UpstreamArt is an electronic art gallery established in April 2000 to expand the opportunity for artists to show their work beyond the borders of their communities.  We designed the database with the customer's taste and time constraints in mind.  Rather than browsing through the catalog, you may select art work sorted by theme and medium. For example, you may prefer to search only for watercolors of seascapes available in the catalog.

The idea for UpstreamArt came to us while visiting an art gallery in Cedar Key, on the Florida Gulf Coast. Hanging on display were the paintings of a local artist, whose vision of ocean, trees and clouds was so striking that we felt compelled to purchase one of her pieces. Sadly we thought her unique watercolors could only been seen by a random visits to the quaint resort. 

"What if we could display her pictures on the Internet," we mused, "so her paintings could be seen around the world?" Would the artist be encouraged to paint more lovely art, if she were able to sell some of her watercolors to others who enjoyed the feel of her Florida scenes?  Could we help both artists and customers?

With that idea in mind, we enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner discussing how we could bring the creativity of small artists to an audience all over the world. That was when the idea for UpstreamArt was born.

Liza Sullivan, president of UpstreamArt, has a communications degree from Florida State University, with a background in advocacy, photography and pottery. UpstreamArt brings together many of her interests.

Christopher Sullivan offers his 20 years of research and computer expertise to support the family enterprise enormously.  Graduating with a Ph.D. in telecommunications from the University of Washington in Seattle, he built his first computer in 1981 and conducted software testing at Microsoft.  He developed his keen sense of beauty as a free lance photographer and haiku poet.

Isaac, their son, originated the web site design and programmed UpstreamArt.com.  He began working as a graphic designer at age 16 before learning to programmer and design web sites. 

Together the three forged the concept to connect those who appreciate art with those who create art.