I AM ART: Rachel Thompson

Local artist Rachel Thompson, owner of I AM ART & Friends, was awarded the Gargiulo Art Foundation’s 2015 Artist of the Year, at Salvo Art Project on Saturday, January 16.

By Anastasia Pagello
| 7:20 p.m. January 16, 2016

Inspired by the Santa Fe mountains, Thompson painted this multi media, abstract piece "Destiny."

Right to Left: Rachel Thompson, JJ Graham and Petra Iston “When I see Rachel’s artwork I see her journey, her connection to the Earth, and her projection of something bigger and better than any one person.” JJ Graham, owner Salvo Art Project.

"In the original photograph, the Native American had too much jewelry on, which made the scene distracting," Thompson said. "So when I painted him, I took away all the adornments and focused on capturing his expression ."

Director of Garguilo Art Foundation Arlene Volpe, CEO Tom Gargiulo with 2015 Artist of the Year Rachel Thompson. Photos by Anastasia Pagello

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Now through Tuesday, Feb. 16, the walls of Salvo Art Project support a unique blend of paint, ink, graphite, texture and expert technique. The gallery is comprised of a variety of paintings created by local artist Rachel Thompson. Thompson was chosen as 2015 Artist of the Year by an anonymous committee of former Artist of the Year winners.

"This piece, "Satisfied Yearning," holds a very personal meaning to me," said Rachel Thompson. "I have always loved children, but never had any of my own, so my artwork became my beloved children."

“Her name was on every ballet,” Director of the Garguilo Art Foundation Arlene Volpe said. “She is a very worthy candidate for this award.”

She previously has won Best in Show in the Flagler County Art League competition, was a featured artist in the Art and Community Center in New York, the Appleton Museum in Ocala and the Hollingsworth Gallery.

“I have decided to stay local because the art community here is so genuine,” said Thompson. “I find myself feeling inspired with my connected to others that share the same passion as myself.”

“Rachel’s work is genuine, and it comes from her soul,” Director of the Garguilo Art Foundation Arlene Volpe said. “She has worked diligently to inspire other artists within the community.”

She plans to keep growing as an artist and in the meantime teach an acrylic art class for the Ocean Art Gallery.

“Everyday someone, somewhere strives to do something special,” said Mayor Jon Netts. “Rachel is an inspiration, and is truly dedicated to the world of art, as the name of her local gallery proudly suggests: ‘I AM ART’.”