Entertainment in St Augustine this week

Barbara Golden, Communications Manager for the St Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, informed local Historic City News reporters about the following entertaining events for our St Johns County readers.

Monday through Sunday: January 28 – February 3

Celebrate Art: 6th Annual Juried Artist Member Exhibition – Thirty-five of the area’s finest artists will present their juried works in this popular members’ exhibition on display through February 15. The galleries are free and open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org

Hotel Ponce De Leon Carrere & Hastings Blueprint Exhibit – In commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Ponce de Leon Hotel, historically and culturally significant ephemera relating to the construction and early years of the Hotel Ponce de Leon will be on display through February 22. This exhibit includes original Carrere and Hastings and McGuire drawings and blueprints, photographs, a copy of an 1885 map, and construction documents. Additionally, the exhibit highlights a group of artists who made the Hotel Ponce de Leon their seasonal home during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Original artwork and other artifacts related to their time in Saint Augustine will also be displayed at Flagler College’s Crisp – Ellert Art Museum, located at 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. The museum is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free. www.ponce125.com 904-829-6481

Friday: February 1

First Friday Art Walk – Experience one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events from 5 – 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at San Sebastian Winery, 157 King St. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. 904-829-0065 www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

Music from the HeART Amiro Art & Found – As part of St. Augustine’s First Friday Art Walk, Amiro Art & Found will open a special exhibit titled Music From the HeArt featuring the works of local artist and musical instrument designer Dick Bozung. His unique folk art inspired by the harmony of the natural world has been exhibited throughout the Southeast. In celebration of the exhibit and upcoming Valentine’s Day, Peterbrook Chocolatier on Anastasia Island will provide chocolates. Amiro Art & Found is located at 9C Aviles St. The event is from 5 – 9 p.m. 904-824-8460 www.amiroartandfound.com

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: February 1 – 3

“Negro Y Blanco” Art Exhibit at Space Eight – Exhibition of black and white creations by artist Anthony Ausgang. Titled “Negro Y Blanco,” the exhibit takes place at the Space Eight Gallery, 228 W. King St., in St. Augustine. The opening party with Mr. Ausgang will be from 5-11 p.m. on February 1. www.spaceeight.com 904-829-2838

Celebrate Art: 6th Annual Juried Artist Member Exhibition – Thirty-five of the area’s finest artists will present their juried works in this popular members’ exhibition. The galleries are free and open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org

Big Red Art Show – A celebration of the color red includes works that convey a range of moods and meanings with any variation of the spectrum’s hottest color. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery is located at 22 Marine St. in St. Augustine and is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. www.staaa.org 904-824-2310

Saturday: February 2

Maritime Archaeology Day – Special program from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Anastasia State Park showcases the park’s maritime history. Fun and educational booths set up by the Florida Public Archaeology Network, LAMP of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, The Pirate and Treasure Museum, The St. Augustine Yacht Club, Fort Matanzas and other groups tell the story. Plus, there will be free guided kayak tours of Salt Run at 10:15 and 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. (first come, first served), guided nature walks, live local music and seafood fare from the Island Grill. All events are included in the regular park admission of $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people, $4 single occupant vehicle, $2 pedestrians and bicyclists. Anastasia Sate Park is located at 1340-A A1A in St. Augustine. www.friendsofanastasia.org 904-461-2033

Living History Day at Fort Matanzas National Monument – From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad reenactors will demonstrate Spanish cannons at this fortress that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. www.nps.gov/foma 904-471-0116

Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration – Features a spectacular sunset across the bay — plus, dozens of market vendors, live music, local arts and crafts and more can be found on the pier! Activities are from 3 p.m. – dusk. Admission is free. Located at 115 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. 904-540-0402 www.vilanobeachfl.com

Evening Nature Program at Anastasia State Park – Park rangers or volunteers present programs on various topics ranging from sea turtles to star gazing. Programs take place at open-air pavilions with one of the most beautiful scenic backdrops in Northeast Florida as inspiration. Program included in regular admission of $8 per vehicle. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. Times vary throughout year. 904-461-2035 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

Saturday and Sunday: February 2 & 3

11th Annual Triple Crown Classic – This fast-pitch softball tournament features teams from 13 Southeastern junior colleges. Play begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and concludes with the championship game at 3:15 on Sunday. The tournament takes place at St. Augustine’s Treaty Park, 1595 Wildwood Dr. 904-209-0333 bclarkson@sjcfl.us

Local Resident Specials

St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum. Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.