Immediately stepping into the Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens in Matlacha, Florida, my mind was on sensory overload. Vibrant colors in hues of green, blue and pink were everywhere.
Inside the gallery of Leoma Lovegrove, paintings display her whimsy with artwork influenced by everything from The Beatles to 9/11. Without a doubt, the splendor of Southwest Florida, and specifically historic Matlacha, is the biggest influence on her eccentric creations.
Splash of Color
I’ve seen Lovegrove paint in person at various events over the years so being able to visit her gallery was a treat. Meandering through the gallery took some time because there was so much to visually absorb. Following it to the back led me to the outdoor garden where I can sum it up with a “wow.” It’s perhaps the most real-life mythical garden I’ve ever seen.
Trees are painted white, blue bottles are strategically placed to form what looks like giant dandelion blooms, and nuggets of artwork repurposed from broken ceramics are everywhere – on the ground, at eye level and above.
I visited during February and a one-man band played a keyboard and sang classic ’60s tunes, which melded perfectly with The Beatles artwork. A walkway meandered almost purposely to make you pause and think about each step and therefore, savor the time in the garden.
No Box Required
Do you love sending postcards? It’s always fun receiving them and wouldn’t your loved one enjoy opening up their mailbox to find a painted coconut from Florida? You can mail just about anything as long as it has an address and appropriate package and a coconut, sans the box, is the same. Pick up one hand-painted by the artist or paint your own.
Nuts & Bolts About Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens
Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens
4637 Pine Island Road
Matlacha, Fla. 33993
www.leomalovegrove.com
Matlacha is located about a 30- minute drive west of Fort Myers. Photography is not permitted and a donation is requested for the garden. Matlacha is an artist and historic fishing community and gateway to Pine Island. The area is collectively referred as Florida’s Creative Coast.
This post is part of the 2012 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Check back daily for a different letter!
Sounds like an amazing place, so cherry and so rich of culture. I hope some day I can visit it in my travels!
How cool is that? I would love to visit!
Wonderful … love the whole idea .. and the little workshop on it’s own is adorable.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jennifer,
I see what you mean about sensory overload. It looks like quite a place. Thanks for sharing.
It’s definitely a groovy place!