Animals Rule in this Exhibit!
By Esther Hammer, Tribune Correspondent
Published: May 5, 2010

The Creative Native Gallery, 5307 N. Falkenburg Road, offers whimsical and creative works in an exhibit and fundraiser called "The Real Dog and Pony Show" from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Inside the gallery, guests will find delightful animal-inspired metal sculptures by Sherrie St. James, ceramics by Pam Moody, paper and mixed-media sculptures by Kelly Savery, pastel drawings by Judy Strong, mixed-media pieces by Gary Brickel, and paintings by Michele Edsall, James Vann, Roxanne Tobaison and Susan O'Hara.

Outside, pet adoptions will be possible through the Community Animal Rescue & Educational Center, which will benefit from sales of the art.

Strong will do live pastel drawings from 2 to 4 p.m., and will be available for commissioned pet portraits. Bring a photo, if interested.

There also will be dog training demonstrations by Southland Dog Training, drawings, prizes, refreshments and more. Call (813) 841-3038 for information.

Correspondent Esther Hammer can be reached at ehammer@tampatrib.com

Exhibit brings back contradictory '60s
By Esther Hammer, Tribune Correspondent
February 17, 2010

The Creative Native Gallery in Brandon is hosting an exhibit that looks back to the 1960s with one part nostalgia, one part good-natured humor and several parts imagination.

Called "Flashback," the exhibit emphasizes the mixed-up nature of that era - glamour alongside craziness - using some of its iconic images.

"It's all about the decade of contradictions," said artist and owner Pam Moody. "A lot of the art is done in a format that matches the '60s, like optical art, which was very big then, and other types of modern art."
Optical art pieces "kind of look fuzzy, and they make you feel dizzy if you look at them too long," Moody said.

Warhol-inspired pieces and paper sculptures of psychedelic flowers are also in the show.

"And, of course, I have a magic mushroom," Moody said. "You've gotta have one of those if you're doing a '60s theme."

Other media include jewelry, glass, ceramics and mixed media.

Exploring the counterculture of the '60s through art are Gary Brickel, pop art; Margaret Conte, mixed media; Paul Eskins, photography; Curtis Miles, art glass; Pam Moody, ceramics; Kelly Savery, paper; Virginia Spalter, art glass; Roxanne Tobaison, jewelry; James Vann, mixed media and jewelry; and Phylis Zaborek, jewelry.

How did the theme come up? "I've been hearing that the '60s are very trendy this year in the fashion world," Moody said. "They're back in a big way - the burnt orange and aqua. I just hope we won't all be wearing miniskirts again."

Meet the artists and see their work at the free opening reception from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the gallery, 5307 N. Falkenburg Road in Brandon. The exhibit is up through March 31.

For details, call the gallery at (813) 841-3038.

Handmade holiday ornaments on sale
By Esther Hammer, Tribune Correspondent
December 9, 2010

While they last, you can find one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments in a variety of themes at the Creative Native Gallery, 5307 N Falkenburg Road.

Made by local artists in clay, paper, glass, paint and other media are figures of animals, characters from folklore, snowflakes and other holiday themes. They can be found in an exhibit called "Artsy" at the store.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and some Saturdays. To be safe, call ahead, (813) 841-3038.

Correspondent Esther Hammer can be reached at ehammer@tampatrib.com.

Art! Carved just the way you like it!

This live art event showcases live chainsaw Tiki-Carving by artist Jesse Wilhelm, as well as an open gallery housing works of local artists.

Gone Native
One-of-a-kind Ceramic Sculptures
featuring the Wildlife of Florida

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2008

Secretary of State Kurt S. Browning announces Gone Native, a showing of ceramic sculpture by Florida artist Pam Moody. Her work will be on display from November 24, 2008, through January 30, 2009, in the Capitol Gallery on the 22nd floor of the Florida Capitol.

"It is difficult to truly capture the unique qualities of the wildlife here in Florida," said Secretary of State Kurt Browning "but Pam Moody brings all of these qualities to life in her artwork, while giving each piece her own unique flair."

Pam Moody is a native Floridian. Born in Sarasota and raised along "The Treasured Coast" in Ft. Pierce, she has always lived the Florida lifestyle. The environment gave Moody the opportunity to study and experience the unique indigenous and invasive wildlife of Florida, which has shaped and influenced her artwork. One of the aspects her craft focuses on is capturing the personality and movement of the subject, giving each piece a personality all its own. Pam also takes extra effort to ensure that every work she makes is completely original, using no prefabricated parts or molds.

Pam Moody is a self-taught ceramic artist and builds each of her works by hand from earthenware and stoneware clay bodies. She attended the Tampa Technical Institute, earning a degree in Commercial Art, and currently lives in the Citrus Park area of Florida. In 2008, Moody founded The Creative Native Gallery in Tampa, which features a clay studio, original paintings, photography, glass works, metal works, ceramics, mixed media works, and jewelry created by local and native Florida Artists.

The exhibition is part of the Division of Cultural Affairs' Capital Complex Exhibition Program. The Cabinet Meeting Room Gallery is located on the Lower Level of the Florida Capitol. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For further information, contact Brannon Solomon at the Division of Cultural Affairs at 850/245-6415

Contact:
Brannon Solomon
Division of Cultural Affairs
(850) 245.6415
bjsolomon@dos.state.fl.us.

A treasure-trove of fine art on display and for sale at The Creative Native Gallery on Falkenburg Road represents the work of eight local artists. The mediums they use run the gamut from paper and film to glass and steel. All are natives of the Sunshine State with a keen eye for color and a love for all things Florida. Here, they tell us a little about themselves and how people react to their work.

Pam Moody
Gallery owner
Born: Sarasota
Resides: Citrus Park
Mediums: ceramic sculpture, pen-and-ink illustration, folk art painting
Styles: Whimsical, realistic
What people say: "I've never seen anything like this!"
Web sites: www.outoftheblueceramics.com and www.thecreativenativegallery.com
Phone: (813) 841-3038

On the arts in Brandon: "I am new to the Brandon arts community and look forward to meeting people who are involved in and love the visual arts. It is important to me to raise awareness of the exceptional native Floridian artists who live and work right here in our community."

Laura 'Michele' Edsall
Born: Riverview
Resides: Riverview
Medium: Acrylics and mixed media on wood and canvas
Style: Whimsical folk art
What people say: "Sweetness and spirituality...what a beautiful combo!"

On the arts in Brandon: "I think the greater Brandon area needs a big shot in the arm of art, and The Creative Native Gallery is a great start."

RhondaK
Born: Plant City
Resides: Nikomos
Mediums: Wood, acrylic, rope
Style: Merry-Time Florida Folk Art
What people say: My work "makes people laugh and remember old beach bars that aren't around anymore, the good times they've had in Florida."
Web site: www.rhondakwrites.com
E-mail: RhondaKWrites@aol.com

On the arts in Brandon: "Art shows and galleries should be experiential on the artist's level, not a show promoter's. An artist should also be able to create or fit their selling space."

Sherrie St. James
Born: Plant City
Resides: Lutz
Mediums: Acrylic, watercolor and oil on canvas; wood, steel, copper and brass; stained glass; photography
Styles: Pop, folk, industrial, experimental
What people say: "How can you excel in so many different mediums?"

Web site: www.sherriestjames.com
e-mail: Scubadiva1@aol.com

On the arts in Brandon: "Brandon's art community has slowly evolved over the years and has offered few galleries ... for original works of art. Art shows provide temporary relief to the creative void. However, without a permanent location for local art lover's to get their "fix," I believe that Brandon has truly suffered ... until now."

MORE ARTISTS HAVE BEEN ADDED SINCE THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH CREATIVE NATIVE ARTIST!

Roxanne Tobaison
Born: Mississippi
Resides: Seffner
Medium: Watercolor
Styles: Realistic Florida landscapes, bird life and nature settings; local historical scenes and landmarks.
What people say: "They seem to like my work and appreciate the time given to make the different pieces."
Web site: www.artgally.com/roxanne

On the arts in Brandon: "The arts are beginning to come alive in Brandon. Organizations such as the Brandon League of Fine Arts, The Greater Brandon Arts Council, Center Place and the Beaux Arts Gallery at Winthrop are making a real impact in our community and are beginning to co-mingle with each other, making the arts even stronger and creating more opportunities for local artists. It is truly an exciting time in Brandon for the arts!"

Larry Martin
Born: Tampa
Resides: Tampa
Medium: Photography
Style: "Mine!"
What people say: "You took that?!"
Phone: (813) 484-3583

Margaret Conte
Born: Brandon
Resides: Graham
Medium: Mixed
Style: "Margaret's style!"
What people say: "Holy cow!"

On the arts in Brandon: "There are many artists in the community today, and very few gallery opportunities. In the future, I hope there will be more art recognition and opportunities for artists to show their work."