New Exhibit by Local Artists Opens at Island Hotel

Once again the Island Hotel is graciously hosting an exhibit featuring works by the "Twelve Artists@ Cedar Key". The historic hotel is the perfect backdrop for this latest show, which exemplifies the boundless talent of Cedar Key's local artists.

Assemblage by Mike Leiner

The exhibit is an eclectic mix of mediums and styles, with everything from collage to pottery, assemblage, photography and painting. There is the bold, humorous assemblage piece "Gon Drive Me to Drinkin If You Don't Stop Drivin that Hot Rod Lincoln" by Mike Leiner, made from "found" objects. Willie Smith's painting, titled "Time Traveler" that combines his signature abstract work with the brilliant, geometric style of early sixties pop art. The paintings by Malinda Christiansen are clever in concept and visually stunning. Two portraits by David Chatowsky give viewers a glimpse into the rough and tumble life of sponge divers. Amy Gernhardt's pottery piece depicting sea kelp is swept with subtle colors and rich textures that give it a feeling of movement and shifting shadows. Carmen Beckman's, painting of the door to her studio brilliantly combines dark indoor shadows with outdoor sunlight sidewalks. Each artist in the show has presented work that is imaginative, original and thought provoking.

Abstract by Willie Smith

The exhibit includes work by Gerald Lindstrom, Margaret Pulis Herrick, Christian Harkness, Anne Graham Miller, and Linda Reynolds.

Acrylic by Malinda Christiansen

When you stop in to see the exhibit, be sure to walk out to the exquisitely renovated patio area of the hotel. The space has been transformed into a quiet oasis of color and comfort, with cozy benches, and inviting tables and chairs scattered around a bricked courtyard. There are plantings of graceful palms mixed with eye-catching annual blooms, and an original sculpture by renowned potter Henry Gernhardt.

Portraits by David Chatowsky

For a truly enjoyable afternoon drop by to see this unique exhibit of artwork, and have a tall cool drink in the hotel's lovely courtyard.

Patio area with sculpture by Henry Gernhardt