Blewett’s paintings, gourd art by Gomes and Krust to go on display at Cape Coral Library
Exhibit to run from July 6 until Aug. 30
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Changing exhibitions in the Cape Coral Library's expansive art gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists the opportunity to share their work in this public forum. The library is located at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, off of Mohawk Parkway, and the exhibits will be open for viewing during their regular business hours from July 6 through Aug. 30.
The walls of the library gallery will feature paintings by award-winning artist Beth Blewett. She began a long-held dream of becoming a working artist by taking classes at the Cape Coral Art League after retiring from a profession as a plant biologist and corporate R&D director. Her working career had allowed her to visit many locations across the United States and internationally, and gain an appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders that exist in the world. After retirement she and her husband relocated full-time to Cape Coral in 2015.
In addition to inspirational travel in their little trailer nicknamed "Baby Al," painting is now Blewett's avocation, enjoyment and the medium through which she hopes to convey her love for the world of nature, the people and the places of this blue planet we call home. She paints primarily with acrylics but occasionally employs pastels or oils, and her next challenge is to explore alternative methods and subjects, including landscapes, which she finds the most challenging of all.
She is a member of the Cape Coral Art League, Pine Island Art Association, Alliance for the Arts and the Visual Art Center in Punta Gorda. Her paintings have won numerous awards across these locations, including "Best of Show" at the 2017 and 2019 Pine Island Art Shows.
Gourd art by Barbara Gomes and Veda Krust will be on exhibit in the three lighted display cases. There is a lengthy process involved in creating these beautifully decorated and embellished pieces of art. It starts with collecting an assortment of special gourds in varying shapes and sizes that have been dried for approximately two years. The gourds are then carefully cut open and cleaned out. Wood-burning, drilling, carving, dying with ink and/or painting may then be employed for a desired visual effect. Ornamented tops may be added. Natural materials, beads, pieces of costume jewelry or other decorations can be applied to result in a unique work of art.
Krust had enjoyed using dried gourds as an artistic medium for 20 years before sharing her techniques over a decade ago with friend Gomes, who became instantly hooked as well! What began more or less as a hobby for both women evolved into a dedicated pursuit, and the local community now has the opportunity to appreciate their creations at various art shows, craft fairs and galleries.
For more information, email art gallery chairperson Monica Rahman at gallery@capefriends.org or visit capefriends.org. Follow "Friends of the Cape Coral Library" on Facebook.