ArtTrends Gallery on St. Simons Island is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary year, showcasing fine original art by local artists Ella Cart, Dottie Clark, Trish Rugaber, Dina Deason, Don Farrell, and Paula Jo Lentz of St. Simons Island, Kathy Claxton of St. Marys, and Walter Hobbs of Valdosta. Launching a new decade on the island art scene, ArtTrends is excited to introduce its two newest artists, Paula Jo Lentz and Kathy Claxton, whose compelling artwork is on display in its summer group exhibition, “Coastal Canvas.” The public is invited to see all the new works during the St. Simons Island Art Stroll, an evening of art, culture, and community, on Thursday, July 17 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Paula Jo Lentz
An internationally featured artist, Paula Jo describes herself as currently residing “somewhere on Earth.” Growing up in Washington state, she spent many years travelling nomadically from Seattle to New Orleans, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Florida, Georgia, and countless other places along the way. An avid artist, Paula Jo dabbled in painting, cooking and stained glass for many years. She states: “Upon spiritual remembering, I dove into painting, channeling energy into abstract art. Flow is my process, creating with acrylic and mixed media, in my signature blues and gold. Inspired by the sea and the layering of timeline experiences, my creations carry a unique energetic signature.” Visitors to the gallery are captured by the color palette, textures, and moods she evokes from her abstract works.
Kathy Claxton
Inspired by the way light dances across the landscapes of Georgia’s Middle and Coastal regions, Kathy Claxton captures the vibrant beauty of sunrises and sunsets through her evocative oil paintings. Though she recognized her artistic talent early in life, Kathy pursued a traditional career in nursing. Now retired, she has returned to her creative roots, using her life experiences, local art classes, and self-guided exploration to shape her artistic voice. Oil is her current medium of choice, allowing her to express the depth and nuance of the natural world she loves. In 2024, Kathy debuted her work at the Georgia National Fair Fine Art Show, earning a first-place blue ribbon in the Art on Canvas category. She was honored again in 2025 with a blue ribbon from the Jekyll Island Art Association’s 50th Arts Festival for one of her oil paintings. Kathy continues to grow as an artist and looks forward to where this personal and creative journey will take her.
Come meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and discover the creativity that thrives on St. Simons Island. Stroll through ArtTrends and the other galleries participating in the Art Stroll and soak up the spirit of summer in this beloved island art tradition. For more information about ArtTrends Gallery, visit arttrends.gallery.
