AGOSA A-Go-Go!

 

The big buzz!

You can feel the energy in the air. The gallery is filled with people, clustered in groups, standing around a few tables of delicious looking food. There is lots of laughter, chatter, and a cacophony of subdued exclamations. The occasional vocal burst of recognition and many nodding heads. What’s the buzz?

The AGOSA A-Go-Go is what‘s buzzing!

Artists and Gallery-Owners at the AGOSA Social

The Art Galleries of Saint Augustine (AGOSA) has a brand new board! Sylvia Gortz, artist and co-owner of The Gallery Group has recently become the new president and is assisted every sparkly new step of the way by Laura O’Neal, Julie Dickover, and Marlena Zullig. The new, old organization has cooked up a social gathering for all galleries and artists of this quaint, little drinking town with a fishing problem (the official description, not the invention of yours truly). Art affiliated businesses and institutions and other assorted interested people have also been invited. By all means, do not mistake this for a business meeting or networking evening! We are here to have fun and to make friends.

Laura O'Neal, Vice President AGOSA, speaking with enthusiasm

A little yawner!

For more than a century, art lovers and artists have gravitated to little Saint Augustine, the first Spanish immigrant settlement and oldest city in our nation. The natural beauty of the environment, the boisterous seascape, the rich Spanish history, and the architectural land-marks seduce the imagination of many a visitor. In the late 19^th century, Henry Flagler, a wealthy railroad developer, invited affluent friends and famous artists to his opulent Ponce de Leon Hotel. He generously provided them with art studios and a steady stream of art-enthusiastic patrons. According to Robert W. Torchia, an art historian with the University of Pennsylvania, this town was a “thriving cultural community that attracted hundreds of American artists” (2002). In 1931, when the Great Depression plagued the United States, a few business-smart resident artists founded the St. Augustine Arts Club which became the Saint Augustine Art Association in 1948. The goal of this organization was to promote the European charm of this small town to tourists through the arts. As a result of this “unusual alliance between culture and commerce,” a vibrant art community emerged. Today, an abundance of galleries are thriving in Saint Augustine. The laid-back atmosphere, art-inspired ambiance, and popular art events and festivals continue to attract artists, musicians, writers and art lovers from all corners of the globe.

St. George Street, Looking South 1949 - Emmett Fritz - Oil on Board

The low-down!

While the Art Association is still operating and concentrating on other branches of the arts, local galleries and artists organized themselves into the AGOSA organization to help and support each other in business and the arts. In 1990, however, there were about ten members left and the organization was run by one person. So, in 2012, Jan Miller (Butterfield Garage Art Gallery), Ginny Bullard (Amiro Gallery), and Elyse Brady (St. Augustine Art Association) decided to take over and start a revival of AGOSA. Gallery membership increased and the new board designed and published a colorful brochure including a map. They created a Facebook page, initiated the First Friday Art Walk event, and added an annual Art Walk booklet including a map. In February of this year, the new board became official. Sylvia, Laura, Julie D., Julie S., and Marlene took over the reins from Jan, Ginny, and Elyse. 

AGOSA board members: Sylvia, Laura, Marlene, Julie S. (Julie D. was absent)

Sylvia Gortz is from New York, and she moved to Florida in 2005.  Her partner, Tom Tilley, is originally from Jacksonville Beach. Two hurricanes tested their patience and limits, but they were finally able to open their new gallery called The Gallery Group.  As acting curator of the gallery, Sylvia was interested in joining AGOSA to be part of the organization and art community. She contacted Ginny Bullard, president of AGOSA at the time, and together they worked on a scholarship program for AGOSA, which was given to the R.J. Murray Middle School Center for the Arts. The hard work put in by the talented art students under this program accumulated in an elaborate and fantastic student art exhibition, hosted by The Gallery Group, in March of this year. Sylvia and Ginny spoke at length. Ginny was in the process of closing Amiro Gallery and was also looking for a successor to the AGOSA presidency. Sylvia turned out to be the right person in the right place at the right time.

Sylvia Gortz, President AGOSA

The energy of the new team is catchy and fascinating. Many new plans and ideas are developing, often causing texts to fly around. The enthusiasm is tangible. Going by the new mission statement, the board members actively seek to befriend every single gallery, artist, supporting business, and other interested people and organizations to build an inclusive art community to support and encourage cooperation, motivation, and inspiration through art and business-related endeavors. Memberships are offered in tiers with enticing public relations perks like a YouTube video, among the regular social media marketing. Monthly gatherings on the last Wednesday of the month, hosted by galleries all around town are being organized. A new and improved, larger size magazine with an expanded map, art events, contests, more exposure for artists, and better direct access to local artists are also items on the agenda being worked on. 

The existing map and list of galleries in St. Augustine

AGOSA is looking for cover art for the new magazine and is getting ready to put out a contest. Be sure to look out for the exciting chance to create and design an image that sums up everything that is typical, good, fun, and arts-related about this beautiful little town. For more information about this and other contests, call AGOSA at the number provided below.

The fun part!

FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK. The Art Galleries of Saint Augustine founded and sponsors the award-winning First Friday Art Walk event on the first Friday of every month from 5-9pm. Select art exhibits, live music, and refreshments are offered by the member galleries throughout downtown and on Anastasia Island.

Every first Friday of the month

Immerse yourself in the art culture and explore a diverse world of color and new perspectives offered by the art galleries in St. Augustine. Stroll along the main streets and wander off down the side streets of this beautiful town. Our eclectic collection of galleries has just about everything you might want. Whether you desire classical art, modern art, sculpture, paintings, photography, jewelry, oils, pastels, ceramics, wood, textiles, or metal, there will be a gallery in St. Augustine catering to your taste. Whatever your interest may be, Art Galleries of St. Augustine showcases an amazing variety of artwork created by local and national artists.

Inspired by the boisterous seascape - Vilano Beach by Ryan Flannery - oil on panel

Visitors can start the free, self-guided tour at any of the AGOSA galleries. Most galleries are within close walking distance to each other and some are just a short ride away. Hop aboard the free Art Walk trains and trolleys that run throughout downtown.

So?

Art Galleries of St. Augustine is an association of the many diverse and eclectic art galleries in StAuggie, as the locals call their beloved town, that range from local artist-owned businesses to elegant exhibition halls and museums. These galleries and venues offer outstanding collections of local, regional, national, and international artists. When shopping at any of the affiliated member galleries, the customer can be confident in knowing that he or she is dealing with quality artwork, personalized customer service, and integrity of assisting staff with the support of the art community. 

The evening was a great success! Everybody left inspired and ready to make new friends and start buzzing!

Next AGOSA A-Go-Go Social:

May 30, 2018
5:30-7:30pm
Butterfield Garage Art Gallery

137 W King St # B, St Augustine, FL 32084

AGOSA Board Members:

Sylvia Gortz, President – Mixed Media Artist / The Gallery Group
Laura O'Neal, Vice President – Painter/Designer/Poet / Butterfield Garage Art Gallery
Julie Dickover, Treasurer – Director of the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum
Marlene Zullig, Secretary – Stained Glass Artist / P.A.St.A. Fine Art Gallery

Julie Smith, Creative Liaison - Photographer / Media Specialist

Contact:

(832) 779-2781

www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
staugartgalleries@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/StAugFirstFridayArtWalk
Artwalk Hours: 5:00-9:00 PM

Work Cited:

Art Galleries of St. Augustine. (2018). Art Galleries of St. Augustine Catalogue 2018 (2^nd ed.). St. Augustine, FL: author.

Torchia, R.W. (2002, June).Lost Colony: The Artists of St. Augustine, 1930-1950.            Resource Library Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/3aa/3aa288a.htm

An Evening with Stasia

 

Craig, Ray, and Steve of Stasia

“I was playing my broken guitar with only one string on the corner of a street when I met Steve, who just happened to fly by...,” Craig, the lead guitarist, jokes after I ask the members of the band how they all met. I walked into the garage while the band was practicing “Jumping Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones. Immediately after, seemingly without anybody cueing, a spontaneous and solid version of “Evil Ways” by Santana broke out. With Ray singing, some impressive keyboard, guitar, drum bridges and solos had a party in my ears. I settled on the steps of the garage inner door and sipped a glass of wine while enjoying the songs. The band graciously decided to take a short break and talk to me about their brand new 70s cover group.

Stasia originally started as a garage band. Nothing underground, just guys gathering to jam on their instruments in a garage on warm Florida weekday evenings. Ranging in ages, interests, and backgrounds, they all seem to have found enthusiasm for their common taste in music. Their initial meeting was nothing as romantic or fictitious as meeting on a street corner or anybody flying by – the word “Craigslist” was mumbled and laughed off quickly. “I saw them at Sarbez and decided that they needed a keyboard player,” interjected Rich, who is an optometrist by day. “And I joined them at an improv evening,” laughs John, the drummer. I noticed that they certainly had connected in a new brotherhood.

Stasia from left to right: Rich, Ray, Steve, John, and Craig

In no particular order of importance, Stasia consists of Steve Thompson (guitar, harmonica), Ray Niederriter (bass guitar), Craig Antley (lead guitar), Rich Greene (keyboard), and brand new drummer John Tremel (drums). They all sing too. Together, they generally choose to cover songs from classic rock artists like Santana, Tom Petty, Beatles, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, or Rolling Stones. While I am gathering this information, Steve, a pilot during the day, brings out his harmonica. While also playing guitar and singing, “Angel from Montgomery,” originally performed by John Prine, rings through the garage. These guys are brimming with talent and musical energy.

Apart, the members of Stasia have performed in many places. Craig, for example, opened with a previous band for Chris Stapleton. As Revoc, the former name of the band, they have performed locally at Planet Sarbez, O’Laughlins, Colonial Oak, Hurricane Patties, and the Crow Bar. With John as the new drummer, they are currently building up their repertoire and extending their potential venue reach. They aim to perform at festivals, weddings, and many other hot spots around town. They also recently appointed Ashley Berg as their new manager. Ashley is ready to book this exciting band to lighten up your evening and bring dance and laughter to your party. As I finish my wine and say goodbye to my new favorite band, the guys start to jam themselves into another spontaneous song. We will definitely hear more from Stasia.

Contact Ashley Berg at bergalerg@gmail.com

Or send a message through Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/stasiaband/