Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
With picture-perfect weather, Lang’s Garden held its fourth annual Art in the Garden show on Sunday, Sept. 15. Local artists and vendors displayed their garden-inspired artwork among the flowers as visitors listened to soulful music while perusing exhibits.
Many of the artists were return exhibitors and have had their artwork displayed for each of the four years. Others were new to the Art in the Garden venue and were pleased to participate for the first time. Erin Daniels, of Margaret James Designs, has been displaying her beautiful artwork since the first show and co-organized the event with Stephanie Santini-Duff, owner of Lang’s Garden, with her husband, Joseph Duff. Santini-Duff was pleased with another successful art show and said, “Our fourth annual Art in the Garden was our biggest and best yet. We were blessed with a group of talented artists, delicious treats by Spoon & Sip, and the serene music by Clynne Smith and perfect early autumn weather. We look forward to next year, date to be announced soon.”
Annaliese Giunta displayed her paintings on canvas along with greeting cards, T-shirts, and tote bags. Though her exhibit contained mostly oil paintings, Giunta also works with acrylic paint and uses printmaking techniques. She also holds printmaking workshops.
MudGirls were also on the scene with their beautiful handcrafted works of art. This nonprofit studio empowers disadvantaged women through training and employment, to help them transition to a pathway of self-sufficiency. Their one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces of art are lovely as well as functional. Clay vases, dishes, and tiles were part of the display, with interesting tactile patterns made by using leaves and plants.
Kathy Anne English of English Pine Studio displayed acrylic paintings of wildlife scenes from her own back deck. She finds inspiration on her 25-acre property, which is on the edge of the Pine Barrens. She named this exhibit “Birds, Branches, Blossoms, and bugs”. This self-taught artist began her painting career over 40 years ago and now teaches others. Some of her former students were also exhibitors at the art show.
Mosaic artist Jeannie Bell displayed her unique, botanical collages at the art show. Years ago, creating a mosaic table was the start of her passion for mosaics. She fell in love with the textures and colors of mugs and plates, and uses glass, broken pottery, and “found things” to make her works of art. She also creates commissioned pieces, such as her “Lucy the Elephant” mosaics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bell held classes in her backyard, but now teaches both group and individual classes and can be found at Avra Art Gallery in Margate.
During the art show, attendees could enjoy frozen yogurt and sorbet from Spoon & Sip of Ocean City while enjoying the music of Clynne Smith singing and playing her guitar. Seventeen artists and vendors made this year’s annual art show the largest to date.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
