Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the year 1917Media: Oil on Canvas
Style: Portraits and creator of her own painting style
Years of Experience: Over 75 years
Organizations: Rockport Art Association, Lahaina Arts Society, Kihei Arts Council (past president) & Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
Florence first had an interest in art while attending grammar school and was singled out by her teacher and encouraged to take outside art lessons. She studied under the late Charles Allen & Alice Beach Winter, both famous commercial artists specializing in portraits and landscapes. She was encouraged by both teachers to study full time as an art student, but because of the depression, Florence’s mother encouraged her into a profession as an Occupational Therapist.
Florence first attended the Boston Museum’s School of Art Institute and later attended the Chicago Art Institute, while being Executive Director at the DuPage Easter Seal Treatment Center. Honing her gift as an artist, she continued to paint portraits and was searching for a style of painting all her own. It wasn’t until she moved to Maui in 1969 and became the Director of the Occupational Therapy Department at Hale Makua, where she still volunteers, that she found her own style of painting in late 1969 and early 1970. She took many classes on Maui from Tadashi Sato, Dick Nelson, Parashacti Gilchrist and Gloria Foss. Florence paints the local people of Hawaii through dancing, talking story, celebrating, playing music and being themselves as well as Hawaiian scenery. This style has been used by other artists over the years and continues to be very popular. Not only is her style unique and simple, but also has the special gift of the painting communicating a message to you. She credit’s God for her art’s inspiration.
Florence’s art has sold all over the United States and especially in Hawaii. Her artwork has been displayed at the Maui County mayor’s art show, all three-art societies on Maui, art galleries, banks and restaurants across Maui. She has taken first place with her art at ‘The World Bromeliad Conference’ in Orlando Florida. Her art has also been featured on the book cover of ‘Maui Art & Creative People’. A poster of her ‘Spirit of the Hula’ artwork has been produced and distributed, along with four different art paintings for greeting cards. T-Shirt designs by Florence have also been printed and produced.
> White House-President's Call to Service Award-George Bush
> Council on Service and Civil Participation Award-Robert Dole Co-Chair, Darrell Green-Chair, John Glenn-Honorary Co-Chair
> Certificate of Appreciation, Hale Makua Volunteer Program
> Certificate of Appreciation, Kaunoa County of Maui Volunteer Service
> Certificate of Appreciation, The National Association of Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Directors
> The Maui News, Women of Maui '95