High Tide Gallery Provides all the Feels
By Monika Bernthal
Wayne McNees supports St. Augustine’s art community through the local, coastal and creative High Tide Gallery. Photo Credit Aimée Wiles Banion.
Like artwork that speaks to you, is the quaint art gallery on Anastasia Island whose composition is a masterpiece. High Tide Gallery blends the unique, eclectic, down-to-earth and fun creating an environment to which everyone can relate.
“I fell in love with the Gallery and the whole vibe the first time we walked in,” explained Wayne McNees, owner of High Tide Gallery. “It’s coastal, local and creative – an exact reflection of our community.”
Although Wayne and his wife, Sherry, assumed ownership only two years ago, the gallery has been a mainstay of St. Augustine and home to dozens of artists since its inception in 2006.
Today, High Tide Gallery represents nearly 50 local artists and artisans, featuring all types of mediums including painting, pottery, canvas, stained glass, woodcraft, photography, stone and ceramic. The gallery even has a “Man Cave” geared toward the guys while the ladies shop the extensive line of handcrafted jewelry.
In a world that would be bleak without art, Wayne is thrilled to provide a platform for artists to showcase their work. “The gallery is a way of helping give back to the art community,” he said.
Which is why he feels the most rewarding part of running the gallery is paying the artists at the end of every month for their sales. Wayne explained, “Artists work hard and create wonderful things to enhance our lives by making them more beautiful.” He continued, “An artist exposes themselves every time they create a piece. I equate it to laying your soul bare for all to see.”
On the flipside, Wayne loves experiencing a connection between a customer and the art. He says that “boom” moment is like watching love bloom.
High Tide Gallery’s relaxed and fun atmosphere fuels these interactions with art. The gallery’s group of talented artists enjoy showcasing their work without pretense. Customers embrace an environment in which they can truly enjoy and appreciate the art – knowing they can even afford to take home the piece that touched them.
Located in Lighthouse Plaza at 850 Anastasia Boulevard, High Tide Gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays with extended hours during Art Galleries of St. Augustine’s First Friday Artwalk. Learn more and shop their online store at TheHighTidegallery.com.