Dan & Tracey Podsobinski
The Artists Behind Island Hoppers Art
Island Hoppers Art grew from our love of the oceans, islands, travel, photography and tropical escapism. Our fine art, photography and digital artwork draw inspiration from places we've experienced throughout the Caribbean, South Pacific, Florida Keys and Atlantic Coast — with the music of Jimmy Buffett and the beauty of God's creation often providing the soundtrack and inspiration.
Every art piece has a story. Some begin on an unforgettable island; others with wildlife, the sea, or a moment captured through the telescopic lens of a camera. Together, they reflect the adventure, peace and natural beauty that continue to inspire our work.
Conservation is part of that story, too. Through our art, we support efforts to protect endangered sea turtles while helping preserve the delicate marine habitats that make these places so extraordinary.
We’re glad to have you along for the journey.
Blessings to you,
Dan and Tracey
Dan Podsobinski
Photographer - Digital Artist
Dan’s distinctive style earned him the nickname “the Van Gogh of Beach Art” from Jennifer Badry, owner of 7 Artists & Friends in Key West.
Dan is a member of Professional Photographers of America, Nature First: The Alliance for Responsible Nature Photography, and the Art Guild of Tellico Village.
Dan’s lifelong passion for photography has grown through decades of travel, family adventures and exploring the natural world. Leading National Geographic photographers have shaped his photographic skills, while his digital artistry builds on years of experience that began in the traditional darkroom.
Inspired by the popular chorus Ia Ora Te Natura from Jimmy Buffett’s “One Particular Harbour” — a celebration of nature and the Earth — our artwork reflects that same appreciation for the natural world. Dan and Tracey support the Sea Turtle Conservancy through their art, recognizing sea turtles as important indicators of ocean health.
Dan's works have been selected for showings in the southeastern US, ranging from his hometown of Knoxville to Tampa, with collectors spanning New Zealand, Alaska, Seattle to San Francisco, and New York to Key West.
Tracey Podsobinski
Art Director and Curator
Tracey brings a discerning eye and a love of tropical art to Island Hoppers Art. She reviews thousands of photographs and digital works from our personal portfolio, selecting the images that best capture the beauty, color and spirit of the places that inspire us.
Her artistic perspective has been shaped by years of travel, photography and design, along with workshops led by respected professionals in island and waterfront décor. That experience helps guide the selection and presentation of artwork for homes, resorts and collectors.
In 2021, one of Tracey’s large art groupings was selected for display at the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the world’s oldest sea turtle conservation organization. The recognition reflects a connection that remains important to Island Hoppers Art: celebrating the beauty of the natural world while supporting efforts to protect it.
Remembering Thomas Dodd (1961–2026)
Fine-art photographer Thomas Dodd was among the artists whose teaching and encouragement helped shape my creative journey. Beyond sharing his expertise, Thomas showed a genuine interest in my work and even made an effort to attend one of my exhibitions.
I'll always appreciate his generosity, artistic vision, creativity, and encouragement.
Exhibitions, Awards & Recognition
Current Exhibitions & Events
Incredible Sunset Key
Sunset Key Resort & Cottages — Key West, Florida
Hemingway's View
Key West Lighthouse, Key West Art & Historical Society — Key West, Florida
Awards & Featured Exhibitions
2024–2025 Bailey Opportunity Grant
Arts & Culture Alliance, Knoxville, Tennessee
Dan Podsobinski was selected as a recipient of the Bailey Opportunity Grant, supporting the artistic and professional growth of Knoxville-area artists and arts organizations.
2024 Solo Exhibition — “Tropical Escapism”
Rarity Bay Art Gallery, Vonore, Tennessee
Rarity Bay Art Gallery co-curators Adrienne Small and Jean Vosburg invited Dan to present a month-long solo exhibition featuring 35 works of tropical fine art and photography, April 7–May 3, 2024. The April 28 artist presentation paired Dan's artwork and stories with live music by award-winning Trop Rock singer-songwriter John McDonald.
2023 TRMA Art Design of the Year Finalist
Beach More, Worry Less — John McDonald
Dan’s Beach Break on Bimini was selected by Trop Rock singer-songwriter John McDonald for his 2023 album cover. The artwork was named one of five finalists for the Trop Rock Music Association’s Art Design of the Year.
2022 Blue Ribbon Award
“Shipwrecked” Exhibition — Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa, Florida
Four works by Island Hoppers Art were selected for the March 2022 exhibition, with Cement Deck of the Shipwreck Sapona awarded a Blue Ribbon Award.
Juror's Perspective — Hemingway's View
“It reminds me of Andy Warhol in the way that everything is really flat with a strong outline around it.”
“It is an interesting, striking composition that has a modern feel because of the flat intense colors.”
— Kimberly Winkle, Juror
2023 Art Guild of Tellico Village Juried Exhibition
The Emporium, Knoxville, Tennessee
Selected Exhibitions & Appearances
2026 — Celebrate Knoxville, Knoxville Arts & Culture Alliance — Selected for the juried E Pluribus Unum exhibition, Knoxville, Tennessee
2026 — Tropical Escapism, Awaken Coffee — Month-long exhibition, Knoxville, Tennessee
2025 — Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head — Art Show, Hilton Head, South Carolina
2024 — Professional Photographers of East Tennessee Exhibition — Rarity Bay Art Gallery, Vonore, Tennessee
2024 — Tellico Village Art Guild — Artist Presentation & Art Show, Tellico Village, Tennessee
2023 — Art Guild of Tellico Village October Juried Exhibition — The Emporium, Knoxville, Tennessee. Hemingway's View selected for exhibition by juror Kimberly Winkle, October 6–27, 2023.
2024 — Tellico Village Art Show — Tellico Village, Tennessee
2022 — Meeting of the Minds “Mini Mart” Art Shop — Key West, Florida
2022 — Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head — Art appearances, Hilton Head, South Carolina
2022 — Artist’s Corner — Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa, Florida — 10 works exhibited
2022 — The Atlanta Market — Atlanta, Georgia
2021 — Island Art, The Tomato Head Gallery — 20 large-format statement pieces, Knoxville, Tennessee
2021 — Island Art, The Tomato Head at Market Square — 19 large-format statement pieces, Knoxville, Tennessee
2021 — Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head — Island Hoppers artist talks and Art Fair, Hilton Head, South Carolina
2020 — Farragut Fall Festival — Farragut, Tennessee
2020 — Riverside — Savannah, Georgia
2020 — Floating Vessels Exhibition — Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa, Florida — Three works selected for exhibition by curator Michele Stone
2019 — Arts & Culture Alliance Member Showcase — Knoxville, Tennessee
2019 — Arts & Culture Alliance Member Competition — Knoxville, Tennessee — Three works selected for exhibition
