Story & Song showcases 'The Colorful World of Jose Garcia'

The art of local artist José Garcia-Luina is now on display in a solo show, The Colorful World of José Garcia, at Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture Gallery from now through October 2025. All of the pieces have been produced in the last year and have been shown to the public for the first time.

Known to his friends as José, Garcia-Luina was born in Puerto Rico where his family emigrated from Spain during the Spanish Civil War of 1936. He has had many pursuits, including a full career of 40 years with a major U.S. airline, where he traveled the world.

“Painting and drawing were always a large part of my life, but it wasn’t until I arrived in my new home on Amelia Island that I began to share my work,” explains Garcia-Luina. Fifteen years ago, José began creating watercolors with colored markers. Today, he has evolved into using alcohol ink on clay boards and even art crayons on aqua boards. “I describe my work as ‘Color, History and Fantasy’ and share my love of birds, fish and flora of the tropics.”

José’s work has been exhibited in several galleries and venues on Amelia Island, including the Island Art Association, Baptist Nassau, Amelia Community Theatre, Amelia Musical Playhouse,  the St. Augustine Art Association, Nassau County Public Library, and a one-man exhibit at the Omni Artists’ Guild.

Story & Song co-founder Donna Paz Kaufman added, “We are so thrilled to have José’s work back at Story & Song as the vibrant colors and images bring every viewer joy.” Garcia-Luina will be in conversation with Paz Kaufman during The Artist’s Studio on Thursday, August 21 at 4 p.m. “We’ll discuss José’s fascinating life, his perspective as an artist, and the value of art to people across the globe.”

Tickets are $20 and include the program, a glass of wine, and appetizers.