Forgotten Coast and the Healing Power of Art

Recently I was privileged to participate in Florida's Forgotten Coast Plein Air
Invitational which took place in the Apalachicola Bay area May 8-18, 2008.
Presented by the Gulf Alliance for Local Arts, this is one of the Sunshine
State's premier art events. Twenty professional artists from Florida and
beyond painted on location in such places as Eastpoint, Apalachicola,
St. George Island, Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach. There were
daily artist demonstrations, a student art day and numerous social
events. I never ate so many juicy oysters. The 10-day plein air
celebration of Franklin, Gulf and East Bay Counties culminated with
The Grand Patron's Party at the Historic Cotton Exchange in Apalachicola. This
debut of the artist's choice paintings was well attended.
The food, the wine, the music, the people and the
paintings were fantastic. I doubt I'll ever more fun at an art
opening. Everyone,including the promoters,
patrons,hosts and artists were extremely warm and generous.

One subplot that made the event most gratifying occurred when I became part and parcel to the Healing Power of Art. Click here for the rest of the story...