Artrageous ArtWalk showcases variety of styles, expression around Nassau County

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The Second Saturday Artrageous ArtWalk showcases artists from around Nassau County in the picturesque setting of historic downtown Fernandina Beach.

The Artrageous ArtWalk takes place on the second Saturday of every month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the spring and summer, and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during fall and winter. Galleries around the downtown area open their doors and host open houses for visitors and area residents to see the myriad of techniques and varied styles of art Nassau County has to offer.

“There’s a pretty big art community here,” said Camille Breen, whose unique jewelry designs are on display at the Island Art Association, a nonprofit, volunteer organization aimed at developing and sustaining “an interest, appreciation and enjoyment in and of the arts of Nassau County, Florida.”

The Island Art Association showcases an artist of the month and boasts a “Nouveau Art” contest, which is a themed, juried show, occurring every two months with a different theme and open to any artist in Nassau County. Art entries for the contests are displayed in a separate room and prize money is awarded for Best of Show and first, second and third places.

 “There’s an awful lot of local talent,” said Pam Vieser, manager of 2nd Story Gallery & Studios.

Vieser, who is from the Northeast U.S. and moved to Fernandina Beach several years ago, opened the studio about a year-and-a-half ago to highlight local artists as well as foster her love for photography, which focuses on the natural beauty of the Northeast Florida area.

“The gallery is my retirement project as well as my passion,” said Vieser, a former business consultant who credits her artist grandfather for her passion for the arts.

For more information on the Artrageous ArtWalk, visit islandart.org/artrageous-artwalk.