An exhibition of paintings by St. Augustine artist Sam Kates will open on July 3rd during the First Friday Art Walk from 5 - 9 p.m. Over thirty works inspired by Florida’s coastline will fill the Butterfield Garage Featured Artist Gallery through August 2.  Noted for their clarity, detail, bright sunlight and sharp shadows, Kates’ paintings are easily recognized from a distance by collectors. He describes his painting style as “painterly realism” rooted in an early and lifelong interest in drawing. A long career as a museum director has undoubtedly influenced a “curatorial documentation” approach. Since retiring in 2002, he has pursued a second career as an artist with a passion. He has been associated with the Butterfield Garage Art Gallery for the past six years, since moving to St. Augustine from St. Joe Beach in Florida’s Panhandle.
        The gallery is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For further information, please call 904 825-4577, visit the website at www.butterfieldgarage.com, or contact Jan Miller at janmille@bellsouth.net