True focal point of St Augustine’s arts community turns 90

On January 22, 1924, a handful of artists and writers met in historic St. Augustine to form a group that would encourage creative expression for all artists. They could not have realized that they were making history on that night; founding a visionary organization that continues to be the epicenter of the local arts community — 90 years later.

Located in the Historic District of the nation’s oldest city, the St. Augustine Art Association and gallery has been promoting excellence in the arts since 1924. No other cultural organization even comes close in their accomplishments.

“We invite all Historic City News readers and the St Johns County community to celebrate our 90th birthday with us, as we sail through our illustrious past — and chart the future of the St Augustine Art Association,” Association President, Diane Bradley said. “Each month, the Association produces juried exhibits of works by emerging and professional artists as well as the annual Thanksgiving Art and Craft Festival.”

The St Augustine Art Association gallery serves as the community’s authentic cultural hub; housing a collection of “Lost Colony” art and providing a gathering place for workshops, lectures, children’s programs, concerts and special events.

In addition to an array of special events and exhibitions during the month, on Friday, February 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the 90th birthday party launches with an elegant nautical-themed evening featuring live music, culinary delights and a premiere retrospective of paintings by the late J. Courtenay Hunt and exhibit of works from the Lost Art Colony. Inspired by the symbolism of a Spanish sailing vessel, “A Gala Galleon” will be an entertaining and informative journey of art and history commemorating the Art Association’s illustrious past and spotlighting plans on the horizon.

The gala Tickets are available by calling 904-824-2310.