PAStA Fine Art Gallery

Welcome to PAStA

The Professional Artists of St. Augustine, also known as PAStA, Fine Arts Gallery, was established in 1982. The founder of this, the longest continually running art cooperative in St. Augustine, is nestled in the Old Town Historic District at 214 Charlotte Street, and was founded by Jean Wagner Troemel. Troemel’s career was long, and her art was varied, often influenced by her travels. Her work is represented in many private and public collections, both nationally and internationally, and she was the recipient of numerous major awards. She was credited with being the founder of the fine arts community in St. Augustine, and established PASTA Plus Art Gallery in an effort to provide artists with a professional setting to exhibit and sell their work. Many an artistic career was launched and supported through Jean’s unwavering support and continues through the Jean Wagner Troemel Foundation.

Today PAStA has survived through many iterations, and is currently enjoying a fresh new energy with a new board and working committees. We are currently boasting six new artists, with an eclectic mix of art, ranging from paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic, and inks, to three-dimensional works in fused glass, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, and wood. 

Valarie Pothier-Forrester, the new President of PAStA says, “I’m proud of how this new energy emerged to keep the gallery viable in a demanding economy, and the willingness of our members to try new things, to update, to become more active in the art community as a whole through communication with other stake holders in the Arts.”

The gallery acts as a cooperative, so every visitor has an opportunity to interact with at least one member who will be in the gallery during the open hours, and with many artists during every First Friday Artwalk, a tradition begun by PAStA’s founder, Jean Troemel.

“Going forward,” Pothier-Forrester said, “we hope to host special exhibitions with featured artists, various classes, meet ups, and other events that continue to foster a relationship with the community. We hope to make our spacious gallery a destination for artistic experiences of many kinds.”

So, step up to the Arts on Charlotte where the work is diverse, the artists are genuine, the atmosphere is welcoming, and there is something for everyone.

Professional Artists of St. Augustine Fine
Art Gallery is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.