Within the vibrant arts community in St. Augustine, a new collective is coming together to showcase the work of local Black artists.
The Soul Collective has announced a new art show at the St. Augustine Art Association’s North Room gallery at 22 Marine St. in downtown St. Augustine. It opens on Friday, Dec. 1, during the First Friday Art Walk from 5 to 9 p.m., and will be displayed through Saturday, Dec. 30.
The Soul Collective is comprised of artists Brandon Santiago, Alexter Albury, Gerald Branch and Lenny Foster.
“We all came together in September when we cooperatively fulfilled a local art teacher’s request for some assistance in getting large canvases for an art class,” said Foster. “It was a significant moment that bonded us. We’re a group of artists that really respect and appreciate each other’s art. Although we each have our own unique style and perspectives, we all share the experience of being Black artists, a fairly small community, actively creating in the city.”
The Soul Collective will feature four to five pieces from each artist, revealing their individual talents and styles.
Brandon Santiago is an Abstract Expressionist painter. Raised locally, his work has evolved from his childhood beginnings to works that feature layers of color, shape, texture and stroke. Santiago is an intuitive painter who is inspired by the complexities of jazz and rap music.
Alexter Albury is a Realism portrait painter who transitioned from pen to acrylic paint while looking for a new means of expression. His work is heavily influenced by illustration and delves deep into one’s emotions.
Gerald Branch uses a mixed-media approach, marrying collage, painting and drawing to create bold works that translate his experiences as an educator and African-American man. His works combine symbolic and deliberate imagery to stimulate critical thinking.
Fine art photographer Lenny Foster has a gift for capturing still images that show vast depths of emotion and thought. His new works focus on the history of the African-American experience and how it has evolved with each new generation. His most recent series, “The Street Saints,” featuring unhoused men and women, was funded by a grant from the St. Johns Cultural Council. Proceeds from Foster’s sales will go to the St. Johns County Homeless Coalition and the St. Francis House.
“This show is meant to be a celebration of our time in St. Augustine,” said Foster. “It’s truly magical to find a place where the landscape and your fellow artists are equally inspirational. We’re honored to share our experiences and vision with the community.”
The show is free and open to the public. For more information, go to staaa.org.
