Fort Myers, FL – In the month of September, DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts presents Counterparts, the artwork of Roland Ruocco and Wendy White. The exhibition will feature a variety of new works from this couple of creatives, along with their permanent studio inventory within the gallery. An opening reception is scheduled for the evening of Friday, September 4, 2026, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. The exhibition will be on display until September 27, 2026.
Roland Ruocco is a New York City native; now located in southwest Florida. He works in a diverse array of media and styles, creating beautiful and thought-provoking artworks. Ruocco’s landscapes and skyscapes capture the ethereal interplay of light and color, inviting viewers into moments of serenity and wonder. In contrast, his mural work and narrative paintings channel the spirit of their communities and society at large. Whether painting a meditative figure by a lake or a graffiti-laden subway car, this artist strives to create art that resonates on both a personal and collective level.
Wendy White was born in Rockaway Beach, New York. She grew up surrounded by art and the sea. White received a full academic scholarship to Barnard College in NYC, originally pursuing medicine in hopes of curing her father’s blindness. Her passion for painting was reignited by her mentor and artist Milton Resnick, leading to her renowned abstract impressionist style.
Ruocco includes a series he calls Earth Counterpart in this exhibition. “This is a world whose presence became clear to me many years ago. A vibrant living pristine world of high vibrational energies, of similar dimensions to Earth, but with vastly different landmasses, climates, flora and possible fauna.” – says the artist, who considers himself an “amateur climatologist” and is very passionate about the subject. “These [Earth Counterpart] pieces are much like Earth, sharing the same solar orbital path but located directly on the opposite side of the sun, therefore obscured from Earth’s view. I have been conducting an exploration for many years and recording my findings in a series of topographic maps, weather studies drawings, and paintings.” – adds the artist, whose also an avid and very well-known muralist in southwest Florida and beyond.
Wendy White has exhibited her art in New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and beyond, selling over 150 canvases in 250+ exhibitions to date. She’s the creator of the award-winning short film, Roses Are Blind, and the one-woman play The Jewish Nun, performed Off-Broadway and internationally. Additionally, she co-founded the nonprofit New Light Foundation, with her husband and co-exhibiting artist, Roland Ruocco. Their mission is to serve the community providing cultural outreach through the arts and education. More recently, White was appointed U.S. Festival Ambassador to the Bridge of Peace Film Festival in Paris and India’s Saath Jio Foundation, as well as Treasurer of the National Society of Arts and Letters in Florida. She continues to foster her dream of having international cultural exchanges in order to create a universal bridge of peace between all the countries of the world.
“To paint with oils ’till the painting radiates light itself” – admits White, seeing each painting as having a destiny; which is not the artist’s to keep. “The art of painting is a gift which I received in order to survive, and I have learned to help others by utilizing this gift for the better good of the world.” – concludes White.
DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery is located at 10051 McGregor BLVD, STE 104 in Fort Myers, Florida (Alliance for the Arts campus). The gallery’s business hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm, and first Friday from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Information about the venue can be found at daascoop.com or by calling 239-955-0422.
Address
10051 McGregor BLVD. STE 104
Fort Myers, FL 33919
(239) 955-0422
Temporary Hours
Wednesday – Sunday: 10am – 2pm
Holidays: Closed