Angela Shroyer, owner of Lime Tree Gallery says, “If passion and tenacity equals success, then this gallery is here to stay!”
What can you find at the gallery and who makes it?
Lime Tree Gallery proudly displays handmade art and crafts made by local and regional artists. The gallery has close to 60 artists who create their art in various media and over 50 artists who exhibit exclusively with us. Lime Tree Gallery features fine art oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel paintings, as well as fiber arts, handmade jewelry (precious and semi-precious), glass, wood, and furniture. We also carry handmade soaps, lotions, candles, and bath salts. We are very proud of the variety and quality of artwork and crafts that we offer and the artists who exhibit at Lime Tree Gallery. A patron of the gallery summed up her experience by saying “I feel like I just went to the St. James Art Fair,” because the gallery has such an eclectic mix of arts and crafts.
“More Than JUST an ART Gallery.” What other services does the gallery offer?
Lime Tree Gallery provides the following services: The owner creates, designs, and repairs custom jewelry. For those who wish to create their own jewlery, Lime Tree Gallery carries a selection of beads, stones and jewelry-making components for sale. For patrons who wish to take art classes, the gallery offers private instruction in a variety of media. Lime Tree Gallery rents out space to people who want to host a party at the gallery and artists who want to rent space for an exhibition. Finally, the gallery offers many different types of commissioned art in various media.
As a special gift to our valued customers, Lime Tree Gallery offers free shipping of gallery purchases to any location in the United States.
Who owns and operates the gallery and why open a gallery?
Angela Shroyer, a native of Louisville, is the owner of Lime Tree Gallery. She opened the gallery to have a place to create, design, and sell her jewelry and she has a passion for handmade art of all shapes and sizes. Because she was raised and resides here, she has known and enjoyed the company of many local artists who had been looking for a place to exhibit and sell their work, too. The Lime Tree Gallery specializes in carrying the work of local and regional artists so Angela feels that she is giving something back to the community, even as she is enjoying the experience of being surrounded by beautiful artwork.
Kristi Carson Philpott – Metalsmith and Jewelry Artist
This artist exhibits and sells her handmade jewelry only at Lime Tree Gallery. She works with titanium, Damascus steel, stainless steel, gold and sterling silver. She formulates the pieces into jewelry and then uses various firing techniques to change the color of the metal or to display a distinct pattern. HGTV came to her studio for a taping of the show, “That’s Clever,” that aired on January 15, 2009, to showcase her amazing work. She hand cut, shaped, engraved, pierced, anodized, hammered, and assembled a titanium fairy brooch on that show. The brooch is now on exhibition and for sale at the gallery. In 2004, this artist was juried into the Kentucky Museum of Art & Design. She also was awarded the Titanium Innovative Artists Award in an international jewelry design competition sponsored by the World Titanium Council the same year.
Sharon Matisoff is an award-winning oil painter and pastelist who exhibits exclusively at Lime Tree. Recently, she was awarded the Best of Show prize in 2007 and in 2009 at the Louisville, Woman’s Club Show. Her list of awards are numerous and many of the award-winning paintings in oil and pastel are at the gallery on exhibition and for sale. Sharon is primarily a portrait artist but she also creates figurative and animal paintings. Her pastels and oils are fashioned in the realist tradition with an Impressionistic approach to color. She has been painting for over 30 years and is considered one of the best portrait painters in the country. She has an uncanny ability to capture the true essence of a person or pet. In fact, many people who commission portraits from Sharon are moved to tears by her ability to capture the subject’s essence. That is difficult to do but this artist is able to see into a person or pet to capture their unique personality and characteristics. Make sure to stop by the gallery to see her pastel portrait of Angela Shroyer, the owner of Lime Tree Gallery.
Sharon teaches oil and pastel painting to students of all levels at the gallery, as well as from her home studio. She accepts commissions for individual, group or pet portraits in oil and pastel.
This exclusive Lime Tree Gallery artist uses her camera to open a window into the world around her. While serving as a soldier deployed to Afghanistan, she traveled to France, Prague, Japan and many other countries. With camera in hand, she took pictures of some of the most beautiful and powerful images ever taken. The “Self Portrait in Burka” is stunning in its composition and subject matter. Her shot of the “Burning Man,” on display at the gallery, is a powerful image that always gets strong responses from our patrons. Make sure to come by the gallery to see this photographer’s incredible work.
Joseph Autry – Sculptor and Painter
This artist, who is represented exclusively at Lime Tree Gallery, is a modern renaissance man. To try to put a label on Joseph and his creations would be very difficult because he is so versatile and creative. For example: He sculpts using scrap steel, stone, wood, leather, and paint. He also has a wood piece at the gallery that he carved with a chain saw. He makes jewelry pendants of stainless steel that he creates by carving a design in wax, then making a rubber mold from that wax, and then pouring stainless steel into that mold. The results of that process are delicately carved pieces of jewelry that are stunning in design yet nearly indestructible. He won the Dinnerware Show grand prize in 2006 for creating four place settings of stainless steel dinnerware utensils by hand with a resin bottom. Make sure to come by the gallery to see this dinnerware set and order some for your home.
This artist also does outdoor commissioned work by creating handmade retaining walls, sculpted steel rails and acid stained concrete walkways in vibrant colors. In fact, he will be creating a sculpture garden in the backyard of this gallery. Lime Tree Gallery is honored and very excited to represent this multitalented artist.
Rob Shapero – Photographer
This artist, represented exclusively by Lime Tree Gallery, is living his dream. After more than 13 years in corporate America, Rob finally decided to follow his passion for photography. He took a trip to Colorado one summer and spent his time taking exquisite photos of the landscape. After returning home, he decided that he had to stop “working for the man” and follow his muse. His photos are vibrant and stunning because he prints the images on cotton rag paper and then uses gallery wrap to frame them. He does not manipulate the colors with a computer but simply relies on his subject and its natural beauty. Drop by the gallery to see his panaramic shot of a mountain range or his photo of white birch trees against a blue sky. They are so alive that you will feel as if you were standing in front of them.
Brian Bridgers – Photographer
This artist, represented exclusively by Lime Tree Galley, has always had a passion for the arts in all forms. A few years ago, he was given a camera and a new world opened up for him. He says that, “The camera sees but the eyes perceive.” He uses his camera to produce images that express his vision of the world. He traveled to Italy in 2007 and the photos he took there show his passion for photography and how much he learned from this experience. Be sure to look for his “Fleur de lis” and “Venetian Waterway” on display and for sale at the gallery.
Rebecca Poole – Oil and Pastel Painter
Rebecca is represented exclusively by Lime Tree Gallery. She first came to the public’s attention when she was featured in a Courier-Journal article in March 2003 in their Features section. At that time, she had only been painting for a few months but her talent was already obvious. Since that time, she has created numerous religious paintings which are on exhibition at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, St. Leonard’s Catholic Church, and Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church. This artist continues to paint and grow in her medium. Rebecca’s art is very personal to her and she feels passionate about creating her religious paintings. Make sure to come by the gallery to see her oil entitled “Lamb of God” and a pastel portrait of Saint Catherine. The gallery is honored and privileged to represent this artist and to exhibit and sell her work only at Lime Tree Gallery.
Mary Bunch – Textile Artist
This exclusive artist at Lime Tree Gallery works in many different media: She makes handmade purses, knitwear, scarves, “smelly jelly,” jewelry totes, soaps, lotions, sachets, tablecloths and napkins. The quality of her work is outstanding because of the way she is able to mix different textures and complementary colors. When you buy any of this artist’s beautiful work, you can be certain that it is one-of-a-kind. Her soaps and lotions are made with simple ingredients and contain no harsh chemicals or dyes. She makes a gardener’s soap that is guaranteed to gently remove a day’s worth of gardening from your hands. Make sure to come by the gallery and pick up a “Lovespell” lotion or handmade silk scarf.
Michael Culbreth – Acrylic Painter
This artist, who is represented exclusively at Lime Tree Gallery, is the kind of person that this gallery loves to work with. Michael is talented, yet humble, and he makes his living driving a truck. He is self-taught in his medium and his passion for art comes through in every piece of work that he paints. The inner artist in him pushes him to create stunning abstract pieces. He recently has started to paint Chinese symbols in caligraphy on paper that will be on display and for sale at the gallery.
Rebecca Dimon – Photographer
This artist, who is represented exclusively at Lime Tree Gallery, is a photographer who has a passion for shooting images that relate to her life calling of ministry. She has a Master’s Degree in Divinity and works at a local Unitarian church. Rebecca traveled to Ireland on a mission a few years ago and shot breathtaking photos of the island and its ancient churches. Her photography reflects her calling with images of crosses, candles, and stained glass churches. Make sure to come by to see her beautiful work.
Sophia Gordon – Mixed Media Artist
This artist and Louisville native, who is represented exclusively by Lime Tree Gallery, is currently a student at the Savannah School for Art and Design. She is very talented and her work is unique in its subject and medium. Sophia mixes media and materials to create her art on canvas and wood. Her one-of-a-kind creations are edgy and exciting. Her painting “Klaus” has been chosen by Lime Tree Gallery to be printed on t-shirts that will soon be offered for sale in the gallery. This talented young woman is an artist to be watched as she will undoubtedly make her mark in the art community for many years to come.
Megan Ghammachi – Oil Painter
This artist, who is represented exclusively at Lime Tree Gallery, does amazing work in her chosen medium. Her paintings of flowers, nudes, and portraits have a beautiful, natural feel to them. Her work is simple yet complex in her handling of the subject and medium. Her painting of “Ariana” is an oil portrait in which she attached a double strand of fresh water pearls around the neck of the subject. She hand-sewed each pearl to the canvas and the final result is stunning. Make sure to come by the gallery to see this up-and-coming artist’s incredible work.
Susan K. Hartman – Watercolorist
This artist, who is represented exclusively at Lime Tree Gallery, has been painting in her chosen medium of watercolor for more than 40 years. As a traditional watercolorist, Suzi has a true passion for her medium and her subjects that include trees and landscapes. Recently, she has begun to create watercolor paintings that include famous quotes in caligraphy.
Patrick Rademaker – Ceramacist
This artist and Louisville native, who is represented exclusively by Lime Tree Gallery, is a freshman at the University of Louisville. Patrick is working towards his Bachelors in Fine Arts with a concentration in Ceramics. His stunning ceramics have made him one of the top sellers at Lime Tree Gallery. His artistic philosophy is this: Each pot should stand alone as a piece that is used so often that the user can imagine the taste of food or drink eaten from it just by seeing the pot or holding it in their hands. He fires all of his pots in a “soda kiln” because each individual firing produces a new and unique effect on the pots. When you see his beautiful creations, you will find it hard to believe that this young man is just getting started as an artist. He is truly someone to watch.
Jeffrey Peter – Photographer
This artist and Louisville native is represented exclusively by Lime Tree Gallery. He is a dental student at the University of Louisville and he has a passion and talent for photography. His technique involves placing an infrared lens on his camera to desaturate the photos of color. His photos at the gallery are of landscapes taken at Cherokee Park and Ohio state using this technique. Although the photos were taken in the summer, they look as though they are covered in snow because of the lack of color. His photos appear to be black and white but the technique of using the infrared lens adds a twist: For example, if you examine the photo closely, you can still see hints of blue and green. He develops all of his images on canvas by removing the emulsion and placing them directly onto canvas. He then uses gallery wrap to make the photos look more like paintings. Make sure to come by the gallery to see this artist’s unique work.
Emil Walton – Painter and Sculptor
This artist grew up in South Africa and you can see his background in almost every piece he creates. His paintings are primarily abstract and he incorporates the image of the African continent in many of his pieces. His unique technique consists of painting his piece using oil paint and then taking a blow torch to the piece. The result is incredible and distinctive. Emil also has created four sculptures in the gallery from found objects. Make sure you come by the gallery to see this up-and-coming artist and his unique works.
Mike Snelling aka Dupre’-Sculptor
This exclusive artist at Lime Tree Gallery came to be an artist later than most. He and a good friend of his decided to combine their knowledge of engineering, vaccuum forming and love of the female form into art. The artist started by making a leg lamp for a friend who wanted one that looked similar to the one in “A Christmas Story” but with an edge. Mike made the leg, put on a pair of fishnets and “stripper heels” and then presented it to his friend. From this lamp a vision was born. He decided to take the next step by making a plaster form of a female friend and then doing a vaccuum form using PETG plastic. The result is his one of a kind table called “Woman Submerged.” This table is like nothing you have ever seen. If you are looking for a one of a kind piece then come by the gallery to see his table and his new lighted wall hanging.
Carolyn Mann-Painter and Sculptor
This exclusive artist at Lime Tree Gallery is up and coming painter with tons of talent. Carolyn is self taught unless you consider a few art camps when she was a child as serious instruction. The artist seed was sown at these camps and she has taken her passion and talent and translated that in to incredible pieces of art. Not only are her paintings stunning she also makes beautiful hand cut tile pieces. She was able to capture the Louisville skyline in one of her tile pieces. Many local artists have used this in their work but this tile piece is breath taking and unique in so many ways. Come by the gallery to see this young and talented artist’s unique pieces.
Gregory Rodgers-Photographer
This exclusive artist at Lime Tree Gallery is living his life to the fullest! He worked in corporate America for 10 years in Information Technology but he has the heart of an artist. Gregory quit his job, sold his possessions, packed a back pack, grabbed his camera and set off for his new life journey. He now travels all around the world taking photos and living his dream. He recently contacted the gallery via email and said that he would be checking in when he could get a secure internet connection because he was in Indonesia at the time. WOW! His talent and passion can be seen in each stunning photograph. Whether it is his photo of a blind chinese musician who plays music while sitting on the Great Wall of China and begging for tips or a martini glass with a Chicago sunset in the background, every image conveys his zest for life and on going love affair with his camera. If you are a lover of photography you must come by the gallery to see this Lexington natives breath taking images.
Ruth Duncan-Textile Artist
This exclusive artist at Lime Tree Gallery was raised with a needle and thread in her hand and was soon learning by simply watching her Mother. Ruth soon tired of the needle and thread and took her sewing to the next level by pedaling an old treadle machine. She recalls her mother commenting that it sounded like a “herd of horses”. When most 9 year olds were asking for Barbie’s and Baby Dolls, Ruth was asking Santa that she wanted a Singer sewing machine.
As a young adult, Ruth entered clothing in the Kentucky State Fair and started to acquire over 50 ribbons and the coveted “rosette” for the most points in the clothing category. She made sure to pass on her passion for sewing by teaching both of her children (yes, even her little boy) to sew at a young age and they have gone on to make Mom proud by garnering many ribbons of their own. Ruth summed up her passion for her craft by saying, “I am addicted to fabric and love nothing better than to show my creativity through my sewing. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. These are my words to live by.” Ruth currently has horse themed placemats and cup insulators at the gallery as well as her adorable dog and cat “houses”. Be sure to stop by and see this artist’s exquisite pieces.
Tarah Rasey-Painter
If you were to ask this exclusive artist at Lime Tree Gallery what she did her answer would probably be, “I am a stay at home Mom.” Tarah hasn’t been painting for a long period of time and is mostly self taught. Her paintings have big bold paint strokes that give her work a very raw and primitive feel. If you try to equate her work with any one style it would probably be pop art. After being told that the gallery had sold one of her paintings, Tarah exclaimed happily “I guess this means I’m a real artist now.” Little did she know, she has always been an artist and one that the gallery is thrilled to represent. Be sure to stop by the gallery to see her stunning 4 panel piece of a lotus blossom or her nod to Derby painting called “First Saturday in May.”
James N. Shaffer-Photographer
This artist is the kind of artist that Lime Tree Gallery loves to find. The local artists in this town are very talented and just need a place to shine. James’ photography is fresh and exciting and a visual feast for the eyes. He uses a camera that is not digital and uses film. Remember what that is? James so wanted to take pictures that before he could afford his current camera, he used disposable cameras just so her could be shooting photos. The reason his photos are so unique has to do with him using a technique in which he manipulates the exposure the film has via F-stops. What he gets are very random yet amazing imnages. The gallery is thrilled to be exhibiting and selling James’ work as well as supporting this dynamic artist by having an exhibiton for him from May 29th until June 26th.
George Poling-Painter
This exclusive Lime Tree Gallery artist is all about detail. His painintgs are very small in size but the devil is NOT in the details here. George goes to Montana every year to visit his brother and the wide open spaces and blue skies always insprire him to create his stunning yet tiny landscapes. He likes to challenge himself and because of this have some very unique pieces at the gallery. His “Winter Lights” and “September Light” are unlike anything you have ever seen. The reason being that George mixes sand and acrylic paint, slowly layers it on a canvas and lets it dry. What he gets are paintings that are vibrant in color and texture. He also has a series of hand painted “mini wearable paintings” that can be worn as a pin. The detail in these inches by inches pieces are unbelievable. Come by the gallery to see this artist’s exquisite work.
Jerry Warner-Sculptor, Glass, & Metalsmith
This artist is truly a “renaissance man” in every sense of the word. There is not many mediums this artist hasn’t mastered. He makes stunning hand cut glass tables, wall hangings and stain glass panels. He also carves wood in to sculptures that although static are so beautifully carved look kinetic. He also takes copper and steel and hammers then shapes them in to one of a kind sculptures of horses, flowers and faces. This artist is talented and tenacious. If he has a commissioned piece he makes sure that the piece he creates is not only one of a kind but that the patron is completely satisfied. Make sure to come by the gallery to see this artist’s breathtaking pieces.
Deborah Koch-Painter, Textile, Furniture, Muralist
This exclusive artist at Lime Tree Gallery is the kind of artist that doesn’t shy away from painting anything. Canvas, clothing, walls, furniture and the list goes on. She has a daughter who is a chef who inspired her mom to go in to a whole new direction with her art. Her daughter asked her mom to take one of her chef coats and paint something “fun” on it. Like any mother, Deborah painted 3 of her daughter’s chef coats and delivered them to her. Her daughter started to wear the coats and the response from her friend’s and restaurant patrons were overwhelming. The gallery is thrilled to have some of these one of a kind hand painted coats for sale and exhibition at the gallery. She also took this one step further by painting zebra’s on a suede vest, lily’s, daisies, and horse shoes on women’s skirt suits, and a garden of button flowers on a linen vest. These one of a kind wearable art clothing will be sure to make an impact when worn. Her stunning work must be seen to be believed so stop by the gallery and see this artists creative flair gone wild.
Julie Diehl-Photographer, Giclee’, Painter
This artist at Lime Tree Gallery is a true artist at heart, trained at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and obtaining her BFA there many years ago, her passions are Oil Painting, Photography and Collage. She has also worked as a graphic designer for 24 years. Transplanting to Louisville in 2000 Ms. Diehl has developed a love for Kentucky and the art’s community of Louisville and it’s surrounding areas. Bold colors, and an Impressionistic style characterize most of her painting and photography. Her predominant focus is on landscape and color is an important aspect of most of her work.
Crews McCulloch-Watercolorist
This artist at Lime Tree Gallery has been painting for over 20 years. This talented artist has won numerous awards including the Louisville Trust Bank Award for watercolor and the National Scholastic Art Award to name a few. Crews has also had many one person and group exhibitions at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Manufacturers Hanover Trust in New York, Showplace Square and Design in San Francisco as well as the J.B. Speed Art Museum. Crews has an amazing ability to create watercolors that are so vivid and detailed that his painting of “The Reef” looks as if fish will be swimming by you at any moment. Make sure to come by the gallery and see his stunning pieces.
Rachel Berger - Painter and glass artist
Mary Jane Allen-Jewelry, Textile, Ceramacist
Mary Noekler-Jewelry
Gerri Willis-Photographer, Painter
Ian Solender-Photographer
Keisha Smith-Painter
Rodney Rainey-Painter
What’s new at the Gallery?
The gallery is constantly adding new artists and new artwork. The newest additions are wearables. These are one-of-a-kind handmade and/or hand-painted clothing and wearables for children and adults. This is in addition to the handmade purses, scarves, and ponchos the gallery has always carried.
The gallery now has custom-painted chef coats and various handmade things to wear and use in the kitchen.
The gallery will be adding a line of T-shirts that will have various images of paintings or photographs currently being shown at the gallery. Some of the shirts will be signed by the artists whose image is on the shirt. Make sure to come by and pick up a cool tank top, baby doll tee, or men’s tee with a one-of-a-kind piece of art image on it!
MONDAY June 1-July 31st
Lime Tree Gallery is proud to be participating in the 2009 Louisville Photo Biennial!
The gallery is so proud to be a part of this biennial event celebrating the visual arts in this community. This event is the “brain child” of Paul Palleti to try to bring attention to and showcase the incredible local artists and their work. Lime Tree Gallery is so honored to not only be participating this year but to have 2 photographers/artists who were affiliated with the Louisville Alternative School of Photography that was open from 1970-1978.
Kent Cooper-Participating artist in the Louisville Photo Biennial
This ”Jersey Boy”s” journey to the south was paved with talent and tenacity. Kent attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY and graduated with a BFA in Photography as a Fine Art. In his senior year he was awarded two teaching assistantships, one with John Pfhal in Color Photography and the other with Tom Wilson in Beginning Photography. Kent was then given the Ralph Eugene Meatyard Scholarship and moved to Louisville, KY to be an instructor and artist in residence at the Center for Photographic Studies during the 1976 -1977 school year. He taught Beginning Photography, Color Photography and History & Aesthetics of Photography.
In 1979 Kent began working in the film and video production industry. Over the past 30 years Kent has been a Director of Photography/Cameraman in broadcast production, corporate communications and documentary projects nationally and internationally. Through out this time, Kent has continued to shoot Fine Art Photography. This work is the first that Kent has exhibited in a gallery since the early 1980’s. Be sure to come by the gallery to see and/or purchase this talented photgraphers images.
This page contains many links to the websites of the signed artists that are at Lime Tree Gallery. Please feel free to “check-out” the sites but any image seen at the gallery or on the gallery website must be purchased through the gallery. If you are insterested in commissioning a peice from any of the artists please contact limetreegallery@insightbb.com.
Sharon Matisoff www.sharonmatisoff.com
Brian Bridgers http://brianbridgers.smugmug.com
Gregory Rodgers http://www.kyphotographs.com