Sheila Bechert at Red Trombone GallerySheila Bechert's inspiration for her Red Trombone – A Gallery was a flower.

While vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, she felt compelled to take a silk magnolia from her time-share, stage it at the beach and snap the shot against the brilliant blue-green surf.

The result, Flores en El Mar, is her signature photograph, featured at the gallery with her other images, all offered as limited edition fine art prints or Giclee archival prints on canvas.

Another result: The Red Trombone gallery, which rotates art exhibits of other photography, paintings, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry created by established artists.

"The idea is refreshing – and affordable – art," Bechert says.

Opening the Red Trombone in November 2011 brought Bechert full circle.

"I'm doing what I was doing right out of college," she says. "I'm living my dream."

Right out of MacMurray College and the University of Missouri, the Cleveland-born Bechert majored in theater. She ran an art gallery in Shaker Heights, and in Fort Lauderdale worked with her ophthalmologist husband for 37 years.

After theater, her loves are music – and photography. She studied the latter with two National Geographic shooters and later, Fort Lauderdale photographer Ray Dillworth.

"I shot that picture at Cabo San Lucas in May, got the idea to open an art gallery and was in business six months later," Bechert said.

Red Trombone, with about 700 square feet, provides an airy and bright display space for artwork. The tile floors from Spain and the delicate but powerful spotlight system, which Bechert first saw in Montreal, are works of art in themselves.

Red Trombone gallery also offers the skills of a photographer who can serve as a personal creative consultant. Customers can choose images from their own collections, then work with the photographer – Bechert's daughter, Wendy Weber, of Dragonfly Images – to produce highly personal works of art.

But why "Red Trombone?" Bechert loves the mellow, liquid sounds of the trombone. Through her musical connections, she owns the very first red Jiggs P Bone in America, an amazingly fine instrument manufactured by Conn-Selmer and endorsed by noted trombonist Jiggs Whigham. Though made of plastic, the inexpensive Bone produces high-quality sound – perfect for introducing youths to music. The Red Trombone plans to donate Jiggs P Bones to Broward County youth musicians throughout the year.

Bechert and the Red Trombone are an integral part of the renaissance of the Northeast 33rd Street area, now billed as the North Beach Arts District. The area, with art galleries and studios, night spots, restaurants, vintage clothing and furniture stores, shops and offices, features an Art Walk on the first Saturday of every month.

"This is a dream," Bechert says. "I'm surrounded by beautiful things, and sharing them with others. Plus, not a day goes by without someone interesting coming in here."

Red Trombone -- A Gallery
3313 N.E. 33rd Street, Fort Lauderdale Florida 33308
954 530-9539
954 303 7779 cell
www.redtrombonegallery.com

Located in the North Beach Arts District
Art walk first Saturday of every month.
Enjoy art, entertainment and dining