The Panama City Center for the Arts opens the new year with two new exhibitions beginning on Friday, January 19, 2024. The Main Gallery features Bay Reflections featuring over a dozen artists from across Bay County. Local artists Helga Letourneau and Janis Hannon join creative forces for their duo show, All About Birds in the Miller Gallery. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, January 19 from 5-7 p.m.
Over a dozen artists from all over the county come together to present their works in an exhibition called Bay Reflections, a collaborative art exhibition curated by Olga Guy. Bay Reflections will be on display in the Main Gallery beginning Friday, January 19.
“Organizing art exhibits allows me to foster a sense of community by promoting the practice of local arts through interaction and exhibition,” said Olga Guy. “It’s a powerful way to connect artists with their audience, providing a platform for creative expression and cultural enrichment. I am incredibly grateful to the Panama City Center for the Arts for their unwavering support of local artists and for hosting this vital exhibit. Their commitment strengthens the art community, making these exhibits a meaningful and enriching experience for both artists and audiences alike.”
Featured alongside Olga Guy are Brianna Bennett, Sarah Burris, Deblyn Ceeley, Amanda Fagan-Hansel, Mary Kay Griffith, David Hansel, Terry Knight, Heather “Heddy” Podnar, Jerrod Schonfeld, Pat Syfrett, Aida Torres and Jeannie Whitworth.
Bay Reflections will be on display in the Main Gallery January 19 – February 10. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Friday, January 19 from 5-7 p.m.
Helga Letourneau, one of two artists featured in the Miller Gallery, is a lifelong artist who has traveled extensively while her husband served in the military (including to Panama City), giving her exposure to a variety of mediums such as metal fabrication and welding, pottery, neon art, and painting.
Helga’s love for birds birthed the curation of All About Birds, and from her experience living on three continents, she wanted to showcase birds that we might not normally see in North America. “Birds are funny; they come in all sizes and colors,” said Letourneau. “Many look absurd, others stunningly beautiful! I hope you enjoy this exhibit and will catch a little of the love I have for birds and the important roles they play in our lives!”
Helga partnered with Janis Hannon, who was born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida and started creating from an early age. After a long hiatus from art to raise her family, work, and travel with her military spouse, she was able to continue creating, and now serves as vice president for the Walton County Art League, Inc. and as treasurer for the Chautauqua Porcelain Artists.
Jan enjoys painting in several media including oils, acrylics, glass, and porcelain, as well as her favorite, soft pastels. She enjoys painting a variety of subject matters and particularly enjoys birds and lighthouses as subjects in pastels, a medium unrivaled for their brilliance and layering.
All About Birds will be on display from January 19 – February 24. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Friday, January 19 from 5-7 p.m.
The Center for the Arts is open Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
