Fishing River

Feel Relax for Fishing in River.

A guide to fishing opportunities and other attractions in and around the River.

ST. JOHNS RIVER EXPEDITION YIELDS COLLECTION OF 24 OIL PAINTINGS. STATEWIDE EXHIBIT MIXES FINE WINE, ROLLS ROYCE’S & VICTORIAN ERA MANSION. ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AS BENEFICIARY.

By Anonymous

DE BARY, FL- MARCH 2003- A river expedition which took place on the St. Johns River last June has yielded a series of 25 oil paintings entitled the American Heritage River Series. The official unveiling of the paintings which had a great Gatsby flair to it took place at the De Bary Hall Mansion in De Bary on Thursday, February 27th at 6:30pm. Over 120 people filled the Victorian era mansion indulging in fine wines, admiring Rolls Royce and Bentley cars and viewing the river series collection of paintings. The project benefited the St. Johns River Water Management District, the American Heritage River Initiative and the De Bary Hall Historic site.

As guests and the media arrived, they were greeted by a display of Rolls Royce and Bentley cars displayed on the front lawn. The grounds of the estate and car display were lit with tiki torches allowing guests to walk throughout the property while enjoying a glass of wine. Inside, a wine tasting took place while art lovers and supporters of the river admired the display of art. One collector, who purchased three originals received two bottles of Opus One wine as a gift from the gallery. With each bottle retailing for $275.00 she was overjoyed. The house itself proved to be quite an attraction with paintings from the expedition on display throughout the various rooms.

The expedition which was conceived and funded by Joe Sabatini of the Europa Gallery has received the attention of various environmental groups including the American Heritage River Initiative & the St. Johns River Water Management District. The opening at De Bary Hall was only the first in a statewide tour that has Sabatini booking additional locations for openings. Scheduled next are openings at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine, The Westin Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando and a mayors reception in Jacksonville on the St. Johns River.

Beneficiaries included the DeBary Hall historic site, the St. Johns River Water Mangement District and the American Heritage River Initiative. An original oil painting which was sold by live auction brought $1750.00 with 100% of the funds going directly to the St. Johns River Water Management District. Additionally, a portion of sales proceeds from a limited edition giclee entitled “Bent Low” went to benefit the American Heritage River Initiative. Finally, 100% of the admission price ($35.00 per person) went directly to De Bary Hall for it’s preservation. Author and filmmaker Bill Belleville who wrote the book “RIVER OF LAKES, a journey on Florida’s St. Johns River” donated a personally signed edition of his book for the auction.

The first leg of the journey for this series of paintings covered approximately 85 miles of river and began in Deland, Florida. Once on the river, artist Keith Martin Johns and his wife Linda navigated the waterways searching for inspirational locations that would eventually become images on canvas. The trip lasted 10 days with Johns using a houseboat to navigate the more accessible areas of the river and a canoe to reach the remote “back water” regions. A third generation Florida artist, Johns has painted “natures capes” for the past 25 years. According to Johns, "I was trying to accomplish a body of work that would act as an everlasting tribute to the St. Johns River". The second leg of the journey will cover 100 miles river and is set for June.

For more information on the NEXT expedition or the collection of paintings contact Joe Sabatini at 352-385-9450. Expedition information at: WWW.EUROPAGALLERY.NET ;

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