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

“I consider myself to be a life-long learner. After so many years of teaching young people, and learning from them, I know that to not try something is to never know. So, I’m constantly trying new techniques, experimenting with new materials, and striving for mastery. I may never reach that lofty goal, but the journey there is a great ride! “Valarie commented.

Valarie Pothier-Forrester has a long history of working in the arts. She received her Bachelor of Art Education, and her Master of Arts from the University of Florida. She worked as an artist/preparator for the Florida Museum of Natural History creating exhibits and designing 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, as well as interpretive labels for specific exhibit artifacts.  Valarie taught Art in Alachua County for almost 30 years at the high school and middle school levels and was once honored to have been named 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 is a member of the St. Augustine Art Association.

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

See Valarie’s work by visiting www.pastagalleryart.com.

Visit her website for more info.

About PAStA:

The Professional Artists of St. Augustine Fine Art Gallery (PAStA) on Charlotte Street, in downtown historic St. Augustine, Florida, was founded in 1982 by Jean Wagner Troemel, a champion of the arts, founder of the Winter Haven Ridge Art Association, served on the Florida Arts Group Board (FLAG), and spearheaded St. Augustine’s First Friday Art Walks. The gallery has served an international clientele a wealth of local talent and award-winning artists. In 2023, PAStA won The Best of Florida Regional Art Gallery and was a finalist in the Best of St. Augustine Choice Awards. The gallery’s mission is to showcase local and regional art and to educate and encourage area art