Art Gallery 21 presents INNER SANCTUM

Art Gallery 21 is pleased to present
INNER SANCTUM
an exhibit by
Tom & Lynda De Vita
EXHIBIT OPENING:
Saturday, April 18, 2026
from 6 to 8 PM
Gallery Hours thru May 16th:
Friday & Saturday 5 to 7 PM
and by appointment

ABOUT THE ARTISTS …

 

TOM DE VITA‘s artist statement: In my work, I seek to evoke reflection on the complex and often delicate bond between humans and the natural world. I explore animal semiotics, symbolism, and imagination, alongside the deeply rooted myths that shape our shared existence. I aim to move through the space where the familiar meets the unforeseen, drawing meaning from the rich interpretations that arise within that intersection.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Tom was born in Queens, New York, in 1970, and resides in Pembroke Pines. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture, from St. John’s University, in New York, and his Master of Fine Arts from Miami International University of Art & Design, in Miami, Florida.

De Vita was a former professor of art at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Barry University, and Broward College, teaching painting, drawing, and design. Currently, De Vita operates De Vita Academy of Art, in Davie, Florida, with his wife Lynda, also an artist and professor, teaching traditional painting, drawing, and sculpture. His life has been devoted to developing paintings, portraits, illustrations, and murals for numerous businesses, residences, and private collectors. He exhibits locally and nationally, and is the recipient of the Duane Hanson Allied Artist Fellowship and was The Artist in Residence for the City of Pembroke Pines for 2014-2015.

 

LYNDA DE VITA’s artist statement: Beyond mere wakefulness, my paintings delve into the awakening of the spirit. I create portraits of the soul—seeking to reveal what truly matters within us, something that exists beyond time and the physical body. My work is a pursuit of the purest expressions of energy, emotion, and love. It reflects an awareness of what genuinely awakens us—what stirs our senses to life, allowing them to expand and flourish from the root to the crown, and beyond. I remain endlessly captivated by the challenge of capturing that elusive spark—the 21 grams of magic within every individual.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Lynda was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1989, Lynda moved to New York City and attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, majoring in Fine Arts with a concentration on Illustration. After graduating in 1994, she moved to South Beach, Florida and worked as a freelance Illustrator and Designer. In 2007, Lynda received her Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration from Marywood University, PA. She was a full-time instructor of Fashion Design and Fashion Illustration, at Miami International University of Art & Design, for 17 years. Lynda creates fashion illustrations, fashion designs, illustrations for children’s books and magazines, murals and fine art. She is a member of Fashion Group International and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her illustrations have been published in magazines and greeting cards.

 

 

 

ABOUT ART GALLERY 21

Established in 2012, Art Gallery 21, Inc. is a Florida-registered 501c3 non-profit organization working in partnership with Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department to bring art and cultural experiences to the Island City. Located in the Island City Cultural Center at 600 NE 21st Court in Wilton Manors, Florida, Art Gallery 21 is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting local artists and their creations. To donate to Art Gallery 21, volunteer during an event or exhibit, or for a general inquiry, please email ArtGallery21WCWM@gmail.com or call/text 954.225.5488. Follow Art Gallery 21 on Facebook, Google and Instagram.