Artists in Paradise by Nanette Wiser
Everything’s Coming Up Sunflowers: Local artist Alyssa Marie’s paintings of pelicans, flamingos, sea birds, ocean waves, octopuses and whimsical portraits of sunflowers on murals around town just make you happy. With her husband Braden Everly, you can bask in the visual power of positivity at The Alyssa Marie Gallery. Originally from Colorado, she moved to St. Pete in 2017.
“From the get-go, I have had a love for art that I have a difficult time finding words to explain. Growing up, my parents’ beautiful kitchen table was covered in scratches and dents from art projects, residue from hot glue and of course, every color of paint I could get my hands on,” says Alyssa. “As I grew, my love for art cultivated as I went on to pursue my BFA in Communication Design with an emphasis on Fine Art at Metropolitan University of Denver.”
Not too long after graduation, the couple embarked on an adventure with their two dogs, parrot and chameleon and made the big move to Florida. It was meant to be, says Alyssa. “I remember one day in 2nd grade, I got in trouble by the teacher in class for doodling palm trees all over my notebook. The funny thing is, I had never been to the ocean to see them in person! Needless to say, I have had a tremendous pull toward the wondrous ocean and all things nautical for as long as I can remember, which is what made my move to Florida that much sweeter… (or saltier?).” Learn more about her art and their Happy Mural Project. www.alyssamariegallery.com
Women Rock: Wandering through DTSP’s Cozette’s Boutique, I discovered an homage to fabulous women by local USF Professor of Psychology Jamie Goldenberg. Featuring Audrey Hepburn, Frida Kahlo, Amanda Gorman, Stacey Abrams, Aretha Franklin and Lee Miller (whose photos are currently on display at The DALI), Goldenberg’s tee’s are a fashion statement.
“The idea was to make the art more accessible. Not everyone can afford original art, but the tees are affordable,” says Goldenberg. “So, it’s another way to get my art out there and celebrate these women.”
In conjunction with The DALI’s special exhibition “The Woman Who Broke Boundaries: Photographer Lee Miller,” Dr. Goldenberg discussed the psychology behind boundary breaking women throughout history in July. The subject matter of Goldenberg’s art shows a trajectory from women depicted as objectified to agentic, with her current series featuring progressive women who are changing the world.
She recently painted a portrait of Kamala Harris with shattered glass in the background; a picture of the art, the artist, and a t-shirt featuring the art went viral on the Facebook group Pantsuit Nation. Original merchandise is available online, at the museum and Cozette’s. www.etsy.com/shop/ArtTeebyJamie