The Studio Before the Storms
I’ve never heard of another art studio in a century-old former island resort cabana that has taken a direct hit from a Category 3 hurricane, was flooded three times in three months, and is still here to continue telling its story. But that sums up the Coconut Treehouse Studio, as I call it. Does this make the studio magical? Blessed? Maybe there’s some special energy in the air now — a fortitude and wisdom from having seen so much. I’d like to stick around and find out.
Last summer, when I was first submitting this story, I described my studio in peaceful terms: “It’s a small but inspiring space in our historical home on Siesta Key, just off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. I can hear the boaters and seabirds that also call this barrier island home. We are tucked up high in the native palms, with huge poinciana trees that bloom red when the tarpon run, and banyan trees that have been here for ages. My studio is filled with coastal treasures from our adventures, along with antiques and Palm Beach-style furniture I’ve found at bargain prices (so they aren’t too precious to get paint on). I also have kid-friendly art supplies and extra easels for whenever my little boys want to join in on painting.”
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