Previous Artwork:
Sea Turtle
Big Fish, Little Fish
This striking and vivid painting, situated on a sidewalk in Sarasota County, artistically captures the essence of the aquatic food chain in the Gulf of Mexico. The artwork, rendered on a long, narrow canvas reminiscent of an ocean depth view, illustrates an intricate chain reaction of marine life where big fish eat smaller fish, and those smaller fish, in turn, feed on even tinier aquatic creatures. The vast blue background evokes the serene yet dynamic underwater environment that is quintessential to Sarasota's coastal areas. This piece stands as a symbolic reference to the delicate and interconnected marine ecosystem upon which the county’s natural beauty and economy largely depend.
Sarasota County, known for its exquisite coastline and rich biodiversity, has a deep historical and cultural connection with the ocean. The depiction of the food chain is more than an aesthetic choice; it serves as a reminder of the ecological balance that sustains local fisheries and marine reserves. The painting also highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts, which aim to protect these intricate food webs from the pressures of overfishing, pollution, and climate change. By showcasing this natural hierarchy, the artwork educates residents and visitors alike about the importance of preserving the health and diversity of Sarasota’s marine life, ensuring that the cycles of life in the Gulf continue to thrive for generations to come.
Artist
Anita Wexler
Anita Wexler is a dynamic mixed-media artist whose work bridges personal history, cultural identity, and spiritual exploration. Born and raised in a small rural town in Illinois, she grew up with limited access to traditional art materials, often turning to drawing and doodling as a form of emotional and creative expression. Her Native American heritage—particularly her Cherokee roots—deeply influences her artistic themes and symbolic choices. After graduating high school, Wexler served in the United States Navy, an experience that broadened her perspective and later informed her global artistic vision. She eventually settled in New York City, where she pursued formal art education, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design and an Art Education certification from Bank Street College. She later obtained a Master of Education from National Louis University.
Wexler’s work is defined by her bold use of color, symbolic layering, and eclectic fusion of materials and styles. Often described as Primitive Pop Art, her art spans painting, illustration, assemblage, and sculpture. Her creative process is intensely personal and often spiritual, with recurring themes of transformation, identity, and inner discovery. World travel plays a key role in her inspiration, with artistic influences drawn from her journeys through India, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Europe. Among her notable series is the “Totem Series,” a body of work that reinterprets traditional Native American totems through a modern, mixed-media lens.
Beyond her studio practice, Wexler is also an accomplished art educator, having taught high school art in Sarasota, Florida. She believes strongly in the power of art as a tool for personal growth and cultural dialogue. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is included in private collections, including those of notable figures like actress Jane Seymour and artist William Wegman. She has also made appearances on HGTV programs such as Isn’t That Clever and Crafters Coast to Coast. Through her art and teaching, Anita Wexler continues to explore the intersection of memory, culture, and creativity, inviting viewers into a richly layered and emotionally resonant world.
www.anitawexler.com & Instagram: @artbyanitawexler
Sponsored By
The Exchange
The Exchange (formally The Women's Exchange) is dedicated to the support of Sarasota and Manatee counties' local arts community since its inception in 1962, over 260 dedicated volunteers work to ensure that the ever changing inventory is filled to the brim with such amazing finds as Baccarat crystal, Tiffany silver, Gucci handbags, fine jewelry, men's/women's clothing, high-end furniture and oriental rugs. The Exchange plays a crucial role in the community, as well as providing visitors with a quirky retail experience. Awarding more than $8.5 million dollars in grants and scholarships, we invite you to come see how "Together We Can Make a Difference."