ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – An outdoor art show in St. Johns County brought people together in Alpine Groves Park Friday night so they could connect art and the importance of local waterways.
It’s not often you see an art show on the river, but the first-ever River Reflection is that kind of art show.
Rebecca Vecera, communications specialist for St. Johns Riverkeeper said, “Not very often do you get to come to an art show that’s right here, outside on the river. Get to experience nature while you’re seeing different mediums of it being presented in art form.”
The River Reflection came together through a partnership with St. Johns County, the Matanzas Riverkeeper, and the St. Johns Riverkeeper. The event featured everything from paintings to children’s art and even film photographs, which is what Malerie Scammey, owner of Mals Moments, showcased.
“I’m really passionate about nature and our river systems and ecosystem in Florida, so being here, it’s just kind of fun to like showcase the parts of Florida that people may not know,” Scammey said.
Kelly Ussia, supervisor of outdoor recreation for St. Johns County Parks and Recreation, shared how the River Reflection came together.
“We kind of started with the premise of water and the importance of water, and a lot of these events turned very sciencey and educational, and we wanted to find ways to express our love for these waterways. And we decided on art being the perfect way to do that,” Ussia said.
The park was filled with tables of art, including works by Nita Patida, who showcased her paintings.
“I love nature, and I always prefer to draw something related with nature, like trees, rivers and life inside the water,” Patida said.
Megan Holder, owner of Beholder of Beauty, also showed off her work.
“I take landscape photography, mostly of sunrises and a lot of the waterways and beaches, things like that,” Holder said.
It doesn’t get better than appreciating art with a beautiful view of the water. “You couldn’t get a more perfect setting to celebrate the water,” Ussia added.
Even though the River Reflections is over, you can still find a way to appreciate local waterways.
“Whether you’re in Duval County, St. Johns County, Orange to Volusia, our river is such a large river, just get out and explore the river,” Vecera said. “And there’s so many places to explore.”