St. Johns Cultural Council, the organization that promotes arts, culture and heritage in St. Johns County, has selected two local artists to present solo exhibitions for its Art in Public Spaces program.
The exhibitions, presented in the Rotunda Gallery of the St. Johns County Administration Building, will feature photographer Byron Capo and painter Gail Beveridge. The exhibitions will be held at 500 San Sebastian View in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine-based photographer Capo’s exhibition, titled “Inner Spectrum: Finding Hope in the Light,” is on view at the Rotunda Gallery now through March 27.
Capo is a professional architectural and landscape photographer who takes inspiration from Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and Clyde Butcher. His work explores alternative processes, including infrared photography and palladium printing to reveal his unique perspective of the natural world. “Inner Spectrum” highlights the interior illuminations of two structures: the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine and La Mola, fortress of Isabel II in Mahon, Menorca. The work illustrates Capo’s connection to his Menorcan heritage and the meaning of the forts to his ancestors.
Both 17th century forts were built for military defense and provided shelter for civilians.
“They were the foundations of a future and provided the security and hope needed to survive and prosper,” said Capo. “Although completely different in design, both provided balistraria and windows for the sunlight to penetrate the interiors. At times, this natural window light was the only connection to the exterior world. Light has a profound effect on the mind, especially when provided in small doses. It becomes medicine for the soul.”
Capo’s work has been recognized with the St. Augustine Art Association’s Jean Troemel “Best in Show” and numerous awards from the St. Augustine Camera Club. In addition, his photography has been published in local and regional magazines, exhibited in galleries and included in “From River to Ocean, an Art in Public Spaces” exhibition celebrating St. Johns County’s 200th anniversary.
For further information, go to byroncapophotography.com.
“Inner Spectrum: Finding Hope in the Light” is presented by the St. Johns Cultural Council and made possible through the support of the Florida Division of Arts and Culture and the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.
St. Johns Cultural Council also announced that St. Augustine painter Gail Beveridge will be the next artist featured in a solo exhibition for Art in Public Spaces opening in January 2025. Beveridge is an award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited in juried shows across the nation. Her work was showcased as part of the Lightner Local program at the Lightner Museum in 2022, and at the Cummer Museum in 2023.
Art in Public Spaces exhibitions at the Rotunda Gallery feature local artists who are chosen to exhibit their work individually or in group shows, with new installations every three to four months.
The exhibitions are open to the public on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the St. Johns Cultural Council at sjcc@historiccoastculture.com.
