Nike Parton

Nike Parton was an American painter and educator born in Rye, New York. She served in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. Following her military service, she utilized the G.I. Bill to pursue formal artistic training, studying at the Art Students League in New York before enrolling at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, where she earned a fine art certificate. She also studied painting under Jay Connaway and sculpture under Lesley Posey.

Parton established her career and studio practice in Siesta Key, Florida, becoming an active participant in the Sarasota art colony during the mid-to-late 20th century. Working predominantly in watercolor, oil, and acrylic, her visual subject matter centered on coastal landscapes, marine environments, local flora, and beach scenes across the Gulf Coast region. Beyond her painting practice, she also worked in sculpture, woodcuts, and printmaking, and taught visual art in local regional art organizations.

Her works have been featured in retrospectives documenting mid-century Florida visual art, including exhibitions organized by the Ringling College Galleries. Parton maintained her residential studio practice in Siesta Key until her death in 2005.