Categotry Archives: Community

Kate Wood’s “Teaism” Selected for Gilt Complex Art Showcase

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“Teaism” by Kate Wood is one of four paintings in the 2022 Storefront Art Showcase.

Stuart, Florida’s premier framer and conservator shopthe Gilt Complex—hosts the contest. To recognize the winners, they display vibrant, oversized prints of the selected art in their storefront windows. The showcase runs through 2022. There will also be a public event to promote the display on Friday, January 7, from 5 to 9 pm.

Kate Wood owns Alchemy Fine Art Restorers. She also teaches painting at Alizarin Crimson Art Studio.

The other three artists selected are Kathleen Denis, Rich West, and Kim Rody. As you can see below, they are each highly skilled painters.

After selecting the winners, the Gilt Complex digitally framed, printed, and installed each painting in their storefront windows. Drivers on S. Colorado Ave in Stuart can spot the art while driving but must stop at the Gilt Complex to appreciate these high-quality paintings.

The public is invited to check out the showcase in person during Stuart’s First Friday Artwalk event, January 7, or to stop by the Gilt Complex at 608 S. Colorado Ave, Stuart at their convenience. The Gilt Complex has an extensive collection of fantastic frames, fine art, artisanal gifts, and much more, including a helpful and knowledgeable staff!

The contest is not a one-off event. Each year, the Gilt Complex staff selects four new artists to display in their showcase. Kate Wood, who has produced numerous public art projects throughout her career, says these displays are a great boon to the visibility of local artists.

“It’s wonderful that the Gilt Complex creates such a terrific, public-facing showcase,” said Kate Wood. “I’m thankful that Duncan, Pam, Katie, and Alex selected my work for display.”

Kate Wood’s Art Exhibited at Elliot Museum

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As part of the Elliot Museum‘s efforts to showcase the very best local talent, Alchemy Fine Arts owner Kate Wood has been selected as one of the painters to be featured in their latest art exhibit.

The opening for the Elliott Museum’s Portfolios – Eclectic Artists and Art will be held Thursday, October 15 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. All art lovers are invited to attend and the rest of the museum will also be open to visitors. The exhibit will be installed through January 4, 2021.

Art from local artists will be featured at the Elliot museum from Oct. 15, 2020 to Jan. 4, 2021. Seen in this collage is Kate Wood’s motorcycle oil-painting, entitled, “Classic.”

The exhibit highlights the artwork of artists from the Stuart area. Artwork will be in a variety of media, styles, techniques, and subjects.  Painting, sculpture, photography, glasswork and jewelry will be included, with approaches ranging from traditional, to contemporary, to the unexpected. 

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, attendees are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing during the event.

All art presented during this showcase will be for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Elliott Museum. Complimentary refreshments will also be served, along with a cash beer and wine bar.

“Waiting, Lafayette Station” by Kate Wood is one of the original art works that will be on display at the Elliott Museum beginning October 15, 2020.

Artist Included in the Exhibit:

  1. Kate Wood
  2. Laura Kay Whiticar Darvill
  3. Dot Galfond
  4. Linda Geary
  5. Kevin Hutchinson
  6. Denise Justice
  7. Carol Kepp
  8. Livia Krof-Debonet
  9. Mia Lindberg
  10. Brent McAhren
  11. Sue Ann Mosley
  12. Kim Nolan
  13. Bruce Wells
  14. Dale Beam

The Elliott Museum offers a variety of collections, including vintage cars, baseball artifacts, artwork, Americana, rotating exhibits in the Changing Exhibitions Gallery, an art studio with classes, a theater, a tribute to local philanthropists Frances Langford and Ralph Evinrude, a Museum Store, a student art exhibit, and much more. Kate Wood has previously performed professional art conservation services for the Elliot Museum.

The new Elliott Museum opened in 2013. Aside from its permanent exhibits, the museum regularly hosts art shows like the one Kate Wood will participate in during October 2020.

The Historical Society of Martin County is the parent organization of the Elliott Museum and House of Refuge Museum. While the Elliott wows guests with its renowned car and baseball collections, the House of Refuge showcases what life was like in turn-of-the-century Florida. Both museums showcase a variety of exhibits, collections, and lectures of interest to those who live in and visit Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Morning on the Farm: Kate Wood Completes Still Life

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In March 2019, artist Kate Wood completed this still life painting of food sold at Ground Floor Farm in Stuart, FL. She titled the painting Morning at the Farm.

After completing the 16 x 24-inch oil painting, Kate Wood had it professionally framed. The antique frame was first restored by Kate through her restoration business: Alchemy Fine Art Restorers.

The price to purchase Morning at the Farm is $1200.

Ground Floor Farm is an urban farm, restaurant, and local goods market in Stuart, Florida. Their aim is to help grow a more dynamic town through food, art, and fun. They nourish Stuart with excellent food, interesting workshops, and enriching cultural and artistic experiences.

In fact, Morning at the Farm revisits a theme Kate first introduced when she joined her husband, Greg Leatherman, to take part in a 2017 mural project at Ground Floor Farm. That project brought together several talented artists to help beautify downtown Stuart. Other murals created by Kate Wood are visible throughought Stuart, including on the 555 Building at the corner of Colorado and 6th Street.

To capture images representing Ground Floor Farm, Kate orchestrated a photo session onsite, with the help of farm co-owner Jackie Vitale. As a result, she captured the essence of wholeseome food

You can see a selection of Kate Wood’s art by visiting Alizarin Crimson Art Studio located at 2611 SE Ocean Blvd/ Cedar Point Plaza in Stuart. Kate teaches oil painting at Alizarin Crimson.

To see the related mural (and other murals by local artists), visit Ground Floor Farm, located in the heart of Stuart at 100 SE Martin Luther King Blvd, just off Colorado Avenue.

Kate Wood Selected for 2017 All Florida Juried Art Show

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Kate Wood, owner of Alchemy Fine Arts, will be among those competing in a juried arts show featuring Florida artists of all media.

Kate’s oil on canvas painting “Waiting Lafayette Station” (see digital version below) made it through the first round of judging and is included in the All Florida Juried Arts Show sponsored by the Martin County Arts Council. The exhibition will be at the Cultural Center Gallery in Stuart, Florida.

Opening Reception is Friday, September 22 from 5:30-7pm and the show will run through November 14, 2017. Works included in the show will be offered for sale via the Cultural Center Gallery.

The Arts Council has been a leader in the arts community for more than 30 years. By providing services to visual and performing artists, arts organizations, students and the public, the Arts Council strives to instill a passion for and participation in the arts.

Courthouse Cultural Center Hours

Tuesday – Friday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, or by appointment.

Saturday | 11:00 am – 2 pm (except for the summer show and holidays).

Admission to the Cultural Center is free, though donations are greatly appreciated.

Address: 80 Southeast Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida.

Waiting, Lafayette Station by Kate Wood

Waiting, Lafayette Station by Kate Wood

About Alchemy Fine Art Restorers

Alchemy Fine Art Restorers in Stuart, FL provides a full range of world-class art conservation and restoration. With over a decade of conservation experience and over two decades as a working artist, owner Kate Wood is a highly skilled technician. She expertly treats paintings on canvas, as well as conserving pottery, leather, porcelain, woven fabric, paper, and wooden objects. Kate is the only conservator on the Treasure Coast with the advanced painting, sculpting, and workshop skills to restore such a range. She cares about your precious objects and takes pride in returning them to their full measure of beauty.

Contact Alchemy: She cares about your precious objects and takes pride in returning them to their full measure of beauty.If you own an object in need of professional attention, make an appointment with Alchemy Fine Art Restorers in Stuart, FL. Estimates are always free and we even provide local pickup and delivery!

Owner: Kate Wood; Phone: (772) 287-0835; Email: katewoodartist@comcast.net.

Website: fineartrestorers.com

 

 

 

 

Marties Award Nomination

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Kate Wood, owner of Alchemy Fine Art Restorers, has been nominated for a Marties award via the Martin County Arts Council in the category of Adult Visual Artist.


“Over the years, the Marties have recognized many talented artists, generous patrons, and devoted leaders in our community. I consider this award nomination a true honor,” said Ms. Wood.

Kate Wood is a photo-realist artist working in multiple mediums. Her art has been exhibited in galleries since the 1990s, with shows all over the US, including Denver, West Palm Beach, Eugene, Tampa and New Orleans. Kate also teaches oil painting at Alizarin Crimson Studio in Stuart, FL. A sampling of her latest paintings can be viewed here. Kate is active in the arts community, having participated in grant writing for restoration projects, conserving public art, community open house events, and educational outreach.

marties-fall-in-love-invite

In addition to the 2016 Marties nominees in the arts categories, several notable persons will received named awards at this year’s event, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for John Whitney Payson, an Excellence in the Arts Award for Lynne Barletta, and a Philanthropy in the Arts Award for Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Sharon Ferina, Carol Kepp and Nancy Steinberg will be recognized for Arts Leadership and a Corporate Leadership Award goes to Electrical Connections. Special Recognition will also be given to the Hobe Sound Mural Project as led by Nadia Utto.

Persons honored with award nominations in performing arts categories will entertain attendees. Art from the visual nominees will be displayed at the event. A full list of award nominations is available at the Martin County Arts Council Facebook page.

2016 marks the second year in a row that Ms. Wood has attended the Marties Awards gala. Last year, one of her painting students at Alizarin Crimson Studio (the talented Ms. Kelly Campbell) was honored with an award nomination in the Student Visual Artist category.

Kate Wood Featured in Statewide Juried Arts Show

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Kate Wood, owner of Alchemy Fine Arts, will be among those competing in a juried arts show featuring Florida artists of all media.

Kate’s oil on board painting “Classic” (see digital version below) made it through the first round of judging and is included in the All Florida Juried Arts Show sponsored by the Martin County Arts Council. The exhibition will be at the Cultural Center Gallery in Stuart, Florida.

Opening Reception is September 23 from 5:30-7pm and the show will run through November 8, 2016. Works included in the show will be offered for sale via the Cultural Center Gallery.

The Arts Council has been a leader in the arts community for more than 30 years. By providing services to visual and performing artists, arts organizations, students and the public, the Arts Council strives to instill a passion for and participation in the arts.

Courthouse Cultural Center Hours

Tuesday – Friday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, or by appointment.

Saturday | 11:00 am – 2 pm (except for the summer show and holidays).

Admission to the Cultural Center is free, though donations are greatly appreciated.

Address: 80 Southeast Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida.

"Classic" - 2010 - painted - 18x25 inches.

Kate Wood’s “Classic” – 2010 – oil on board – 18×25 inches is included in a juried arts show featuring Florida artists of all media.

About Alchemy Fine Art Restorers

Alchemy Fine Art Restorers in Stuart, FL provides a full range of world-class art conservation and restoration. With over a decade of conservation experience and over two decades as a working artist, owner Kate Wood is a highly skilled technician. She expertly treats paintings on canvas, as well as conserving pottery, leather, porcelain, woven fabric, paper, and wooden objects. Kate is the only conservator on the Treasure Coast with the advanced painting, sculpting, and workshop skills to restore such a range. She cares about your precious objects and takes pride in returning them to their full measure of beauty.

Contact Alchemy: She cares about your precious objects and takes pride in returning them to their full measure of beauty.If you own an object in need of professional attention, make an appointment with Alchemy Fine Art Restorers in Stuart, FL. Estimates are always free and we even provide local pickup and delivery!

Owner: Kate Wood; Phone: (772) 287-0835; Email: katewoodartist@comcast.net.

Website: fineartrestorers.com

Art Tour Adds Kate Wood

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Kate Wood will host visitors to Alizarin Crimson Art Studio during the GFWC Woman’s Club of Stuart “Art is Everywhere” Tour.

The “Art is Everywhere” Tour will provide an afternoon of viewing all forms of art in several local homes along with a chance to learn about art restoration from one of the state’s top conservators.

The event takes place February 13, 2016 from 1 to 4 pm. Following the Tour, an informal reception will be held at The Grove Dock Bar & Café located at the Fish House Art Center in the Historic Waterfront District at Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno, FL. After the reception, area favorites The Nouveaux Honkies are playing The Grove from 7 p.m. ’til whenever. Don’t miss this tremendous chance to mix and mingle with artists and art lovers alike.

Advance Tickets $30
​At The Door $35

To purchase tickets for Art is Everywhere, visit www.gfwcwomansclubofstuart.com/events.html.

Proceeds support scholarships and charitable giving (visit the club website for more on their generous community support).

 

ArtisEveryWhere

Restoring Joy Postle: A Florida Treasure Rediscovered

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Kate Wood with the mural. Photo credit: Thomas Winter.

In the spring of 2015, Alchemy Fine Art Restorers conserved an historically important mural at the Woman’s Club of Stuart. Painted by Joy Postle in 1962, the vibrant work suffered from discoloration and paint loss. As a focal point of the Banyan Room, a meeting space for Martin County, Florida residents, it was vital that this work be restored to its former glory.

Kate Wood, Alchemy’s lead restorer, knew the work would be arduous, but rewarding. Cleaning and restoring this massive work required standing on a ladder for hours at a time across several days. Much of Kate’s initial effort went to cleaning the entire mural. After that, Kate restored areas of paint loss. As always, Kate used modern, reversible techniques for all restoration.  Details from Kate Wood’s restoration, along with some background about the artist and links to further resources are presented below.

The Glamour Bird: Joy Postle

Joy-Picture

Joy Postle painted the natural beauty of Florida.

The mural was created by Florida nature artist Joy Postle (1896-1989). Born and raised in Chicago, Joy attended the Art Institute of Chicago. Along with her journalist husband (Robert Blackstone), Joy Postle arrived in Florida in 1934 after a period of traveling around the United States in a home-made trailer. The two camped all over Florida, which inspired Postle to paint scenes from nature.

In 1937, Postle joined the WPA Art Project. Three years later, she debuted her “Glamour Birds” act in which bird song and music accompanied Postle as she painted birds and educated her audience. Postle and her husband settled in a home and studio on Lake Rose, 20 miles east of Gainesville, in 1942.

An exhibit of Joy Postle’s paintings will be presented November 2-30, 2015 at the University of Central Florida’s John C. Hitt Library.

A believer in bringing art to the public as a teacher and a performer, Postle also created countless murals for commercial buildings and homes, from Texas to North Carolina and especially in Florida. While many are known, surviving murals by Postle continue to be identified and recorded in Central Florida.

Areas of paint loss can be seen in this photo of Kate Wood restoring the mural.

In a May 2015 blogpost titled, The Ghost of Joy Postle and the Everglades Mural, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch wrote about the same mural Alchemy recently restored, “As a kid, I spent numerous hours at the Woman’s Club of Stuart. What made the biggest impression on me was a beautiful mural featuring birds of the Everglades— of which Stuart is part through the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon.”

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Paint loss visible pre-restoration.

Detail of cleaned and restored mural.

 

According to local historian Alice L. Luckhardt, the Banyan Room mural wasn’t the only mural Joy Postle painted in Stuart, FL.  A mural painted in 1948 graced a wall in the original Citizens Bank (now Duffy’s Restaurant). Two more (both painted in 1961) were displayed in what is now the Seacoast Bank at Colorado and US 1, but these are now (as of September 2015)  covered by paneling.  Luckhardt adds that “five original individual wood framed paintings (c. 1959) depicting an egret, spoonbill, ducks, cypress swamp and a Florida sunset in the pine woods were displayed at the school cafeteria in Stuart, paid for from profits of ice cream sales at the lunchroom. However, the only one still visual today is the one done for the Woman’s Club.”

Aside from the changing ownership of these buildings, it’s likely that another reason none of these images are available for viewing today is their physical deterioration. Luckily, the mural at the Woman’s Club has been restored and may be enjoyed by visitors to the Banyan Room for generations to come.

A section of the cleaned and restored mural. The artist’s signature is visible at the bottom, just left of center.

Further Resources

A gallery of Joy Postle paintings is available via the University of Central Florida Libraries.

Learn more about Joy Postle at the Florida Fine Art Blog.

About the Woman’s Club of Stuart: The Woman’s Club of Stuart is a proud member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The Club is united by a dedication to community improvement through volunteering, raising funds, and reaching out to others while experiencing lifelong learning and friendships for all members. Although there is diversity in the ages, interest, and experiences of the Club’s members, they are united by a common goal to community improvement through volunteer service. With over a century of tradition, the Woman’s Club of Stuart is the oldest organization in Martin County. It’s influence includes providing scholarships to young women from Martin County high schools, helping needy families, supporting academic endeavors, and worthwhile charities enriching the local culture.

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A detail from Kate Wood’s restoration of Joy Postle’s mural on display at the Woman’s Club of Stuart.

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Kate Wood of Alchemy Fine Art Restorers cleans a mural located in the Woman’s Club of Stuart.

 

Environmental Studies Center Canvas Backdrop Restoration

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Conservator Kate Wood of Alchemy Fine Art Restorers recently restored a theater backdrop at the Environmental Studies Center in Jensen Beach, Florida.  To fund this work, Alchemy was awarded a grant by Women Supporting the Arts (WSA) in conjunction with the Wilmington Trust.

Work in progress

 

This rewarding project was a challenge due to the fragile nature of the canvas mural. The hanging and lift systems were extremely corroded.  The canvas was stained and ripped, and the original artist had used water soluble poster paints in several places, which were now smeared and were a challenge to address. However,  these elements were successfully treated and the following repairs made:

  • Reinforced paint loss areas with acid free gesso on the reverse side of the canvas.
  • Created and installed a buffer for the sharp edge of the of the bottom roll bar. This will prevent future damage as the backdrop is raised.
  • Patched holes using new canvas and acid free glue. The top of the backdrop was reinforced with a long strip of canvas to repair and prevent tearing.
  • Replaced both sides of the rusted lift system wires with non-rusting, plastic coated heavy-duty wire.
  • Removed old hanging lumber and replaced with a single continuous bar.
  • Matched paint and touched up missing and dirty areas of paint.
  • Created a new secure hanging system and rehang the backdrop.

WSA’s mission is to build a community of women philanthropists who inspire, educate and encourage women to strengthen the arts and cultural environment in Martin County. The Environmental Resource Center is a valuable educational resource for the Treasure Coast. Alchemy’s restoration enhanced he Center, which builds environmental awareness among the students of Martin County. Alchemy Fine Art Restorers approaches restoration using the least invasive techniques possible.

Kate Wood has painted numerous murals and theater backgrounds in the Treasure Coast area. This canvas backdrop restoration project revisited those roots while also showcasing her world-class conservation skills. Kate has also taught oil painting to area students of all ages for two decades and is an accomplished artist.

Alchemy Fine Art Restorers thanks Women Supporting the Arts and Wilmington Trust for this grant and for the ongoing work both organizations do to better the arts in our local community!

 

 

Alchemy Wins “Women Supporting the Arts” Grant

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Alchemy Fine Art Restorers, a woman-owned small business, has been awarded a grant by Women Supporting the Arts (WSA), a program of the Arts Foundation of Martin County.   Alchemy’s proposal to repair, restore, and re-hang a damaged 9 x 16 foot canvas mural in the Environmental Studies Center received funding for 2015.

“I am honored to receive the Women Supporting the Arts Grant. My main goal is to retain the original look of the artifact, but make look as if it were just painted,” said Kate Wood, owner Alchemy Fine Art Restorers.

WomanArtsWSA’s mission is to build a community of women philanthropists who inspire, educate and encourage women to strengthen the arts and cultural environment in Martin County.

The Environmental Resource Center  is a valuable educational resource for the Treasure Coast. Alchemy’s restoration will enhance the Center, which builds environmental awareness among the students of Martin County.

Alchemy Fine Art Restorers approaches restoration using the least invasive techniques possible. As the work progresses, Kate will document the entire process, which will be shared with visitors to this site, as well as with local media. Kate Wood has painted numerous murals and theater backgrounds in the Treasure Coast area. This project revisits those roots while also showcasing her world-class conservation skills.

Since 2004, more than $201,000 in grants have been awarded to artists and arts-related programs by Women Supporting the Arts (WSA).  WSA welcomes grant applications from organizations and individuals who present cultural programs for Martin County. Collaborative projects and events are eligible.

Applications are judged on the following criteria:

  • Value to the community in strengthening the arts
  • Merit of the program, project, scholarship, or internship
  • Increase of public awareness and participation in the arts
  • Partnerships and collaborations with existing community resources

For more information on Kate’s approach, see “Restoring Beauty: An illuminating interview with painter, teacher, and master art conservator Kate Wood” at fineartrestorers.com/restoringbeauty.

For more information on Women Supporting the Arts, visit their website at www.martinarts.org/support_us/women_supporting_arts.html.