Arts for ACT hosts exhibit

COURTESY PHOTO Everglades Reflections by Jan Ellen. Join Arts for ACT Gallery for its May "Meet the Artists" opening reception, with artists Jan-Ellen Atkielski, Christine Vernier-Pesce, Susan Bigelow and Edward Morgan. The event is set for 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the gallery at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers.

Jan-Ellen Atkielski is a contemporary impressionist who often works directly from nature, emphasizing the effect of color and natural light in her work. Some works are created alla prima, painting continuously without allowing the paint to dry between sessions. Others are built up in thin layers, working from back to front. She experiments with styles and medium, but is always focused on pulling the viewer into the art. "Transitions," her new body of work, explores landscapes with painting styles that move from realistic to abstract, and values that transition between warm and cool.

Ms. Atkielski is a professional artist with more than 35 years of experience. She is also a published author and lecturer and been featured in print and on television.

Christine Vernier-Pesce is a naturally gifted watercolorist. She created her first piece in 1971, worked the outdoor art circuit and then left her passion behind to pursue the corporate world of business. Now, retired, and living in Southwest Florida, she has resumed her painting with fervor. She finds inspiration in a wide variety of subjects and is currently known for her vibrant floral paintings.

Susan Bigelow and her brother, Edward Morgan, are Fort Myers natives. Their great-grandparents settled in Fort Myers in 1901, establishing a lumber mill on Whiskey Creek. Ms. Bigelow's style is curious and eclectic. She has studied in New York City, England and France.

Mr. Morgan, a ceramist who began his studies in 1986, recently moved back to Fort Myers. He creates unique, original works starting with large, wheel-thrown classical form. His shown pieces were born from Ms. Bigelow's paintings.

The opening reception will also feature musical entertainment by Rick Brugger on steel drums.

Arts for ACT Gallery provides a quality, contemporary exhibition gallery featuring original art, limited-edition prints, giclees, hand-crafted fine crafts, T-shirts, silver and glass bead jewelry, gourd art, raku, clay, and art cards. Highlighting the art of the current featured artist, the front gallery, reminiscent of galleries in SoHo, has 12- to 16-foot high ceilings, distressed brick walls, and wood floors.