IGW’s featured artist doubling down Art Walk returns

attempt to land on something her mind was already seeing. She also says her relationship with IGW is the perfect pairing.

to Holmes Beach

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Each month, Island Gallery West (IGW) selects a featured artist whose work is prominently displayed in the front of the gallery and follows a theme selected by the artist. February’s artist is Karen Beach and, being inspired by Valentine’s Day, she chose the theme, “It Takes Two,” with works that contain pairs of her favorite people, places and things.

“It’s the month of February, but I didn’t want it to be the stereotypical hearts and flowers, so I thought what else comes to mind, and I thought of two,” Beach said. “So, I painted some paintings that featured two birds, two people, two windmills from Italy, just to see what I could make, and that became my theme.”

Beach paints exclusively in wa-

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN tercolor and said even the process of painting results in twos. She said that, since sometimes her first attempt at a piece doesn’t come out like she wanted it to, it may take a second

Island Gallery West’s February Featured Artist Karen Beach’s collection, 'It Takes Two,' features pairs of her favorite things, as seen in this painting of two buddies fishing while a pair of birds look on.

“I think I’ve been a member of the gallery for three years, and it’s a really nice fit in the cooperative way that we’re a bunch of different artists with a variety of things to see here,” Beach said. “When we get to come in and work once a month, we get to see the work of our fellow artists and what they can do. It’s a real rich experience.”

In addition to being a member of the gallery, Beach also sends out all of the email notifications, press releases and other correspondence for the gallery. IGW is a member-run organization. Beach, along with 30 other members, works at least one day a month in the gallery assisting customers with questions and purchases.

Beach will be at the gallery for this month’s Holmes Beach Art Walk on Friday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Many of the other member artists will also be on hand, along with snacks and wine.

Island Gallery West is located at 5368 Gulf Drive near Trolley Stop 15. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

The monthly Art Walk and Shop in Holmes Beach is back, Friday, Feb. 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to not only explore what Island Gallery West and The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island have to offer, but many neighboring shops will remain open late with special offers. Most of the participating businesses are located in the area of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Some of the businesses participating include the AMI Chamber of Commerce, Island Gallery West, Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, Freckled Fin Irish Pub, Artists’ Guild of A.M.I., How Lucky AMI, The Doctor’s Office and more.

Movies in the Park features classic films

The Tuesday, Feb. 7 presentation of the weekly Classic Movies in the Park will be “How to Steal a Million.” The free event is scheduled at City Pier Park in Anna Maria at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. Bring a blanket, chair and refreshments and enjoy a classic film next to the bay.