Gulf Alliance for Local Arts

Plein Air

GALA (Gulf Alliance for Local Arts) worked diligently to help the school systems and the counties bring art to the children of the community. The Plein Air Paint-Out of the Forgotten Coast May 10-20, 2007 is just another example of thinking ‘outside the box’ and making it happen in these small rural communities.

Armed with just an idea, Gloria Austin, working with Ann Comforter and Anna Marie Canatella, contacted the schools to see if there were children interested in the visual arts. When invited plein air artists were asked if they would be willing to assist, the response was so overwhelming, there were more artists than children. Several artists revealed that their own experiences with an artist mentor had turned their whole world around and they have been painting ever since. This was their way to give back to the community. The logistics of getting the children from Wewahitchka, Port St Joe, and Apalachicola to a location were worked out and on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, a group of 17 students met their mentor artists in Lafayette Park, Apalachicola to begin the first Student Paint-Out of the Forgotten Coast. Each artist spent approximately 3-4 hours with their young artist, either painting along side of them or just instructing them as they painted. Sandy Hodges of Port St Joe teamed up with Oregon artist, Gene Constanza. When asked what she thought, her first response was ‘WOW’ Can you believe he took the time to show me all of this… look at the picture I painted…I just love it...but you know what is most special, Mr. Constanza gave me the picture he painted!” Each student artist was also given a set of oil paints and canvas for this event by GALA, thanks to a grant from the Christian Development Community.

Kim Harrison, Executive Director of GALA, was beaming as she discussed the success of the Student Paint-Out. “Just look at the talent these artists have! This was the first student paint-out but already plans are being discussed to enlarge this part of the event and add workshops for students and adults with the artist. I believe this is going to become the premier art event in the region. It has a life of its own and the community has completely embraced it.” The student art was displayed during the Wet Room Reception, Exhibit, and Art Sale held in the Apalachicola Museum of Art on Wednesday, May 16.

The plein air artists paintied along the beaches and waterways of Mexico Beach and the public is invited to stop and visit with them as they painted. These paintings were displayed at the Patrons Extravaganza Dinner and Art Sale held at the St Joe Marina, Port St Joe, Saturday, May 19, 6:30 EST. The Afternoon Art in the Park is on Sunday, May 20 and was free to the public.

Plein Air 2009


Pictured left to right: Don Ouellette, Natalie Shoaf, Leslie Fedota, Joe Taylor

The Gulf Alliance for Local Arts donates $5,000 to Plein Air


On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, the Gulf Alliance for Local Arts donated $5,000 to Plein Air to help promote the "Great Paint-Out" that encourages art and culture in our area.

The "Great Paint-Out" is a 10-day event featuring artists who hail from as far away as Maine and Oregon. Over the past few weeks these artists painted the unspoiled beaches, the vast marshlands, rivers, creeks and streams, and the historic streets of our waterfront towns. The communities of Mexico Beach, WindMark Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Carrabelle, SummerCamp and Alligator Point joined forces to produce one of the most impressive art events seen along the coast. In its history, the event has produced over 900 highly valued paintings that feature scenes such as the fishing pier in Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe’s marina and parks, Cape San Blas' majestic dunes, the creeks and palms of Indian Pass, the Cape St. George Lighthouse and Apalachicola’s scenic fishing fleet and historic homes.

“We continually seek ways to promote the area’s diverse range of culture and tradition. Through innovative partnerships with organizations such as Plein Air, our goal is to enrich and improve the lives of citizens and visitors alike,” stated Don Ouellette, President of The Gulf Alliance for Local Arts. The Gulf Alliance for Local Arts is committed to promoting arts and culture in all its forms, arts education and to advocating for and supporting arts and culture in our community.