- April 19, 2024
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Ocean Books and Art owner Frank Gromling woke up around 4 a.m. and wrote two words on the note pad next to his bed; “art shuttle.”
The idea was to have a shuttle that would bring art lovers from Flagler Beach to The Hammock, stopping at each art gallery along the way.
On Sunday, April 13, that vision will come to fruition with the first Flagler Art & Wine Shuttle. This special event will be the first of its kind in Flagler County and is expected to become a regular program to bring together local art galleries, visitors and residents in the region.
“It’s really simple,” Gromling said. “I am aware of five galleries in The Hammock area and in Flagler Beach. All too often when I talk to customers, I ask them if they have visited galleries in The Hammock and they say ‘no.’”
Guests will start at either North (Adult Education Center - The Hammock) or South (Flagler Beach Farmer’s Market lot) registration areas where they will be greeted by event ambassadors. Once they are registered, guests can board shuttle service along the 11 miles of A1A, from Flagler Beach to The Hammock visiting the participating galleries; The Baliker Gallery, Le Cose Belle, I AM ART/Rachel & Friends, Hammock Wine & Cheese Shoppe, Art LaMay Gallery, Ocean Books & Art, and Down by the Sea.
Advance registration to ride the buses is recommended and tickets are available online at eventbrite.com. The cost is $10 per person with proceeds going to help Flagler County women and children above and beyond the normal activities of the United Way. Registration also will be possible the day of the event at the North and South parking lots.
Guests will receive a special identification bracelet and a gift bag containing a map of the gallery route, literature about each gallery, and coupons from local businesses. Anyone wanting to spend extra time shopping in local stores or having a bite to eat may do so and then get on the next scheduled bus to pick them up for the rest of their journey.
“It’s a business –to-business type of enhancement, specifically for the art galleries,” Gromling said. “The primary focus is to get people to know about the art that is on A1A.”
Gromling said he sees this first run as a beta test, one that will hopefully evolve into a shuttle including the Palm Coast galleries; and one day maybe Ormond Beach.
IF YOU GO:
What: Flagler Art & Wine Shuttle
When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, April 13
Where: Begins at either the Adult Education Center, 5633 N. Highway A1A or the Flagler Beach Farmer’s Market lot
Tickets: Cost is $10 per person. Visit eventbrite.com.
