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TRISHA MURPHY/Palatka Daily News – Wendy Beeson will be one of 25 artists whose works will be showcased at the Larimer Arts Center on Friday as part of the Gathering Artists of Putnam County opening exhibit.
There is a diversity of artistic talent in Putnam County and the public is invited to see for themselves Friday when members of the Gathering Artists of Putnam County will be featured in an opening reception.
The Arts Council of Greater Palatka is presenting the event, which will be from 6–9 p.m. at the Larimer Arts Center, 216 Reid St. in Palatka. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
The exhibit will be on display from 1–4 p.m. on Saturdays through Feb. 25 and during the River City Players’ upcoming show, “A Red Plaid Shirt” from Jan. 31 through Feb. 11.
“I hope everyone will enjoy seeing the diversity of talent available in our county,” Gathering Artists member Evelyn Snyder said of the exhibit. “Art is a wonderful, one-of-a-kind gift. People locally can find a wide variety of styles and subject matter here. There is no need to travel elsewhere for original art.”
Twenty-five artists will be featured at Friday’s showcase. All members of Gathering Artists are Putnam residents, according to Snyder.
“We welcome any Putnam County artists who haven’t heard of the group to join,” she said.
Well-known local artist Wendy Beeson is a member of the group and will show her watercolor painting, “Barred Owls on Dunns Creek,” at the exhibit.
“There are many wonderful two-dimensional art pieces in this show,” she said. “It’s a great turnout for Putnam County to showcase these talented artists.”
According to Beeson, people will find a wide variety of multi-media work at the show.
“There is a paper mosaic, collages, oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings to enjoy, as well as sculptural, collage and more,” she said. “We hope everyone will come and enjoy us Friday.”
Beeson, who has painted two murals in Palatka, is the co-owner of the Gem City Cottage Shop in Palatka and is a member of Develop Palatka Inc. and Downtown Palatka Experiences, where she serves on the board as secretary.
Gathering Artists was formed in September 2023 with about six artists who met with Palatka Mayor Robbi Correa to discuss ways to enhance Palatka’s downtown and attract more artists to participate in local events.
“When we talked over options, the phrase ‘how to gather them’ came up, and that is how we became known as Gathering Artists of Putnam,” Snyder said. “We sent emails, social media posts and word of mouth to find artists.”
Snyder said Gathering Artists’ mission is to showcase local visual artists and artisans, promote a visionary community spirit and become a creative force in the revitalization of the city of Palatka and Putnam County through arts.
Snyder’s mother, Olivia Lay, was an artist, so Snyder’s participation in Gathering Artists is personal.
“So art has always been a part of my life,” she said. “After a career in (computer-aided design) drafting to pay the bills, I decided to return to my love of art to express my abilities and enjoy and help promote the art of others.”
For details on the Arts Council of Greater Palatka, call 386-666-8390 or visit artsinputnam@aol.com. For details on River City Players, call 386-244-7886 or email rcppalatka@gmail.com.
