Oil spill inspires art exhibit

Keith Goodson poured his frustration over the Gulf oil spill tragedy onto a canvas.

Three weeks later the result was an inspirational piece called "The Crucible."

"It's our job as artists to carry a message," Goodson said.

Goodson has joined a group of local artists for Sebring's first themed art exhibit, "Spill Your Heart Out," set for Friday, Sept. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 112 N. Ridgewood Drive in Sebring's Circle. It's free to the public

The exhibit will showcase over 20 local artists' work on the Gulf oil spill.

The event sponsored by the Heartland Cultural Alliance will also be on display during the Sebring Thunder Regional Car Show on Sept. 17 and 18, the Heartland Idol teen finale on Sept. 30 and the seventh annual Run to the Heartland from Oct. 1 to 3.

"It will be iconic in a way because other people can relate to it and that time period," Goodson said.

Los Angeles artist Joseph Anthony, who moved to Sebring earlier this year, came up with concept to incite awareness on the spill.

"The oil spill is contemporary issue on people's mind," Fred Leavitt, Heartland Cultural Alliance president, said.

Anthony will present assemblages and sculptures that speak of the demand of oil-based products.

Leavitt's digital images and local photographer Bill Dailey's work will make their debut at the event.

The art exhibit is the beginning of the alliance's new direction that seeks to involve local businesses and Highlands County's art community.

They already have a success story with Brewster's Coffee House in Sebring. Owner Bruce Rogers first began displaying artwork in his establishment in November. He has had three art exhibits since.

"The arts and culture has never been acknowledged as a contributing factor to build the economy in Sebring," Leavitt said.

Their plan is to add another element to the county's sports and recreational activities.

The organization will open an art gallery at Sebring Regional Airport in late September.

"This is a whole new dawn for art in Sebring," Leavitt said.

'Spill Your Heart Out'

Friday, Sept. 10 from

5 to 8 p.m.

112 N. Ridgewood Drive in Sebring's Circle.

It's free to the public