About Us
Jeff and Katrin developed a passion for art and had an intense desire to support artists on a larger scale. Thus, Gulf Coast Artists was created!
The story of
Gulf Coast Artists
Jeff and Katrin have lived in Sarasota for over 51 years combined, are avid boaters and are passionate about preserving the local environment.
Together, both Jeff and Katrin are very passionate about supporting education, creating a deep respect and connection with the environment and giving back to the community. Their wish with Gulf Coast Artists, is to support local artisans, highlight artists who also recycle and use media that reduces trash in the ocean and donate part of the proceeds back to schools and non-profit programs who further their vision.
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About Me
Jeff
Jeff was born in Huntington, West Virginia, and spent most of his life in Westport, Connecticut, before moving to Sarasota in 1989. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a major in English and served in the United States Army and National Guard for several years before relocating to Florida. Throughout his career, Jeff established several businesses, some highly successful and others less so, but all aimed at enhancing public well-being in various ways. Jeff is passionate about making others happier!
Jeff waited until he was 44 to meet the love of his life and get married. Together, Jeff and Katrin discovered a shared passion for art and a strong dedication to giving back to the environment and helping those less fortunate.
About Me
Katrin
Katrin has taught Marine Science for over 20 years and is founder of the Aquadome/Stars to Starfish Marine Science Program at Riverview High School. www.rhsaquascience.com
Katrin received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees from the University of Maryland. One of her major inspirations at U of MD, was taking a course taught by our very own “Shark Lady” Dr. Genie Clark (Founder of Mote Marine Laboratory!). Katrin created the Aquascience program at Riverview High School to give students hands-on experiences, including watching sharks develop from egg cases, hatching and raising clownfish (yes NEMO!) and caring for animals in over 70 aquariums in an outdoor aquaculture facility named the “Aquadome”. As part of this program, over 4000 local elementary and middle school students visit Riverview’s Planetarium and Aquadome (Stars to Starfish) and are taught by the advanced marine science student interns in the program. They take great pride in sharing their knowledge and environmental stewardship with the younger generation!
In 2014, Katrin was so excited to be selected as Sarasota County’s Teacher of the Year and made it all the way to the top 5 teachers in the State of Florida!
Most recently, Katrin continues to improve the Aquascience program at Riverview, including her new additions: seahorses and lots of baby seahorses!
Why They Started Gulf Coast Artists
Jeff and Katrin’s journey with Coastal Flow Ocean-Inspired Gifts and Decor in Sarasota FL, began a little over three years ago when they decided to create a space where local artists could showcase their artwork. Renting a 1500-square-foot store, they embarked on a mission to curate a collection of ocean-inspired artwork, inviting talented artists to display and sell their creations.
Their vision quickly blossomed, attracting over 100 local artists to collaborate with Coastal Flow. This influx of talent transformed the store into a vibrant hub of creativity, drawing in both local residents and visitors from across the United States and many other countries. Coastal Flow became more than just a store; it became a beloved destination, synonymous with unique, handcrafted treasures inspired by the beauty of the ocean.
Motivated by the desires expressed by their artists and their customers for greater visibility and a larger online presence, Jeff and Katrin embarked on a new venture: Gulf Coast Artists. They recognized the need for a platform where artists could showcase their artwork to a wider audience and facilitate online sales. Seeking guidance from experts in the field, they honed their vision, making it clear that the happiness and satisfaction of the artists would be their top priority.
With Gulf Coast Artists, Jeff and Katrin aim to provide a comprehensive platform that not only showcases the artwork in a visually appealing manner, but also emphasizes the individuality and talent of each artist. They understand that representation is crucial, and they are committed to ensuring that every artist feels elated with how their artwork is presented and marketed. Our number one goal of Gulf Coast Artists, is to help artists thrive both artistically and professionally.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, feedback, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to assist you and ensure you have the best experience possible.
Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for connecting with us!
Warm regards,
The Gulf Coast Artists Team