Sherry O'Neill Biography

I work mainly in a non-objective, abstract style, utilizing acrylic media, often in conjunction with charcoal, graphite, oil pastel, ink—lots of interesting stuff.  The creative process for me often begins with a sense of space and how shapes or objects can occupy that space.  I work in multi-layers, allowing earlier layers to show through, lending a sense of mystery & depth.  Playful calligraphy allows me to express creative freedom and play with shape and line.
Whatever I’m working on, I find that my main motivation is an intense, innate desire to create.  Painting takes me to a deep, secret place within myself that I’m unable to access any other way.  It is an imaginary, childlike dream world where thoughts, ideas and expressions are allowed to roam free, unfettered by judgment or scorn.  Placing thoughts and images directly on the surface, literally flying by the seat of my pants, conveys an immediacy and urgent simplicity that I hope allows the viewer a glimpse into my secret world.
I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree from Barry University, Miami, FL. In 1991.  I have exhibited my work nationally and internationally and been showcased in numerous solo shows.  Being inducted into the National Association of Women Artists in 2002 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC was a huge thrill.  Most recently, I was awarded the Armory Art Center’s Award of Excellence in West Palm Beach, FL.  My paintings have won numerous awards over the years and are hanging in corporate, as well as private collections.



Bachelor of Arts, 1991
Barry University, Miami Shores, FL
SELECTED AWARDS AND EXHIBITIONS
2014 Avis Frank Gallery – January – Galveston, TX – 2 artist exhibition
2011 Corse Gallery & Atelier – January – Jacksonville, FL
2010  Onessimo Fine Art – December – Palm Beach Gardens, FL
      “Unique Vision”- 2 artist exhibition
2010  Armory Art Center – November – West Palm Beach, FL
         “National Call to Artists”
    Watch for Excellence Award
2009  Onessimo Fine Art – November - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
     “Raw Elements” – solo exhibit
2009   Carey Addison Gallery – January - Miami, FL
     “Back to the Future” – 2 artist exhibition
2007    54 th Annual HARR Exhibit – June -  Houston, Texas
       2nd Place Award
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Florida Design Magazine - October, November, December, 2009
Florida Design’s Art and Antiques Magazine -  January 2008
New Times Broward – Palm Beach, July 2007
Miami Art Explosion – March, 2007
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Onessimo Fine Art, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (2003 to present)
Daniel Peleg Gallery, Bloomfield Hills, MI (2014 to present)
Corse Gallery & Atelier, Jacksonville, Florida (2009 to present)
Art Source Fine Art Gallery, Raleigh, NC (2017 to present)
Pryor Art Gallery, Atlanta, GA (2016 to present)
EXPERIENCE
2000 to 2014 – Workshop instructor – Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Caroline,
                New York, Italy
2000 to 2014 – Art Instructor – Cornell Museum Art School, Delray Beach, FL
2000 to 2014 – Private art instruction