Renowned landscape painter Dean Gioia will share insights into his creative journey during an Artist Talk and Gallery Tour on Wednesday, October 1, from 5:30–7:00 pm at the Tallahassee State College Fine Art Gallery. This event is a special complement to his solo exhibition, “Visiting Light.” The conversation will begin at 6:00 pm and will be moderated by Amanda Karioth Thompson, local arts consultant and advocate. The event is free and open to the public.

Gioia, widely recognized as one of the region’s most prominent artists, has built a distinguished career capturing the natural beauty of North Florida and the Big Bend area. Known for his masterful treatment of light, Gioia’s paintings reveal the expressive interplay of atmosphere as it shifts across the coast, marshes, rivers, and rural roads of the landscape he calls home.

Gioia has been documenting regional landscapes for more than 50 years. His light-filled, evocative paintings have been exhibited throughout the Southeast, earning him an Individual Artist Fellowship from the state of Florida. His work is included in hundreds of public and private collections, including IBM, the Florida Museum of Natural History, Florida State University’s Center for Autism, Capital City Bank, and Big Bend Hospice. Gioia’s paintings have been featured in film, used as CD cover art, and published in publications such as Tallahassee Magazine and Keep Florida Beautiful Magazine. He has also authored two books, Turn of Light and Illuminated, and shares his knowledge through painting workshops.

During the Artist Talk, Gioia will reflect on his creative journey, discuss the inspirations and process behind his luminous canvases, and take questions from attendees.This event offers a unique opportunity to explore Gioia’s work up close and hear firsthand from the artist. If you can’t attend the talk, the “Visiting Light” exhibition is on view through October 9, Mondays through Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with free admission and parking on TSC’s campus. The gallery is in TSC’s Fine and Performing Arts Center, 444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304.