Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch showcases local talent

By Liz Ramos
| 12:00 p.m. November 18, 2023

Lakewood Ranch's Susan Melgaard participates in her first Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch Fall Art Show and Sale. "It's great to work with all the different artists and see all the different creativity everyone has," she says.

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Lakewood Ranch's Susan Melgaard has been making fused glass artwork for 15 years after taking a class.

That class sparked her love of the art form, and on Nov. 18, for the first time, she decided to sell her work at the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch's 21st annual Fall Art Show and Sale at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

"It's great to work with all the different artists and see all the creativity everyone has," Melgaard said.

Melgaard said she will take all her proceeds from the show and donate them to families and individuals in need.

"It's a way of giving back," she said. "I'm very fortunate that I get to do this."

River Strand's Sandy Hill attended the show and sale with fellow River Strand friends Meryl McBride, Laurie Davis, Lois Smith and Sharol Leonard.

Hill said she was amazed by the "really quality crafters" at the show.

Each of them walked out of the sale with something from one of the at least 16 artists selling their work.

Lakewood Ranch's Carol Krah, who is the president of the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch, has been creating stained glass artwork for more than 30 years. "I love the variety of glass and the creativity you can use," she says.

Lakewood Ranch's Mary Litle and Palmer Ranch's Barby Comins love participating in the Creative Arts Association Fall Art Show and Sale. "It's a wonderful time working with all of these great artists," Comins says.

Lakewood Ranch's Mary Litle loves this necklace she made. She specialized in jewelry.

Palmer Ranch's Barby Comins shows off her favorite piece she's made.

River Strand's Meryl McBride, Laurie Davis, Lois Smith, Sharol Leonard and Sandy Hill are amazed by the quality of crafts at the Creative Arts Association Fall Art Show and Sale.

Lakewood Ranch's Susan Melgaard participates in her first Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch Fall Art Show and Sale. "It's great to work with all the different artists and see all the different creativity everyone has," she says.

Mill Creek's Wilma Kroese starts working on her Christmas ornaments in July.

Mill Creek's Wilma Kroese has started using feathers and horse hair in her glazed artwork. "I like to experiment," she says.

Esplanade's Trice Ranellone looks at the selection of scarves.

Polo Run's Linda McMillan uses wine corks from Cooper's Hawk in Sarasota and golf tees to create her reindeer ornaments.

Polo Run's Linda McMillan is always crafting and sewing. She loves to give her crafts as Christmas gifts.

Lakewood Ranch's Paula Colman has been painting with oils for 12 years. She has become more interested in painting water and sunsets.

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.