“Art Makes the world a gentler place” -Georganna Mullis-

I hope I can do this interview justice in my blog. Georganna Mullis is a local artist and a fascinating woman. Before I go too much into our interview, let me preface by stating that Georganna, teaches a drop-in Art Class, which is open to the public at the ISLAND ART ASSOCIATION’s, ART EDUCATION CENTER, every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM.

I met with Georganna, in her private art studio, at THE BLUE DOOR GALLERY.

When I arrived, one of her art studenst had decided to pop in, to receive last minute advice, prior to his trip abroad. Georganna, true to form, took time out of her busy schedule, to discuss his art with him.

I have seen Georganna interacting with her art students before. She is very generous with both her time and her extensive knowledge. At her drop-in painting class on Tuesdays, she teaches students ranging from newbie novices, to accomplished artists. She effortlessly transitions, with advice to all levels of expertise, and lack there of. I personally fell into the latter category. She had me mixing paint colors in her class, and treated my success in doing so, as a great accomplishment. I must admit, I walked away from those classes, feeling as if, I had indeed, accomplished a great deal.

As I waited for their conversation to conclude, I walked around admiring her art work. An inquiring tourist stopped in, with a question about a found art piece. Since I didn’t have the answers, I suggested she ask Georganna. Once again, Georganna took the time, to discuss the “found” art piece with the tourist. I noticed, that in spite of her busy schedule, she did not show any indication of being rushed.

After I managed to finish setting up my video camera (sorry I haven’t learned how to post video to the web yet), I gave an indication to the two of them, that I was ready. Georganna had a tight schedule, yet there was no indication of urgency in her laid back manner. As I watched her settling in, it became apparent to me, why she makes such a great Gallery Director, for the Island Art Association. Yes, she is kind and generous, but anyone who knows her will tell you, there is much more. She has a strength, that is rooted, as deeply, as her roots to Fernandina Beach.

Fernandina Beach was a vacation destination in Georganna’s youth, since her mother’s extended family already resided here. Georganna was in high school when her father passed away. At that time, her mother made the decision to move to Fernandina Beach, to be close to family. Georganna graduated from Fernandina Beach High School. As with many Fernandina’s youth, she decided to moved away in 1960, but was called back in 1970, to resume living her life on this lovely island. She raised her three children, who all remain on the Island, and all have found their niches within it. Her son owns the famous T-Ray’s that is a favorite amongst many locals. Her daughter Lisa, also quite an accomplished, well known restauranteur, is now owner of the Mustard Seed. Her oldest daughter has found her niche, working with our “Travel Agency” on the Island. It speaks volumes about a place, and a family, who remain rooted together in one place.

Georganna is one of the founding members of the Island Art Association. Before its inception, Georganna was a part of a loosely knit group of artists that used to sell their art at the Shrimp Festival.

Georganna had fascinating stories to tell about the early days of the Shrimp festival and Fernandina Beach, but we will leave those for another venue. What is fascinating to me, is the resilience necessary, to actively take part, in such a vast evolution, of the Shrimp Festival, the Island Art Association, and Fernandina Beach as a whole.

As time went on, this group of Artists, decided they needed to create a formal group, since the Arts and Crafts portion of the Shrimp Festival, was evolving and growing. What was once a small festival with Shrimp Boat Races, down by the Marina, was beginning to expand to Centre Street. The Shrimp Festival Committee was formed, with the Arts and Crafts portion as an arm. Georganna was in the moment, helping to actively create, what we now  know as a huge Art Festival.

These artists decided, that the purpose, the mission of the Island Art Association, would be to promote the Arts, within the Community as a whole. They opened their first Gallery in the mid to late 70’s, renting an upstairs space on Centre Street.  They quickly outgrew the upstairs space so they moved a downstairs Gallery on Centre Street which was a much more visible location. Georganna started off painting in Watercolors, then oils, but seemed to find her passion in Acrylics. She admits to enjoying all mediums, and is quite adapt in teaching in all mediums. When asked how long she has been painting, with laughing eyes, she exclaims “I’ve been painting all my life!”

These struggling Artists formed a local artists’ co-op, and with money raised from the Shrimp Festivals, they saved up to eventually purchase their own building on 3 downtown lots. When the opportunity presented itself, they bought the Island Art Association Building on North Second Street. Recently, they were able to build the Education Centre building next door. This was all done by artists, with Georganna actively involved in Chairing committees and volunteering for numerous Board of Director’s positions.

These artists remained true to their Mission Statement-Promoting the Arts within the Community. The Island Art Association, provides art supplies to the school systems, free classes to children, and Art Programs to the Council on Aging. This vast evolution, from street artists, to a large Gallery with a brand new Art Education Center, was all accomplished by Artists volunteering their time. It makes this blogger wonder, what would have happened, if Georganna had not returned to our island……..

As parting words, I asked Georganna, what is it that she believes, is important about art. She paused, thought, then expressed her passionate beliefs. She pointed out, that art can enrich the lives of many, and can calm down angry, mean people.

Without realizing that she may have coined a phrase, she stated,

“Art makes the world a gentler place.”

If indeed, that is true, then it stands to reason, that Georganna has helped to make the Island a gentler place.

Drop in Art Classes with Georganna Mullis, Tuesdays, at 10:00 am. at the IAA Art Education Center…Just bring your paints, brushes and canvas, and learn from one of the best.