Friends of the Library
Press Release
Submitted by Patti Kirschling
May 10, 2019 4:00 p.m.
Friends of the Library is pleased to announce a new art exhibit, “In Memoriam”, in the Fernandina Beach Library Community Room, showing the work of the late Paul Massing and the late Milt Shirley, two longtime residents of Amelia Island. The exhibit will hang from April 4th thru August 31th. There will be a reception for the artists’ family, friends and our community on Saturday, May 11th, from 5-7 pm at the Fernandina Beach Library located at 4th Street in Fernandina Beach.
Both artists are well known to the Amelia Island community, not only for their beautiful art, but also for their civic and educational contributions over many years. Paul Massing was a graduate of the Albright Art School in Buffalo, New York and was best know for his pen and ink drawings as well as for portraiture. He lent much time to teaching at the Island Art Association and designed t-shirts and posters for the annual Shrimp Festival. He exhibited his art work not only on the island but across the state. He illustrated many books with local authors and his large painted map of the island at the local Residence Inn has guided many out of town visitors exploring our island.
Milt Shirley found his passion for oil painting after he retired from his career as a chemist for Rayonier. He is well known for his paintings of Amelia Island’s glorious marshes. He lived in Fernandina Beach for fifty-four years and was active in politics, being elected as a city commissioner after serving for eight years on the Nassau County School Board. Additionally, he served as Mayor of Fernandina Beach in 1989.
For further information regarding this event, on joining the Friends of the Library, or becoming a volunteer for one of our events, please visit the FOL website at www.fernandinaFOL.org. All art in the exhibition is available for sale and benefits the Fernandina Beach Library.