“Finding Peace” by Cynthia Rosso
UUCS Member Artist of the Month
Cynthia (Cyndy) Rosso of Parrish grew up near Boston, Mass., where she often visited the MFA with her art-loving mother. She began taking classes and painting in acrylics after retiring from a career in communications (journalism, publishing, marketing, PR) in the Washington, DC area in 2012. A longtime photographer, she started out and still paints subjects inspired by her own photographs. She is a lifelong Unitarian.
View the slide show below to see her work. To inquire about any of these paintings, contact Cynthia Rosso at cynthiarosso032@gmail.com or 941-776-4919.
View the slide show below to see her work. To inquire about any of these paintings, contact Cynthia Rosso at cynthiarosso032@gmail.com or 941-776-4919.
Find something you'd like to buy? Here's how:
All purchases are are made between the artist and the buyer. The UUCS office is not involved at all. Simply get in touch with the artist using the contact information shown along with their artwork. The artists then donate a percentage of every sale back to our UU community.
All purchases are are made between the artist and the buyer. The UUCS office is not involved at all. Simply get in touch with the artist using the contact information shown along with their artwork. The artists then donate a percentage of every sale back to our UU community.
Gallery Hours -- Gallery is Closed to the Public Until Further Notice.
Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Free admission to everyone.
Gallery Hours -- Gallery is Closed to the Public Until Further Notice.
Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Free admission to everyone.
Connecting Through Art
2020 UUCS Members Art Exhibit
Find something you'd like to buy? Here's how:
All purchases are are made between the artist and the buyer. The UUCS office is not involved at all. Simply get in touch with the artist using the contact information shown along with their artwork. The artists then donate a percentage of every sale back to our UU community.
“Poetry of the Ordinary”
Photographs by Susan Davy
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is pleased to host “Poetry of the Ordinary" an exhibit of photographs by Susan Davy. Unfortunatey, shortly after the exhibit was installed, the Gallery was closed to the public. So in lieu of touring the Lexow Wing Gallery in person, watch this beautiful video of Susan's work, as she narrates the tour. And enjoy her "Poetry of the Ordinary"!
With her photographs, Susan Davy shares with us her experience of the simple, yet elegant scenes that attract her. She says, “The works in this show hang in conversation with each other. Conversations about color, light, water, reflections, and empty spaces: enduring themes in my photographic work, along with a fascination for ordinary everyday beauty.”
If you've enjoyed her work and this video, please let her know. She provides her contact information at the end of the video. Read and see more at susandavyphotos.com
With her photographs, Susan Davy shares with us her experience of the simple, yet elegant scenes that attract her. She says, “The works in this show hang in conversation with each other. Conversations about color, light, water, reflections, and empty spaces: enduring themes in my photographic work, along with a fascination for ordinary everyday beauty.”
If you've enjoyed her work and this video, please let her know. She provides her contact information at the end of the video. Read and see more at susandavyphotos.com
Gallery Hours -- Gallery is Closed to the Public Until Further Notice.
Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Free admission to everyone.
Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Free admission to everyone.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota's Arts Council
The church and its members have a rich history of support and involvement in the Arts. The mission of the Arts Council is to provide Members and Friends of the Church avenues for artistic expression and appreciation.
The Lexow Wing of the Church was designed as a gallery to help fulfill the mission of the Arts Council. We are proud of the artistic endeavors of our members and others in the community who exhibit their work in the Gallery.
The Arts Council meets the first Saturday of every month at 1:00 pm in the Gallery. If you are interested in the arts, we invite you to visit us at our next meeting. Membership in the UU Arts Council is open to all Church Members and Friends with an interest in the arts and a desire to share your interest with others.
Come share cultural information, help research artists, set up and promote exhibits, help preserve and encourage the aesthetic heritage of the Church, and have some fun in the process.
Current Arts Council members include: Renee Ayers, Joan Boyce, Carol Buck, Sally Coler, Kathy Cook, Gail Coppock, Linda Cordisco, Bet Cummings, Cathy Cyrus, Susan Davy, Donald Diddams, Peg Green, Judi Hennard, Monica Jardot, Esther Jensen, Sue Kennedy, John Kokajko, Pamela LaRocque, Kathleen Konicek-Moran, Lolly Owens, Cyndy Rosso, Rhoda Taylor, and Betsy Wilford.
Above all, enjoy the wonderful art exhibits in the Lexow Wing Gallery brought to us through the efforts of the Arts Council!
The church and its members have a rich history of support and involvement in the Arts. The mission of the Arts Council is to provide Members and Friends of the Church avenues for artistic expression and appreciation.
The Lexow Wing of the Church was designed as a gallery to help fulfill the mission of the Arts Council. We are proud of the artistic endeavors of our members and others in the community who exhibit their work in the Gallery.
The Arts Council meets the first Saturday of every month at 1:00 pm in the Gallery. If you are interested in the arts, we invite you to visit us at our next meeting. Membership in the UU Arts Council is open to all Church Members and Friends with an interest in the arts and a desire to share your interest with others.
Come share cultural information, help research artists, set up and promote exhibits, help preserve and encourage the aesthetic heritage of the Church, and have some fun in the process.
Current Arts Council members include: Renee Ayers, Joan Boyce, Carol Buck, Sally Coler, Kathy Cook, Gail Coppock, Linda Cordisco, Bet Cummings, Cathy Cyrus, Susan Davy, Donald Diddams, Peg Green, Judi Hennard, Monica Jardot, Esther Jensen, Sue Kennedy, John Kokajko, Pamela LaRocque, Kathleen Konicek-Moran, Lolly Owens, Cyndy Rosso, Rhoda Taylor, and Betsy Wilford.
Above all, enjoy the wonderful art exhibits in the Lexow Wing Gallery brought to us through the efforts of the Arts Council!
Click on the artwork below to view members' online displays of art:
Gail Coppock
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Betty Cummings
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Donald Diddams
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Peg Green
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John Kokajko
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Kathleen Konicek-Moran
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Dorothy Okray
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Past exhibits:
Peg Green
A love of bright colors and bold designs.
The UUCS Arts Council congratulates member Peg Green for the recognition she has once again received from the national Unitarian Universalist Association in the Summer 2020 issue of the UU World magazine. Page 23 features a full page image of Peg’s Glory Fire Chalice quilt (Image below).
UUA writes, “Peg Green, a lifelong artist who loves bright colors and bold designs, began creating chalice fabric art twenty-five years ago. For the past twenty years her artistic talents have focused on art quilts. She is an active member of the national Studio of Art Quilt Associates.”
Peg is also an active member of both the UU Church in Sarasota, and the Manatee UU Fellowship in Bradenton. She is an active and invaluable member of the UUCS Arts Council and our local arts community.
Previously, Peg was also honored by the selection of one of her works to grace the cover of the new edition of the “UU Pocket Guide”. The artwork (also below) was chosen by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, editor of the 136-page book and President of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Congratulations to our friend and UUCS member! See more of her art at peacepeg.com .
UUA writes, “Peg Green, a lifelong artist who loves bright colors and bold designs, began creating chalice fabric art twenty-five years ago. For the past twenty years her artistic talents have focused on art quilts. She is an active member of the national Studio of Art Quilt Associates.”
Peg is also an active member of both the UU Church in Sarasota, and the Manatee UU Fellowship in Bradenton. She is an active and invaluable member of the UUCS Arts Council and our local arts community.
Previously, Peg was also honored by the selection of one of her works to grace the cover of the new edition of the “UU Pocket Guide”. The artwork (also below) was chosen by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, editor of the 136-page book and President of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Congratulations to our friend and UUCS member! See more of her art at peacepeg.com .
On Exhibit February 16th through March 12th
“Face to Face”
Paintings and Sculptures by Betty A. Gerich
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is pleased to host “Face to Face" an exhibit of Watercolor paintings and ceramic sculptures by Betty Gerich. The exhibit will be on display in the Lexow Wing Gallery through March 12th. The opening receptions will be held on Sunday, Februay 16th, at 11:00 AM and 12:30 – 1:00 PM.
The watercolor portraits in “Face to Face” are thoughtful, intense and sometimes joyful studies of individuals in unscripted moments. Betty’s ceramic sculptures in the show are also inspired by figures and faces.
Betty has won numerous awards for her art, and this exhibition includes her most recent work. She is a signature member of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society and her sculpture is featured in three books about art.
The watercolor portraits in “Face to Face” are thoughtful, intense and sometimes joyful studies of individuals in unscripted moments. Betty’s ceramic sculptures in the show are also inspired by figures and faces.
Betty has won numerous awards for her art, and this exhibition includes her most recent work. She is a signature member of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society and her sculpture is featured in three books about art.
On Exhibit January 19th through February 13th
“Joyful Art from the Heart,”
Paintings by Sally Myers
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is pleased to host “Joyful Art from the Heart” – an exhibit of paintings by Sally Myers. The exhibit will be on display in the Lexow Wing Gallery from January 19th through February 13th. The opening receptions will be held on Sunday, January 19th, at 11:00 AM and 12:30 – 1:00 PM.
After a long and successful career in the fashion and musical theater world, Sally picked up paint brushes, palette knife and canvas. She says, “my passion for beautiful colors, flowers and nature make my heart sing and my soul feel spirited. My world bursting with color and brushes in hand brings me unending joy and inspiration.” We invite you to share in her joy!
There will also be a pop-up “Love is in the Air” exhibit of small art pieces by UUCS Arts Council members celebrating the approach of Valentine’s Day.Please stop in the gallery to see these exhibits!
After a long and successful career in the fashion and musical theater world, Sally picked up paint brushes, palette knife and canvas. She says, “my passion for beautiful colors, flowers and nature make my heart sing and my soul feel spirited. My world bursting with color and brushes in hand brings me unending joy and inspiration.” We invite you to share in her joy!
There will also be a pop-up “Love is in the Air” exhibit of small art pieces by UUCS Arts Council members celebrating the approach of Valentine’s Day.Please stop in the gallery to see these exhibits!
On Exhibit December 13th through January 16th
“VEIL” by Jana Millstone,
and
Jewelry by Gail Coppock
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is pleased to host the exhibits “VEIL” by Jana Millstone, and jewelry by Gail Coppock. A public Opening Reception will be held Friday, December 13th, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Church receptions will be held on Sunday, December 15th, at 11:00 AM and 12:30 – 1:00 PM.
“VEIL” is a thoughtful and moving exhibition of works about women’s rights that uses the veil as a metaphor. It focuses on women living under fundamentalist regimes, but the intent is to explore issues of enlightenment, tolerance and free will for all people.
Millstone says, in part, “Veils are barriers. They obstruct views from both sides. For me, the veil becomes an intriguing way to explore the idea of alternate vantage points. These paintings are about giving voice to contrasting notions, and possibly more important, offering the visual metaphor for the shrouding of truth. I am moved by the compelling humanity that surges from the figures of women in burqas and niqabs (facial veils.)”
The exhibit of handmade jewelry by Gail Coppock incorporates fused glass, alligator vertebrae, fossils, and more. Gail writes that “I've been making one-of-a-kind jewelry since the macrame days of the 1970s and have always enjoyed experimenting with diverse materials. The pieces in my current pedestal display reflect this interest.”
“VEIL” is a thoughtful and moving exhibition of works about women’s rights that uses the veil as a metaphor. It focuses on women living under fundamentalist regimes, but the intent is to explore issues of enlightenment, tolerance and free will for all people.
Millstone says, in part, “Veils are barriers. They obstruct views from both sides. For me, the veil becomes an intriguing way to explore the idea of alternate vantage points. These paintings are about giving voice to contrasting notions, and possibly more important, offering the visual metaphor for the shrouding of truth. I am moved by the compelling humanity that surges from the figures of women in burqas and niqabs (facial veils.)”
The exhibit of handmade jewelry by Gail Coppock incorporates fused glass, alligator vertebrae, fossils, and more. Gail writes that “I've been making one-of-a-kind jewelry since the macrame days of the 1970s and have always enjoyed experimenting with diverse materials. The pieces in my current pedestal display reflect this interest.”
On Display November 24th – December 12th
“UUCS Members’ Exhibit”
The UUCS Arts Council is proud to present this exhibit of art by the Members and Friends of our church. Over 27 artists have work on display, and their work highlights the creativity and craftsmanship among our members.
Come to the Lexow Wing Gallery and discover who these artists are and what they have to say with their art. This annual exhibit will be on display from November 24th through December 12th.
On Exhibit October 20th through November 10th, 2019
“Goddesses Ancient and Modern” by Peg Green,
and
“Pine Needle Baskets” by Kathryn Erickson.
The UUCS Arts Council is pleased to host “Goddesses Ancient and Modern”, fabric art by Peg Green, and “Pine Needle Baskets” by Kathryn Erickson. The opening reception for these two artists will be held Sunday, October 20th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Church’s Lexow Wing Gallery.
Peg Green says: “This is the first public showing of a series that has been my artistic focus for 2 years based on the ancient “Mother Goddess” and “Venus” figurines found in archaeological discoveries across the world. My artworks present characteristic styles from different regions and eras going back as far as 30,000 BC, reinterpreted in fabric. The show also includes research on the ancient cultures and art.”
Kathryn Erickson’s display modernizes the historical pine needle basket to the present day, as local Muhly Grass joins and sometimes replaces pine needles and encircles agate slices to create a basket form that is so much more than a basket. Her unique construction shows what can be done with needle and thread and has been awarded many prizes in various exhibits.
Their work will be on exhibit through November 10th. Please stop in the gallery to see it!
Peg Green says: “This is the first public showing of a series that has been my artistic focus for 2 years based on the ancient “Mother Goddess” and “Venus” figurines found in archaeological discoveries across the world. My artworks present characteristic styles from different regions and eras going back as far as 30,000 BC, reinterpreted in fabric. The show also includes research on the ancient cultures and art.”
Kathryn Erickson’s display modernizes the historical pine needle basket to the present day, as local Muhly Grass joins and sometimes replaces pine needles and encircles agate slices to create a basket form that is so much more than a basket. Her unique construction shows what can be done with needle and thread and has been awarded many prizes in various exhibits.
Their work will be on exhibit through November 10th. Please stop in the gallery to see it!
On Exhibit September 15th through October 17th
“Homelessness in Focus”
Portraits by photographer Allan Mestel
The UUCS Arts Council is pleased to host this thought-provoking exhibit by photographer Allan Mestel. The opening reception will be held Sunday, September 15th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Lexow Wing Gallery.
About the Exhibit
Outside of his work as a commercial and portrait photographer, Allan Mestel’s passion is street photography, specifically street portraiture. His candid, un-posed images of those he captures create what he terms “encounter experiences” for the viewer, an opportunity to look into the faces of those living in the margins eye to eye, on equal terms. The foundational philosophy that underpins this work is that every human life has equal value regardless of economic circumstances, homelessness, addiction, or mental illness.
His shooting protocols (such as always shooting at eye level, never down, and always shooting in close proximity to his subjects) are geared towards creating respectful and intimate portraits of those who are rarely looked square in the eye in life.
The series featured here, ‘Homelessness in Focus’, is a body of portrait work captured over the last two years with the intent of humanizing the homeless community in Southwest Florida.
About Allan Mestel
Allan grew up with photography in his blood. Both his father and brother were cinematographers and by the time he was 10 years old he had a full darkroom set up in his grandmother’s hall closet. By the age of 17 Allan was working full time in the film production business and spent the next 25 years as a photographer and filmmaker in his native Toronto. He has been the recipient of both national and international awards and both as a photographer and as a director and editor of TV commercials. In 1992 he was one of the recipients of the Gold Bessie, awarded for the best TV commercial in Canada.
Since 2015 Allan has owned and operated Allan Mestel Photography, a commercial and portrait photography business in Bradenton, Florida, where he lives with his wife and two small children. Allan’s personal projects are showcased at www.streetworkstudios.com and his commercial work can be seen at www.mestelphoto.com.
Outside of his work as a commercial and portrait photographer, Allan Mestel’s passion is street photography, specifically street portraiture. His candid, un-posed images of those he captures create what he terms “encounter experiences” for the viewer, an opportunity to look into the faces of those living in the margins eye to eye, on equal terms. The foundational philosophy that underpins this work is that every human life has equal value regardless of economic circumstances, homelessness, addiction, or mental illness.
His shooting protocols (such as always shooting at eye level, never down, and always shooting in close proximity to his subjects) are geared towards creating respectful and intimate portraits of those who are rarely looked square in the eye in life.
The series featured here, ‘Homelessness in Focus’, is a body of portrait work captured over the last two years with the intent of humanizing the homeless community in Southwest Florida.
About Allan Mestel
Allan grew up with photography in his blood. Both his father and brother were cinematographers and by the time he was 10 years old he had a full darkroom set up in his grandmother’s hall closet. By the age of 17 Allan was working full time in the film production business and spent the next 25 years as a photographer and filmmaker in his native Toronto. He has been the recipient of both national and international awards and both as a photographer and as a director and editor of TV commercials. In 1992 he was one of the recipients of the Gold Bessie, awarded for the best TV commercial in Canada.
Since 2015 Allan has owned and operated Allan Mestel Photography, a commercial and portrait photography business in Bradenton, Florida, where he lives with his wife and two small children. Allan’s personal projects are showcased at www.streetworkstudios.com and his commercial work can be seen at www.mestelphoto.com.