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TRISHA MURPHY/Palatka Daily News – Toby Jones is pictured with his favorite art piece, “Azaleas in Orbit,” which will be showcased along with his other works Friday at the Larimer Arts Center.
When guests arrive at the Larimer Arts Center on Friday, they will be treated to a smorgasbord of sights, smells and sounds.
Artist Toby Jones, 47, of Palatka will provide the sights with his artwork displayed in an opening exhibit showcasing his work.
Providing the smell of appetizers and finger foods at the Mayor’s Reception will be chef Tyrone Bennett, the owner of Heart and SoulFood Eatery of Palatka. As far as sound, professional performer Buffalo Munn of East Palatka will play easy-listening music on his trumpet at the reception.
Ahead of the 75th Florida Azalea Festival, which will take place Saturday and Sunday, the city of Palatka in cooperation with the Arts Council of Greater Palatka will host the Mayor’s Reception along with the gallery opening for Jones on Friday from 6-9 p.m. at Larimer, 216 Reid St. in Palatka.
In addition to those two groups, Visit Palatka, Heart and SoulFood Eatery, Ralph’s House of Flowers and Florida Pest Control will also sponsor the Mayor’s Reception.
Jones, who was born and raised in Palatka, said he has created around 90 pieces of art, adding his favorite is called “Azaleas in Orbit.”
“I enjoy looking at many types of artwork,” he said. “Sometimes, I have a vision of a scene I want to look at and I want to make it as special and engaging as possible for my own viewing experience. When that happens for me, I know others will like it, too.”
Jones’ work, which he describes as modern, expressive and representational, was featured at the Larimer about seven years ago, he said. His art has also been in group shows with the St. Augustine Art Guild and the Orange Park Art Guild.
“I think I create interesting scenes that usually have some narrative and something to think about beyond what a camera might capture,” he said.
When not painting, Jones is an avid gardener, who loves azaleas.
“It makes me think of the Ravine Gardens (State Park) in full bloom,” he said. “Having my art on exhibit at the Mayor’s Reception will be an honor.”
Jones hopes those who attend the reception will feel familiarity and nostalgia for some of the local places he has painted.
“I also hope they are surprised and delighted to view my fantasy landscapes and space scenes,” he said.
For details on the reception, call gallery curator Dan Askew at 432-230-1712 or email danielaskew@sjrstate.edu.
This year’s Mayor’s Reception will honor Mayor Robbi Correa, who was sworn in Jan. 9, 2023. Correa believes the Azalea Festival, which is returning this year after a three-year hiatus, will be an opportunity to showcase downtown Palatka.
“It’s also a continuation of a 75-year tradition of our beautiful city,” she said. “We are continuing that tradition as the longest-running festival in Florida.”
