Collection of Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.
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A simple unpaved path through wildness leads us to deeper sensations and feelings than those evoked by formal landscape design. The randomness of native and exotic overgrowth invites us to look more closely, to notice the peculiarities of a particular path. In a few steps, we feel we have traveled a great distance, almost forgetting our destination. Then, from the intimacy of the path, we emerge … to feel the vast openness of sand, sea and sky.
This series of 8 mixed-media collages was first presented by Florida’s former first lady Rhea Chiles, during the 2010 winter season, at her Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria, Florida. During that exhibit, Mrs. Chiles reported that Beach Path IV had sold “to a lady from Canada who came into the gallery wearing a bikini.” Since then, these images have rarely been shown, but on a couple of occasions they helped preserve the wildness of the very paths that inspired them. The local government asked the artist to hang them in city hall, and an island newspaper published large images of the paths at a time when development threatened to compromise their wild beauty.
In summer, 2023, the series of the remaining seven Beach Paths was donated to Mayo Clinic, whose curators plan to add it to their ongoing exhibit at their Jacksonville, Florida, facility. It is a rare honor to have these pieces shown as part of a collection that includes many significant, famous artists. Most importantly, it is hoped they will offer a peaceful escape and comfort to patients struggling with serious diagnoses.
Additional information about Beach Paths:
AMI Sun 2010 article, Beach Paths 2011 return exhibit, Beach Paths review by Douglas Teller.
Seven “Beach Paths” are displayed in the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.