A Great Night for Great Art & Frame

Wine flowed, flashbulbs popped, and praises were exchanged.  There may not have been a red carpet, but the walls of held a variety of featured artwork along with the VIP artisans who created them. 

Hosted by owners Joose and James Hadley, paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture and more was on display at the summer showcase opening reception at the Westchase gallery on Friday night.

Joose, who predominantly paints in watercolor, acrylic or oils, has been in the business since 1985 when she opened Joose Arts in Sacramento.  The couple moved to Florida a decade later and opened Great Art in 2003.  In addition to creating her own showpieces, Joose’s fundamental objective is to help fellow artists show off their work.

“It doesn’t benefit anyone if it (art) sits on a shelf or is stuffed in a closet," said Hadley, who has been a Westchase Artists Society member for almost five years.  "Art should – and needs to be displayed – so if I can help make it possible, then I’ve done my job."

The Westchase Artists Society is comprised of a group of about 15 artists committed to adding vibrancy and art to the neighborhood and overall Tampa Bay area.

The tight-knit group – who will be celebrating their fifth anniversary this August – cultivates, develops and nurtures the art community by exhibiting art and sponsoring meetings, workshops, field trips, shows, critiques, and more. 

Approximately two to three shows are held throughout the year at various locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. This marks the second time the group has met at . 

The Society’s latest exhibit includes works by participating member-artists: Wayne Barrett, Harvey Berman, Toni Crosby, Judy Freeman, Olga Fridella, Amy Gmelin, Joose Hadley, Jennifer Lukas Joyner, Bob Richardson, Vanessa Montenegro, Liz Ryan, Teresa Trubilla and Susan Whitaker.

Teresa Trubilla, the society's president, has lived in Westchase for 17 years. Like the neighborhood, the artist society has evolved into a beautiful, prosperous community, she said.

“These events not only give our artists an opportunity to show their work, but encourages them to produce art," said  Trubilla, an amateur wildlife and landscape photographer. 

One thing that isn’t thriving these days is the economy, which Trubilla admits has had an impact on her favorite hobby.

“People aren’t investing in original art like they normally would," she said.  "Thankfully, I’ve been able to adapt accordingly and distribute my art in a format that is more cost efficient."

Creativity, critiquing and camaraderie were common themes from Friday's event.

Harvey Berman, a retiree who has spent his career in commercial art and serves as the association’s vice-president, had three works on display.

“There is tremendous camaraderie among the members," Berman said. "We feed off of each other, offer support and help resolve any issues or roadblocks."

Amy Lennard Gmelin, a self-described “exhibit virgin," has been part of the Westchase Artists Society for about two months.

A graduate of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Florida, Gmelin is a concrete artisan who incorporates concrete colorants, acid stains, colored sand, found objects, live plants, and more.

Her first piece was publicly displayed about three months ago and she was absolutely thrilled.

“I fell into this about a year ago," she said. "Art is in my blood and I’ve always had the itch to make something and pleasantly surprised myself with these unique creations.”

Great Art & Frame is Westchase’s premiere art gallery specializing in originals and limited editions.  They provide custom framing and host countless workshops, classes, fundraisers, and special events throughout the year.  The Summer Showcase will be on display through July 5.

The Westchase Artists Society welcomes new members and is open to all types of visual artists and art lovers in the Westchase and Upper Tampa Bay area. 

W.A.S. meets every fourth Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30pm at the Westchase Swim and Tennis Center (behind the fire station on Countryway Blvd).  For more information, log onto their website or email them at info@westchaseartists.com.