ABOVE: Tom Vinci, 90, a resident of the Sabal Point Condominiums in Boca Raton, poses with his artwork — intricately painted squares similar to the stenciled designs created by his father. BELOW: Gay ‘Gigi’ Vela holds a hand-woven mohair jacket she created. On the wall are her paintings. Dale King/The Coastal Star
By Dale King
They don’t actually live in an artist’s colony. But many folks who dwell along the shoreline in Boca Raton and Delray Beach find themselves exercising their creative muse this time of year.
The Delray Beach Club recently held its annual art show, a visual forum for 13 people whose talents include portraiture, photography, jewelry and books.
Fanciers of photography at Sabal Point condominiums in Boca Raton will get their chance March 4 to display their works.
The events are opportunities to attract residents to the showings, where they can admire the works of neighbors and enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and other munchies. The photo show at Sabal Point is competitive. Sue Tolpin was last year’s winner.
Among those mingling in the crowded hallway at the Delray Beach Club the night of Feb. 7 was Connecticut resident Robert VanBrott, who displayed his vibrant painting of Wolfeboro, N.H., on Lake Winnipesaukee. Gay “Gigi” Vela held a hand-woven mohair jacket and showed paintings she created of the French countryside where Vincent Van Gogh once put brush to canvas.
The March 4 presentation in Boca Raton will be the third display of photographs taken by shutterbugs at the seaside complex, said Tom Vinci, who helps pull the events together. Since 2004, Sabal Point has hosted nine art shows featuring acrylics, oils or watercolors.
So far, the photographic competition hasn’t gained the same momentum as the art show. But Vinci said residents “always want to do more.”
Vinci, 90, said his own ability runs more to painting. His decorated squares are similar to the stenciled designs his father created.
The folks with a penchant for painting are helping with the photo show this year. And they bring their own stories of personal inspiration.
“I travel and take a lot of pictures,” said painter Gio Muzio-Postelnek. “When I get home, I try to paint them.”
Annie Figlia says she “paints anything I see. I go to New York a lot.”
“I love the country, particularly beach scenes,” said Marilyn Koeppel. “I like landscapes, houses and beaches. I am self-taught. I never took a lesson.”
Tony Baratta loves painting “landscapes, buildings and churches.” He created a likeness of the famed Jesus statue in Brazil.
Jo-Anne Nappi admitted her “artistic periods” range from houses and vases to flowers and ballerinas.
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