First Friday Art Walks in St. Augustine

Something artsy's afoot in America's Oldest City. The first Friday of each month, St. Augustine becomes a colorful festival of art and revelry. Whether you're a serious collector or a casual browser, gallery owners welcome you to stroll the city's brick-lined streets. Enjoy live entertainment while popping in to peruse everything from fine art photography to funky gifts.

More than 20 galleries open their doors from 5 to 9 p.m. and serve up special refreshments along with a diversity of objets des artes to view or purchase. There are gallery openings and artist receptions... and it's all free. Even parking is gratis at the San Sebastian Winery on King Street. Rather not walk? Take a free ride, literally, compliments of St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolley Tours.

Where art thou?
St. Augustine has not one, but five thriving art districts. Maps for the self-guided tours are available at participating galleries or can be downloaded from www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com. Here's a preview of some of Florida's finest:

Winery Area
Holborn Gallery
Holborn features the diverse works of the San Sebastian River Artists, from limited-edition pillows to original oils on canvas.

Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery
An ever-changing selection of paintings, glass, pottery, jewelry and gifts by 450 local and national artists.

Butterfield Garage Art Gallery
A 1930s auto showroom and garage-turned-gallery offering affordable, original, contemporary art.

Energy Lab Art Gallery
An eclectic mix of watercolors, acrylics, jewelry, wood, glass, sculpture and photography.

Gurell Galleries
Abstracts by New York artist Marsha Gurell and contemporary oils from the Gurells' private collection.

130 King Fine Art
A mélange of art from paintings and photography, to steel sculpture and nature-themed pottery; gifts from around the world.

Old Town Area
Absolute Americana Art Gallery
Original artwork by significant American and international contemporary artists, including limited-edition signed lithographs from the Absolut Vodka advertising campaign by Andy Warhol and others.

The Aviles Street Gallery
A showcase of paintings, photography and pottery by local artists.

Connaway Gallery
Rob Connaway depicts the charm of St. Augustine in his watercolors and acrylics.

P.A.St.A Fine Arts Gallery
The oldest gallery in the oldest city, it specializes in paintings and pottery by 16 award-winning artists.

The St. Augustine Art Association
Fine art exhibits by locally and nationally known artists, workshops, guided architectural walking tours and arts and crafts festivals each April and November.

Uptown Area
Abbott Tract Artists
Studio/gallery with works by 35 regional artists.

Boles-McCune Galleries
Original paintings, photography, Chinese and folk art by local artists, as well as antiques and glasswork.

W.B. Tatter Studio/Gallery
Colorful batik wearable art and home accessories by Wendy B. Tatter.

Art Advocate Gallery
Home of the St. Johns Cultural Council, the gallery features member exhibits of both visual and performing arts.

St. George Area
The St. Augustine Gallery
An art emporium featuring antique paintings, sculpture, Florida Master Artists and designer jewelry.

CousArt Studios Fine Art & Photography
Original fine art and photography by Christine Cousart and others; photography services and paintings by commission.

Mullett Beach Gallery
Mermaid matchboxes; music CDs; hand-painted stemware and dishes; original paintings; fine art photography.

Crisp-Ellert Art Museum
Opening early 2008, this gift to Flagler College from JoAnn Crisp-Ellert will house the late artist's paintings and host traveling exhibitions.

Anastasia Island
Sydney McKenna Gallery & Studio
Sydney McKenna exhibits her landscapes and seascapes in oils, watercolors and charcoal; pottery by Rob Mitchell.

Island Fine Art
Gallery, fitness and spa services to soothe mind, body and soul. Specializing in art that captures the area's natural beauty.



For more information, call 1-800-653-2489.