Eleanor Merritt

Selected works from the last 60 years have been included in this exhibition, to mark the transitions which have taken place in my work and in my life. Although my imagery is mainly figurative, the concepts behind the visual statement deals with very personal expressions. Actually, this exhibition is a sum total of a 60-year journey as a woman of color who is also an artist.

During that journey, I have made political statements; personal statements revolving around close relationships in my life; statements about the condition of women and the roles they play; statements about the connections I feel to my ancestry; statements about the spirituality and the strength of women. Some themes are repeated; they seem to re-emerge as I try to express the moment, the concept, in a better way.

The most important turning point for me in terms of style and technique came when I changed from painting in oils, then to acrylics and then moved to water-based media. I have found in that transition the freedom of working with color and the ability to achieve greater fluidity in line and brush. The use of collage and mixed-media techniques has opened and expanded my vision to perhaps a more abstract image; but certainly one which I still feel is strongly expressive of who I am as an artist.

To read more about this show, please visit:
SRQ Magazine: “Retrospective Exhibit Celebrates Artist Eleanor Merritt” by Philip Lederer.
Broadway World Review: “Eleanor Merritt Art Exhibit at Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County” by Carolan Trbovich.

Collectors & Selections

Several works were purchased during the showing.

Ira Kasdan was gifted Ancestral Dream Dance for his birthday by his wife, Victoria.

Carrying Firewood was chosen by James and Caryl to compliment their extensive art collection.

Julie and Gordon Albert were delighted to bring home Green Goddess.

Tears in the Rain is now owned by Pat Chatard.

Reception Photos

The Retrospective Artists Reception took place February 9, 2017, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Eleanor Merritt with Alliance Executive Director Jim Shirley.

The artist and her daughter, Lori Merritt, with the work MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS.

Ms. Merritt describes her work JAMIE AND ME.

In her opening statement, the artist describes her career and the evolution of her work over 60 years.

We had a great turn out of both old friends and new!

Harriett and Clarence congratulate Ms. Merritt on the retrospective show.

The buffet included HARMONY rolls, a creation of JPan Restaurant, inspired by the painting of the same name.

Eleanor Merritt, Lori Merritt and painting Grandma was 105.

The artist, with her works ANGEL OF MERCY – 911 (left) and CARRYING FIREWOOD (right).