Story & Photos By
LINDA ANN McDONALD
A three-day art event was held at Wakulla Springs Lodge wrapping visitors in the beauty and inspiration of the natural surroundings. Live painting, a craft show and auction was enjoyed with proceeds benefitting the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park.
Despite inclement weather, visitors to the Lodge enjoyed the event.
Friends of Wakulla Springs representatives Renee Murray and Melanie Watson said, “This is the first time we had this event, and I am super jazzed and surprised how many people are showing up even as bad as the weather is. Its great we get to highlight local artists and showcase tasteful, affordable local art.” Murray was extremely happy with her art purchases, she said, “I put a hundred dollars in my pocket, and I walked out with several pieces of wonderful art.”
Sue Scott, who hosts certified Bob Ross painting classes at the Lodge, was in the front foyer of the Lodge painting a picture of Wakulla Springs Lodge.
“This event is awesome,” she said. “I am glad to share my art at this event and when I finish this picture of the Lodge, I will ultimately donate it.”
Frances Michaels and Leesa Gibson, both from Tallahassee were visiting he event to support their favorite Tallahassee artist Sherri DeLane, said,” This is fun, and we love the exhibits here.”
Crafts such as basket weaving, pottery, homemade soaps, jewelry metal work, home decor were on display for visitors to choose from.
Additionally, attendees were able to partake in a silent auction, with the opportunity to explore the Lodge’s terrace and participate in the auction featuring captivating pieces of local art.
Sopchoppy artist Carl Jenkens was at the event actively painting a cypress tree while looking out the window of the Lodge enjoying the beauty of Wakulla Springs. “This is a great event promoting Wakulla art,” he said. “It is great to promote community art and benefit Wakulla Springs, I hope this event goes on forever.”
Artist Steve Rebuck was painting a recreation of a photo of the Park’s 2-tiered diving platform from his cell phone directly onto canvas, capturing memories created at the Spring as well as selling other pieces of art for the event. He said, “This is a great event and I am glad to be a part of it.”
Matthew Carton of Graphic Artwork said, “I am here because I travel with my art, I am from the coast of Florida, so visiting here I get a more inland inspiration and a feeling of a more older Florida, much like from my childhood.”
Visiting the lodge for a girls weekend, Mary Johnson, Ann Harris, Ginny Rudell, Joyce Samere, Barbara Salvo and Carol Whitaker from Tallahassee came to the event because the Lodge is Barbara’s “Happy Place”, the group happened upon the event and was very pleased to see the exhibits.
“We always like art shows and we are a happy coincidence and glad we are here, we bought two paintings and a candle.” Barbara said, “I am glad to see my “happy place” and other Wakulla attractions showcased through art.”
