Local creatives participate in return of Artists in the Garden

Artist Ena Jasmin Carroll credited her friend and fellow artist Pat Lundy with bringing her in for the second annual Artists in the Garden last weekend at Longboat Island Chapel. A dozen local artists showcased and sold their works at the two-day event.
Artist Ena Jasmin Carroll credited her friend and fellow artist Pat Lundy with bringing her in for the second annual Artists in the Garden last weekend at Longboat Island Chapel. A dozen local artists showcased and sold their works at the two-day event.
Photo by Dana Kampa
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

The second annual Arts in April officially kicked off last weekend with the return of the "Artists in the Garden" showcase, bringing new and familiar faces to the scene.

A baker's dozen of local creatives shared their work at the two-day exhibition starting April 11 outside Longboat Island Chapel.

Coordinator Susan Phillips said as board chair of the Longboat Key Foundation, she wanted to bring the event back for another year because it places such an emphasis on uplifting area artists.

"Everyone has been busy, and every single person has sold work," she said during the second day of festivities.

Phillips said the event also boosted sales at the neighboring Lord's Warehouse on Saturday. Participating artists allocated 30% of the proceeds from their art sales to go to the foundation, which Phillips said will help with community improvement projects at the chapel and throughout the island.

Visitors milled about the art displays in the springtime sunshine, chatting with the artists. The artists said they also appreciated how many attendees supported their work through purchases.

Returning artist Marie Therese Lacroix said she was especially pleased that one of her latest works, "Love Will Save the World," found a home.

"This was unique because I chose the title before making the painting," she said. "I think we all need that at this moment."

Patrons Jacqueline Russell and Laszlo Sikora said they were glad to see the garden event return considering they purchased a piece from Collin Rowland last year, and they were excited to show him where they prominently displayed the art at their house.

Phillips said she appreciates the positive energy all the local artists have brought to the events so far, and she looks forward to showcasing their work at the remaining activities.

Upcoming Arts in April events include the April 16 comedy night at the Town Center Green, the 10th annual art exhibition and artists' reception on April 23 at Longboat Key Town Hall, and the dinner and movie night on April 24 at Longboat's Bayfront Park. See the upcoming events on LongboatKey.org for full details.

Artist Marie Therese Lacroix, returning for the second year of Artists in the Garden, explains her layering techniques used in a piece featuring Notre-Dame de Paris.
Artist Marie Therese Lacroix, returning for the second year of Artists in the Garden, explains her layering techniques used in a piece featuring Notre-Dame de Paris.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Artist Cheryl Moody shares how her lifetime of being a Florida resident has informed her nature-based artwork.
Artist Cheryl Moody shares how her lifetime of being a Florida resident has informed her nature-based artwork.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Artist Collin Rowland discusses his works with visitors to Artists in the Garden.
Artist Collin Rowland discusses his works with visitors to Artists in the Garden.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Artist Jen Kroeger chats with patrons Jacqueline Russell and Laszlo Sikora, who bought a piece from another local creative at last year's Artists in the Garden. They said they were pleased to see the event return for a second year.
Artist Jen Kroeger chats with patrons Jacqueline Russell and Laszlo Sikora, who bought a piece from another local creative at last year's Artists in the Garden. They said they were pleased to see the event return for a second year.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Lynn Armstrong Coffin and Jean DeCicco share a shady respite while showcasing their work at Artists in the Garden.
Lynn Armstrong Coffin and Jean DeCicco share a shady respite while showcasing their work at Artists in the Garden.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Jen Kroeger presents her piece,
Jen Kroeger presents her piece, "Tippy Top," so named for what she called high-heeled shoes as a child. The artist said she finds herself returning to happy childhood memories to inspire her art.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Taylor and Whit Wesenberg, the creatives at Humu's Island Treasures, said they have been grateful to pursue their love of art together. The wooden art pieces are hand-carved and hand-painted.
Taylor and Whit Wesenberg, the creatives at Humu's Island Treasures, said they have been grateful to pursue their love of art together. The wooden art pieces are hand-carved and hand-painted.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Victoria Konsavage said she was thrilled to sell one of her artworks at this year's Artists in the Garden.
Victoria Konsavage said she was thrilled to sell one of her artworks at this year's Artists in the Garden.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Reid Ryan Gerletti, a graduate of Ringing College of Art and Design, displayed his variety of skills in woodworking, oil painting, watercolor and more at Artists in the Garden. Also on display were the wooden tables he crafted from hurricane-damaged pews recently removed from Longboat Island Chapel.
Reid Ryan Gerletti, a graduate of Ringing College of Art and Design, displayed his variety of skills in woodworking, oil painting, watercolor and more at Artists in the Garden. Also on display were the wooden tables he crafted from hurricane-damaged pews recently removed from Longboat Island Chapel.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Ena Jasmin Carroll speaks to Artists in the Garden attendees about her creative process.
Ena Jasmin Carroll speaks to Artists in the Garden attendees about her creative process.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Linda Torcivia purchased Marie Therese Lacroix's piece,
Linda Torcivia purchased Marie Therese Lacroix's piece, "Love Will Save the World," at the Artists in the Garden showcase.
Photo by Dana Kampa

 

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.

Latest News

Government protections remain important in keeping the Myakka River healthy and pristine.
  • April 13, 2026
Some residents say Manatee pulled 'bait and switch' on Myakka River monitoring
Boat lifts flank each side of the canal in a Country Club Shores neighborhood. The town of Longboat Key is preparing to enact a continuous canal maintenance program that would include flat fees and ad-valorem assessments for residents.
  • April 13, 2026
Canal maintenance program up for a vote this summer
County Administrator Charlie Bishop is typically seated at the dais with commissioners during meetings, but he was absent during the discussion about his contract April 7.
  • April 12, 2026
Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop's contract up for renewal
The Ikea franchise system includes 58 retail locations in the United States. There are 412 Ikea stores worldwide in 32 countries.
  • April 11, 2026
Ikea to open at UTC in Sarasota

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content