GECKO ART SHOW
Gulfport Merchants Chamber 10th Annual Gecko Art Show
🎨 Kick off Gecko World in true Gulfport style!
Join us for the 10th Annual Gecko Art Show on Friday, August 1, from 6–8 PM at the Catherine Hickman Theater (5501 27th Ave. S.). This lively evening marks the official launch of Gecko World, Gulfport’s month-long end-of-summer celebration—and this year, we’re going all out with the theme “25 Years and Still Weird!”
Expect an eclectic showcase of original works by nine talented local artists, all created in the spirit of Gulfport’s unique charm and creativity. From bold paintings to imaginative mixed media, this event highlights the quirky, colorful soul of our arts-loving community. While the kickoff event is one night only, all exhibited artwork will remain on display at the Catherine Hickman Theater through August 22, 2025—giving art lovers plenty of time to explore the show throughout the month.
Enjoy catered small bites, sip on your favorite drink from the cash bar (featuring beer and wine), and mingle with fellow art lovers, locals, and GeckoFest fans. Whether you’re a collector, a supporter of local art, or just ready to get weird with us—this is the perfect way to dive into the Gecko festivities. 🦎🎉
Don’t miss this event that kicks off a month of music, dancing, costumes, and unforgettable Gulfport fun!
Free admission | All are welcome
Let’s get weird, Gulfport!
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Meet The Artists
Ray Domingo
After graduating on a full scholarship from Cooper School of Art, Ray Domingo earned international recognition and numerous awards as an illustrator and graphic designer. He finds endless inspiration from the sea. Today, Ray’s vibrant paintings are dynamic depictions of the ocean’s ever-changing moods—from the silent serenity of a living coral reef to the breathtaking explosiveness of a life-and-death chase in the open sea. His work combines technical precision with imaginative storytelling, reflecting both his artistic skill and deep respect for marine life.Â
Eric Folsom
Eric began a metal apprenticeship in 1977 in Sperryville, VA, with artist George Anderson. He learned metal skills; the use of torches, pliers, cutters, grinders, and shaping tools to fabricate art from bronze and copper. Eric first exhibited at art and craft shows in 1979. He returned to Pinellas County in 1995 and from his studio in Gulfport, is making work and accepting public and private commissions. Most recently, as a nod to his first adult career, he has been recycling bicycle parts to make gates and other sculptural objects using the same techniques that he employs in his jewelry.
Cedar Kindy
Cedar Kindy is a nationally recognized plein-air and studio artist known for her expressive work in watercolor, gouache, and oil. A graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago, she studied under masters like Irving Shapiro and Nita Engle and has spent over 30 years painting landscapes, markets, and coastal scenes across the U.S. and Mexico. Celebrated for her vibrant style and approachable teaching philosophy—“Watercolor will paint itself, if you let it”—Cedar has earned top honors in plein air competitions and regularly teaches workshops in Florida and Michigan.
Nancy Poucher
Nancy Poucher is a vibrant pastel artist, best known as the founder of the Gulfport Plein Air Artists. Rooted in a lifelong practice of painting coastal landscapes and serene seascapes, her soft pastel works capture the shifting rhythms of wind, light, and tide—evoking a sense of calm “hypnotic stillness”. After summers spent honing her craft on Cape Cod, Nancy relocated to Gulfport in 2020. Here, she continues to celebrate her surroundings, transforming familiar local scenes— like boats, birds , and local businesses—into deeply personal pastel paintings that shine with both immediacy and quiet reflection.
Deserie Valloreo
Founder of the DRV Gallery, Deserie Valloreo is a self-taught painter based in St. Pete Beach. Although she had always felt a calling to create, it wasn’t until 2017 that she formally began her artistic journey by enrolling in her first painting class. Since then, Deserie has continued to refine her craft through independent study and collaboration with fellow artists. Her bold use of color and fascination with light result in works that often feel slightly surreal, inviting viewers to see the world through a more vibrant lens. Deserie’s work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Cedar Kindy
Cedar Kindy is a nationally recognized plein-air and studio artist known for her expressive work in watercolor, gouache, and oil. A graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago, she studied under masters like Irving Shapiro and Nita Engle and has spent over 30 years painting landscapes, markets, and coastal scenes across the U.S. and Mexico. Celebrated for her vibrant style and approachable teaching philosophy—“Watercolor will paint itself, if you let it”—Cedar has earned top honors in plein air competitions and regularly teaches workshops in Florida and Michigan.
Paula Roy
Four decades after posing as an artist’s model at the University of New Hampshire, Paula Roy returned to the art world—this time as a painter. Following a career in social work as a psychotherapist, guidance counselor, and university instructor, she began channeling her creative energy into oil painting and yoga instruction. In 2023, she was awarded the GMC’s Rise & Shine Grant for emerging artists, which helped launch her full-time art journey. Paula now paints daily and can often be found with her easel in Gulfport, FL or Portsmouth, NH, capturing the charm of local landscapes.Â
Julie Armstrong
Julie Armstrong is a Gulfport-based plein air artist whose work combines her love of coastal Florida with decades of creative experience. Trained in graphic design, Julie spent over 30 years working in the advertising and print industries before retiring to Gulfport, Florida. Her return to art has allowed her to explore new materials and perspectives, with a particular focus on mixed media. Julie’s work often captures the textures, colors, and atmosphere of Florida’s shoreline, as seen in her piece “Beach Access.” she brings a thoughtful blend of design precision and natural inspiration to every canvas.
Margo Dalgetty
Margo Dalgetty moved from Maryland to Gulfport, Florida, about 11 years ago and transformed part of her duplex into a collaborative gallery space for local artists. As admin of the Gulfport Florida Artists Facebook group she organizes art challenges and zero-commission shows to support and inspire the community. She founded the inclusive Art in the Yard event to offer artists a welcoming, accessible way to connect with buyers and each other.With a fine art background and experience teaching, Margo has created polymer clay jewelry for over 35 years, painted for 25, and is now exploring textiles.Â
