Lakewood Ranch is known for its scenic parks and landscapes, friendly communities, lively dining and social scene, and abundance of recreational activities — but it’s also a hub for creativity.
Alongside musical ensembles and craft groups, many visual artists and artisans have found a home here. Over the years, they have come together through the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch, which has been fostering artistic talent and connection since 2001.
What began as a small gathering of local artists has grown into a thriving organization with more than 35 members, ranging from emerging talents to seasoned professionals. Their works span a variety of mediums, including painting, pottery, mixed-media, fiber art, jewelry and stained glass.
“Advancing the arts, supporting local artists, and providing a platform for their talents has always been our goal,” says CAA’s president Carol Krah. Twenty-four years later, that vision is alive and flourishing.
The artists behind the work
According to Krah, CAA members offer supportive critiques, exchange ideas and launch collaborations. She explains that artists interested in joining the Creative Arts Association must go through a jurying process to ensure their work meets the organization’s high standards of quality and craftsmanship. This helps maintain a vibrant and diverse community of talented artists. She adds that members do not have to live in Lakewood Ranch, although a majority do.
The association’s tapestry of talent is impressive, with artists expressing their creativity in unique and varied ways. Sue Kerr’s clay sculptures reflect her joy in the creative process, embracing lighthearted and whimsical designs. Barbara Kaplan, owner of CassieCatClayworks, creates functional and decorative ceramics that celebrate individuality, spanning low-fire earthenware, mid-fire stoneware, and experimental Raku firing. Elaine Vaughn specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces crafted with seed beads, Swarovski crystals, gemstones, and sterling silver, blending elegance with individuality. Sharon Tell Wood’s paintings and pastels span a range of creative expressions, including highly stylized interiors, impressionistic landscapes and kinetic abstractions.
“The artists themselves are the heart of our association,” says Krah. “We work across a vast range of media — the love of creation is something we all share.”
In addition to supporting individual artists, CAA donates scholarships to ArtCenter Manatee’s summer children’s camp. “We sponsor two or three children every year,” notes Krah. “We’re committed to the next generation of creative minds. These initiatives aim to ignite a lifelong passion for the arts and inspire the next generation of creative minds.”
The association holds four meetings every year, along with a potluck dinner. CAA also hosts two annual juried exhibitions in November and March. Its 2025 Spring Art Show & Sale takes place March 22 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
Three CAA artists recently shared their insights with us.
Carol Krah proudly displays her intricate stained-glass creations, featuring vibrant hanging planters that bring a touch of nature indoors.
Carol Krah
Lakewood Ranch resident Carol Krah joined the CAA of Lakewood Ranch in 2002 and has served as its president since 2016. Stained-glass artistry is her specialty. Krah’s three-dimensional creations include stained glass flowerpots, hanging planters, holiday ornaments, pins and suncatchers. She finds inspiration in nature and light itself.
Artist origin story. “In the summer of 1991, I discovered a stained-glass class for adult students. After taking one class, I was immediately hooked. I’ve been creating my favorite things ever since.”
The joy of creation. “Creating stained-glass art is very rewarding to me. That’s why I named my business Favorite Things in Stained Glass. I try to make pieces that make my heart sing and help others smile.”
Krah’s sailboat suncatchers have textured clear glass sails and colorful boats. “Bleeding Hearts A Flutter” features delicate glass crystal flowers.
Creative process. “I hold each sheet of glass up to the light to see its color variations, texture and grainline. Then I’ll glue or trace pattern pieces that best suit the piece. For example, plant leaves have definite grainlines; I’ll try to match those to each glass leaf to make it as realistic as possible.”
Artistic honor roll. “I find inspiration in Louis Comfort Tiffany’s stained-glass panels, windows and lamps, and Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows. I’ve visited many museums, churches, and cathedrals to see their work.” Contact Carol at [email protected].
Deborah Jernigan with her hand-dyed silk scarves, each a vibrant blend of colors and patterns.
Deborah Jernigan
Fiber artist Deborah Jernigan learned to weave with natural fibers, such as alpaca, angora and wools, while living in the San Francisco Bay area. It wasn’t her profession; she was working as a psychiatric emergency nurse at the time. In 2016, Jernigan and her husband moved to Lakewood Ranch. She adapted to the warmer climate by creating her elegant tunics, wraps, scarves and capelets from lighter fabrics, including linen, silk, rayon, chiffon and cotton.
Artist origin story. “Before embracing fiber arts, I’d previously been working with beads and some knitting. In 1993, my husband and I were visiting my sister in Asheville, N.C., when we came across the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair. The vendor behind Ashford Knitters Looms was giving a demonstration. I was intrigued and amazed. When she was done, I immediately ordered two looms. I was hooked.”
Weaving her worries away. “Weaving helped me deal with the stress of working as an RN in a psychiatric emergency room. It was a county hospital just outside San Francisco. We’d receive out-of-control patients with serious mental health and drug-related issues. My stress level was extremely high. I discovered that weaving let me relax and gave me the freedom to be creative. The sense of inspiration and accomplishment was truly transformative.”
Jernigan’s vibrant creations reflect her mastery of blending fibers and hues into wearable art.
Creative inspiration. “The patterns and textures of my woven designs really flow out of the natural yarns themselves. I’m inspired by their variety of textures and colors. Yarns can be smooth, rough, knotted, curly, thick, thin — you name it. There’s an infinite rainbow of colors to choose from. When I work within these possibilities, creative ideas just naturally flow.”
Favorite fibers. “I’m enamored with working with alpaca, angora and other wools. I love their feel, their warmth, and the fact that these animals are sheered, not killed. Alpaca’s probably my all-time favorite. It really feels like you’re petting the animal.”
Artistic honor roll. “I take inspiration from a variety of other artists, books, nature and my own imagination. The artist who most inspired me was the woman who owned Amazing Yarns in Redwood City, Calif. She dealt directly with the farms that raised alpacas and spun their wool into incredible textured yarns. She was an amazing fiber artist — and really set a great example to follow.” Contact Deborah at [email protected].
Stacey Lipton in her studio.
Stacey Lipton
Lakewood Ranch resident Stacey Lipton’s luminous watercolor paintings capture the beauty and essence of nature. Her work draws the eye with vibrant, layered hues and a soft, dreamlike quality. Lipton often draws inspiration from Florida’s lush landscapes, tranquil waters and vivid flora, translating these scenes into art both that is both delicate and dynamic.
The wonder of watercolor. “As a paint medium, watercolor has a beautiful transparency. Its transparent quality allows light to pass through multiple layers of paint. That creates a sense of depth no other medium can. Watercolor is nontoxic, easy to set-up, clean and affordable in comparison to other mediums.”
Lipton’s paint box, filled with a spectrum of colors, serves as the foundation for her stunning watercolor creations.
Making a scene. “I love painting Florida landscapes and sea life since this is my home. The Florida fauna of landscapes, water, sunsets and even cloudy days gives a wealth of non-stop material to paint. I get inspiration from photographs that my husband and I take. I also keep a folder of future paintings waiting for my next opportunity to paint.”
The joy of spontaneity. “The beauty of watercolor painting is that I’ll begin some pieces with a definite plan while, with others, I might allow the watercolor to take over. This allows freedom and diversity. I do start with a general idea of what and how I want to paint, but I don’t necessarily stick with it.”
Artistic honor roll. “There are so many talented artists — it’s difficult to narrow it down. My three favorite watercolorists are Beverly Perdue of Virginia; Shirley Trevena of Great Britain; and Alisha Farris of Missouri.” Visit Stacey Lipton Interiors on Facebook.