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Gallery of Artists

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 30, 2008

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!"

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."

Web sites: www.outoftheblueceramics.com and www.thecreativenativegallery.com

Phone: (813) 841-3038

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."

Web site: www.margaretconte.com

Phone: (813) 681-2016

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."

Web site: www.nunpuns.com

Phone: (813) 458-5295

Rhonda Kitchens

Born: Plant City

Resides: Siesta Key

Mediums: Wood, acrylic, rope

Style: Florida folk

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."

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."

Web site: www.rhondakwrites.com

Phone: (941) 704-7558

Teri Lyon

Born: North Miami Beach

Resides: Seminole Heights

Mediums: Oil on canvas; acrylic on canvas

Styles: Modern expressionism, realism

What people say: "Such bright colors!"

On the arts in Brandon: "Growing up in Brandon, I never really saw much of an art community. It seems that the area has really grown in this respect."

Web site: www.artbyterilyon.net

Phone: (813) 817-2289

Larry Martin

Born: Tampa

Resides: Tampa

Medium: Photography

Style: "Mine!"

What people say: "You took that?!"

Web site: Under construction

Phone: (813) 484-3583

Sherrie St. James-Bastien

Born: Plant City

Resides: Oldsmar

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?"

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."

Web site: www.sherriestjames.com

Phone: (813) 774-9785

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."

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!"

Web site: www.artgally.com/roxanne

Phone: (813) 685-1627

Compiled by Reporter Laura Frazier

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