After returning from Ireland, Tina Corbett set to work transforming her sketches and reference photos into paintings of the Emerald Isle.
Corbett, who owns Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies in High Springs, said it’s easy to see how the myths of Ireland featured fairies and other fantastic creatures given the incredible forests and landscapes. Her 26th and final painting is still under construction in her store, but she’s got a deadline.
On Saturday, Corbett will host The “Grá” Exhibit: A Celebration of Irish-Inspired Art, an opportunity for her and visitors to be Irish for a day, eating themed hors d’oeuvres, drinking beer from High Springs Brewing Company and viewing the scenes depicted in the 26 paintings.
The event will happen from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the store (23645 W US Hwy 27, High Springs).
“It was magical,” Corbett said. “When you go into their forest, you can understand how they write so many stories about fairies because it really does look like a fairy place that you would make up stories about.”
The initial plan was to have 15 paintings. After expanding to 25, someone asked if Corbett had one of Dingle, a small Irish town. That question forced her to add one more to the collection.
Corbett said the paintings are on the smaller side to make them more affordable and they come in contemporary white frames. The imagery varies from landscapes to castles and churches to the inside of pubs and streetscapes.
She said the small towns that dotted Ireland were colorful and full of music, not too different from High Springs. Since returning, she’s started putting up silk flowers in the shop like those seen around the countryside.
Corbell said she hopes people come out to enjoy the paintings, party and feel Irish for the day.