Written by Lucia Winkler
"Encaustic & Waterworks", a new exhibit at the Highlands Museum of Art (MoTA) in Sebring, features the work of Polk County artists Kathy Stutzman and Sharon Surrency. Though their forms and styles share very few similarities, this distinct showcase calls attention to the close-knit art community in Florida and a mutual passion for creation.
Both featured artists are leading figures in the Polk County arts. Surrency recently received an award at the Polk Arts and Culture Alliance Hall of Fame, named “Arts and Culture Volunteer of Year” for her dedication to the Lakeland Arts Association. Each commonly showcases their work at local art galleries and are set apart by their many accolades.
Surrency is a master of watercolor painting. She was drawn to the practice because she liked the challenge and the result. "Particularly, I like the freedom," she commented. Her work highlights the individual as a moment in time like a Mary Cassatt painting would, but also appreciates the picturesqueness of the classic flower and natural elements. Much of her art depicts treasured memories from her own life.
Her formal degree is in education, but she also worked in corporate art alongside her husband. After retirement, she has had more time to pursue her craft.
Teaching a class on watercolor painting, Surrency aims for her art to inspire students to enjoy the medium. She hopes to be there for the younger generation of artists, supporting them as they evolve through their career.
Modern encaustic painting reminisces ancient practices of the regal Egyptian and Byzantine societies. It involves the painting of molten wax applied to a hard surface, ultimately displaced as an art form by the favor of oil painting in 7th century Europe. However, it has recently been revived by crafting communities on social media.
When Stutzman had first moved to Florida, her husband was frequently on the road. She had always had an interest in art, and took advantage of having more time on her hands to pick up the hobby. After stumbling upon a YouTube video on the Encaustic art form, she was intrigued by its unique niche and decided to learn the skill.
Stutzman's work is very quaint, often echoing themes of nature and small towns. She also commonly utilizes pre-existing materials, including milk cartons, twigs found in nature, and even a broken chair that she dragged out of a garbage can. Most of the colors are muted, such as light tans, browns, and soft greens.
The exhibit will be on display through Friday, Apr. 17. MoTA is located in a central hub in Sebring, where a history museum, theater, and cultural center are all within walking distance from the art gallery. The cherishing of localized community in this artistic hotspot is distinct to any other area in Florida - and makes Sebring worth the visit.