Valarie Pothier-Forrester
St. Augustine, Florida

I am a middle school art teacher. I've been doing that for 20 years. Last year, after a long hiatus, I revisited the plein air experience thanks to Island Fine Art and the 2005 Crescent Beach Paint Out. It was such an incredible event that I've kept on painting religiously.

I have been involved in events sponsored by a number of groups including Plein Air Florida and the St. Augustine Art Association with shows at the Casements in Ormond Beach, Island Fine Art, The Melrose Bay Gallery and a show at Gallery L in The Modis Building in Jacksonville. I am scheduled for two upcoming gallery showings in September and October.

Currently I'm packing for a week-long plein air class at John C. Campbell Folk School where I will be working with Kathleen Wobie. So I have to send a sincere and fond thank you to Island Fine Art for getting me painting again! I look forward to the 2006 Paint Out, and another year of developing as a plein air painter.