Get your art on!
March 9th, 2010Aside from being the Nation’s Oldest City, St. Augustine is also well known for its talented art community. It’s no surprise really with the amount of culture built into the cobblestone streets of the Ancient City that we would have so many incredible artists floating around.
As we finally roll into spring (and hopefully bid farewell to this abnormal streak of  cold weather!) the art community is coming out of hibernation with some great events and offerings through March and April.
Coming up this weekend, March 12-14, is the 29th Annual Lions Seafood Festival at Francis Field (known as the Special Events Field to out-of-towners) Â in downtown St. Augustine. In addition to some phenomenal seafood from restaurants all over the Ancient City, the festival also features hundreds of arts and crafts booths. From jewelry and sculptures to paintings and glass art, this is event is packed with some incredible displays of local art. There will also be a few live music performances, raffle prizes and more!
Locals and visitors can also get a taste of St. Augustine’s artsy side each month at two different recurring art events. On the first Friday of every month, visitors can head downtown for the First Friday Artwalk in the Plaza de la Constitution. If you miss that event, Bartram Walk on the north end of town hosts a Second Saturday Artwalk as well. Both events are free to the public.
If you’re looking for something more interactive, consider signing up for weekly art classes offered at the St. Johns Cultural Center. Local artist Joan Tasca will be the instructor for two separate courses offered from the beginning of April until late May. Budding artists of all skill levels are encouraged to join. Class details are as follows:
TUESDAYS, 9:30-12:30. April 20 through May 25.
Drawing, All Levels: Beginners will focus on line, perspective, composition, value, texture and form, while Intermediate and Advanced students will hone skills with black and white media and work in color.
THURSDAYS, 9:30-12:30. April 22 through May 27.
Oil or Acrylic Painting, All Levels: Beginners will learn color theory, tools and techniques. Intermediate and Advanced students will refine skills, learn new ones, and work on personal style.
Tasca has experience as an art instructor for all age groups as well as an educational background in art that includes degrees from the University of Delaware and the University of the Arts, Philadelphia. Call her at (904) 794-2594 for materials and more information. The registration fee per course is $140. Class size is limited, deadline to sign up is April 9th.
So whatever tickles your art fancy, you can find it in St. Augustine this spring! For more information you can check out our listings of St. Augustine art galleries in the Art and Music section of  OldCity.com.
- OldCity.com
P.S. - The Bridge of (Mil)Lions is scheduled to re-open on St. Patrick’s Day (next Wednesday, March 17th). You’ll want to be in downtown St. Augustine to see the triumphant completion of this five-year, $80 million project in downtown St. Augustine.
