La Casa Studios has announced that it is now the exclusive gallery representing artist Obadiah “Obie” Hunter in North and Central Florida. The partnership will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 9 p.m., during First Friday Art Walk. The public is invited to explore and purchase his works and meet the artist in person.
“We are thrilled to partner with an artist who has become such a familiar and beloved presence in St. Augustine,” said Gary McGeddy, owner of La Casa Studios. “Obie’s paintings offer a unique perspective, bringing light, color and texture to everyday scenes. Through this partnership, La Casa will give his completed work a dedicated showcase while allowing Obie to spend more of his time doing what he loves best: creating.”
Hunter’s journey as an artist began at age 16, when his grandmother gave him a Bob Ross oil painting set in a metal tin. He began painting as a passionate side project, but that all changed when his house burned down during his teenage years. While sifting through the rubble, he discovered that his metal box of paints and brushes was the only thing that survived the fire. Hunter took it as a sign, and painting became his life’s work.
Hunter studied at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Connecticut and continued his studies at Tulane University in New Orleans. He began painting plein air in the French Quarter, capturing scenes in the moment. He spent years traveling, painting and teaching, visiting more than 50 countries. Those experiences inspired his first book, “Obadiah Hunter Art: The Stories and Plein-Air Paintings of a Globe-Trotting Traveler.”
After years of travel, Hunter found a natural home in St. Augustine. He has become a fixture downtown, setting up his easel wherever the mood strikes, painting and chatting with locals and visitors who stop to watch him work. He has completed hundreds of paintings, capturing landmarks such as the Governor’s House Cultural Center & Museum, Flagler College, Aviles Street, the Bridge of Lions and Memorial Presbyterian Church, as well as commissioned works featuring residences, businesses and landscapes.
Hunter’s work will debut on Friday, Oct. 2, at La Casa Studios, 33 King St. in St. Augustine, with a celebration from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during First Friday Artwalk. Guests can view and purchase original works in sizes 30-by-24 inches, 3-by-4 feet and 4-by-5 feet, as well as prints and specialty items, such as tote bags. Live music, light refreshments and wine will be provided. Commissions and creative licensure inquiries may be made through La Casa Studios.
La Casa Studios is a creative destination in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine, bringing together podcast and content studios, an art gallery, event space, retail shop and wine tastings. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours will vary for Nights of Lights, holidays and special events.
Learn more at www.LaCasaStudiosFL.com and follow along on social media @LaCasaStudiosFL.
