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Art in the Tree Tops Gallery to hold grand opening

By Staff | Feb 12, 2009

Jason Maughan has been a successful lawyer for many years. But now Maughan is willing to add another job to do alongside his busy practice – art gallery management.

The cheery lawyer is going out on a limb or in this case actually a tree top and opening Art in the Tree Tops Gallery.

The spacious art gallery which will feature prominent artists such as Myra Roberts and Pam Brodersen is set to have its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 14 from noon to 4 p.m.

The new gallery is located across from Dairy Queen in the Tree Tops Center, 1101 Periwinkle Way.

There is no cost to the about 15 artists – 80 percent which are local – selected to hang their art or place their work in the gallery. All art buys will be based on an split between Maughan and the artists. And to squelch any squabbles before they erupt, Maughan is making the split the same across the board for all artists whether they are well-known or a fledgling.

The gallery will be divided between paintings, photography, ceramics, glassware and mixed media.

Maughan said he is opening the art gallery to help expand the number of art venues available on the islands for artists. He also bought the gallery as a gift for his wife Barbara so that she might some day be able to run the gallery and work near his law office located in the Tree Top Center. She works as a district manager for Harry and David chocolates.

The theme of the gallery will be joy and happiness. Maughan said that with the economic woes he is not looking for dark and dreary pieces or politically charged for that matter.

“Paintings before politics,” he said. “Now’s the time for arts sake.”

And the artists who have been selected to hang and show their pieces are excited for the new opportunity.

“I think the exhibition space is superb,” said Pam Brodersen. “It’s a great place to show off our work.” Brodersen is an award winning photographer.

Myra Roberts, prominent artist and philanthropist, will have a huge chunk of space for her at least 10 pieces of work. Major works including a large painting of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and vintage bicycle series, Hollywood icons and newest piece “Protector of the Leatherback”.

“My best paintings will be there,” Roberts said from her home studio on Sanibel.

Roberts is delighted with the gallery’s design.

“It’s large and light,” she said.

She is also pleased to have her work hung with other top-notch artists.

“I just feel really honored to be there.”

Gallery Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Art in the Tree Tops Gallery is always accepting submissions. For more information, call the gallery at 472-2465.