working relationship.
The mini show has built a following over the years and draws an eclectic crowd.
“This is an opportunity for the public to come in and see outstanding artists, at affordable prices,” explained Gargiulo. “Most of the people coming to the show are familiar with the artists’ large paintings, larger works, so these compared to those are just little miniatures, little slices.”
As part of the fall lineup of shows hosted by the Gargiulo Art Foundation, the 8×8 Inch Show precedes the eagerly anticipated Artist of the Year nominees’ show, leading up to the formal unveiling of the selected Artist of the Year.
“To be nominated is an honor itself,” said Gargiulo. “As you know, we don’t just select an artist because they’re good. We select artists that are contributing to the community.”
Who You’ll See at the 8×8
With her own distinct works among those on display, Jackson described the series of animals and humans intertwined with nature as being inspired by interconnectivity.
It’s a Noah’s Ark of animals on display in Jackson’s signature style based on the Panamanian mola, and for collectors who may not be able to commit to a larger piece, it’s a fantastic way to get started or add flavor to a room with multiple pieces from the series.
“I had an idea, and it came from my Christmas card about doing a series of ‘oneness’,” shared Jackson.
“So it’s like little people and there’s an outline, that’s about all and then they’re connected to an animal or a tree and so if you look at them you’ll notice the red line doesn’t stop. They’re all interconnected,” she said of the mixed media pieces.
Birdhouse collectors will also find her works for as low as $14 each, making a dainty gift for a granddaughter or an Audubon fan.
Other pieces like Stephanie Salkin’s ‘Road Home’ trigger a Dali-type feel while Judi Wormeck’s ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ is elegantly staged next to the four warmer-toned works evoking a southwestern vibe with the mixed media pieces ‘On the Horizon’ and ‘Catching Stars’, that sold immediately.
A variety of Bob Teller’s pastels feature idyllic days along the shore with ‘Day Dreaming’ or ‘Out for a Stroll’ while Trish Vevera’s ‘Middle Marsh I’ is softly vibrant.
Vevera toured the gallery with friend and fellow artist Karen Ann Patton, who purchased an angel piece for her son’s new home. The pair stopped to admire the work of fellow artists in the show, who will be on display through September 12th.
“I have some of my artwork in the show and I came to see some of the other people’s art work,” said Vevera. “They’re small treasures and other people should come out to see them.”
There is no cost to tour the Grand Gallery located at 2288 Colbert Lane, Palm Coast, FL 32137. Grand Gallery is open Monday – Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.
Other Artists on Display in the 8×8 Inch Show:
Babz Lupoli
Dex Whestphal
Diane Hurd
Christine Broussard
