Through the month of December I’m featuring some of our local places. Because, I know it’s hard to believe, there’s more in Old Homosassa than just the Freezer!
I’m starting with Watsons Art Gallery in Old Homosassa. It’s right next to Marlin Marine. Can’t miss it. Look for all of the colorful art in front of the building.
And here’s the sign…
The Watsons Art Gallery is our most recent shop that has opened in Homosassa. Even being here for less than two years, Gil and Wendy Watson have made a huge impact on our community. When the Old Homosassa Heritage Council decided to raise funds with t-shirts and I asked Gil if he would do the artwork, he said “OF COURSE!” And he gave OHHC the original artwork for our future museum!
The artist that was first selected to design the artwork for the Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival backed out. I don’t know why. It just happened. The t-shirt committee chairperson went to Gil and asked if he would do the artwork. Gil didn’t hesitate. He not only designed the t-shirts, he sold them in the store and had posters made. During the festival, Gil and Wendy both worked in the t-shirt booth. The shirts were so popular they were almost sold out by noon on the first day of the festival. Since then, Gil has ordered and is selling a smaller version of the poster for $15. Another run of the t-shirts is planned. The Watsons donated the original artwork to the Homosassa Learning Center for a fund-raising raffle that was held at the Seafood Festival.
Here’s Jack Watson posing with the poster I bought.
The Watsons also hold art classes for the children in our community. Free.
Besides Gil and Wendy’s art in the gallery, artwork is available from other local artists.
Gil and Wendy are also holding “Paint an Original Carving” art classes. The most recent one was of wood carved pelicans. Very cool. Gil does the carving, you do the painting.
The next class will be Saturday, Dec. 12th from 10 to 1 and the subject will be a sea turtle that can be used as a decorative wall hanging or turned into a functional piece. $50 per class, everything provided except the wine. You gotta bring that! If you are interested in a Wednesday evening class, just give Gil and Wendy a call.
Click on this photo and you’ll go to Watsons Art Gallery Facebook page for more info.
Stop by the gallery and meet Gil and Wendy and maybe even a few of their three sons. Unique gifts are available in all price ranges and there is a wide assortment to chose from.