Leoma Lovegrove, a vibrant and visionary impressionist-expressionist painter, left an indelible mark on Southwest Florida with her vivid, joyful works and her dedication to the arts. She passed away on April 10 at the age of 72, surrounded by love and her husband, Mike Silberg, at their home in North Fort Myers.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2018, Lovegrove used her personal journey to raise awareness for breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Her art became not only an outlet for expression but also a beacon of hope and advocacy.
Honoring Her Legacy: A Fund for the Arts
In her memory, the Leoma Lovegrove Foundation Fund has been established through the Collaboratory to support local arts and continue her mission of creativity and community.
“As a community foundation, we support families so they can create lasting legacies,” said Dawn Belamarich, Collaboratory President and CEO. “This is a way to honor her life, art, and contribution. We want to keep the spirit of her work alive—this is a celebration of Leoma.”
Donations can be made at: www.collaboratory.org/LeomaLovegrove
A Creative Force in Retail
Lovegrove’s artistic reach extended beyond the studio. In 2013, she partnered with Bealls Inc. to create a colorful retail line of accessories, home goods, and women’s apparel that reflected her signature Florida flair.
Matt Beall, Chairman and CEO of Bealls Florida, recalled the collaboration with admiration.
“It was bright, colorful, and fun—it made the rest of the store pop,” he said. “Leoma had an artistic spirit and a strong business sense. She was an inspiration and a phenomenal human being.”
Although the contract expired a year ago, Lovegrove had expressed interest in renewing it just months before her passing. Beall shared that he hopes to continue the conversation with her husband to potentially revive the brand.
Celebrations of Life
A Celebration of Life for Lovegrove will be held on April 28 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. The event has reached capacity, but additional tributes have been planned to honor her life and legacy:
Candlelight Vigil in Matlacha
Wednesday, April 30
6:30–8:00 PM
Re/Max Sunshine, 4574 Pine Island Road, Matlacha
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and share their favorite stories during an open mic at sunset. Parking is available at Matlacha Community Park.
Art Walk Tribute in Downtown Fort Myers
Thursday, May 2
River District, Fort Myers
The River District Alliance will pay tribute to Lovegrove during its monthly Art Walk. The Leoma Lovegrove Studio on Dean Street will be open from 11 AM to 9 PM, with Art Fest festivities from 5 to 9 PM, and a special celebration of life centered at the new Pocket Park on First Street.
