Palm Coast artists picked for N.Y. gallery

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Palm Coast’s J.J. Graham and Sheila Crawford have been selected to show their work at the prestigious Ward-Nasse Gallery, the longest-standing art gallery in Soho, in New York City.

“To me, it’s always been about the painting,” Graham said. “It’s a gift when somebody appreciates it.”

Graham and Crawford, along with six others, were selected from about 300 other artists by Aurelia Anastasio, whose husband, Tom, has been an artist for 40 years and has a working relationship with the Ward-Nasse Gallery.

Tom Anastasio’s award-winning art has carried him on a 40-year career, and he said he and his wife want to give back to these eight Florida artists who have never shown their work in New York City before.

Curators of other prestigious New York galleries will be on hand for the opening of the show July 2, and Anastasio said that could be serendipitous.

“You never know where your art is going to show up,” he said. “Someone comes along, and you’d be surprised … Years ago I was given a chance by some people, and I was lucky, and so it’s our way of giving back.”

The Anastasios are Grand Haven residents. Graham is also owner and curator of the Hollingsworth Gallery, in City Marketplace. Crawford is a former teacher at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

Anastasio said he’s pleased that two local artists made the cut. In fact, he has observed a strong art corridor from Jacksonville, to Orlando, and Flagler County fits in, with some strong art being produced.

One piece of art at the show will be guaranteed to be purchased and donated to a museum. Those details are still being worked out, but Anastasio said it’s another opportunity for Graham, Crawford and the others to gain greater exposure.

Anastasio said about 10 residents of Palm Coast are planning to make the trip to New York for the show.

For more information, visit www.Ward Nasse.org and click on “Exhibitions.” Then click “NYC Summer 2011.”