You won’t want to miss the upcoming Emerging Artists Showcase featuring the work of six talented artists carefully selected by Jim Woodfield, owner of Woodfield Fine Art. Their work is displayed in the gallery, and they will create four to six new pieces each for the showcase that will run from Sept. 8 through Oct. 7. Opening night will feature wine, beer and snacks in the company of art admirers from throughout Tampa Bay. The artists include Douglas Thonen, Marie Rice, Paul Barrera, Jill Corless, Carol Crumrine and Sylvia Shanahan.
As an artist himself as well as an avid collector, Woodfield decided to open the gallery in 2015 after he met many local artists who were frustrated that they had nowhere to showcase and sell their work. Today he still selects artists only from a 50-mile radius, although he is not taking any new submissions at this time. “Some are emerging artists getting their first opportunity to exhibit their talent in a gallery setting, while others are internationally known and have won awards,” he said. “But all are brilliant!”
On the second Friday of each month, the evening before the Second Saturday ArtWalk, there is often an opening party for a particular artist’s new exhibition. Currently featured is the art of plein air painter Robert J. Simone, known for his vibrant, colorful oils and dramatic portrayal of light. The show runs through Sept. 2.
A Gallery for Local Artists and the Enthusiasts Who Love Them
Woodfield provides free delivery and installation services upon request. He also has made unique frames for particular pieces of art. Recently one client commissioned a 46-by-72-inch pastel painting, and it would have been very expensive to frame it since you can’t purchase a piece of glass over 60 inches. Woodfield specially ordered a static-free piece of acrylic and built a wooden gold-leaf frame to complement other framed works of art the homeowner had..
There are paintings for every budget at Woodfield Fine Art, with prices currently ranging from $200 for a lovely small oil painting to a triptych (a set of three associated paintings intended to be appreciated together) by Leslie Neumann for $12,300. Layaway plans are available.
It’s also important to Woodfield to develop working friendships with other art gallery owners in the area. “I frequently visit them to see which artists they are featuring, and if I don’t have the type of art a customer is looking for, I can refer them to another gallery,” he said. “Most of what I feature is representational art, while other galleries might specialize in contemporary or abstract work.”
Woodfield encourages customers to “Buy what you love, not what is going to match your sofa. Your sofa will wear out eventually, but an original work of art will be admired for a lifetime.”
Stop by Woodfield Fine Art at 2323 Central Ave. or visit www.WoodfieldFineArt.com to view a variety of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and glass from local artists. Woodfield can be reached at (727) 254-6981 or [email protected] if you would like to make an appointment outside of regular posted hours.
