Stirling Art Studios Present the ‘Very Big Art’ Show

During Dunedin’s 2^nd Friday Night on the Town

The opening reception for the ‘Very Big Art’ Show will be held during the second Friday Night on the Town in Dunedin. Non-profit Stirling Art Studios & Gallery has resumed their 2nd Friday receptions between 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.  August reception will host the ‘Very Big Show’ which includes “big” artwork.  Big art of all types is perfect for making a BIG statement and being the focus of any room in your home or office. An oversized piece of art can set the tone for any room, from quaint intimate spaces to large open lofts or more.  If you are interested in big art, you don’t want to miss this Very Big Show.  Stirling Art Studios & Gallery invites you to join them Friday, August 13, meet the artists and view their artwork.

Here we have a few samples of the artwork and artist that will be on display during the ‘Very Big Art’ Show: Janice Ritter (watercolorist), Brenda Mattson (pastels and oil), Bette Saiberlich (modern graphics) and Stoney Lawrentz (photographer).  And the best part about shopping at Sterling Art Studios is that you will be shopping local and supporting our local artist community. There will be many artists present to talk about their work during this opening reception and the ‘Very Big Art’ Show is the center of activity, but you’ll find other artist of just about every art medium present.   So don’t miss out on this ‘Very Big Art’ Show!

Here is Just a Sampling of the’ Very Big Art’ Show:

Janice Ritter studied at the Art Students League in New York City under watercolorist Mario Cooper. She has been a Life Member of the League for over thirty years. While trained in New York City, Janice truly found her artistic voice in Florida. The vivid colors of sunsets and ocean waters are influences on her work. Additionally, works of literature often inspire her imagery and she sets out to elicit an emotional response for the viewer by combining the visual and literary arts. Janice pushes colors to their fullest potential and enjoys the spontaneity of water- based mediums, juxtaposing them with the precision and delicacy of pen and ink. (Feature image displayed at the top of the page.)

Brenda Mattson has been an artist since she was 7 years old after receiving a set of oil paints from her grandfather. Now, you’ll find Brenda specializing in pastels & oil with her works on display internationally. She is one of seven people worldwide who received the 2019 Eminent Master Pastelist award presented by the International Association of Pastelist Societies (IAPS). Brenda gains her inspiration through nature and the outdoors, favoring in the landscapes and cultures of Australia, Ireland, and Italy, as well as her home in Michigan.

Variety is important, so Brenda likes to take a break from landscapes sometimes and dabble in portraits. She especially loves painting children because of the sweetness and innocence that is able to be captured. (Image to the left is a sample of her award winning artwork on display. Images cropped to fit page. Actual original Artwork is even bigger and better!)

Inspired by the energy within the image, fine draftsmanship, purity of line, subtlety of color, and the excitement of combining the media of etching and wood block printing makes Saiberlich’s graphics modern with classic restraint. To quote Ms. Saiberlich: “My life and my creative efforts aim to reflect a simple chorale in praise of living.”

The versatile Ms. Saiberlich has received wide recognition not only for printmaking but for drawing, painting, and ceramics. Her work is in collections both private and institutional in east and middle west U.S. and represented by galleries in New York State, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Canada. She has had numerous One Person Shows and given demonstrations, lectures, and television presentations.

Ms. Saiberlich holds B.S. Art, M.S. in Art, and M.F.A. degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and also Permanent Public School Teaching Certification in Wisconsin and New York State. She has taught in public and private schools, graduate and adult education programs, and was the New York correspondent for Craft Horizons, the international publication of American Craftsmen’s Council, New York City. She has made her home in Dunedin, Florida and is proud to have her studio in the Stirling Artists Studios and Gallery. (Sample image RIGHT)

Stoney Lawrentz expresses himself through ‘Very Big Art’ utilizing the medium of photographic art:

“Photography allows me the freedom to not only capture a moment in time but to also create one. I have always been drawn to photography and I enjoy the solitude it provides. When I find it difficult to express myself in words, photography gives me the medium to speak without words. I love when I can manipulate one single image into multiple works of art, each with their own unique feel and story.” Stoney wants to capture that hidden beauty that others often fail to see in our everyday. He believes this says it all, ‘There’s always a sunrise and always a sunset and it’s up to you to choose to be there for it… Put yourself in the way of beauty.’ 

The Very Big Art Show Opening Reception, which is free to the public, is on Friday, July 13 from 5:30-8:00 pm in conjunction with downtown Dunedin’s 2nd Friday. Stirling Art Studios & Gallery is located at 730 Broadway, 2nd Floor Dunedin, FL 34698 . For information about this show and Stirling Art Studios & Gallery, call 727-466-8791.

More About Stirling Art Studios & Gallery :

In 1997, a group of dedicated, local artists pooled their creative resources and started a studio collective. Calling themselves the Trailway Art Colony, they set up their working studios in a building on Douglas Street, just south of Dunedin’s MainStreet business district.

However, due to an unfortunate fire a few years later, the colony went through a transformation, changing its location as well as its name to the Imago Group. Since then, some of the original members have left the group, but new members have also come in, and now the collective is known as Stirling Art Studios & Gallery.  The present location is the entire second floor of the renovated Stirling Commons building at 730 Broadway in the heart of downtown Dunedin.  

More about Penny Lane:

The collective consists of 10 working studios, headquarters for the Miniature Art Society of Florida, and Penny Lane  – The Ultimate Beatles Collection. They invite you to visit the gallery and our studios, open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and to attend our monthly artist receptions held every 2nd Friday of the month from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., in conjunction with Dunedin’s “Night on the Town.”  For further information on Penny Lane call For information about Penny Lane call 727-281-8130.  Please note for those interested in the Penny Lane Exhibit, the summer hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12-3 p.m., and on Saturday at 12-p.m.. They are also open during the Dunedin’s “Night on the Town” on the Second Fridays from 5:30-8:00 p.m. 

For more details visit their website here: www.stirlingartstudiosandgallery.com. Content provided to Destination Tampa Bay by Stirling Art Studios & Gallery and individual artist listed compiled and written by Jackie McCallum. All photos are for editorial purposes only-all right reserved.

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