Longboat Key Town Hall extravaganza unites art appreciators

By Dana Kampa
| 8:00 a.m. April 15, 2025

Sisters Marilyn Woodstock, Paula Piekos and Jan Owens pay a visit to their favorite artist, Pat Lundy, at the annual Longboat Key Town Hall Art Exhibition and Artists' Reception.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Local artist Pat Lundy received perhaps the most sincere compliment to her work when one trio of sisters would make an annual pilgrimage to the Longboat Key Town Hall Art Exhibition specifically to support her work.

Even when they realized the dates on their initial plane tickets would make it too late for them to attend the show, rather than giving up, the family members changed their tickets and made it in time.

Artist Madeline Wikler shares her watercolor paintings, including her portrait work.

Marilyn Woodside came from Maine, Paula Piekos from New York, and Jan Owens from Wisconsin. The sisters made Longboat Key a meet-up vacation destination several years ago, and they decided to center it around the art show.

"Every year, we buy cards or a painting from her," Piekos said.

Owens said she especially enjoys Lundy's florals and use of color.

The exhibition and artists' reception, which took place April 10, gave local creators an opportunity to connect with art enthusiasts.

Vice Mayor Debra Williams welcomed visitors to the event, sharing her appreciation for the creativity on display.

"I would like to thank all the artists who have made this possible for 22 years," Williams said, also giving credit to organizer Susan Phillips.

Vice Mayor Debra Williams welcomes visitors to the Longboat Key Town Hall art exhibition.

While the event has been uplifting local artists since 2003, this marks the first year it is part of a month-long "Arts in April" celebration.

Phillips, assistant to the town manager and public information officer, said it was a somewhat tight turnaround to put the show together, which included works recently on display for "Artists in the Garden."

She explained how she arranged pieces with attention-grabbing contrast in the line of sight for anyone entering the main room. Rather than featuring each artist in a silo, she endeavored to arrange the canvases in a way that flows.

"I love seeing it all come together," she said.

Organizer Susan Phillips said they were down to the wire to get the exhibition ready in time, but she was thrilled with how the displays came together.

She claimed the exhibition is a win for the community on many fronts considering local sponsorships allow the town to host the free event at no cost to the city. It also offers a boost to local artists, who get the chance to sell their work with no commission fees. But more than anything, it promotes unity within the community.

Two art events remain this month. The Comedy Night starts at 4:30 p.m. on April 17, and the final Savor the Sounds concert opens doors at 4:30 p.m. on April 19.

Artist Angela Thierman, who also displayed her work at "Artists in the Garden," joins the artists' reception at Town Hall.

Anyone who missed the reception can still view the works on display at Town Hall through early July. Buyer can have sold pieces delivered.

For information about purchasing pieces in the exhibit, contact Savannah Cobb at 941-316-1955 or scobb@longboatkey.org.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.