An exciting holiday opportunity

What: Artist's Reception and monthly Art Walk

Where, Gallery 26, 301 State Route 26, Melrose, FL

When:  Friday, December 6, 6-9 PM

Wow, what an exciting opportunity has arisen for the First Coast Pastel Society. Many thanks to member Linda Hart Green who established the initial connection that led to our opportunity to have a member show at Gallery 26 in Melrose, FL.

The whole idea arose very recently, so members who wanted to participate had to work fast to have entries ready in just a couple short weeks!

But it was well worth the effort. Gallery 26 is a wonderful light, airy space, and a very nice place indeed for us to have this show. The month of December is a fun one in Melrose with all sorts of events going on for the holidays, and now our member show can be part of it.

Melrose  is quite a long distance away for most FCPS members, so we arranged for several members who agreed to drive down, and we all carried works there for other artists. We were met by Betty Bennett from the gallery who gave us a warm welcome.

Considering the short lead time we had for this show it was great that so many members stepped up to participate, and we have almost 50 pieces of work entered in the show.

The paintings were all stacked around the perimeter of the gallery as we unloaded them from the car, and as the previous show was coming down.

As I walked around the room I was struck again by the amazing caliber of the work. The First Coast Pastel Society has every right to be proud of this show!

Betty warmly welcomed us to show up for their monthly Art Walk and reception on the first Friday of the month, December 6, from 6-9 PM.

Despite the distance I think it's well worth it, and it would be great to get a nice turnout from our FCPS participants and other members and friends as well.

It's hard to believe our organization is not even quite two years old. When you see the work in this show you can see there was definitely a need for a pastel group in the Northeast Florida area.

So thanks also to our President, Lyn Asselta, for being the driving force behind getting us off the ground.

I heard from Betty Bennett via email that the show was hung that afternoon. In her words:

The show is hung and it looks  beautiful in the Gallery 

Of course these are not great photos - pastels under glass don't photograph well. And I was not trying to talk formal photos - just snaps to give an idea of the scope of the show.

I apologize to artists whose work I missed. But that means you all just have to come to Studio 26 to see the show for yourselves! I hope to see you there.