arts & entertainment

A rare two-person show featuring art works produced by Sharon and Sean Sexton
over four decades will open Friday with a reception at the Center for Spiritual Care in
Vero Beach. The couple has never before exhibited together in this way. The reception
is open to all from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1550 24 th St., two blocks north of the main library.
Their retrospective, called “Collaboration: Together Through Time,” will include
new works as well as earlier paintings, works on paper, ceramics, and journals.
“It’s a unique chance to see how these master artists have developed over time
and how their work has influenced each other,” says Center director Carol Ludwig. “It’s
also an opportunity to see exactly how their styles and subjects differ and have varied
from the other’s approach.”

Sharon’s mosaics, murals and paintings and ceramics grace public and
commercial spaces throughout Indian River County, from Royal Palm Pointe Park and
the city’s Hibiscus logo to restaurants and private homes.  She was a co-founder of the
popular Tiger Lily Studio and Gallery, a Vero arts community landmark for 30 years
before it closed in 2020.

 Sean’s paintings can be seen in museums throughout the South, including at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.  He is a highly regarded ceramic sculptor and his character-
revealing oil portraits and landscapes document a Florida most of its inhabitants are unfamiliar with. The Indian River County Poet Laureate, his literary work appears frequently in online journals.  His latest volume of poetry, “Portals,” was released in January by North Carolina’s Press 53.  He is a featured guest at national poetry festivals.

On Thursday, April 20, the Sextons will trade reminiscences about creating art while married to another artist with two major writers from Florida State University, Barbara Hamby and David Kirby.  Each couple has been working together for more than 40 years in a variety of environments.

This encounter will take place at the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23 rd  St. at 7 p.m. under the sponsorship of the Center in cooperation with Community Church and The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation.  Reservations, which are necessary, may be made by calling 772-567-1233.  Suggested donation is $10.00.