The Art of Summer

By Jordan Staggs | Photography courtesy of Curate 30a

A painting or photograph instills a new perspective in the viewer. Sometimes it’s one that was meticulously curated by the artist as a visual story to behold. Other times, the viewer may see something entirely unique to them. This is the beauty of creating and consuming art; no two experiences with a piece are ever the same. What a thrill to know that humanity has created such a form of communication that no machine can ever truly master. This summer, owner Gary Handler and the team at Curate 30a Gallery in Rosemary Beach, Florida, have pulled together a selection of original paintings that evoke the distinct sense of summertime. Feast your eyes on works by acclaimed artists and soak in the sunshine, patriotic pride, and nostalgia of beach days and waterfront contemplation as you peruse this collection.

Plaid Columns

Artist Rob Matre, AKA Plaid Columns, is a gallerist, musician, and mixed media artist based in Atlanta. His pseudonym first appeared as a band name in the 1990s, but today is the signature of his often brightly colored photography-meets-paint works depicting nostalgic moments, famous musicians and athletes, maps and scenes from the Southeast, and sunny days on 30A beaches.

Josef Kote

Described as “symphonies of light and color,” Kote’s gorgeous artworks in this collection depict serene days by the shore and sunlight reflected off the waves. There’s nothing more perfectly summery than a walk along a sandy path to a pristine beach and gently rolling waves, and you can practically hear the gulls cry when you behold this artist’s work.

Stephen Harlan

Harlan’s Water’s Edge collection is quintessential for those who want a summertime or nautical vibe without the typical “beachy” look. His high-contrast backgrounds with neon and bright colors give a pop art feel that still evokes the coast. Harlan’s digital artwork has been featured at high-level galleries across the United States and Europe.

Steven Quartly

This artist of serene landscapes and hopeful images has been painting since he was thirteen years old. With a sense of beauty yet a touch of what he describes as “mystery” or “melancholy” hidden beneath the surface, Quartly’s work is both thoughtful and touching. His beach scenes and American flag images round out a collection to celebrate summer and beyond.

Simon Kenevan

London-born artist Simon Kenevan is also inspired by the shore and the waves beyond it. After growing up on the southern coast of England, he worked aboard a fishing vessel for some time. He later bought his own fourteen-foot rowboat and entrenched himself in the practice of meditating on nature’s wonder, beauty, and power. That majesty and love come through in his works today, with sunlight, color, and texture guiding the viewer to worlds both near and far.

Visitors to Florida’s 30A area can discover these and other artists during special events at Curate 30a Gallery in the heart of Rosemary Beach throughout the year. Some upcoming 2026 exhibitions include: John-Mark Gleadow from June 23–26, Simon Kenevan from July 8–15, and Steven Quartly from July 27–August 5. It’s time to celebrate summer!

— V —

---

Visit Curate30a.com to learn more, inquire about sales, and see more featured artists.