SEA LEGS WELCOMES YOU
Welcome to Sea Legs Fine Art Gallery, nestled in the historic town of Tarpon Springs, Florida. When you visit our showroom, we invite you to explore, reflect, and immerse yourself in the diverse artistic talents on display. Be sure to sign up for updates on our upcoming events and new exhibits.
If you interested in custom pieces or scheduling private appointments, please contact us via the links below.
ABOUT US
Who We Are
The concept for Sea Legs Art Gallery has been an ongoing vision for over twenty years. When owners Jon Ferrentino and Kris Laperna met in 2001, Jon’s art career had just begun to take off. Both inspired by the aquatic and wildlife of Florida’s coast, they always wanted to create a gallery which highlighted the natural beauty of the state by artists who love and respect it. Now, over twenty years later, the vision has been actualized.
What set’s Sea Legs apart from other coastal galleries is the attention to detail in the curation of the space. Every artist featured brings a different element of artistry that enriches the tapestry of the gallery as a whole. Jon and Kris have an eye for spotting new and established talent within the industry and have used their ability to bring this artistry to the Tarpon Springs area.
MEET OUR ARTISTS
JON FERRENTINO
Jon Ferrentino, a renowned artist from Long Island, NY, specializes in aquatic & wildlife, portraits, and murals. He developed his skill at the School of Visual Arts in NYC and now excels in 'oil on canvas' painting, capturing the soul of his subjects. His detailed work reflects a deep connection to nature, particularly Florida wildlife. His paintings are soulful and vibrant, often featuring characters that seem to peer back and observe the viewer.
BETH LANE WILLIAMS
Beth’s roots were established among musicians, writers, and artists. Her own journey began with cello lessons taught by her father. It soon became apparent to her after trying drawing classes that art would be “IT.”
Beth graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and a Masters in Counseling. An excitement transpired when combining these two areas through her work with developmentally disabled adults. She began teaching at United Cerebral Palsy and continued at various adult day training programs. She states, “I love watching my students discover creative ways to express themselves.”
Since moving to Southwest Florida in the 80’s and while raising two children, Beth’s interest was piqued by the local history of the Seminole and Calusa Indians and the native plants and animals. Working with pine needles as her chosen medium is a way to be immersed in her love for nature. With pine needles falling daily in her yard, there is an unending supply. She also often finds her “treasures” for inspiration on her daily walks and runs with her Chocolate Lab, Milo. Beth incorporates old basketry techniques with contemporary ideas for unique interpretations of nature.
NANCY CUNNINGHAM
From Columbus, Ohio and a twenty year resident of Cape Coral, Florida, Nancy’s artwork is inspired by the flora and fauna of Southwest Florida, encompassing larger than life images with intriguing eyes. Working in acrylics, vibrant, contrasting colors dominate the canvas. Nancy’s work is also exhibited in Bokeelia Art Gallery on the north end of Pine Island and Island Visions gallery in downtown Ft. Myers River District. Prior to Hurricane Ian, Nancy’s work was a mainstay at Wildchild Gallery in Matlacha, FL. Nancy’s artwork was selected as utility box “wraps’ by the city of Cape Coral, as well as Sunrise, FL (Ft. Lauderdale). Prior to pursuing art full time, Nancy worked at the Lee County Attorney’s office in downtown Ft. Myers.
DIANE PALMQUIST
Diane was born and raised in Boyertown and became interested in art and craft in high school. Diane then moved to Connecticut where she lived and worked for 35 years. She made a living working out of her home studio and was represented in galleries and juried shows from Virginia to Vermont. Diane was a member of a 100 member co-op and school where they had clay, weaving, metal artists and work areas. She was also a member of three other selling and community co-ops.
Diane owned her business for 25 years and loved making works in clay. She moved to Cape Coral, Florida from Connecticut in 2012 and since moving to Florida, she has incorporated other media into her clay creations. They are pine needles, inflorescence, reed, metal and wire into wall hangings. Diane loves creating one of a kind pieces and each one generates ideas for the next piece. She is very inspired by nature and loves using found materials.
JACQUELINE PHILIP
Jacqueline Philip, "JAX" is originally from the Netherlands. After earning her BFA, she developed a career as an interior designer. After a long sabbatical from painting she became immersed in her art. Trained in oil and water color, she has selected acrylic and mixed media. Emotional energy is very much a part of her work. Travels have flavored her art. There are times where she allows the paint to direct her path, the results are endless. Jacqueline uses multiple techniques including impressionism, abstract and renaissance which she incorporates into her work. One of her strengths is large, dramatic and strong subjects, yet she can create subtle, soft delicate art as well. Her artistic goal is to bring the viewer in on an emotional level, that connects them to the piece. An artist is constantly evolving and growing. ENJOY.
PAT ST. ONGE
Pat's constantly evolving "tool-box" of painting techniques has grown out of her years of
experience in both fine and commercial art. Having worked in acrylic, oil, watercolor, digital
art, and ceramics, Pat's favorite medium is usually in whichever one she is currently using.
Over the past several years, she's enjoyed incorporating paint-pouring methods with
traditional brushwork. She finds teaching and sharing her knowledge a great source of satisfaction, and a lot of fun.
She has taught classes for adults and children at art leagues, art studios, galleries, nursing
homes, and in private settings since the 1970's.
Pat grew up in Lakewood Ohio, where she attended Cooper School of Art in Cleveland for her
foundation classes. She earned her BFA at Quincy University in IL, and her MA in Art History
at the University of Findlay in Ohio. She studied digital art pre-press and basic web design
while attending Rhode Island School of Design in RI.
In 2016, Pat and her husband retired to Fort Myers, FL. She continues to expand her skills
via classes in oils under Dennis Morton at the Cape Coral Art League, where she also
teaches acrylics. Her former gallery associations include Wild Child Art Gallery, The Gallery
of Matlacha, the Alliance for the Arts, Matlacha Menegerie, and most recently, at Sea Legs
Art Gallery in Tarpon Springs, FL. Pat welcomes commissions for custom artwork.
RENÉE THORP
Collection: Beneath Blue Glass
All photographs in this collection were captured by Renée Thorp out of the Haleiwa harbor on the north shore of Oahu. Specializing in underwater photography, Renée focuses on the majesty of Galapagos and tiger sharks, bringing the beauty of these powerful creatures to life. The images are printed on matte Fujicolor Crystal Archive paper, ensuring lasting quality and rich detail. Each piece is framed with a beveled cut, white core, acid-free mat to enhance and preserve the artwork.
KATHY FITZGERALD
Kathryn was born and raised in Westchester County in NY. After attending the University of Denver and Manhattanville College in New York, she received her BFA degree. Kathryn then began her artistic endeavors designing original batik clothing. She exhibited at the New York
Renaissance Festival for several years and in Long Island, NY.
Kathryn began working with stained glass after her children grew up. It is a
love and a passion of hers. She apprenticed in Virginia and became quite accomplished making
original windows, mosaics, and wall art. She was also introduced to glass
fusing as well. Kathryn’s exhibiting success and commissions, in and outside of Florida, has allowed her to develop her style and diversity in stained glass art.
Kathryn is a member of several local Art Associations. Each work she creates is unique and has the artistry and quality to be displayed in the finest of homes.
CONTACT
We look forward to seeing you at the gallery. Contact us for further information.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on artists and events.
118 E Tarpon Avenue
Suite 2
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
727 - 992- 6435
727 - 992- 6435
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