Local artist displays new collection at All Angels gallery

Liz Cole’s two-month art show “Color Paths” is on display at All Angels By The Sea Episcopal Church. 

It opened on Sept. 28 and will be displayed for viewing until Nov. 29.

Cole’s collection is a colorful mix of acrylic and handmade collage paintings. The layers of color and pattern provide a rich surface that invites viewers to wander about, explore and find their favorite inlets in her whimsical narratives, she said. 

She calls paintings like these “memory shots” inspired by her favorite moments from her travels from around the world. 

Photo by Petra Rivera

“I am from Ohio and this kind of collection wouldn't be as appealing to people in Ohio because they have winter and they decorate with neutrals down here,” said Cole. “People love color here in Florida as part of the environment and that's a much bigger market. It also fits into the way I work, which is to tell stories and it's like a color quilt that I put together.”

Cole has a bachelor's in painting from Ohio University, a master's degree in art education and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Toledo. She spent 22 years at University of Toledo in a variety of roles, including director of the art education program, chair of the department of art and associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. 

In 1978, Cole co-founded the early childhood program at the Toledo Museum of Art. She then worked as the associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowling Green State University and retired in 2005. 

Carol Doenecke, a member of All Angels, discovered Cole while art gallery hopping. An artist herself, Doenecke was amazed by Cole's work and decided that it would be perfect for the church. 

Photo by Petra Rivera

Doenecke and other artists have displayed their work at All Angels. She said it is great exposure for artists and can help with making connections in the art world. 

Doenecke is excited for her fellow church members to see Cole's work. She hopes that it will liven up their day and give them something to think about. 

“This area is a very rich community for artists with great opportunities, like how I met Carol here,” said Cole. “There's a lot of clientele which you don't get in other big cities, so I’m just so grateful to be able to have this amazing opportunity and have good support from other artists like me.”

Photo by Petra Rivera

Cole will be having a reception for her show on Nov. 5 where she hopes to meet more community members and share more insight into her work.