Grassroots Artist Collective Celebrates Art with “Lost Between the Trees” Juried Exhibition News Release: 9/28/2026

NORTH PORT, Fla. (September 28, 2026) — The North Port Paint Posse, in partnership with title sponsor Halligan Design Production, proudly announces its upcoming 2025–2026 season finale exhibition, Lost Between the Trees. The juried show will open with a free public reception on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Gallery of North Port.

Born out of a shared desire for artistic connection and outdoor creation, the North Port Paint Posse spent the 2025–2026 fall and winter seasons meeting every Sunday across local parks, pine flatwoods, and palmetto thickets. Rejecting traditional coastal motifs, Lost Between the Trees focuses on what North Port feels like in the collective—a deep-rooted celebration of inland Florida’s native flora, natural sanctuaries, and community spirit.

“This exhibition isn’t just about pictures on a wall; it’s about the family we’ve built outdoors, brushstroke by brushstroke,” said Michele Moore, founder of the North Port Paint Posse. “When we put out the call for this series, we wanted to capture the true heart of our 104 square miles and showcase the incredible talent thriving right here in our backyard.”

Event Highlights & Reception Details:

• Featured Juried Artists: Showcasing works by James Aloysius Ahearn, Lauren Almarode, Billy Bean, Josh Cook, Lisa Galucci, T. K. Gray, Clare Harvey, Coco Hibbitts, Lenny Hoffman, Lindsay Marsh, Michele Moore, Phillip Moore, Lily Obsitnik, Natasha Picofsky, Carroll Stone, Asia Thomas, Lauren Waldrop, and Barbara Ann Wikoff.

• Culinary Experience: Guests will enjoy a gourmet reception menu prepared by Executive Chef Robert Sanders and The Gallery at North Port, featuring jumbo bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp, beef tartare on homemade potato chips, Mediterranean pita canapés, charcuterie, and complimentary house wine and beer.

• Artisan Sweets: Handcrafted chocolates will be served courtesy of Studio Sponsor Alma Artisan Chocolates & Sweets.

• Inaugural Award: The exhibition features a formal evaluation by a three-juror panel led by Ringling College faculty member Samantha Parkinson, alongside jurors DeeDee Gozian and Carolina Lacerda. A single Best Artist 2026 trophy, sponsored by ONDA Therapy Co., will be awarded during the reception.

The exhibition is hosted with generous backing from local community sponsors.

TITLE PRESENTING SPONSOR

• Halligan Design Production

HOST VENUE & CATERING PARTNER

• The Gallery of North Port

TROPHY SPONSOR

• ONDA Therapy Co.

STUDIO SPONSORS

• Foot 'n the Door Marketing

• SBG Insurance

• Que Rico | Que Dulce

• Alma Artisan Chocolates & Sweets

• Elevate Pride

PALETTE PARTNERS

• Debora Came

• Meridian Moving & Storage

CANVAS SUPPORTERS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

• Hoover Pressure

• North Port Natural Florists

• Mangrove Art Collective

• Images of Therapy

• Rainbow Financial

• Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County

• Tricia Bramble

• Top Clean Pros

• Neighborhood Land Conservancy

• Precise Financial Solutions

• Lolablue Living

SPECIAL THANKS

• Starbucks (Sumter & Price)

Event Info at a Glance:

• What: Lost Between the Trees Annual Art Reception

• When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Where: The Gallery at North Port (1322 N Main St, North Port, FL)

• Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information about the exhibition or to connect with the artists, call 941-899-4439 or visit northportpaintposse.my.canva.site.

About the North Port Paint Posse

The North Port Paint Posse is a community of local artists dedicated to proving that creativity thrives right here in North Port’s 104 square miles. Through regular plein air painting sessions, creative mentorship, and public showcases, the collective brings local creators together to build culture from the ground up.