- Fundraising event to benefit “Art with a Heart in Healthcare” -

Stellers Gallery at Ponte Vedra Beach will exhibit the work of nationally-recognized painters Michelle Armas, Shawn Meharg, Enrique Mora and Steve Williams. According to Hillary Whitaker, Stellers Gallery owner, the show is themed, Hue - a Spring art exhibition and celebration of bold and entertaining, grand and vivid colors designed to enhance the environment and enlighten the viewer with spiritual and personal growth. 

Additionally, four pieces of artwork by each featured artist in the show will be raffled as a fundraiser to benefit Jacksonville's Art With A Heart in Healthcare. The non-profit organization provides personalized fine art experiences while enhancing the healing process for for young patients and their families in northeast Florida. Raffle tickets will be available at the Stellers show for $25 each which is the cost of one Patient Take Home Art Kit. More information, visit the website at http://www.artwithaheart.info/index.html

“Art with a Heart is a cause that Stellers Gallery at Ponte Vedra feels very passionate about. Art is such a powerful tool, and we love that Art With A Heart uses art as a form of healing, and helping to humanize and diminish the fear, pain, boredom and depression associated with hospitalization for children undergoing treatment at Wolfson Children's Hospital and Nemours Children's Clinic in Jacksonville,” said Whitaker. 

About the artists:
Michelle Armas paints with building upon layers, textures and patterns. Graffiti and ethnic woven textiles are featured in her work with themes and designs that move around the canvas. Armas believes her art is inspirational and relentless, and constantly evolving. She paints a myriad of images based on key life experiences that inspire her work.

Shawn Meharg’s work focuses on the making of art which aids him in recalling forgotten moments of his past.  The traces of time represented in the paintings are often occurrences or interactions with people or nature as formative snapshots in an elaborate sequence of events, leading to the present.  It is his hope that the viewer will become compelled to illuminate the darkened puzzle pieces of his or her own personal history.

Artist Enrique Mora’s recent body of work is inspired by the immersion of his heritage in the Caribbean and Bahamas with an explosion of colors and textures, and a representation of a vibrant culture.  He paints his love of the Caribbean lifestyle in two new collections, the Bimini and the Andros Island Series . Additionally, with his new studio in the Miami Design District, Mora is engrossed in the international and cultural scene along with world class art museums and closer proximity to his Latin roots. 

According to Steve Williams, his new paintings explore the aspects of more than 25 years as an artist. His historical and iconic imagery is mixed with soft, abstracted flower explorations and representations, among others.  Icons, shapes and images, mixed with paint are sanded down, then built back up while drawing into a deep and thick surface.  All of the elements have been featured in Williams’ art throughout his career. However, this is the first collection which incorporates his dramatic intentions and explores the theme of maturity and self, as the artist’s career moves forward with a lighter take and humor plus unexpected twists.