Local artist brings passion for fashion to next ‘Gulf Coast Gallery’ art exhibit
North Fort Myers Arts Association and Gulf Coast Village co-host rotating event
The next rotating exhibit co-hosted by the North Fort Myers Arts Association and Gulf Coast Village will feature textiles and shine a light on the work of Sheilana Massey, a Gulf Coast Village resident and “Gulf Coast Gallery” featured artist.
“Textile Treasures” will open with a meet-and-greet to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at Gulf Coast Village. The public is invited to “Come and meet some of the amazing artists from the North Fort Myers Arts Association and Gulf Coast Village, sip on wine and immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration of texture, color and creativity.”
“This event gives the public the opportunity to learn more about Sheilana and the other artists’ journeys through life, passion for art, and their artwork,” Sherrie Saidon, independent living lifestyles coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, said in a submission that included the following “about the artist:”
“Massey relocated to Pine Island in 1999 after living in several southern east coast states and the Bahamas. Expressing herself through art has always been a part of Massey’s life; as a child, she took up sewing and created most of her clothing. Over time, Massey progressed to sewing garments for friends and family, showcasing her talent as a young seamstress. As she got older, she decided to pursue sewing as her career – along with sewing and designing, Massey also taught tailoring.
“In the early 80s, Massey spent several weeks with the late Lenore Davis, a renowned fiber artist, and Jason Pollen, an internationally acclaimed artist, designer and educator, at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. The two served as her instructors and taught her the ins and outs of the art of dyeing and manipulating fabric. While continuing to better her craft, Massey still actively pursued creating her own art, including bed quilts for her children and a line of quilted jackets and vests, which were sold in boutiques in Santa Monica, Las Vegas, and Santa Fe. The majority of Massey’s non-traditional fiber creations are designed to hang on walls or to be worn.
“Massey also pursued higher education by obtaining a Doctorate in Divinity. She has written numerous magazine articles and is the author of two books, ‘Peace Has No Space for Memories’ and ‘Along the Path of Enlightenment.’ She facilitates and supports those who choose to expand their personal exploration and spiritual connections.’
“‘All of life is moment-to-moment creativity unfolding magnificently,'” Massey is quoted as saying.
“Textile Treasures” will be open daily to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 6 to June 1. The exhibit will include an array of quilts, fiber arts, wall hangings, clothing, baskets and more.
“We’re grateful to be a community filled with creatives. Many of our residents participate in the exhibits by attending, but we also have several talented resident artists who submit their work to be displayed. It’s an honor to spotlight a different artist at each of our exhibits, and it’s an even greater honor when they are one of our own beloved residents.” Saidon said.
Gulf Coast Village is at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral.