January 19 - February 25, 2024. Opening reception January 19, 6 - 8pm. Free and open to the public. Weekly viewing hours: Saturdays 12pm - 4pm
Gathering Artists of Putnam (GAP) aspires to showcase visual artists and artisans of Putnam County, promote a visionary community spirit, and become a creative force in the revitalization of the city of Palatka and Putnam County through the arts.
March 1 - March 31, 2024. Opening reception March 1, 6 - 8pm. Closing reception March 29, 6 - 8pm.Free and open to the public.
I am from Palatka. I grew up exploring the beaches and forests of Florida that inspire my paintings. Love for nature is a theme in my art. As a painter, I want to preserve memories and ideas that can be reflected upon with nostalgia and joy, and hopefully share with you something familiar that evokes emotions.
All of my works are hand-painted, usually with acrylic on canvas. I like to apply many layers of color, each time honing in on the effect I want to create. I often leave bits of the under-colors peeking through to make a richer and more interesting image. I often paint imagined scenes from the past and future that start as pencil sketches. I have also created several landscape paintings using my photos as a reference for places such as Princess Place Preserve and Washington Oaks Gardens.
This collection of artworks is a mix of real places and fantasy landscapes each attempting to showcase a particular mood and a feeling of open space.
Oak Hammock
Atmosphere at Gene’s
Toby Jones
Through the Artists Lens
April 5 - June 17, 2024. Opening reception April 5, 6 - 8pm. Free and open to the public.
There are many talented photographers in Putnam County, and this is just a sampling. Landscape, architecture, portraiture, wildlife, and drone photography are some of the subjects that are captured as only the camera can.
Tom Deputy
Imani Klein
Brian Keith
Hollis Bliss
Jim Bailey
Hollis Bliss
Tom Deputy
Rita Fullerton
Brian Keith
Imani Klein
Jubilee
June 21 - June 30, 2024. Opening reception June 21, 6 - 8pm. Free and open to the public.
In conjunction with this year’s Juneteenth theme of Jubilee, the Arts Council in a partnership with Shirley Edwards and E Imagine Arts, this exhibit will feature events recognizing regional black art, fashion, and history.
Ra Ra and Persidart
King Ra Ra Kuyu
July 5 - October 6, 2024. Opening reception July 5, 6 - 8pm. Free and open to the public.
This is a great opportunity for this town to be introduced to a couple of hidden gems right here in Palatka. King Ra Ra Kuyu and Persida Sfartz are both excellent examples of the cultures they grew up in. Ra Ra's work seethes with the color and subject matter of Caribbean culture, and Persida's paintings have a soft glow that continues the Byzantine legacy of Slavic orthodoxy. Art lovers have nothing but praise for the unabashed honesty that both of these artists bring to their work. The fact that these 2 artists share a long history together, and are so close personally, speaks volumes about the possibilities of cultural diversity, and mutual respect."
Persidart
