More Than a Single Piece, Beyond the Gallery Walls

When people think of Cove, they often think of our gallery, a place to find an original painting, handcrafted jewelry, or something meaningful to take home from Anna Maria Island. And while that will always be at the heart of what we do, another part of Cove has quietly grown over the past several years.

Long before opening the gallery, I studied interior design at the University of Florida. Creating spaces has always brought me as much joy as creating artwork itself. There is something incredibly rewarding about helping someone find that one perfect piece that makes them smile every time they walk into a room!

But there is another kind of magic that happens when an entire space tells a story.

Over the past few years, I've had the opportunity to curate complete art collections for hotels, businesses, and vacation rentals throughout the area. We don't begin with the question, "What should go on the walls?" We begin by looking at the space as a whole, what already exists, what can be reused, where original artwork will have the greatest impact, and how every piece can work together to create something that feels collected rather than purchased.

Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort

One of our first large-scale projects was working alongside owner Angela Rodocker during the complete renovation of Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort. Together, we selected artwork specifically for the hotel's fresh coastal renovation, that felt relaxed, bright, and unmistakably Anna Maria Island.

One of my favorite moments was creating Follow Me Blue, which now hangs above every king and queen bed. Seeing a painting that began in my studio become part of hundreds of guests' island memories is something I'll never take for granted.

BridgeWalk Resort

When Angela later renovated BridgeWalk Resort above Cove on Bridge Street, she invited us back to help shape an entirely different visual story. This space called for deeper teals, warm wood tones, and artwork with a richer coastal feel.

The collection includes my manatee diptych Dance With Me, Mary Lewis's macrame woven jellyfish, Corin Finnie's Deep Water mermaid, Anna Maria Island maps, and my Tide School series in the bathrooms. All were carefully selected to feel connected while allowing each piece to have its own voice.

South Bradenton Dental Care

One of our most unique collaborations this past year has been with South Bradenton Dental Care.

For their newly renovated office, we created a custom 8-by-9-foot reclaimed wood installation behind the reception desk, incorporating the practice's logo and colors into the design. From there, Dr. Plumley asked us to continue the story throughout both the existing office and the newly expanded space.

Our goal wasn't simply to fill empty walls. It was to create an environment that feels calming, welcoming, and distinctly local while also reflecting Dr. Plumley's connection to the Navy and the years he spent living in Hawaii. Original artwork from Cove hangs alongside thoughtfully sourced pieces, creating an atmosphere that feels warm and sophisticated yet still playful and joyful for their staff as well as their patients to enjoy.

Midnight Gulf Resort

Most recently, we had the pleasure of curating the artwork throughout Midnight Gulf Resort, a multi-level vacation rental owned by Silke and Erik Wehner and managed by Anna Maria Vacations.

Each room was designed with its own personality while still feeling connected to the rest of the home. We combined original artwork by Cove artists with pieces the owners already had, giving existing artwork new life through thoughtful placement. We believe beautiful spaces don't have to be filled from just a single source.

It's one of my favorite parts of the process, finding the perfect mix that feels layered, personal, and intentional.

Curating Spaces That Feel Lived In

One thing I want people to know is that creating an art collection doesn't have to mean filling every wall exclusively with original artwork. While we absolutely love designing spaces entirely with Cove artists, we also love helping clients create beautiful collections that work within their vision and their budget.

We aren't afraid to find the perfect piece at HomeGoods or a local thrift store if that's what the space calls for. Great design isn't about spending the most money, it's about creating a collection where every piece has a purpose and everything works together. And if it's conveniently inexpensive, then why not?!

Sometimes that means incorporating artwork they already own. Sometimes it means discovering unexpected pieces that complement original work. Sometimes it means reframing, rehanging, or simply seeing familiar pieces in a new way.

Our role isn't interior design in the traditional sense. It's art curation.

I often joke that Cove is full of things nobody technically needs. But I don't really believe that's true.

Even birds decorate their nests, right?

The spaces where we live, work, gather, and rest shape how we feel. Filling them with artwork made by human hands, with pieces that tell stories, spark memories, and create connection, isn't an unnecessary extra.

It's one of the things that makes a space come alive.

It's what makes us feel alive.

And being trusted to help create those spaces has become one of my favorite parts of what we do.