Florida Artists Group

Artists Bio:

Betty Morris Parker was born in the Plateau Region of Virginia. She moved to Richmond, Virginia after completing a Commercial Art Course in Washington, D.C. School of Art. A position with State Farm Insurance Co. presented itself, which she accepted. After a year, she transferred to Daytona Beach, Florida where she met and married James Parker. After their three children were in school, Betty enrolled in, at the time named Daytona Beach Junior College which had just received accreditation. While seeking her associate degree, she returned to the business world. In 1985 she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.

Upon retiring as Regional Director of the American Lung Association, its Board of Directors presented her with a gift certificate to the Art League of Daytona Beach. There she was exposed to talented instructors which were instrumental in reviving her interest in painting with oils and watercolors. Numerous workshops provided opportunities to work with nationally known teachers. Studies took her to New York, Spring Maid in South Carolina, Monhegan Island, Maine and North Carolina.

After gaining confidence and a strong body of work, Betty purchased a tent and applied to an upcoming outdoor art show. Being accepted was the start of exposing her work to the community for 15 years.  During that time she began teaching a beginner drawing class for the Artists’ Workshop in New Smyrna Beach and continues to teach an ongoing class all year long.

Her collage work has won numerous awards at the Art League, Artists’ Workshop, St. Augustine Art Association Michigan, Maryland,  Illinois  and many of the outdoor art shows. The most prominent one was Best in Show in the DeLand Fall Fine Arts Festival in 2007.

Artist Statement:

Collaging and de-collaging paper which I have painted and sanded, excavating the layers, gluing over, repainting or mark making give me the satisfaction of being creative in a tactile way. It is a dimension above the commercial art and the realism courses I took when learning to master pen and ink, oil, watercolor and acrylics. My Expressionist art style is intended to depict a mood, or a feeling, evoked from a memorable experience.  It pleases me when the viewer responds in the same way.


Exhibitions:

2018 Two Artists Exhibit at Art Gallery on Mills, Orlando, Florida
2017 “Works On Paper” two artists exhibit at the HUB on Canal, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
As an active member of Beaux Arts of Central Florida, she has participated in its exhibitions in Daytona Beach Art League and various galleries in Orlando, Florida.
Solo Shows: 
2009, Art Space Gallery, New Smyrna Beach, FL
2008, Peabody Auditorium Rose Room Gallery, Daytona Beach, FL
2005, Artist of the Month  DeBary Mansion, Debary, Florida

She participated in Outdoor Fine Art Shows from 1995 until 2010

Education:

1986 Certified Health Educator (FAPHE)
1985 Bachelor of Arts, University of Central Florida
1953 Studied Commercial Art at the Washington School of Art
1951 Graduated from Orange High School, Orange, Virginia

Participated in numerous art workshops which include Wolf Kahn, Harold Garde, Skip Lawrence and Fran Larsen.  Studied 10 years with Steve Aimone, of Aimone Arts.

Employment:

Regional Director for 20 years with American Lung Association of Florida
State Farm Insurance

Volunteerism:

Board Member of the Volusia County Cultural Alliance
President of the Volusia County Cultural Alliance 2002 - 2004
President of The Artists’ Workshop 1998 – 2001
Board Member of the Daytona Beach Art League
Board Member of The Beaux Arts of Central FL

Other:

Judge, Illustrator of Children’s Books, Presenter, Drawing Instructor