Sonia Mueller
“Art is easy. I like lines and to start a painting, I start by drawing lines. I draw one here, then there, then another here, and before you know it, I have a composition I can work with”.
Indian River 528 East
Cocoa Beach
April 2026
Island Picnic
Peaceful River
Cuban-born Sonia Mueller, features her oil paintings in her series “Follow the Line”. Sonia’s presentation is the result of how she creates her compositions.
Sonia arrived in the United States in 1968 after her family’s farm was taken by the Cuban government. In addition to that, Sonia’s brother was also taken, not voluntarily, and the family did not know his whereabouts until many years later.
Sonia moved to Florida from New Jersey in 2001. In 2014, she began to paint with a group at a Senior Center, then with her husband’s encouragement, she studied at the Crealde School of Art in Orlando. She discovered a passion for painting that she never knew she had.
Sonia participated in the first anniversary of the “Pulse” nightclub tragedy in Orlando, and the Orlando Weekly magazine featured her painting “Embrace” in honor of that event. It was the first public showing of her work, and she had 165 offers to buy her painting.
Prominent venues such as the Art Factory Gallery and the Crealde School of Art have featured her paintings. In 2020, Sonia was selected to exhibit at a Hispanic Heritage event in Orlando. Most recently, in January 2024, she held a solo exhibit at City Art on 39th S. Magnolia Ave in Orlando to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Crealde School of Art.
Sonia says, “Painting is my passion! I find it easy and a great therapy! I like lines. It is very satisfying to look at a reference point and find the lines that will lead me to a nice composition. I draw a line here, then there, and then add another, and before you know it, I have a composition I can work with.” Her “easy” lines create excellent dimension. Some people, like Sonia, have an astounding natural ability.
May 2026
This inspiring new exhibition features the captivating works of two remarkable artists, Kenneth Wagner and Rita Irvin. Experience "Art on the Wing" and "Beneath the Surface"—a unique showcase of photography and mixed media art that explores the beauty of nature and the complexity of human emotion.
Kenneth Wagner’s “Art on the Wing” presents a stunning collection of bird photography that highlights the vibrant, intricate behaviors and stunning colors of Florida’s native bird species. Having nurtured a lifelong fascination with birds, Wagner captures each subject in its natural state, combining artistry and education by carefully composing his images and enhancing backgrounds without altering the birds themselves. His photographs invite viewers to witness the grace and daily drama of avian life, taking us on a visual journey through the skies of Florida and beyond.
Contrasting yet complementing Wagner’s work, Rita Irvin’s “Beneath the Surface” delves into the emotional and textural depths of mixed media art. Drawing on a lifetime of creative influence shaped by her upbringing in Berlin and extensive career in interior design, Irvin crafts layered compositions filled with subtle fractures, scraped edges, and evolving forms. Her work challenges the notion of perfection, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with themes of memory, control, release, and hidden intensity.
The opening reception will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the Studios of Cocoa Beach located at 165 Minutemen Causeway in downtown Cocoa Beach. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the artists, explore their contrasting yet harmonious bodies of work, and enjoy an evening immersed in art and conversation.
Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition that pairs the fluid beauty of birdlife with the textured complexity of human experience. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, art lover, or simply curious, “Art on the Wing” and “Beneath the Surface” offer something profoundly moving to discover.
Kenneth Wagner
Rita Irvin
June 2026
Join us for a captivating exhibition featuring the work of 20 talented artists, as they dive deep into the theme "Octopus and Friends." This unique show invites viewers to explore the vast and vibrant world beneath and above the waves through a diverse array of artistic interpretations. This dynamic and inclusive exhibition welcomed entries on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase new works created especially for this event. With no jury process and no prior submission of artwork images required, artists enjoyed the freedom to respond freely and imaginatively to the theme over an extended preparation period.
Central Brevard Art Association Scholarship Winner Pearl Lilikoi Boyd
On Exhibit At The Studios Of Cocoa Beach Gallery
June 2026
Each spring the Central Brevard Art Association awards a scholarship to a deserving central Brevard high school senior. It’s 22nd annual Student Scholarship recipient is Pearl Lilikoi Boyd from Cocoa Beach Jr/Sn High School. The Studios of Cocoa Beach and The Art Shop have teamed up to present an Exhibit of her work. This Exhibit will run throughout the month of June 2026 at The Studios gallery, 165 Minutemen Causeway in Cocoa Beach.
CBHS art teacher, Sara Soto (left) with her student and our winner, Pearl Boyd
July 2026
This exhibition is now full and is unavailable to enter
Interested in a Solo Exhibition?