Historic City News readers invited to free art exhibit

Historic City News readers invited to free art exhibit

By Raphael Cosme
Special to Historic City News

Prominent figures from St. Augustine’s past, and present, including Father Miguel O’Reilly, Dr. Thomas Travers, Archaeologist Kathleen Deagan, Sister Marie Therese Evrard of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and others, are being featured in the Annual Figure and Portrait Show at the St Augustine Art Association, January 3 through February 2.

The collection of historic images, captured by award-winning artist Lisa O’Neil, was created in charcoal portraits. They are but one part of the juried exhibition; made up of numerous expressions of the human face and form; by various artists, employing various styles and materials.

“My goal was for viewers to relate to these figures as real human beings with real lives — not just as names from the history books,” O’Neil told Historic City News. “History is an ongoing flow — we’re making history now, and we’re touching the people of the future.”

A classically trained artist, O’Neil holds a Studio Art degree from SUNY and completed Atelier studies in Florence, Italy. She was honored twice with the prestigious Carl Steinsieck Award for Best Figure Drawing at the St. Augustine Art Association.

O’Neil was awarded an Artist Ventures Grant by the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida to assist her in this study and production of this work. The exhibitions may be viewed at 22 Marine Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturdays, noon to 4 pm. and Sundays, 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

“Spanish Cavalry Trooper”
Historical Portrait by Lisa O’Neil