PAStA December Feature Artist Valarie Pothier-Forrester

The Professional Artists of St. Augustine (PAStA) Fine Art Gallery will feature member artist and PAStA president, Valarie Pothier-Forrester’s work in two mediums during December. Her plein air oil paintings and alcohol ink paintings will be exhibited and for sale in the main gallery at PAStA.

Valarie Pothier-Forrester has a long history of working in the arts. She received her Bachelor of Arts education and her Master of Arts from the University of Florida. She worked as an artist/preparator for the Florida Museum of Natural History where she created exhibits and designed graphics for various events. As part of her Master’s degree internship, she wrote a curriculum for student visits to the Harn Museum of Art in Gainesville, Florida, and interpretive labels for specific exhibit artifacts. Valarie taught middle school and high school Art in Alachua County for almost 30 years and was once honored as teacher of the year.

Valarie now lives in St. Augustine where she is an active painter and creator. Her work has been shown at several galleries both locally, in North Florida, Georgia, and Canada. She is a member of the First Coast Plein Air Painters and the St. Augustine Art Association.

Over the years, she has received numerous awards for her alcohol ink paintings and plein air artwork.

A reception for the artist will be held at the First Friday Artwalk on Dec. 1, 2023, from 5 to 9 pm. The public is welcome and the event is free. Live music and light fare will be available.