Artist John Iampieri hopes his screen paintings create feelings of excitement and wonder, and if you have family roots in Baltimore's east side, where this particular art form began in 1913, nostalgia.

"When people from Baltimore see the screens, it is magical," Iampieri said. "They invoke fond memories. I get hugs and kisses from people who recall their youth after seeing a screen. They produce so much joy. I am very lucky...very lucky to be able to produce these for people. I get such tremendous satisfaction from creating them."

Iampieri, owner of Bella Designs in Bishopville, Md., has been painting artistic scenes on screens for five years. In that time, he has produced more than 1,000 feet of screens - that's how much his collection would measure if they were stacked upon one another. His work adorns both businesses and homes on the Eastern Shore and beyond - from popular restarants to a 30-foot screened porch at a local residence.

"What fuels my fire, so to speak , is being able to create an expression that people truly enjoy and want to share with other people," Iampieri said. "I love to be able to bring joy to individuals and to be able to do it through art. I have always had a passion for the arts and I know that determination and tenacity, without it being misguided, will help you along in many ways."

Iampieri, who spent decades in the food service industry and credits many of his family members for his artistic ability and inspiration, has sold screen paintings throughout the United States and as far away as Brazil.*

* Excerpts of the article "Screen Scenes" in the Summer 2005 issue of Coastal Style Magazine. Story by Jon Westman. Photography by Stephen Cherry. Used by permission.