- This event has passed.
First Friday Celebration with Live Art and Music
August 1, 2025 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Live music by Dario Acosta Teich and a pastel painting demonstration by master Amy Sanders, and oil painting demonstration by respected instructor Jonathan McPhillips.
Amy Sanders’ Artist’s Statement
“While painting I become drawn into the scene. It’s an extraordinary sensation where I can feel the sand between my toes, smell the salt air, or hear the roar of the ocean. To bring that sensation to others is my primary goal.
“While painting I become drawn into the scene. It’s an extraordinary sensation where I can feel the sand between my toes, smell the salt air, or hear the roar of the ocean. To bring that sensation to others is my primary goal.
“I paint and am not a professional photographer because of the unique difference that painting brings to the scene. Many work is highly realistic, with edges softer and colors richer than photographs. There is also a depth that one does not find in a photograph. Objects in the distance have smoother edges and less detail — more typical of how the eye sees than a camera. While I often use photographs for reference, there is a richer emotion from the spectacular beauty of a scene when creating painting, that I hope carries through to the viewer.”
Jonathan McPhillips’ Artist’s Statement
I approach each painting as a delightful challenge, a puzzle seeking completion, and an ode to the beauty of our surroundings. My ultimate reward is knowing that my work has captivated the hearts and minds of both friends and strangers. In a world of digital clarity, original artwork continues to offer a sense of mystery and enchantment. Through painting, I strive to forge connections between hearts and minds, unifying us through our shared experiences.
I approach each painting as a delightful challenge, a puzzle seeking completion, and an ode to the beauty of our surroundings. My ultimate reward is knowing that my work has captivated the hearts and minds of both friends and strangers. In a world of digital clarity, original artwork continues to offer a sense of mystery and enchantment. Through painting, I strive to forge connections between hearts and minds, unifying us through our shared experiences.