Photography/Graphics

Here you'll find First Coast Art Spot photographers in the order in which they joined the Art Spot.

Joanelle Mulrain “Through a myriad of experiences and travels that have broadened my mind and pleased my soul, I am now back to my roots painting and photographing, as well as writing books.  Through my painting, I express the beautiful cattails in their wild and willowy manner in the swamps and tributaries of the St. Johns River and beyond.  I have grown up with these beautiful strands of green and brown, and they tend to follow me wherever I go.  They are different throughout our country and abroad.  They are sentinels for our environment.  My range of color is exciting to work with and my tools are decades old, recently found and now reused.  Through my photography I capture in a very simple way what I see with my eye and now am able to share with others, such as the reflections of the wild swamp and marsh and the nuances of color throughout the natural landscape.  Through my words in my book I am able to touch those in the midst of change and support their move forward.  I have found my place for a while.  I am blessed to be able to share my passion.”

The Nicki Leach Foundation At seventeen Nicki Leach was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. But Nicki never stopped smiling--even though she lost her reading ability, could not speak and became blind in one eye. As her illness progressed, Nicki found comfort in her camera, taking pictures outside.  She left behind her beautiful photographs that have been reproduced for framing as well as greeting cards. All proceeds from sale of her photographs support the Nicki Leach Foundation which honors her request to help others suffering with cancer.  "Don't frown because it's over...smile because it happened."

Wyanne Thompson "Upstairs Diva" Wyanne has been selling her work on the Internet for over 10 years. She works in a broad variety of mediums from painting, sculpture, altered art and jewelry. She also offers mentoring for artists interested in expanding their business on the Internet. Wyanne's work centers around strong, bold, opinionated women and their loves. The women of her paintings are affectionately called "divas". There are 22 steps to get to her boutique studio loft. Hence, the name "Upstairs Diva".  Her work can also be found on Etsy and Ebay.

Photography by Araceli Diaz Born in Lima, Peru, Araceli Diaz immigrated to the United States at the age of 21 and never went back. Educated in both Lima and the States, she has a varied background including architecture, construction, set design, and CADD design. Ara now applies those skills to photography, including some spectacular panoramic views of the Jacksonville area. See her work here as well as in several galleries and frameries around town. A permanent display with 12 of her canvases can also be seen at the new Community Center and Exhibition Hall in Jacksonville Beach.