First Coast Cultural Center (FCCC) will present “A Brushstroke Journey,” a solo exhibition by artist Midge Scelzo, from Aug. 21 through Oct. 8 at FCCC, 6000B Sawgrass Village Circle in Ponte Vedra Beach.
An opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, with a $5 suggested donation upon entrance.
In “A Brushstroke Journey,” Scelzo shares work inspired by years of travel with her husband through Italy and other European destinations, including Switzerland and France. Drawn to old towns, lake regions, rustic architecture, open-air markets and the preserved heritage of everyday village life, she translates those memories into expressive compositions filled with color, texture, light and movement.
“This exhibition is a delightful walk through European countryside,” said Silvia Romero, director of First Coast Cultural Center. “Midge Scelzo’s work carries viewers through cobblestone streets of sunlit villages and beside reflective waters with warmth and curiosity.”
“My husband and I have traveled through Europe over the years, and I became enamored with the people, the old towns, the textures of the buildings and the colors of the doors,” Scelzo said. “I wanted to capture how it felt to walk those streets, look across the water, smell the food and feel immersed in the lives and heritage of those places.”
Scelzo said a portion of proceeds from any artwork sold during the exhibition will support three nonprofits: First Coast Cultural Center, Council on Aging and Pink Ribbon Jax.
Scelzo describes her artistic approach as “Stylism,” a style that simplifies the subject while emphasizing sensory impressions, color, light and movement. A former bank executive and CFO, Scelzo returned to her lifelong passion for art after years devoted to family and career. Travel and cooking continue to influence her creative practice, from the aromas of open-air markets and fresh bread to the glow of light dancing across water and reflecting from buildings.
“I hope visitors feel as though they are stepping into those places with me — the warmth of the light, the character of the buildings, the movement of the water and the joy of discovering something beautiful around every corner,” Scelzo said.