Abstract artist Nancy Botsford of St. Simons Island, GA started in a tiny kiosk in the Village at the Pier in 2016 but realized just two months later expansion was necessary. In addition to broadening her passion for her own art, her dream was to provide more space to host events & showcase the work of other artists. Since this past October, she's been doing just that.

Botsford's very first painting was titled, "Heart into God's Love" & was inspired after her 40th birthday when she felt God was urging her to show her creativity through art. Today, Nancy enjoys all forms of art including: acrylic flow with varnish, oil, writing, painting silk scarves, wrapped beach jewelry, marbled housewares, pottery, & mixed media. But her favorite form of art is acrylic flow on a large 36x36 canvas. She says her art changes depending on her environment. Botsford has also authored a book titled, “A Day in Hell," a testimony about hope, inspiration, & second chances.

Nancy's ultimate dream is to have an art showing in New York City but for now, she is focusing on showcasing other local artists through pop-ups, paint parties, & hosting charity events, in addition to investing in communities in Gonaïves, Haiti to support women entrepreneurs by selling their goods in her boutique. She says in the near future, there will be more opportunities for bridal & corporate art parties & raising funds through auctions.

To honor the 2018 "South Georgia's Finest" Charity Calendar, Nancy will be hosting an Appreciation Night in her art gallery on the island on March 3 from 5-8pm where there will be wine & refreshments. The amazing ladies of Peakcock Productions are coordinating this event & it will be this project's final push to raise funds for local charities before it closes out.

In addition to the Appreciation Night, Nancy is hosting an abstract art party, Paint Island Style, on February 22 from 5-7pm & a pineapple themed art party on March 1 from 5-7pm. Tickets are $40 & you can visit her website for more information.

Visit Nancy at her gallery, Island Gallery & Boutique, at 1624 Frederica Road right across from Redfern Village, follow her on Facebook, & visit her main website at http://islandgalleryart.net.