The exhibit, presented by the St. Johns Cultural Council, is free to the public

Two local artists showcased their art at the county administration rotunda. The St. Johns Cultural Council presented Opening New Doors, featuring Alexter Albury and Brandon Santiago. Cultural Council officials said the new exhibit is “the most contemporary” the county administration rotunda has hosted. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight the exhibition.

“Me and Alex wanted to showcase – kind of an evolution artistically through time,” Santiago explained. “We encourage viewers to get inspired to take their own evolution.”

Opening New Doors is described as an exhibition “that utilizes painting and mixed media to represent a timeline of growth” and the artists’ time in St. Augustine. Albury shared how he and Santiago paint and draw from their hearts. He explained how this presentation is their way of expressing their emotions.

“I want them to get a sense of nostalgia. My work – I try to captivate what’s normal human interaction. The things that people feel in life,” Albury said.

On Thursday, during the exhibit’s kickoff, Chairman Clay Murphy encouraged residents to reflect “on the doors that art and community can open for all of us.” The county commissioner also expressed how shocked the works of art made him feel.

The St. Johns Cultural Council said it has exhibited more than 200 artists. Opening New Doors is free to the public, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit lasts till April 10. This exhibition is presented by the St. Johns Cultural Council as part of the Art in Public Spaces program and is made possible with support from the Florida Division of Arts & Culture and the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.