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Published on: 11/22/2007
Last Visited: 11/22/2007
This postcard by local artist Paul Brent will be in The News Herald Dec. 2.Contributed photo
PANAMA CITY
Paul Brent is showing a cooler side of Santa.In a commemorative postcard, free to News Herald subscribers Dec. 2, Brent has crafted a sunny version of the Christmas icon."He's on vacation, and he's still doing his duties," said Brent, an internationally acclaimed water-colorist who calls Panama City home.
The postcard depicts Santa, clad in shorts and a flowery shirt, paddling a boatload of toys to a tropical destination.It is one of many holidaythemed items available at Brent's Beach Drive gallery.
Brent describes the postcard as "a very special gift to our community."
Giving back to the community is a major focus for the artist.
Brent served as the president of Bay Arts Alliance for four of its formative years and currently is on the Downtown CRA Advisory Board as well as Panama City's Board of Architects.For many years, he designed the T-shirts for the Spring Festival of the Arts and will be doing so again this year.
"I set deadlines for myself," Brent said of his work ethic.
And he meets many of them.
Brent recently completed a painting of the new lighthouse to be built at the downtown marina.Prints will be used as a fundraiser by Rotary for the construction of the lighthouse.
Earlier this year, Brent unveiled a rendering of the Mesa Verde, a Navy transport ship to be commissioned in Panama City next month.
And for the city's centennial celebration in 2009, Brent is preparing a series of paintings featuring landmarks such as Bay High School, First Baptist Church, the Cove Hotel and the Martin Theatre.A portion of the sales from the limited edition prints of these paintings will be designated for the centennial celebration.It's all part of the job, said Brent."This community has inspired me so much," Brent said.