Story & Song
Press Release
February 7, 2020
On Sunday, February 9th, Story & Song Bookstore Bistro will celebrate its second birthday by unveiling a new collection of winged art. Inspired by public murals of bird wings created by Erica Group in Deland, Florida, Story & Song Bookstore Bistro engaged local artists to bring Amelia Island the same excitement that went viral with wing murals replicated in cities throughout the country.
Work on the murals began in October after the Island Art Association posted Story & Song’s announcement and several artists responded with ideas. “It was fun to see this project take flight immediately, a reflection of the deep love for the birds and creatures of nature on Amelia Island,” explained Donna Paz Kaufman, who launched Story & Song in February 2018 with her husband Mark Kaufman. Large-scale murals are showcased in the store’s open-air courtyard and upstairs in the art gallery and event space.
Susi Sax, artist and former owner of an art gallery in Historic Downtown, has created the open wings of a red-tailed hawk with soft muted colors. Mandy Haynes, who recently released a short story collection and gravitates to a variety of creative projects, has painted an iridescent dragonfly in flight. Gillian Johnson, a graphic designer who also studied theatre in England, painted a colorful angel amidst the universe. Brenda Price, a former Pennsylvania banker and self-taught artist, created one of the most colorful birds that migrate through Amelia Island, the Painted Bunting. Deborah Kline Ahern, a colorist who is inspired by local images and nature, created a family of birds perfect for posing for a family photo. And Chad Bridges, a local artist who started in woodworking to escape the devastation of Hurricane Katrina while stationed in Mississippi, created a 3D image of Pegasus (the winged horse in Greek mythology) using foam and patina.
Story & Song’s birthday celebration begins on Friday evening, Feb. 7th at 7:30 pm with a “Peace Concert,” featuring Todd Glacy. Speaker, musician, counselor, Interfaith minister, teacher and facilitator, Glacy encourages and empowers people to rediscover and reconnect to their highest potential.
Saturday is White Oak Day at Story & Song. “Tales & Tails” begins at 10:30 am with Ms. Dearsha’s Story Time, followed by activities, fun and games – like pin the tail on the giraffe – led by White Oak Conservation Center’s Education team. At 4 pm, learn about White Oak’s conservation efforts by taking a photographic journey when local photographers Stephan Leimberg, Dawna & Scott Moore unveil their new gift book, “A Day at White Oak.”
Saturday evening at 5 pm is also “ArtRageous Art Walk,” when you can see an exhibit of new artists’ work while enjoying complimentary wine and munchies. Featured artists include Dickie Anderson, Susi Sax, the late Beverly Hansen, and Christina Hickey.
A meet-and-greet winged mural artist reception will take place Sunday, February 9 at 2 pm – your chance to pose in front of the murals as if you had sprouted wings. The birthday celebration concludes at 4 pm on Sunday with a performance by The Kooks Ukulele Ensemble. The festivities are free and open to all. No reservation is required.
Story & Song Bookstore Bistro was launched in February 2018 by Mark and Donna Paz Kaufman as a gathering place in the community for meaningful connection and celebration of the literary, culinary, visual, and performing arts. Located in the central island neighborhood location at the 14th Street entrance to Amelia Park, Story & Song sponsors book discussion groups, concerts with live original music, cinema and conversation, meditation and wellness series, author programs, literary luncheons, children’s story time, lively staged readings and more. For more information, visit Story & Song online at StoryAndSongBookstore.com or call 904/601-2118.
Love this place! Thank you Mark and Donna for creating such a great place in, with and for our little hometown.
Mark, and Donna Congratulations on your first two wonderful years, You guys have created more than just a Bookstore, and Bistro.. You’ve created the Heart of this community. So many wonderful activities going on at any given moment, TED Talks, Book Signings, Children’s Story Times, Seaside Strummers Youth Ukulele group, and Incredible Concerts through the Story, and Song Concert Series each month… We are all so proud of you. Thank You.