Letty's Blog

The Magic of Windansea

Yesterday, Nowak was invited to tour the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, California. It was a pleasure meeting historian Jane Schmauss, and the great staff at the museum located at 312 Pier View Way Oceanside, CA . For more information please visit: http://surfmuseum.org

Coincidentally, their current exhibition is dictated to the legendary men and women who shaped the influential and notably competitive Windansea Surf Club. The renowned surf break, Windansea has also been home to Nowak’s studio for almost 3 years, and is the spirit of her current collection. After touring the memorabilia it was ultimately determined that the vibrant individuals that encompass the organization and neighborhood are the soul and backbone of the cherished landmark. The area alone embodies a since of ‘classic Southern California’ surfing community filled with eccentric types of people from all walks of life. The vintage cove and famous palm-covered ‘surf shack’ gives off a cool vibe that makes it undeniable that Windansea exemplifies the most progressive and animated characters in California surf and beach crowd history.

Waterman’s Weekend 2013

This past weekend Nowak along with the Faces of Surfing attended the 24th annual Waterman’s Ball, which raised more than $400,000 (including a commission piece donated by Nowak) that will directly benefit organizations dedicated to the preservation and protection of our oceans, beaches, and waves. The sold-out affair also celebrated four individuals for their exceptional impacts on the industry. Congratulations ISA President, Fernando Aguerre who was named Waterman of the Year; musician, artist, and surfer Brandon Boyd and Incubus were recognized as Environmentalists of the Year; Peter “PT” Townend received the Lifetime Achievement Award; and finally founder of Waves for Water, Jon Rose, was given the Special Achievement Award for his relief work for Hurricane Sandy.

Nowak’s Non-Profit Support

Letty Nowak along with the Faces of Surfing continues to support and aid the conservation of the world’s oceans, beaches, and waves. From her ongoing support of SIMA and recent event with Mote Marine Laboratory, Nowak has made it a priority to help protect, educate, and preserve through her work. Last year Nowak raised $15,000 at SIMA’s annual Waterman’s Ball in Laguna Niguel, California for her donated commission piece. A large reach to more organizations through the Faces of Surfing will be announced soon.


Photo: Nowak signing last year’s donation to Waterman’s Ball live auction

Invite to the 2013 Waterman’s Ball

Nowak has been invited back to the 2013 Waterman's Ball in Laguna Niguel, CA. Like last year, she will be donating a commissioned painting to the live auction to help raise money for SIMA's Environmental Fund. "It is important for me to give back to the surf industry as it has been so supportive of me and my paintings. It is an honor to be involved with this unbelievable event," says Nowak.

The Lemonade Stand Juried ‘Small Works’ Exhibition

Letty Nowak along with her Key West gallery, The Lemonade Stand Art Studio presents the international juried ‘Small Works’ Group Show. The exhibition will be open from June 28th through July 14th, 2013 with an artist reception on Friday June 28th from 6-9pm, followed by a champagne reception Saturday June 29th from noon-3pm.

The Lemonade Stand is proud to announce the return of the juried group show including artists Dick Moody, John Martini, Jim Racchi, and Sandy Mezinis to name a few.

All work submitted met a size requirement of 10”x10” or smaller, and was judged by a committee made up of individuals with various art backgrounds from across the country including David Case of Sarabeth’s, artist Sue Clay Moloney, Jay Scott former executive director of the Studio’s of Key West, and Art Dealer and long-time Key West resident Hal Bromm, owner of Tribeca's Hal Bromm Gallery and former chair of Sculpture Key West.

"Judging Lemonade Stand's small works exhibition provides a sneak peak at many wonderful new works by a some seriously talented - and several internationally recognized - artists to Key West. For new collectors beginning an art collection, both the quality and the price levels invite serious consideration." – Hal Bromm

"My selections were based on emotion and not as much on knowledge of the art or artists. I thought that was a good thing."--David Case



The Lemonade Stand Art Studio is located at 318 Petronia Street Key West, Florida

Hours of operation:
Monday- Saturday 10am-4pm
Also by appointment

For press inquiries, images, or to arrange an appointment, please contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

‘Before the Faces’ Opening Reception

Calling All Artists!

Letty Nowak and the Lemonade Art Stand Gallery are proud to announce the return of the ‘Small Works’ Exhibition. Nowak along with her Gallery will be hosting the exhibit, which will be on display at the Lemonade Stand from June 28th- July 14th, 2013 with an Opening Reception on Friday, June 28th from 6-9pm followed by a Champagne Reception Saturday, June 29th from 12-3pm. All work submitted will be viewed and judged by a committee made up of individuals with various art backgrounds from across the country. All selected pieces will be on display and available for purchase for the entirety of the exhibition. Entries are not limited to Florida or the East Coast region; please feel free to pass the information along to appropriate candidates. Entry requirements are listed below, for any other inquiries please email Caroline at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)


Requirements: Entries may be in any medium, any format – photography, drawings, paintings, sculpture, etc. The show, titled “small works”, will have a size requirement of up to 10 inches in any direction. Any artwork exceeding the size requirement will not be accepted for consideration. This is the finished (framed) size. All entries must be original art, framed and ready for presentation in order to be considered. Artists may submit up to 3 works. Application forms and the processing fee may be delivered to the gallery anytime before June 10th or paid and submitted online at: http://www.lettynowak.com/store All e.ntrants not selected will be notified by June 14, 2013.

All Images must be emailed to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and comply to the listed format:
• File format: JPEG only
• File dimensions: No smaller than 1920 pixels on the longest side
• File resolution: 72 ppi/dpi (standard web resolution)
• File size: 3 MB maximum

A completed form and a non-refundable $10.00 processing fee per image must accompany each entry. For payment please visit: http://www.lettynowak.com/show or by dropping off at the Lemonade Stand Art Studio-318 Petronia Street Key West, Florida

Nowak’s Encinitas Library Gallery’s Opening Reception

The exhibition will be on display until June 3rd, 2013, for any inquiries or to schedule a private showing please email Liz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Nowak’s San Diego 6 Interview

May 3rd 6:00-8:00pm Opening Reception

Good Morning Florida Keys Interview

Thank you Jenna Stauffer and WEYW19 for including Nowak and the Faces of Surfing collection in your segment.

Encinitas Library Gallery Installation

Yesterday, Nowak completed the installation of her current Faces of Surfing exhibition at the Encinitas Library Gallery located at 540 Cornish Drive Encinitas, CA 92024. The exhibition will be on view from April 17th – June 3rd 2013 with an Artist’s Reception on Friday May 3rd from 6 - 8 pm. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday from 9:30-8:00pm Friday- Saturday 9:30- 5:00 Sunday noon-5:00pm. For a private showing please email Liz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Nowak’s Retreat in Troncones

Recently, Nowak visited Coco, an artist from Argentina and sign painter in Troncones, Mexico for a long weekend of surf and relaxation before returning to the States to continue work on the second series of the Faces of Surfing. While vacationing, Nowak was captured by Troncones's muted, but bright colors that make-up the beautiful seaside retreat, which will undoubtedly transfer into Nowak’s upcoming pieces. Nowak is eager to return to California for her up-coming exhibition at the Encinitas Library Gallery from April 17th –June 3rd 2013. The Library is located at 540 Cornish Drive Encinitas, California

Faces of Surfing and The Fury Surf Shack Benefit Mote Marine Laboratory

The Faces of Surfing and The Fury Surf Shack held a benefit last Thursday night honoring Mote Marine Laboratory, as well as to celebrate the opening of the Fury’s third store and Nowak’s current collection. Together they hosted a screening of the 1980’s cult surf film, The North Shore at the local favorite Tropic Cinema. The evening began with a raffle of donated items from various venders including Roxy, Billabong, G-Shock, Volcom, Toes on the Noes, Electric and Quiksilver to name a few with all proceeds profiting Mote. Mote Marine Laboratory since it was in founded in 1955 has served as the leader in marine research and outreach to teach the public to aid better treatment of our oceans and marine animals. The newly opened Fury Surf Shack is located at 800 Duval Street in Key West, Florida.

Joel Blair Review

Writer and Art Critic Joel Blair recently wrote an article on Nowak’s collection The Faces of Surfing’s island debut in the Solares Hill section of the local Key West Newspaper, The Citizen. The Article reflects on Nowak’s keen ability to capture her subject’s personality within the detail of their skin, flesh tone, and hair. As well as her technique to often use a single color in her backgrounds which innately “pushes the faces of the subject forward and makes them more like mirror images than composed portraits.” In conclusion, Blair argues Nowak’s practice catches the true character behind each subject, a talent that is “essential to successful portraiture.”

The Lemonade Stand Art Studio’s Opening Reception

Key West welcomed Nowak back to the community with open arms during her Pop-Up Gallery’s opening reception last Friday night. The Lemonade Stand Art Studio greeted guest with an opening filled with laughter, music by Nick Doll, and celebration of Nowak’s homecoming as well as her current collection, The Faces of Surfing. The opening was followed by a champagne reception the next afternoon that was filled with just as much excitement of Nowak's return to the ever so eccentric art community. The gallery is now open to the public 7 days from 10 am - 4 pm and Monday -Saturday host evening hours from 6 pm - 9 pm. For appointments, please call: (502) 609-3584 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Back By Popular Demand

Nowak along with her current collection, The Faces of Surfing will be traveling back to the Florida Keys, home to Nowak’s original studio and community favorite The Lemonade Stand Gallery. Nowak will be opening a Pop-Up form of her famed gallery just down the street from it's original location in an effort to bring back her art to the community who made her the artist she is today. The Pop-up is located at 318 Petronia Street in the heart of Key West’s eclectic Bahama Village.

Art Basel Miami & Billabong Pipe Masters Oahu

The Faces of Surfing had a busy weekend on the Atlantic and Pacific this past weekend. Not only were we meeting and researching at Art Basel in Miami, FL, but we were also at the Billabong Pipe Masters on the North Shore of Hawaii's Oahu. Fine art and the surf industry once again gelled and this next year is coming together for Nowak her new paintings.

The Lowman’s Faces of Key West Quest

Fred and Debbie Lowman of Jacksonville, Florida have been visiting the Keys for over 20 years. The couple who has been married for 38 years have taken Nowak's Faces of Key West project on their own incredible journey. Over six years ago they visited Nowak's gallery, The Lemonade Stand Art Studio with one of her Faces of Key West books in hand. They told her of their quest to search the island for the subjects she had painted for the 100 portrait series and have each one personally autograph the page of the book that showcased their painting. Nowak remembers the day clearly stating, "It was impressive to watch the Faces of Key West project grow more layers as the Lowman's told me their story. I knew it must be touching my subjects as well." Just last week, the Lowman's found Nowak in Key West again in one of her Surf Shack's and told her their adventure is still on. They have about half of the book signed and continue their mission each time they visit the island. They claim they must have walked 100's of miles through Key West following clues to find their next autograph.

Dedication of ‘Garibaldi’ Painting

This morning Nowak's piece 'Garibaldi,’ California’s state marine fish, was gifted to San Diego's Birch Aquarium on behalf of the Kimpton Hotel Group.

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