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The Nature of Acrylic Painting
Acrylic paint is one of the most popular and versatile mediums in the art world today, loved by both seasoned professionals and absolute beginners. If you've ever wondered what makes this medium unique, you're looking at a fascinating blend of art history and modern chemistry. At its core, acrylic paint is composed of a pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion binder. Pigment is a dry colored powder - the same material used in oil paints, watercolors, and pastels. It
mnpletcher
Dec 13, 20253 min read


Texture and Light in Oil Painting
As you stroll through our quaint gallery in downtown Arcadia, Florida, you may first notice the diverse range of artists we feature. From whimsical drawings of forest creatures to mosaic birdhouses and reimagined furniture, our collection truly offers a bit of everything in the realm of art. Upon closer inspection, you'll find common themes among some of our artists. Over 30 local artists contribute their unique styles to the gallery, united by their love for art and Florida—
mnpletcher
Dec 6, 20252 min read


💖 The Unseen Backbone: Thank You to the Artists Who Lift Us Up
There's a quiet truth about being an artist: it's terrifying. It's a daily struggle against that little voice that whispers, "It's not good enough," or "Who are you to share this?" For every piece we proudly present, there are ten others hidden away, victims of insecurity and hesitation. We often see the final product—the finished painting, the completed song, the launched gallery—but we rarely see the scaffolding that made it all possible. This post is a heartfelt, emotional
mnpletcher
Nov 26, 20253 min read


The Sacred Mess - Stepping Inside the Artist's Studio
There's a certain mystique that surrounds an artist's studio. For many, it conjures images of pristine white walls, perfectly organized shelves, and a single, dramatic easel bathed in natural light. But if you’ve ever had the privilege of peeking behind the curtain, you know the truth is often far more captivating – a beautiful, breathing ecosystem where chaos and organization don't just coexist, they dance. Imagine stepping into such a space. The first thing that hits you is
mnpletcher
Nov 24, 20253 min read


Breathing New Life into Old Treasures
There's something enchanting about taking an old, forgotten, and slightly damaged item and transforming it into a vibrant, cherished piece. It's not just about saving money or being eco-friendly (though those are great benefits!). It's about creativity, connection, and the joy of reimagining. Sometimes, you come across an old, broken, neglected piece that resonates with you, reminding you that it still has life beneath the layers of dirt, paint, and repairs. Marc and I have h
mnpletcher
Nov 20, 20252 min read


Local Artists Are the Heartbeat of Pletcher's on Monroe
🙏 The Honor of Being a Safe Space for Local Art There is a profound, quiet honor in the day-to-day work of our little gallery. It's easy to get caught up in logistics, displays, and sales, but at its heart, our mission is beautifully simple: to be a safe space for over 30 incredible local artists. It is a privilege we approach with deep humility. We are acutely aware that we are more than just four walls. For many artists, showing their work is an act of vulnerability. Their
mnpletcher
Nov 13, 20252 min read


A Local Story - Framing History with History
There's something magical about merging two elements of forgotten local history. We recently encountered an inspiring project that elevated upcycling and local preservation to a new level. A local resident came to our shop with a unique request—to frame the original blueprints of their family home. Marc had the perfect solution: use an antique window frame salvaged from another local home. This project went beyond typical art projects, becoming a profound statement about our
mnpletcher
Nov 12, 20251 min read


A Mosaic on Monroe - Celebrating Diversity in Local Art
People often inquire about the origins of the art in our gallery. We are proud to feature works by approximately 30 local artists in our small store in downtown Arcadia, FL. Almost every artist contributing to the gallery resides within an hour of our shop. Much of the inspiration for the works we showcase is deeply rooted in Florida. Several local photographers exhibit stunning captures of Florida's diverse wildlife and landscapes. From beach scenes and alligators in rivers
mnpletcher
Nov 1, 20252 min read


5 Unexpected Things You Can Find ONLY at Pletcher's on Monroe
Tired of seeing the same art everywhere? Pletcher's on Monroe is different. We take pride in providing a safe environment that inspires others and ensures fair treatment for artists. We are privileged to display the distinctive creations of more than 25 local artists all in one location. Our venue has swiftly become a gallery of exclusive pieces that are unlike anything you'll find elsewhere. Prehistoric meets coastal: Envision adorning yourself with a fragment of Florida's
mnpletcher
Oct 23, 20252 min read


Investing in Creativity - Why Supporting Local Artists Matters
At Pletcher’s on Monroe, nestled in the heart of downtown Arcadia, we believe art isn’t just decoration—it’s the soul of a community. Every brushstroke, bead, and upcycled sculpture in our gallery tells a story rooted in this town’s spirit. With over 25 local artists represented, our walls pulse with the energy of Arcadia’s makers, dreamers, and storytellers. Supporting local art goes far beyond admiring a striking canvas or a whimsical piece of jewelry. It’s a direct investm
mnpletcher
Oct 18, 20252 min read


Two Birds
Over a year ago, we decided to fully commit and purchase a building in downtown Arcadia. We had long known our affection for the historic area and its shops, which were a major part of the charm that continually drew us back to this small town. In 2021, we realized our love for the town was so strong that we bought a home here. Our plan was to eventually rent space in one of the shops down the street, and we were happy with our new neighbors. As Marc anticipated the end of hi
mnpletcher
Oct 14, 20253 min read


🎉 A Grand Opening to Remember at Pletcher’s on Monroe 🎨
Today marked a radiant new chapter for Arcadia’s art scene as Pletcher’s on Monroe officially opened its doors—and what a spectacular...
mnpletcher
Oct 11, 20251 min read


🎨 Why Supporting Pletcher’s on Monroe Is a Gift to the Heart of Arcadia 🌟
In the quiet hum of historic downtown Arcadia, something extraordinary is blooming—a gallery not just of walls and frames, but of...
mnpletcher
Oct 6, 20251 min read


Two Sides - One Coin
If you've ever visited our gallery, Pletcher's on Monroe, you've likely sensed a certain dynamic. That's us - Marc and Kathy Pletcher,...
mnpletcher
Oct 4, 20252 min read


How to Look at Art (and Not Feel Awkward)
You're standing before a "masterpiece." The room is silent. You're aware that you should be feeling something, yet all you think is, "I...
mnpletcher
Oct 1, 20252 min read


You're Welcome
The title of this post, "you're welcome," is intentional. It's not meant to come across as arrogant or imply that we expect gratitude for...
mnpletcher
Sep 27, 20252 min read


Brushstrokes of Belonging - A Misfit's Guide by Kat
As I was growing up, I always felt somewhat... different. Not different in a "life of the party" sense, but different in a "doesn't quite...
mnpletcher
Sep 25, 20253 min read


Finding Peace
As I've mentioned before, Marc and I first met in 2000 while working together in Orlando, FL. He had relocated from Michigan a few years...
mnpletcher
Sep 24, 20252 min read


Grand Opening of the Gallery
🎨 A New Creative Space Blooms in Arcadia: Grand Opening of Pletcher's on Monroe 🌿 We’re beyond excited to announce the official grand...
mnpletcher
Sep 13, 20251 min read


Artcadia - My Kinda Crowd at Pletcher's on Monroe
When we first began our journey to open Pletcher's on Monroe, we honestly weren't sure what to expect. In a quiet town full of antique...
mnpletcher
Sep 10, 20251 min read
The Heart of Us
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