News Summary
Renowned landscape painter Dean Gioia will hold an Artist Talk and Gallery Tour at Tallahassee State College Fine Art Gallery. Open to the public, attendees can engage with Gioia and learn about his artistic process. The event complements his exhibition, ‘Visiting Light,’ showcasing his landscape artistry. The talk will be moderated by Amanda Karioth Thompson and offers insights into Gioia’s creative journey, painting techniques, and recent community projects. Free admission and parking are available for all visitors.
Tallahassee – Renowned landscape painter Dean Gioia will host an Artist Talk and Gallery Tour on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Tallahassee State College Fine Art Gallery. The event is free and open to the public, allowing attendees to engage with Gioia and gain insights into his artistic process.
The Artist Talk, which begins at 6 p.m., will be moderated by Amanda Karioth Thompson, a local arts consultant and advocate. This discussion is designed as a special complement to Gioia’s solo exhibition titled “Visiting Light,” which showcases his mastery in capturing the natural beauty and light found in landscapes. The exhibition will be on display through Oct. 9, with visiting hours from Mondays to Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.
As one of the most prominent artists in North Florida and the Big Bend area, Gioia has spent over 50 years documenting regional landscapes. His work has been widely recognized, with exhibitions throughout the Southeastern United States. Gioia has received an Individual Artist Fellowship from the state of Florida, and his paintings are included in hundreds of public and private collections, including notable organizations such as IBM and the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Artistic Background and Influences
In addition to his acclaimed painting career, Gioia is also an author, having published two books: “Turn of Light” and “Illuminated.” His artwork has received exposure through various media formats, including films, CD cover art, and magazines, such as Tallahassee Magazine.
During the Artist Talk, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear Gioia reflect on his creative journey, including the inspirations behind his work. His painting techniques involve starting with a dark underpainting to achieve luminosity and emotional resonance with natural landscapes. He collects landscape photographs to fuel his inspiration, striving to evoke a sense of the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Recent Projects and Community Engagement
Gioia has also collaborated with Connors Steak & Seafood to showcase 11 of his original paintings that highlight the character and beauty of the Tallahassee area, with some works priced as high as $6,000. In addition, he participated in an “FSU Autism Institute Charity Night” event on April 24, which featured a chef-curated dinner and an online auction for his artwork to benefit the Florida State University Autism Institute, reflecting his commitment to community causes.
His recent “Haunted” exhibition at the Gadsden Arts Center further explores spiritual themes through landscapes, responding to the challenges posed by the pandemic by merging fear with creativity in his artwork. Gioia continues to find joy and engagement in the artistic process, motivating him to produce work that speaks to both his artistic vision and the surrounding natural beauty.
For those interested in attending the Artist Talk and Gallery Tour, free admission and parking are available on the Tallahassee State College campus at the Fine and Performing Arts Center, located at 444 Appleyard Drive. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from a distinguished artist and explore the richly textured landscapes he captures through his art.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Dean Gioia Artist Talk
- Tallahassee.com: Dean Gioia Haunted Exhibit
- Tallahassee.com: Day in the Life of Dean Gioia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Landscape Painting
- Google News: Dean Gioia
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
