Brenda Watty
Brenda Watty, depicted in this vibrant and intricate painting, holds a special place in Sarasota County's cultural tapestry. As a member of the legendary girl group, the Marvelettes, Watty contributed to a significant era in music history, characterized by the soul-stirring melodies and infectious rhythms of Motown. This painting beautifully captures her essence, surrounded by an array of vividly colored flowers that symbolize her powerful and enduring influence on the music scene. The artwork, detailed with bright, expressive strokes and surrounded by intricate feathery patterns, serves as a homage to Watty's contributions to the arts and her connection to Sarasota’s rich musical heritage.
Having spent a significant part of her career in Sarasota, Brenda Watty's presence in the local community transcends her musical accomplishments. This painting, prominently displaying her name and the moniker "Marvelous Marvelette," is a testament to her impact beyond just her vocal talents. It symbolizes the embrace and celebration of diverse cultural influences within Sarasota County. Watty’s continuous engagement with the local community, through performances and educational endeavors, echoes Sarasota's commitment to nurturing arts and culture. The painting not only celebrates a musical icon but also underscores the importance of arts as a vital lifeline connecting historical legacy to contemporary cultural identity in Sarasota County.
Artist
Beck Lane
Beck Lane
Beck Lane has been an artist & painter, in various forms, off & on for over 4 decades but in 2010 the artist decided to dedicate themselves fully to developing intent-filled artwork, getting it in galleries & building a base of serious collectors. As a result, Beck’s paintings can be found in collections from across the US to South America to Israel to Qatar & multiple places in between. And although, for the last 12 years, their focus has been placed on producing figure & portrait work of marginalized, historically significant & forgotten people, Beck did spend decades doing decorative painting, creating commercial work & illustrations as well as paintingmurals for private homes & businesses around theirnative Cape Cod.
Lane also spent some time as the art department for Trader Joe’s on Cape Cod where they not only created multiple small (5ft x 3ft) & larger (7ft plus) murals for the 11,000 sq ft store but was also in charge of all signage, they consulted with or mentored Trader Joe’s artists across the country & was ranked one of the top 5 artists within the company, nationwide. The job challenged Beck to develop the ability to create up to 2 dozen large & small illustrations a day & organizational skills they continue to use.
Since moving to Sarasota in 2017, Beck has become known as a studio painter with work in galleries & shows. However lately, people & organizations have been tapping into the artists other areas of expertise such as lettering, illustration & mural design. Included in their more recent projects are several 8ft x 10ft chalkboard murals for social activist Zander Moricz & his Sarasota based social justice org SEE Alliance as well as 11 sidewalk illustrations for Avenue of Art/Chalk Festival.
Other projects Beck has underway include a children's book series; murals for the city of Sarasota;the development of 55 portraits of Frida Kahlo, several local solo & group shows, two artist residencies as well as artist talks. In essence, Lane isan artist who is uniquely experienced in several areas. Their abilities are agile while they are driven, & have the organizational skills to be able to tackle opportunities both large & small.
In spring 2024, Beck Lane became the recipient of the Halo Art Projects Fellowship award, an award given to select artists by a board made up of philanthropists & professional artist peers. Beck also became the first individual artist to receive the Johnson/Singer Award, a privately run group of cultural enthusiasts. Both groups are dedicated to choosing artists or art organizations based on not only need & ability but the artist(s) or art organization whose work has cultural & social justice influence.
Professional & personal references are available on request
Sponsored By
Visit Sarasota
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County, where tourism is the top industry. Mission: We make Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage.