La Casa Studios Becomes Exclusive Gallery for St. Augustine Artist Obadiah “Obie” Hunter

Downtown St. Augustine artist Obadiah “Obie” Hunter has spent years painting the city from the sidewalk, easel set up within view of the landmarks, streets and everyday scenes that inspire him. Now, his finished work has a dedicated home of its own. La Casa Studios has announced that it is now the exclusive gallery representing Hunter throughout North and Central Florida. The new partnership will officially debut Friday, Oct. 2, during First Friday Art Walk, when visitors can meet Hunter, view his work and purchase original paintings, prints and specialty items.

“We are thrilled to partner with an artist who has become such a familiar and beloved presence in St. Augustine,” says La Casa Studios owner Gary McGeddy. “Obie’s paintings offer a unique perspective, bringing light, color, and texture to everyday scenes.”

Hunter’s path to becoming a professional artist began at age 16, when his grandmother gave him a Bob Ross oil painting set stored in a metal tin. Painting initially became a passionate side project, but a house fire during his teenage years changed his perspective. While searching through the remains, Hunter discovered that the metal box containing his paints and brushes was the only thing to survive. He took it as a sign to pursue art more seriously.

He later studied at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Connecticut and Tulane University in New Orleans, where he began painting plein air in the French Quarter. Years of travel followed, taking Hunter to more than 50 countries as he painted, taught and documented the places he encountered. Those experiences eventually became the basis for his book, Obadiah Hunter Art: The Stories and Plein-Air Paintings of a Globe-Trotting Traveler.

St. Augustine ultimately became home, and Hunter has become a familiar sight downtown, painting scenes of Flagler College, Aviles Street, the Bridge of Lions, Memorial Presbyterian Church and other recognizable landmarks while talking with passersby.

Through the new gallery partnership, La Casa Studios will showcase Hunter’s completed work while giving him more time to stay where many residents are accustomed to seeing him: behind the easel.

Hunter’s gallery debut takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at La Casa Studios, 33 King Street, during First Friday Art Walk. The evening will include live music, light refreshments and wine. Original paintings, prints and specialty items will be available for purchase, and commission inquiries can also be made through the gallery.