Botanicals & Blooms III
May 3 – June 24, 2023
Opening Reception:
Friday May 19, 2023 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Botanicals & Blooms III, a celebration of all things floral and botanical, features silver and stone jewelry by Debbie Garavaglia, botanical bas relief by Cathy Myre, mixed media paintings by Angie Pasternak, watercolor paintings by Karen Romani, oil paintings by Terri Shay and watercolor paintings by Linda Wilmes. The artwork will be on display and available for sale May 3 – June 24, 2023
Join us for the opening reception on Friday May 19, 2023 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Debbie Garavaglia - Silver and Stone Jewelry
My business started off as a beading hobby approximately18 years ago. I then discovered a local metalsmithing shop, took a class, and was hooked on a new adventure and love of sterling silver. I learned varied and amazing techniques used in working with sterling silver and other metals. To this day I am always looking to expand on my knowledge of metals to create new and interesting designs. I don’t migrate toward “cookie-cutter” jewelry that you could find in any department store. I want my jewelry to spark your interest. I love the use of the torch and the many ways it is used in the making of jewelry. My ultimate goal is to create treasures that will last a lifetime for everyone.
Catherine Myre - Botanical Plaster Bas Relief and Concrete Casting
After retiring, I was thrilled to have the time to combine my two loves: Art and Gardening! My work consists of concrete and plaster castings of leaves and wildflowers which I paint in acrylics and watercolors. I began with making concrete castings of Elephant Ear and Canna plants from my garden. Lately, I’ve added plaster bas relief impressions of local wildflowers.
Angie Pasternak - Mixed Media Paintings
Art is my passion. I started young in art, and I’ve always enjoyed where the journey of art takes me. Born in Poland, I grew up surrounding myself with rich culture, and later moving to the United States brought me to a fun St. Louis community. I received my BFA from Fontbonne University and it helped me to become the creative person who I am today.
Karen Romani - Watercolors
Watercolors have become my obsession in recent years, giving me great joy. I am particularly drawn to botanical art, rendering what nature has perfected. I continue to learn the intricacies of this medium, learning from some of the best watercolorists in the country. Expressing light and dark, details of the plant and exploring the colors nature has done so well, is my never ending journey. I try to challenge myself with every painting, adding more details, trying new color combinations. Becoming more informed about the Botany of plants and flowers has created a new direction for my work. I’m working with instructors from the Phipps Museum and Botanical Garden, exploring work on vellum, as well as a variety of techniques used by well known botanical artists of the past and present. Eventually, I hope to attain a Certificate in botanical art.
My goals continue to evolve as my skills improve, many have already been met, but I still have a long way to go to reach my greatest potential, whatever that might be. I hope someone who looks at my paintings is captivated by them.
I have always been drawn to everything creative. My interest started with sewing and embroidery but, while taking art classes in high school, I discovered all the joys of painting and sculpting. My life took several detours in my early life. After studying physical therapy and getting married, I became too busy to develop my interest in art. After practicing for 35 yrs. and raising 3 beautiful children, I felt it was time to follow the road calling me every day.
I was lucky enough to encounter a wonderful watercolor teacher who encouraged me toward my wonderful adventure in the world of art. That was 10 yrs ago. Since then, I’ve joined an artist guild, becoming president. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn next to the some of the greatest artists. I’ve had success in competitions and sales. I hope to continue to learn and engage in many more art experiences in the years to come
Terri Shay: Oil Painting
Linda S. Wilmes, STLWS, MOWS, IWS - Watercolor
Linda is a self-taught, award winning artist, in oil, acrylic, watercolor, drawing and pastel. She is a member of the National Watercolor Society, signature member of the Missouri Watercolor, the St. Louis Watercolor Society, and Illinois Watercolor Society, and a member of St. Charles County Arts Council and the Crossroads Arts Council.
Linda is also an accomplished muralist, with hundreds of works in both private and corporate collections. Her fine art is in collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. Her work can re see at Framations Gallery, 218 N. Main St., St. Charles, Mo.
Teaching art classes, she has discovered it is both a learning and rewarding experience. Teaching classes in all media, in several venues as well as workshops. Linda is currently teaching at her home studio, Wilmes Fine Art Studio, in Wentzville, with open studio classes.
