The Carrabelle Artist Association (CAA) is pleased to present a group exhibition of new works at this spring’s Coastal Art Showcase. The Coastal Art Showcase will also proudly display the work of award winning artist, Beth Appleton as the Guest Artist. This colorful and fascinating exhibition highlights the vibrant arts community in the Carrabelle and Forgotten Coast area. The showcase opens Friday, April 6 and will run for four weekends, with a “Meet the Artists Reception” on Friday, April 13 from 6-8 pm in the historic and unique art venue, Rio Carrabelle. Showcase gallery hours will be every Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm from April 6 through April 28 at Rio Carrabelle, 102 St. James Avenue (US Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL.

New and original artwork by well known local artists are presented along with the work of new emerging artists. This exhibition will welcome over a dozen artists like Joe Kotzman, Vernia Moore, and Pat Moore. Works may include oils, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, photography, pottery and more. Many of these original works of art will be available for purchase. Visitors will be able to meet contributing artists and discuss the works on exhibit.

This season’s guest artist, Beth Appleton, has “developed an art form uniquely her own. For over 25 years, Appleton’s works have been shaped by life on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. New works emerge ever more complex in dimension and abstraction,” declares David Harbaugh. “Bridging the gap between art and science, she is collaborating with microscopists, ecologists, marine biologists and astronomers. With all these new pursuits, one constant remains: her kinetic works are inspiring and magnetic. When this artist is fascinated by the micro life found in a drop of water, her art welcomes us inside her imagination. When mesmerized by the night sky, she carries us to a world we only thought we knew.”

Appleton says “I spent most of my childhood right in the middle of what my family calls ‘Old Florida’. Silver Springs was my playground; I practiced underwater ballet and dreamed one day I would become a Weekie Wachee mermaid. Today, while lost in art, I can still float in that memory.”

The CAA is excited to host a “Meet the Artists Reception” in which the show’s Guest Artist, Beth Appleton, as well as contributing artists will be on hand to discuss their artwork. The reception will be Friday, April 13 from 6-8 pm at Rio Carrabelle in lovely downtown Carrabelle. Guests will have a wonderful opportunity to experience and discuss art in a warm, approachable environment.

Please visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CarrabelleArtistAssociation, or our webpage, www.carrabelleartistassociation.com, for more information on upcoming events and activities. Funding provided in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. For information or assistance, please contact carrabelleartist@gmail.com or 815-757-6003.