Brought to light

The galleries and gift shops along Yulee Drive in Old Homosassa host a candlelit open house using luminaries to showcase the artists and shops of the area.

By JORGE SANCHEZ

© St. Petersburg Times,
published November 2, 2001

OLD HOMOSASSA -- A chance to stroll along one of the county's most scenic streets, illuminated by candlelight, takes place tonight and Saturday along Yulee Drive.

[Times photo: Ron Thompson] A candlelit open house of galleries and gift shops includes scenes such as this from River Safaris. The gallery has metal sculptures from Keith Gum, shown in the foreground, and hammered copper work by Jean Audet, in background.

The Luminary Nights of the Galleries and Gift Shops is an open house to showcase the talents of local artists who have exhibits in four galleries and shops. The galleries of Old Homosassa include River Safaris, Earth-Star Designs, Riverworks and Neat Stuff. All four are within the one-block luminary walk.

The galleries feature works by artists such as Kevin Jenkins, owner of Riverworks, whose metal fish sculptures are sought-after collectibles, Laura Sloop Hennings, whose Oriental gyotaku art, also of fish, have been exhibited at many local venues and local wildlife sculptor Joanna Archibald.

Alicia Lowe, owner of River Safaris, said Old Homosassa wants to re-establish the commercial art scene.

"We plan this as a re-emergence of the art scene. Homosassa was once full of art shops and galleries. They sort of went away, but now they are coming back," she said.

At Riverworks, Kevin Jenkins, a Homosassa native, will have an open house to display his works. His copper and bronze sculptures of fish fill the gallery. A stunning collection of driftwood furniture is also in the gallery.

Earth-Star Designs is the gallery of Sharon Aldrich, and contains leaded stained glass. She uses lead because she feels the lead lends itself to more graceful lines and lends a dimensional substance.

Neat Stuff has photography and sculptures, along with dolls and other collectibles.

The Luminary Nights of the Galleries will be from sunset to 9 p.m. Free admission and parking.

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