Get your world fix at Rosemary Beach's World Six

Get your world fix at Rosemary Beach's World Six

By Deborah Wheeler

debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com

After taking a sabbatical from the art world, Anne Hunter is back in her element.

Hunter opened Fonville Press at Alys Beach in August 2004 and launched the Apres Beach wine tasting and music on Friday nights.

She then moved on to open Cerulean's at WaterColor in May 2006, which fast became a locals' favorite with its embracing of art in all genres - hanging art, literary, musical and fine vino. It closed last month.

On July 4, Hunter brought her passion for the arts back to County Road 30A with the opening of World Six art gallery at Rosemary Beach.

While other galleries represent dozens of artists, only six artists are represented at World Six.

"I wanted only those who are ready to move up and take their craft to the next level," said Hunter, although she concedes that more will probably be added. "These six are the artists who inspire me, who are visionaries and serious about their work. These six are world class, yet here on 30A."

All represented are from the Gulf Coast. They include Blue Mountain Beach acrylic artist Justin Gaffrey; David Harouni's haunting faces from New Orleans; Stefan Diaberl of South Walton and Munich, Germany; Marti Schmidt of Point Washington's newest Parisian-inspired works; Steve Wagner of Seagrove Beach's nudes and sculptures; and tile mosaic artist Jill Schwerin.

"I want it to be a living gallery," explained Hunter of her vision. "I want it to be a place to come with a glass of wine, have readings, socialize, have an interlude with a piece of art in a comfortable atmosphere, or check e-mail via a high-speed Internet connection.

"Often galleries are staid," she continued. "I want to create a space that allows for a human experience."

Hunter plans to open the doors of World Six Gallery from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., seven days a week. The gallery is located on the north side of 30A.