| Couple’s gallery focuses on funky finds By TAMMY WHALEY |
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| Mollie and Steve Turner always wanted wanted to open an art gallery where they could showcase art work that ranged from funky to eclectic. “We were given the chance to when Mr. Stout, owner of Cape Harbour, provided us with an opportunity to integrate an art gallery here,” said Steve Turner. Thus the Sim Gallery of Fine Arts was born. The gallery features everything from original abstract and traditional paintings to custom jewelry, hand-blown glass and much more. “We named our gallery after our two sons, Tim and Sam,” said Turner. “We decided we would open a gallery that would truly have something for everyone’s taste. “I always say you will know it when you see it,” Turner said. Mollie and Steve recently held an exhibit, which they tilted their “Tossed Collection.” The exhibit began in late October and closes today. “We are always trying to change pieces and have something new and exciting,” he said. The exhibit featured a wide variety of works from local and national artists including: Uri Berger, Charlie Brown, Matt Davis, Ann Harrison May, Rich Lane, Mark Loren, Chad Moriarty, Ernesto Masis, Renate Reuter, Steven Turner, William Turner, Andrea Zeller, Doug Heslep, Eic Luther, Claudia O’Brien, Debra Brenen and David Acevedo. One unique piece, which is displayed prominently in the gallery and is particularly captivating according to some, is an example of Japanese Gyotaku, which was done by local artist, Charlie Brown. |
Japanese Gyotaku is the art of fish printing, using a real fish. “You place a painted fish on a piece of rice paper and rub it,” said Turner. This provides the print with an exact replica of the fish, scale by scale. Sim’s also houses unique pieces from jewelry designer Mark Loren and glass works by Chad Moriarty. “The jewelry pieces are done using real artifacts from all over the world,” said Turner. The Tossed Collection features 75 pieces and Turner said the gallery is looking to expand into carrying more prints. The Sims Gallery of Fine Arts also has several other exciting upcoming events including: Tropical Sim’sations collection, which is running from Jan. 11 to Feb. 2, with an artists reception on Jan. 18, Sim’ply in Love, which runs from Feb. 8 to March 9, with an artists reception on Feb. 15 and Adventure’sim Abstracts, running from March 13 to April 4, with an artist reception on March 21. The Gallery is at 5785 Cape Harbour Drive and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, contact the gallery at 541-1004. |