This article is a reprint of a Jan. Marco Review article. Thank you Debbie!

Blue Mangrove Gallery is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.... like taking Claratin when you suffer from allergies (if you believe the Claratin ads that is!). From the hand painted seascape on the bright blue floor to the eclectic mix of hand crafted art which bursts with vibrant color almost everywhere you look, entering this new gallery is quite a sensory experience.

Gallery owner, Christie Marcoplos, has brought together the work of over fifty artists, (many of whom are locals) to form a collection inspired by the Floridian climate. Tropical themes abound.... paintings of multi colored birds and fish, abstract expressionist Everglades landscapes and exotic mermaids cover the walls. They mingle with gorgeous hand blown glass, pottery, metal and jewelry. There is color everywhere.

Except, that is, for one corner of the gallery which is devoted to the work of world renowned black and white landscape photographer (and personal friend of Christie’s) Clyde Butcher. The depth of Mr Butcher’s work is always aweinspiring but, juxtaposed with so much color, the contrast is quite spectacular.

To keep things even more interesting, a small room off the main gallery will be devoted to the work of a different local artist each month. The first to receive this honor was Goodland artist Tara O’Neill, whose sensual canvasses speak eloquently of the exuberance of Florida. In January and February the works of Naples artists Beth Schroeder and Christine Noonad will be featured.

With a wide range of items, from notecards and small pieces of jewelry to original paintings, there’s something to fit every pocketbook. This is a gallery to be visited and revisited by tourists and locals alike.