Trail of Spray

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s Spadefish Gallery newest showcase is an exhibit entitled “High Surf Advisory” featuring works created by world acclaimed artist, Gary Cleaveland with Red Flag Surf Studio. Cleaveland is a self taught artist who uses the rhythm of ocean tides as his muse to create sensational works of art.

Cleaveland catches the raw beauty of waves using an array of non-traditional mediums. He captures deep blues, vibrant turquoises and crisp whites by using cans of ordinary spray paint. This exhibit showcases a stunning collection of original, recently completed, large-scale, wave paintings. Works are for sale and can be purchased by contacting the artist directly at www.redflagsurfstudio.com. “High Surf Advisory” will be on exhibit March 1 - April 28, 2011.

The Spadefish Gallery at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases local artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium’s mission of “Inspiring Appreciation and Conservation of North Carolina’s Aquatic Environment” is located on the second floor of the Marine building, near the auditorium.

From Boards to Beauty

One artist’s hunt for the perfect surfboard led to the creation of unique works of art now on display at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Raffaele Paglia’s artwork, which showcases the deep bond between surfers and the environment, will be on display in the Spadefish Gallery from June to September.

The mixed media art brings a whole new meaning to hidden treasures. The artwork, which was created from used and weathered skim boards and surfboards, now hosts mesmerizing patterns that Paglia painted, such as loggerhead sea turtles. On display will be three painted skim boards, one surfboard, and a kneeboard. There will also be numerous paintings, and a 2 dimensional wall piece of a Carolina Moon, Paglia’s signature piece.

After moving to Carolina Beach three years ago, Paglia decided he wanted to learn how to surf. After searching for the perfect artwork on a board, Paglia wanted to create his own designs. After spending a great deal of his professional career in the fashion industry as a designer/illustrator, he was confident that this task would be an adventure. While delving into research about surfboards, Paglia found himself immersed in the history of Carolina Beach. He has created several large works of art incorporating the towns’ history that have been on display throughout Carolina Beach.

The Spadefish Gallery at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases local artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium’s mission of “Inspiring Appreciation and Conservation of North Carolina’s Aquatic Environment” is located on the second floor, near the auditorium.

Her Toes in the Sand and Camera by Her Side

Kristen Edgell’s photography can put the hardened of hearts at ease. Her work, which is being exhibited in the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s Spadefish Gallery, is full of peace and tranquility captured through the eyes of the a beach lover. Her photographs portray the heart and soul of the Wilmington waters in her “Coastal Carolinas” collection.

Edgell, a newcomer to the Wilmington area, has long been a fan of many mediums of art, yet it was videography and oil painting that she eventually fell for. It wasn’t until she moved to the coastal environment that her passion for photography blossomed.

Edgell states, “My best teacher in any medium of art has been practice. After moving to Wilmington my interest in photography was ignited by the beauty of the beaches and coasts that were so close to me.”

Photography became the entryway for Edgell to pursue her passion for film. She started Diamond Cut Productions, focusing on wedding videography.

Edgell says, “The company strives to create a meaningful and artistic living scrapbook for our clients, and although it is mainly a video based business, her photography still inspires all her work.”

The Spadefish Gallery at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases local artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium’s mission of “Inspiring Appreciation and Conservation of North Carolina’s Aquatic Environment” is located on the second floor, near the auditorium.

A Look at Life Through a Lens

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher invites you to view the peaceful moments in life with its new Spadefish gallery art exhibit. “Photography by Matt Lettrich” will be on display September- November. The exhibit showcases breathtaking photographs of coastal landscapes with unique lighting and remarkable perspectives.

After taking a darkroom studio photography course in high school, Lettrich became entranced by photography. The class credit quickly morphed into a passionate hobby. Lettrich enjoys engaging in outdoor activities and snapping shots of subjects that enhance his experience. His camera always accompanies him in case the perfect shot arises, such as waves crashing underneath a pier or a fisherman lifting a cast net out of the water at sunset. Matt currently attends the University of North Carolina Wilmington as a graduate student in the Marine Science program.

The Spadefish gallery at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases local artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium’s mission of “Inspiring Appreciation and Conservation of North Carolina’s Aquatic Environment” is located on the second floor, near the auditorium.

*Photo by Matt Lettrich entitled "Fisherman Silhouette"