Big surprises await at New to You art sale

By Dana Kampa
| 5:00 a.m. January 27, 2026

This year's New to You art sale promises some unique, larger finds for art enthusiasts, according to Linn Torres, All Angels by the Sea administrative assistant and art sale coordinator. Torres showcases a Grecian-style, three-dimensional piece of art.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

One of the best times of the year for Longboat Key's art enthusiasts is fast approaching. All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church is making the final preparations for its annual New to You art sale.

The showcase of donated artworks, including paintings, prints, sculptures, jewelry and more always includes unique pieces. But organizer Linn Torres, All Angels by the Sea administrative assistant and art sale coordinator, said there are some particularly interesting one-of-a-kind pieces available.

Whether wearable or wall-mounted, the art at this year's New to You art sale includes special pieces to suit all art enthusiasts.

This is her sixth time coordinating the sale, 100% of the proceeds of which go toward supporting local nonprofit work. This year, the sale, which runs Feb. 2 through Feb. 26, benefits Turning Points of Bradenton, a group that aids families facing homelessness.

Last year, the sale raised more than $10,000 for Turning Points, and with community members' need for support only growing, she hopes this will be the biggest sale yet.

Torres said visitors may be especially excited to learn there are several pieces by painters Cat Tesla, who is best known for her abstract, dreamy depictions of nature scenes, and Ilkin Deniz, who often features detailed rowboats on placid waters.

She notes that about 250 pieces are ready to go on display, and curious shoppers should check back regularly throughout the month to see what's new.

"Every day during the sale, I get more donations," she said.

Those looking to add a slice of serenity to their home decor can find works like this painting by Ilkin Deniz at the 6th annual New to You art sale starting Feb. 2.

Other interesting finds include small jade carvings, ornately designed fireplace covers, palm tree-shaped candlestick holders, and much, much more. The sale is all about helping people find the art pieces that speak to them, Torres said.

Even with an impressive catalogue of pieces ready to go on sale, Torres is always looking for new pieces to ensure coordinators can keep refreshing the selection. Anyone with pieces to donate can stop by the church during office hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays or contact staff to coordinate by calling 941-383-8161 or emailing [email protected].

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.