Mixed Media
Member of Flag since
2021
Judy’s Bio:
After raising a family and retiring from a business career, I ventured into my new career in the arts in 1999 by joining local art clubs, but soon found out that although I could draw, I did not know how to paint. So, I decided to start my own outdoor painting group in order to learn from other “seasoned” artists to expedite my learning curve. The “Shoreline Plein Air Painters” was then borne, and within a few years it blossomed to a list of about 100 artists who met weekly at different sites along the shoreline of Connecticut. My unusual education in art worked perfectly, and I soon was getting active in art clubs, winning prizes, selling art, and even had students of my own.
In 2005 my husband Bob and I moved to Florida, and I immediately immersed myself into the very active arts community on the Treasure Coast, joining and volunteering in arts organizations and clubs, and becoming an artist/partner in the Artists Guild Gallery of Vero Beach. In 2012 our daughter, her husband and new baby moved here, further enriching our lives.
In 2016, after serving in the Sebastian River Art Club as Gallery Administrator, Secretary, and Vice President, I was then elected President. During my administration I developed the “Lagoon Show,” a very successful yearly exhibition, and streamlined our operation to be more inclusive, professional and profitable. Additionally, I worked with the City of Sebastian to improve the generous space they let us use, and instituted many systems and programs that added to our enjoyment and success, and increased our visibility within the community.
In 2015 I joined the Faculty at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, teaching portraiture. My normal agenda also includes private classes, workshops, demonstrations and classes as requested. At this point, my artistic mission seems to have evolved from trying to learn as much as I could as fast as possible, to enjoying the knowledge I have accumulated and passing it on to others so that they may also experience the wonderful and exciting joy of creating art. My collection of blogs is a testament to that mission, filled with tips and techniques on how to become a better artist, and remove the fear and mystery of creating a work of art. However, I am inspired to paint almost anything, and look forward to new challenges and subject matter.
Artist Statement:
Art is a part of my DNA. I see everything through the eyes of an artist, and I hope to impart the value of this glorious gift to those whom I teach. The more I guide people in their painting life—teaching them the value and joy of creating art—the deeper I appreciate the inspired excitement of each new painting
Solo Exhibitions:
1998- “Arts & Crafts by Judy Burgarella” Westbrook Library, Westbrook, CT
2001-Works by Judy Burgarella,” Liberty Bank, January, Clinton, CT
2001-“Works by Judy Burgarella,” Clinton Historical Room, June-Sept, Clinton, CT
2002-New Haven Library, November, New Haven, CT
2003-Westbrook Factory Stores, July, Westbrook, CT
2004-“Hart House and Exhibit Gallery,” Old Saybrook, CT
2004-“Coffee and an Art Show,” Malone’s Coffee Shop, August-September
2004-Tracy Art Center, September, Old Saybrook, CT
2004-“Historical American Indian Subjects,” New Haven Lawn Club, November December, New Haven, CT
2005-“Symphony,” The Art Gallery at Mill House, April, Chester, CT
2009-“Diverse Works,” Artists Guild Gallery, July, Vero Beach, FL
2010-“Art for the Soul, Food for the Pantry,” Artists Guild Gallery, October Vero Beach, FL
2010-“Works by Judy Burgarella,” Inlet Wines, Sebastian, FL
2011-“European Doorways,” Artists Guild Gallery, October, Vero Beach, FL
2013-“Sebastian Art Studio Tour,” Home Studio, February, Sebastian, FL
2013-“An Artist’s Journey,” Artists Guild Gallery, November, Vero Beach, FL
2014-“Sebastian Art Studio Tour,” Home Studio, February, Sebastian, FL
2014-“Works by Judy Burgarella,” Inlet Wines, Sebastian, FL
2015-“Sebastian Art Studio Tour,” Home Studio,
February, Sebastian, FL
2016-“Sebastian Art Studio Tour,” Home Studio, February, Sebastian, FL
2017-“Portraits and More by Judy Burgarella,” Christ Church, November, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Florida … Paradise Through the Eyes of an Artist,” Foyer Gallery, November-December, VB
2016-“Works by Judy Burgarella,” Beneducci Real Estate, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Artwork by Judy Burgarella,” Dale Sorensen Real Estate, January, Vero Beach
2016-“Sebastian Art Studio Tour,” Home Studio, February, Sebastian, FL
2017-“Paradise Through the Eyes of an Artist,” Foyer Gallery, Emerson Center, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Portraits of the World and Beyond,” First Pres Galleries, October-December, Vero Beach, FL
2019-“Works by Judy Burgarella,” American Icon Craft Brewery, August, Vero Beach, FL
2021-“Artist’s Spotlight,” Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce Website, ongoing
Selected Group Exhibitions:
2016-Public Art Programs quarterly changeover of art: Sebastian River Art Club, Vero Beach Art Club and the Cultural Council of Indian River County
2016-“Concerts in the Gallery,” Sebastian Art Studio Tour featured, January, Sebastian, FL
2016-“Annual Sebastian Fine Art & Music Festival,” January, Riverview Park, Sebastian, FL
2016-“SRAC Members Show,” Indian River County Courthouse, January-April, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Art By The Sea,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, for the Vero Beach Art Club, January, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Art by the River,” Riverview Park, Sebastian River Art Club, Sebastian, FL (yearly 6x)
2016-“Faculty Exhibition,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, January-February, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Art on the Island,” 3D show, Vero Beach Art Club, February, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Cause for Paws,” Humane Society of Vero Beach, March, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Eco Fest,” Plein Air Paint out & Sale, Environmental Learning Center, March, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Under The Oaks,” March, Vero Beach Art Club, Riverside Park, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Celebrate the Arts,” Sebastian River Art Club for the Cultural Council of Indian River County, September, Riverside Park, Vero Beach FL
2016-“Molly’s House Gallery,” September 2016 to April 2017, Stuart, Florida
2016-“Nature Art Show,” Plein Air Paint out and Show, Environmental Learning Center, October, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Fritz & Friends,” Lazerchrome Technology, October, Melbourne, FL
2016-“Courthouse Exhibition,” Cultural Council of IRC, August-October, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Invitational,” Art Gallery of Viera, October, Viera, FL
2016-“Sebastian River Medical Center,” for the Sebastian River Art Club, September-December, Sebastian, FL
2016-“100% Pure Florida,” 5th Avenue Gallery,
Melbourne, FL
2016-“Our Beautiful Waters,” Gallery 14, December, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Member’s Invitational,” Vero Beach Museum of Art for the Vero Beach Art Club, November, Vero Beach, FL
2016-“Artini,” Vero Beach Art Club, Springhill Suites, November, Vero Beach, FL
2017-Public Art Programs quarterly changeover of art: Sebastian River Art Club, Vero Beach Art Club and the Cultural Council of IRC.
2017-“Faculty Exhibition,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, January-February, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“IRC Courthouse Exhibition,” Sebastian River Art Club Members, January-April, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Our Beautiful Waters,” Gallery 14, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“16th Annual Sebastian Fine Art & Music Festival,” January, Sebastian, FL
2017-“Art By The Sea,” Vero Beach Museum of Art for the Vero Beach Art Club, January, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Art by the River,” Riverview Park, Sebastian River Art Club, Sebastian, FL (yearly 6x)
2017-“Art on the Island,” 3D Show, Vero Beach Art Club, February, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Faculty Exhibition,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, January-February, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Under The Oaks,” Vero Beach Art Club, Riverside Park, March, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Eco Fest Plein Air Paint Out and Sale,” Environmental Learning Center, March, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Member’s Invitational,” Vero Beach Museum of Art for the Vero Beach Art Club, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Artini,” for Vero Beach Art Club, November,
Vero Beach, FL
2017-“A Show of Heads,” Emerson Center Foyer Gallery, November-December, Vero Beach, FL
2017-“Fine Art & Music Festival,” January, Riverview Park, January, Sebastian, FL
2018-Public Art Programs quarterly changeover of art: Sebastian River Art Club, Vero Beach Art Club and the Cultural Council of IRC (yearly 4x)
2018-“Art by the River,” Riverview Park, Sebastian River Art Club, Sebastian, FL (yearly 6x)
2018-“Art By The Sea,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, for the Vero Beach Art Club, January, VB, FL
2018-“Celebrate the Arts,” Riverside Park, for Cultural Council, January, Vero Beach, FL
2018-“Faculty Exhibition,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, January-February, Vero Beach, FL
2018-“Member’s Invitational, Vero Beach Museum of Art for the Vero Beach Art Club, November, Vero Beach, FL
2018-“Our Beautiful Waters,” Gallery 14, Vero Beach, FL
2018-“Best of the Best,” A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery,
Fort Pierce, FL
2018-“Art on the Island,” 3D Show, Vero Beach Art Club, Vero Beach, FL
2019-Public Art Programs quarterly changeover of art: The Vero Beach Art Club and the Cultural Council of IRC.
2019-“Art By The Sea,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, for the Vero Beach Art Club, January, VB, FL
2019-“100% Pure Florida,” 5th Avenue Gallery, January-February, Melbourne, FL
2019-“Faculty Exhibition,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, January-February, Vero Beach, FL
2019-“Our Beautiful Waters,” Gallery 14, Vero Beach, FL
2019-“Best of the Best,” A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery,
Fort Pierce, FL
2020-“Plein Air Painting Exhibit,” Indian River County Courthouse, Plein Air Painters of the Treasure Coast, September, Vero Beach, FL
2020-“Flight & Flying,” Vero Beach Municipal Airport, for the Cultural Council, Vero Beach, FL
2020-“Best of the Best,” A.E. Backus Museum &Gallery, October, Fort Pierce, FL
2020-“In Her Image,” Elliott Museum for the Fort Pierce Art Club, December, Stuart, FL
2020-“During the Pandemic,” Emerson Center Foyer Gallery, December-March, Vero Beach, FL
2020-Public Art Programs quarterly changeover of art: The Vero Beach Art Club and the Cultural Council of IRC
(4x year).
2021-“VBAC Invitational Show,” Vero Beach museum of art for Vero Beach Art Club, January, Vero Beach, FL
2021-“Faculty Show,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, February-March, Vero Beach, FL
2021-“Plein Air Exhibit,” Indian River County Courthouse, January-March, Vero Beach, FL
2021-“Inspired Art Exhibit,” Art at the Emerson Gallery, January-March, Vero Beach, FL
2021-“Faculty Show,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, February-March, Vero Beach, FL
2021-“Member Exhibit,” Cultural Council, Indian River County Courthouse, March-June, Vero Beach, FL
2021-Intergenerational Center, for Cultural Council Public Art, Changeover quarterly ongoing, Vero Beach, FL (4x year)
2021-“Summer Squared,” Gallery 14, June-August,
Vero Beach, FL
2021-“Big, Bold and Beautiful,” Vero Beach Art Club Annex Gallery, June-August, Vero Beach, FL
2021-“Vero Beach Art Club’s Marketplace,” Annex Gallery, June-August, Vero Beach, FL
Select notable Exhibitions and Projects
2002-Durham Fair Art Exhibit, took ribbons in 5 categories, Durham, CT
2002-New Haven Open Studios, directed Shoreline Plein Air Painters to refurbish a portion of an abandoned building, transforming it into an Art Gallery.
2004-“Historical American Indian Subjects,” New Haven Lawn Club, November- December, New Haven, CT
2004-“Hart House and Exhibit Gallery,” Old Saybrook, CT
2009-“Waterways, A Gathering of Marine Masters,” Art of the Sea Marine Art Gallery, August, South Thomaston, ME
2005-“Symphony,” The Art Gallery at Mill House,
April, Chester, CT
2012-Vero Beach Habitat Mural, Vero Beach Community Center, 14th Avenue
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016-“Sebastian Art Studio Tour,” Home Studio, February, Sebastian, FL.
2014-To Present, Vero Beach Museum of Art yearly “Faculty Exhibition,” and quarterly public painting demonstrations for the Art School.
2019-Produced a very successful art Exhibit featuring 200 works by 70 artists, “Keeping the Arts Alive,” to kick-start the arts on the Treasure Coast, and to honor our medical, City, Fire & Rescue and military people during the Pandemic, November, Raw Space Gallery, Vero Beach, FL.
Awards:
2002-First Place Prize, Oil, Durham Fair, Durham, CT, September 2002 for “Isaac”
2002-First Place Prize, Mixed Media, Durham Fair, for “Tom Cat” screen sculpture, September, Durham, CT
2002–Second Place Prize, Pencil, Durham Fair, for “Woman with Fur Hat,” September, Durham, CT
2002-Second Place Prize, Pastel, Durham Fair, for “Groton Cove” Pastel, September, Durham, CT
2002-Fourth Place Prize, Watercolor, Durham Fair, for “Lilium Erotica,” September, Durham, CT
2002-Michael Schiavone Award, North Haven Art Guild, for “Woman with Fur Hat” pencil, May, North Haven, CT
2003-Second Place Prize, Clinton Art Society Annual Juried Show, for “Medicine Man” pastel, August, Clinton, CT
2004-Storyteller’s Award, North Haven Art Guild, for “Curly, Indian Scout” Pastel, April, North Haven, CT
2006-Third Place Prize, “Treasure Coast Competitive,” Indian River County Courthouse, for “Haunted Palette” oil, Vero Beach, FL
2007-Honorable Mention, Vero Beach Art Club’s Art By The Sea show, for “Figurine with Pearls” Pastel, January,
Vero Beach, FL
2007-Judge’s Prize, Sebastian River Art Club’s Annual Competitive Show, April, for “White Belly, Sioux” Watercolor
2007-Second Place Prize, “Florida Flora and Fauna” Indian River County Courthouse, for “Peterson’s Farm” oil,
July-October, Vero Beach, FL
2007-Third Place, A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery’s “4 -County Juried Show,” for “Flamingo” watercolor, October, Fort Pierce, FL
2009-Honorable Mention, Cultural Council’s “4- County Competitive,” for “Seminole” Bronze, January,
Vero Beach, FL
2009-First Place, Vero Beach Art Club’s “Spring Art Show,” for “Still Life with Oranges” pastel, March, Vero Beach, FL
2009-Judge’s Prize Sebastian River Art Club’s “Annual Juried Show,” for “Savannah” oil, February, Sebastian, FL
2009-Second Place, “A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery’s 4 -County Juried Show” for “Waiting to Sail” oil, October, Fort Pierce, FL
2010-First Place, Sebastian River Art Club, “Annual Competitive Show” for “La Femme Sensuelle” pastel, October, Sebastian, FL
2012-First Place, Sebastian River Art Club, for “Trompe Loiel Still Life-Yakima” oil, July, Sebastian, FL
2013-Third Place 2-Dimensional, Cultural Council of IRC, “3rd Annual Treasure Coast Bird & Nature Show,” for “Egret in Flight” acrylic, Vero Beach, FL
2015-First Place Oil, Vero Beach Art Club’s “Art on the Island,” for “Mona Lisa Paint box,” January, Vero beach, FL
2016-Best In Show Indian River County Courthouse Exhibit, for “Young Medicine Crow” gouache, Vero Beach, FL
2014-3rd Place, Gallery 14’s “Our Beautiful Waters,” for “Waiting to Sail” oil, Vero Beach, FL
2015-Second Place, Sebastian River Art Club’s “Indian River County Courthouse Exhibit,” for “Seminole,” Bronze, January, Sebastian, FL
2016-First Place, Sebastian River Art Club’s “Annual Competitive Show,” for “Young Medicine Crow” gouache, February, Sebastian, FL
2016-Honorable Mention, “Indian River Birding Festival” for “Flamingo at the Water’s Edge” acrylic, October,
Vero Beach, FL
2018-Award of Merit, A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery’s “Best of the Best,” for “Portrait of A. E. (Beany) Backus, oil,
Fort Pierce, FL
2020-Award of Merit, A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery’s “Best of the Best, for “Dr. Portrait of A Hero,” oil, Fort Pierce, FL
Education:
2000-Studied Still Life in pastels with an instructor on staff at the Guilford Art Center, Guilford, CT
2000-2001 Studied watercolor with Lou Bonamarte at the Granite Street Gallery, New London, CT and other locations
2001-2003 Studied portraiture in oil from live models with Christopher Zhang at the Grnite Street Gallery,
New London, CT
2004-Studied clay sculpture at the Lyme Art Society, Old Lyme, CT, completing a clay bust of the model
2008-2010-Studied sculpture and bronze casting at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, completing a bronze bust of Osceola and a mother nursing her baby.
2004-2009 Studied seascapes in acrylics with Charles Gruppe in Connecticut, and at the Lighthouse Gallery in Tequesta, Florida, and on painting excursions to Greece and Portugal
2011-2012-Studied painting tropical landscapes and animals in oils with Dorothy Starbuck at the Sebastian River Art Club, Sebastian, and other locations
2013-Studied impressionist landscapes in oil with Karen Leffel Messiengel, through the Vero Beach Art Club at the Women’s Club, Vero Beach, FL
2020-One day workshop with Robert Liberace via Zoom, charcoal/pastel portraiture with a live model, through the Portrait Society of America
My training also includes consistent self-study via videos, books, museums, and painting with the Shoreline Plein Air Painters, along with the mentorship of colleagues and friends in the arts.
Public & Corporate Collections
2002-“Evalina’s Gate,” Collection of Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
2004-“Portrait of Gary Cummings,” (Library Director who passed on unexpectedly) Henry Carter Hull Library,
Clinton, CT
2012-“Vero Beach Mural,” location in the Community Center, Vero Beach, FL
2019-Oceanic Research and Conservation Association Murals, ORAC at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport,
Vero Beach, FL
2020-“Portrait of Alma Lee Loy,” City of Vero Beach, FL
2020-“Portrait of Amelia Earhart,” Vero Beach Municipal Airport, Vero Beach, FL
2020-“Fire!,” Indian River County Fire & Rescue,
Vero Beach, FL
2020-“Sheriff Loar,” Indian River County Sheriff’s Dept., Vero Beach, FL
Gallery Representation
2001-2004-Granite Street Gallery, New London, CT
2001-2003-Foxglove Gallery, Madison, CT
2003-2005-Brick Gallery, Essex, CT. Co-operative gallery
2005-2009-2011-2016-Artists Guild Gallery Vero Beach Owner/Partner
2009-2011-Garden of Art Fine Art Gallery, Wabasso, FL
2021 to Present-Annex Gallery of Vero Beach Art Club
2014 to Present-Vero Beach Museum of Art, Faculty shows/demos
Special Achievements
1999-Founded the Shoreline Plein Air Painters, Clinton, CT
2003-Book Illustration, “From the Heart,” by Joyce Stevens
2006 “Au Natural,” Heathcote Botanical Gardens “2006 Luminaries Calendar”
2013-Two-minute portrait painting, condensed from 4 1/2 hours. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcLf7ACVaJk (other Portrait painting videos can
Be found by Googling “Judy Burgarella.”
2008-“Classic Recipes from Members of the Artists Guild Gallery,” Co-Designed & produced cookbook for the gallery, Vero Beach, FL
2008-Created “Royal Palm Pointe Walk-About” Festival for our art gallery and businesses on the Pointe, January, February, March, Vero Beach, FL
2018-Created 5’ round mural of inland habitat of Indian River County for ORCA (Oceanic Research and Conservation Association), Vero Beach, FL
2011-Co-Chair “Art By The Sea” Members Show, in the Vero Beach Museum of Art, for the Vero Beach Art Club, January, Vero Beach, FL
Served as Administrator of Public Art programs while in Connecticut for the Clinton Art Society, and in Florida for the Cultural Council of Indian River County and the Sebastian River Art Club.
Served as publicist/marketing in Connecticut for the Clinton Art Society, Essex Art Association, Lyme Art Association, Foxglove Gallery, Granite Street Gallery and the Shoreline Plein Air Painters. In Florida I served as publicist for the Artists Guild Gallery, Sebastian River Art Club, select shows in the Vero Beach Art Club, The Arts District (15 galleries) of Vero Beach, The Garden of Art Gallery, and other select art shows.
2016-2017, President, Sebastian River Art Club, Sebastian, FL (previously Secretary, Gallery Director, Vice President)
Internet Blogs & Videos
www.ArtByBurgarella.blogspot.com – Continuous stream of new works, shows and other information.
www.BurgarellaPortraits.blogspot.com – Continuous stream of new portraits and related information.
www.ArtClasses-Burgarella.blogspot.com – Information for students.
Google “Judy Burgarella” for links to teaching and demonstration videos, including a 4-1/2 hour portrait video condensed to 2 minutes.
Additional Memberships, Art-Affiliated Organizations
1999-2009-Clinton Art Society, Clinton, CT
(Elected Artist Member)
1999-201–Shoreline Plein Air Painters (Founder),
Clinton, CT
2000-2005-Madison Art Society, Madison CT
2000-2005-Essex Art Association, Essex, CT
2001-2005-Mystic Art Association, Mystic, CT
2001-2004-Hamden Art League, Hamden, CT
2002-2004-Guilford Art League, Guilford, CT
2004-2008-National Assoc. of Women in the Arts, Washington, DC
2002-2005-North Haven Art Guild, North Haven, CT
2005-2018-Sebastian River Art Club, Sebastian, CT
2005 to present, Vero Beach Art Club, VB, Lifetime Member
2005 to present, Vero Beach Museum of Art, VB,
Faculty Member
2006 to present, Cultural Council of Indian River County, FL
2018 to present, Portrait Society of America
2018 to present, American Impressionist Society