The tiny community of Melrose, FL was packed with art lovers on April 11, 2009, as patrons flocked to the 2 galleries co-hosting the gala opening, 'Open Air Arts', which celebrated 300 works of art (paintings, drawings, mixed media, sculpture, photography, & digital art ) by the 65 artists who had participated in this wonderful outdoor art making event. Harriet Huss, Director Par Excellence, was a gracious and welcoming presence, making us all comfortable with excellent maps, snacks, and artist parties galore. 
On a windy, cool, and brilliantly sunny day, I drove out to the Florida Buddhist Center land in Earleton. I was inspired to create the 'very' mixed medium painting you see pictured at right, "In a field with the sunshine Buddhas." I cut out a stencil to form the Buddha silhouette, & using soft pastels, managed to color in 4 of the 5 Dhyani Buddhas nestled beneath the majestic live oak tree.
In the photo at left, you can barely see my 3 blue/green works on the back wall. Named "Iris & Beyond", they were awarded 2nd Place in mixed media!The show runs through April 26, so you have 3 more weekends to view the work. To learn about future shows, and gallery hours, go to the Melrose Bay Gallery website.
