HART GALLERY GRAND OPENING
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, Florida on February 20th at 5.30pm, an excited crowd of friends, family and guests staying at the resort gathered for the event. Alexa Russo gave a heartfelt speech, welcoming artists Caroline and Laurie Hart into the CMA family. Caroline and Laurie also spoke, giving thanks to all who had helped bring the HART Gallery into reality, a special thanks was given in honor of the late Jimmy Buffett, the crowd cheered loudly and the ribbon was cut.
HART Gallery is now officially open to the public and guests staying at CMA 7 days a week, opening hours may differ for private events, so check prior to planning your visit.
“It’s literally a dream come true having the HART Gallery at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale. Our artwork has found a home right in the heart of paradise.” Caroline says, “We adore Jimmy Buffett’s music, it inspires us every day, transporting us to dreamed of places and good times, it’s always playing while we paint, conjuring up images in our minds that we put to canvas, from booze in the blender, to fantasy places where mermaids and pirates play.”
“Just as Jimmy’s music brings joy to the listener, we want our art to bring joy to the heart.” Says Laurie “We call it MARGARITA VIBES.”
“We are so thankful to Camp Margaritaville Auburndale for giving us this incredible opportunity, for embracing our art and welcoming us like a member of the family.” Says Caroline.
“Our hope for HART Gallery is to give people a place to come and relax, absorb our island style escapism art, and fall in love with a piece of paradise to take home with them.” Laurie explains.
Some of the friends, family and parrot heads who attended and were the first to view the featured HART originals and acrylic prints hung in the gallery. Also in attendance was Save the Manatee Club representative, Alexandria Russell. She was thrilled to see the featured wall dedicated to promoting their cause, which includes HART originals and adoptee certificates.
Gifts and messages received from HART lovers added to the celebration and touch the hearts of artists Caroline and Laurie.
HART Gallery is now available on the Camp Margaritaville Auburndale APP.
You can download the CAMP MARGARITAVILLE AUBURNDALE APP on your mobile device and discover more info about the HART Gallery. From about us, art pieces currently available, gallery hours, how to purchase and the inspiration that brought the idea to life for every art piece explained.
“Jimmy gave back though his music and we give back through our art and that is why we have partnered with Save the Manatee Club.” Says Laurie.
“Since moving to Florida full time one of the things we particularly love are the natural springs, the first time we visited Blue Springs we fell in love with the manatees who live there part time. These magnificent creatures have inspired many of our paintings.” Caroline says.
“Our manatee inspired HART Originals are extremely popular at Camp Margartiaville Auburndale’s Paradise Markets, pulling on the heartstrings of a like-minded manatee lovers.” Laurie explains.
“When we began planning what we wanted in the HART Gallery we knew we wanted to dedicate a wall to include our manatee artwork while promoting Save The Manatee Club.” Caroline says “The wall also features a display of some of our adopted manatees.”
“What could be better, giving back to a nonprofit organization established by Jimmy Buffett, and former U.S. Senator Bob Graham, while being situated right here in Camp Margaritaville.” Laurie says.
SIP AND PAINT WITH HART ART
“I absolutely love teaching the Sip and Paint class at Camp Margaritaville, Laurie goes a round the class helping everyone and we always have so much fun getting to know people.” Caroline explains “Together we guide everyone through the entire process, they start with a sketch that I pre-drawn on a blank canvas and end with their own finished piece of art.”
“People can chose to paint an individual canvas, or jointly as a couple. We have some people who get a bit competitive, eyeing up each others work but we always say its not a competition, we just want people to come along, unwind and while getting creative, there’s an artist in all of us.” Laurie adds.
“We do find the paintings get better as people sip through the evening!” Jokes Caroline.
“Each month we come up with a new theme for the class and really look forward to seeing everyone’s take on it.” Caroline says “The monthly Sip and Paint is open to CMA campers and the public. The event includes light refreshments and makes a great Date Night, Girls Night, or come solo and make new friends.”
“As well as our regular Sip and Paint classes, can arrange a private event at Camp Margaritaville, subject to date availability, contact the resort for more info.” Laurie suggests.
“Of course we chose to paint a manatee and margarita for one of our Sip and Paint classes which helped us adopt 2 more manatees. You can see the results from that night below.”
Follow Hart Art on Instagram @hartart2021 or theLexperience on Facebook for upcoming
Sip and Paint dates.
“When Camp Margaritaville offered us the chance of being a part of their vibrant Paradise Market, we jumped at the chance and this is where we first discovered we had found a real home for our style of art.” Says Laurie “This indoor market is the perfect way for us to connect with both visitors staying a CMA and local residents. We absolutely love meeting shoppers, hearing their stories and making real connections with people.”
“We’ve made some great new friends through the market, who have fallen in love with our artwork and taken it to their homes and hearts.” Explains Caroline “A variety of local small businesses take part in this event, held on select dates, which is open to the public and free to attend. As well as a shopping, you can also enjoy breakfast, lunch and drinks.”
2025 Market Dates
March 2nd & 16th, April 27th, May 18th, June 8th ~ More dates to follow
The Paradise Market is held from 9am - 2pm at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale,
361 Denton Ave, Auburndale, Fl 33823-2225
“For those people who aren’t able to visit the HART Gallery, or attend any of the Paradise Markets, we have expanded our online catalog of art prints which we will continue to add to as we create more HART originals.” Says Laurie.
ESCAPE TO PARADISE
You can begin planning your escape to paradise at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, Florida, and home of HART Gallery here
Wow!!!!!! It’s interesting that the Hart sisters do their painting on wood. I think their artworks are awesome. Thank you for sharing.