Yolanda Roman
Most of my work has been done in Gulfport Florida (primary residence) and Wildwood New Jersey (summer home). My art medium is bright colorful acrylic paints on canvas. What inspires my “FunAcrylics” (https://www.facebook.com/YRomanFunAcrylics/) paintings are things I am passionate about — nature, structures, landmarks, destinations and robust colors. Since my first FunAcrylic piece in 2018, I have created almost 70 paintings to date, with a number of them requested commissions. Specifically throughout Gulfport, you can find my FunAcrylic renditions of the Gulfport Library, the Historic Peninsula Inn, Stella’s and the Gulfport History Museum. A great honor was showcasing my series “Painting the Town with Pride” (series of three paintings) at the 2019 Gulfport ArtOut exhibit (LGBTQ Artist and Allies) at the Gulfport Library. My greatest challenge to date, a fun challenge, was my FunAcrylic painting of the iconic Gulfport Casino on a large wood Adirondack chair (created for a charity auction supporting the Gulfport Multi-Purpose Senior Center Foundation). Today, I enthusiastically continue with my FunAcrylic paintings, hoping to create even more fun pieces of art for many to own and enjoy.
Paula Roy:
After moving to Gulfport three years ago, I began to pursue my dream of picking up a paint brush and exploring painting with oils on canvases. After a year of painting the beauty that surrounds us here, I applied for, and was granted the Gulfport Merchant Chamber’s “Rise & Shine Grant” for emerging artists. This opportunity offered me the spring board to bring my skills and initiatives to a new level. With the mentorships of both Brenda McMahon and Jack Providenti, two of Gulfport’s prominent artists, I was taught, nurtured and promoted. My love of plein air painting throughout this lovely community has deepened every day, despite a pandemic that kept us apart and isolated.
Barbara Busenbark:
After many years as a graphic designer, Barbara Busenbark moved into fine art. She finds inspiration comes in different forms. The way the light hits a field, the shape of a wave, the simple beauty of a flower, or the magical reflections after a rain shower all drive her desire to create. Working in both watercolor and oil, her subject matter determines her choice of paints. Travel is a source of inspiration so her body of work features landscapes from a variety of places. Barbara has displayed her work in juried shows throughout the northeast and several shows in Florida. She has won awards for her work. Formerly from New Hampshire she now resides in Bradenton with her husband.
MC Romanaux:
I offer the viewer a unique display of color, spunk, and shine, especially when I add Swarovski crystals to each piece. I live in Gulfport, Fl with my wife, Tori, and our three dogs.
Since moving to Florida in 2016, I have started to expand my designs ideas and medium. I use Acrylic mostly but then started adding extra elements to my paintings, such as pieces of tile, wires or misc items from my wife’s home improvement business, old jewelry and t-shirts. I have even added motorcycle parts to my art. My inspiration comes from my dogs, my love for riding my motorcycle, or colors in general.
I have had the love of art since I was in 1st grade. I dressed like a french artist for career day. Painting in the basement and throwing color on paper or even building little pieces of furniture with scraps, I have always loved to create and design. I am a self taught artist.
Larry Busby:
A Kentucky native, Larry joined the Navy in 1978 where attended the Naval Schools of Photography. He became a combat camera team member. He later earned his navy aircrew wings and was assigned to and flew on board reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft.
Following his navy career Larry became a Florida state park ranger and has worked with FEMA as a first responder where he served as a wildland firefighter and opening communities devasted by hurricanes operating chainsaws and heavy equipment.
Larry’s photography has been displayed at the Straz Performing Arts Center, The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, USF Contemporary Art Museum to name just a few. Larry’s work has appeared in national pubs such as AARP magazine and regularly in St. Life Magazine and Creative Loafing as well as others.
Larry will soon be retiring from the Florida Park Service and plans to dedicate most of his time to his art. Larry chose to settle in Gulfport because of the thriving artists enclave and sense community.
