Local Faces – Page 44

Watsons Art Gallery and Studio in Old Homosassa

October 6, 2014October 6, 2014 by KTgreen

Isn’t this awesome?

Mermaid

Occasionally a little house on Yulee Drive in Old Homosassa shows up with a Real Estate sign and I point it out to Terry and tell him what a perfect place for my art gallery. I’ll paint it pink and put a big porch on the front with rocking chairs and there will be a little coffee shop with cake and muffins. A lovely garden with benches and bistro tables and twinkling lights will be in the back. I’ll work with local artists on consignment and on opening nights have some of my acoustic friends play music and we’ll serve wine and cheese.

Terry chuckles and rolls his eyes whenever I come up with these crazy ideas. I’ve had many of them, but this one is my favorite and I’ve been playing with it in my head since we moved here. But I’m pretty sure it’s not going to happen. First, I’m not an artist, I certainly don’t need a gallery for my nonexistent talent. Second, where am I getting all of that investment money? And third, do I really want to work that hard?

But a girl can dream. And wouldn’t it be great if Old Homosassa was known for its art colony rather than its scallops and bars?

And now I’d like to tell you about Wendy Watson. Wendy made a comment on my blog back in August regarding the post An Update to the Tampa Times Article, “Shucking, It’s a Living”. It only took me a few minutes to connect Wendy with the newest art gallery in Old Homosassa, Watsons Art Gallery & Studio and I emailed her that I would be stopping by.

Last Friday after lunch at Neon Leons, Terry and I finally did go to the gallery and we finally met Wendy in person. And the gallery is wonderful! Much of the art is by Wendy’s husband Gil but a lot is also from local artists.

Here are a few of Gil Watson’s creations:

Mermaid with fish tail — Mermaids are very popular pieces and Gil Watson is creating a series with local fish tails. This mermaid is a redfish.

Shipwreck — Very cool shipwreck with a little alligator ready to take a chomp.

Watsons Art Gallery and Studio in Old Homosassa — The cabinet is Gil’s work, the other items are from local artists.

Here’s a few works from other local artists:

There’s also a fun room with fish and signs.

Watsons Art Gallery and Studio in Old Homosassa

The art gallery is located right beside Marlin Marine.

Watsons Art Gallery and Studio in Old Homosassa

Wendy said that plans are in the works for a coffee shop! Is Wendy living my dream?

I know, I’m crazy cakes! But stop by and meet Wendy. And check out their Facebook Page for more wonderful art.

We really enjoyed our visit. Gil was out doing a custom art installation so we didn’t get to meet him but I’m sure we eventually will. Gotta say that Wendy,Gil and their children are definitely valuable additions to our little community.

Out and About: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

September 22, 2014September 22, 2014 by KTgreen

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Ever heard of the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville? Me neither. KInd of sounds Hawaiian to me. But no, Kanapaha means something about Native American’s living in palmetto thatched huts along a lake. When we saw that the Citrus County Corvette and Camaro Car Club was planning a driving excursion there, we said “why not?”

And that garden was amazing! It was actually 25 specialty gardens on sixty-two acres of beautiful land bordering a lake. (Kanapaha Lake–must be where those Native Americans lived in their palmetto huts once upon a time.)

Unusual plants, both native and from around the world, shade meandering paths; flowering vines entwine pergolas and gazebos; concrete mythical creatures hide in quiet corners; a bamboo forest shades a contemplative Buddha. Lovely.

We had two hours to explore and wander through the various gardens. Most of the plants and trees had markers and I was able to identify some of the unknown plants in my own yard, plus decide what plants I needed to add to my own gardens. (I can’t stop thinking about those brick paths bordered with mondo grass and how good that would look in my shaded areas or how much I want to put in my own bamboo forest and Buddha.)

I took about 150 photos–all beautiful. But 150 might be just a few to many to post here. So I’ve just put up some of my favorites and in no particular order.

Vine

View View Pineapple Ginger Dragon in Children's Garden One of many gazebos Succulent garden Papaya

Papaya Griffin Gazebo Chenille Plant Bridge and pads Pads pads flower flower Birds Nest Fern Bamboo Bamboo Bamboo Bamboo Budda in Bambo Garden Bananas Bottle Tree

Cars — There’s even a nice view in the parking lot!

The Garden is approximately 75 miles north of Citrus County–about an hour and a half drive. According to the literature from the Garden, the best time to visit for blooms is from June through September. They allow dogs as long as they are on a leash and we saw one little adorable Westie. It would be a lovely spot for a wedding or just for a family photography session. The admission fee for adults is $7 and there’s a discount for large groups. A fun and inexpensive day trip.

Labor Day

September 1, 2014 by KTgreen

So what does Labor Day mean to you?

Most Americans consider it another patriotic holiday but according to Wikipedia it’s actually a celebration of the America labor movement. “It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.”

Since I’m not gainfully employed, I should probably skip the celebrating. But I’ll probably hang the American flag in front of the house and get Terry to throw some burgers on the grill to eat with Publix potato salad.

Although it’s still 92 degrees in Florida, I’ll take a few minutes to pull all of my white shorts and jeans out the closet and pack them away. Because you’re just not supposed to wear white botoms after Labor Day. (Just an excuse to rotate the wardrobe until next Memorial Day.)

So what ever it means to you, enjoy your day off, it’s the last national holiday until Columbus day on October 13th and Veterans Day on November 11th–and who actually gets those days off? So your next long weekend is actually Thanksgiving on November 27th. Sorry to depress you. But, if you’re like me, everyday is a holiday!

Why do I even get my white pants out in the spring? Not the most flattering style for me!