Local artist brings passion for fashion to Cape Coral art exhibit
By Sarah Richard
Art is all around us, woven into our daily lives in ways we often overlook.
Maybe it’s the painting in the hallway that you stroll past every day, or it’s the drawing from your grandkids that you’ve stuck on your refrigerator. But art appears in unconventional ways, too. Have you ever considered your clothing to be a work of art? What about quilts, which are both functional and beautiful, or even the baskets you use for storage? Textile art, an art form that involves fabrics, yarn, and other textile materials, is embedded in so many aspects of our lives.
Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life plan community, launched our rotating art exhibit “Gulf Coast Gallery” in November, kicking off an ongoing collaboration with the North Fort Myers Arts Association to spotlight local artists multiple times a year. Each exhibit bears a different theme, like travel, nature, and new beginnings. In our latest installation, “Textile Treasures,” we’re shining a light on the beauty of textile artwork. Highlighted in this exhibit will be a breathtaking array of quilts, fiber arts, wall hangings, clothing, baskets, and so much more.
We’re grateful to be a community filled with creatives. Many of our residents participate in the exhibits by attending, but we also have several talented resident artists who submit their work to be displayed. It’s an honor to spotlight a different artist at each of our exhibits, and it’s an even greater honor when they are one of our own beloved residents.
From 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, our community will host a meet-and-greet with the participating artists. This will include Sheilana Massey, a Gulf Coast Village resident and this exhibit’s featured artist. This event gives the public the opportunity to learn more about Sheilana and the other artists’ journeys through life, passion for art, and their artwork.
Massey relocated to Pine Island in 1999 after living in several southern east coast states and the Bahamas. Expressing herself through art has always been a part of Massey’s life; as a child, she took up sewing and created most of her clothing. Over time, Massey progressed to sewing garments for friends and family, showcasing her talent as a young seamstress. As she got older, she decided to pursue sewing as her career – along with sewing and designing, Massey also taught tailoring.
In the early 80s, Massey spent several weeks with the late Lenore Davis, a renowned fiber artist, and Jason Pollen, an internationally acclaimed artist, designer and educator, at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. The two served as her instructors and taught her the ins and outs of the art of dyeing and manipulating fabric. While continuing to better her craft, Massey still actively pursued creating her own art, including bed quilts for her children and a line of quilted jackets and vests, which were sold in boutiques in Santa Monica, Las Vegas, and Santa Fe. The majority of Massey’s non-traditional fiber creations are designed to hang on walls or to be worn.
Massey also pursued higher education by obtaining a Doctorate in Divinity. She has written numerous magazine articles and is the author of two books, “Peace Has No Space for Memories” and “Along the Path of Enlightenment.” She facilitates and supports those who choose to expand their personal exploration and spiritual connections.
“All of life is moment-to-moment creativity unfolding magnificently,” says Massey.
When fellow artists and art enthusiasts ask, she is always willing and happy to share techniques and designs to assist others in unlocking personal revelations. If you are interested in advancing your craft, or you’re just curious about art, our May 6 Meet and Greet is an opportunity to leap at.
“Textile Treasures” will be open daily to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 6 to June 15 at Gulf Coast Village, located at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral. The artist meet-and-greet will be on Tuesday, May 6, from 2-4 p.m. Come and meet some of the amazing artists from the North Fort Myers Arts Association and Gulf Coast Village, sip on wine and immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration of texture, color and creativity.
About the author
Sarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life plan community. To learn more about Gulf Coast Village, please call 239-510-8712.