Leoma Lovegrove talks about her new Fort Myers, Florida art gallery
Lee County artist Leoma Lovegrove opened her new downtown Fort Myers art gallery Friday, Nov. 15. Here she talks about what that means to her.
- Several art galleries in Southwest Florida showcase wildlife-themed artwork.
- These galleries offer an air-conditioned escape from the summer heat while enjoying nature-inspired art.
- Featured artists include both local talents and those inspired by wildlife from around the world.
Summer has started in Southwest Florida, which presents numerous opportunities for activities. However, with the increased heat and rain showers, summer “fun” can be reduced to how fast you can open an umbrella.
It also can mean spotting wildlife outdoors is more challenging.
If you are looking to experience nature in the luxury of air conditioning and not being bitten by mosquitos, wildlife galleries might be a great option for you.
Here are six galleries in SWFL that feature wildlife artwork and offer a nice alternative to seeing wildlife in the currently wet and “wild” outdoors of SWFL:
Naples Visions Gallery
Location: 737 5th Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. , Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What to know: The Naples Visions Gallery uses inspiration from the wildlife in Africa to create each of their pieces. Their art is not just limited to paintings. They also have scriptures, furniture, glasswork and decor, to provide a sense of wildlife in several different forms. The “Strength in Stone” gallery is their current exhibition on display comprising of several contemporary wildlife stone structures by Godfrey Zonde.
For more information: Go to the Naples Visions Gallery website. or call at 239-643-3785.
Lovegrove Studios
Location: 1415 Dean St #102, Fort Myers
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What to know: Lovegrove Studios displays artwork from the late impressionist-expressionist artist Leoma Lovegrove who was known for her bright, colorful paintings. Her artwork provides viewers of a vivid look at the Southwest Florida wildlife spanning from the coastline of Fort Myers Beach to the swamps of Six Mile Cypress Slough.
For more information: Go to the Lovegrove Studios website, or call at (239) 938-5655.
DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery and Gifts
Location: 10051 McGregor Blvd Ste 104-108, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What to know: DAAS CO-OP has different studio artists creating artwork for their own individual exhibition. Each artist’s gallery is shown at different times throughout the year. The variety provides the audience with a multitude of techniques and visuals every time they go to DAAS CO-OP. Since the start of the year there has been two exhibitions dedicated to wildlife. A guest display by Angela Arroyo and “Florida Vibes” from Lisbeth Ascanio. If you time your visit right and you can experience their nature exhibits first hand.
For more information: Go to the DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery and Gifts website or call at 239-955-0422.
Jungle Drums Gallery
Location: 11532 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00pm
What to know: Whether its t-shirts, tables or clocks the Jungle Drums Gallery paint wildlife on about everything imaginable throughout their gallery. Owners Jim and Kathleen Mazzotta take inspiration from the wildlife they observe on Captiva Island and integrate it in their art.
For more information: Go to the Jungle Drums Gallery website or call at (239) 395-2266.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Location: 00 Tower Rd. Naples, FL 34113
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What to know: Although the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center presents children with a learning opportunity about the nature around them, their art gallery presents an opportunity to get out of the heat with visuals of the animals about the nature in the Rookery Bay Reserve. It also gives adults something specifically catered to them. Local artist Kathy Spalding has her collection on display which involves 30 prints “to illustrate the connection between different habitats”.
For more information: Go to the Rookery Bay website or call at (239) 530-5972.
Rachel Pierce Art Gallery
Location: 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What to know: Rachel Pierce, a news anchor turned artist, specializes in wildlife pieces with each of her artworks embodying the nature of Southwest Florida and the sea life in Florida’s Paradise Coast. Not only can you view her pieces in her gallery, but you can purchase her art on display or have Pierce create a custom illustration to suit your liking. People can purchase home pieces, originals and digital prints of her iconic paintings.
On her website she lists flamingos and other birds, turtles, manatees, fish and other wildlife as her subjects.
For more information: Go to the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery website or call at (239) 292-3327.