Ormond artists plug conservation at Flagler Beach gallery

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Pieces by Ormond Beach artists Timothy Murphy, Daniel McFee and Karen Ann Patton are now on display at Ocean Books & Art, in Flagler Beach.

BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER

While many Ormond Beach residents assist in marine conservation through research and beach cleanups, others use their artistic talents.

Frank Gromling, owner of Ocean Publishing, recently started displaying pieces from three Ormond Beach artists in the gallery of Ocean Books & Art, a conservation-based Flagler Beach business.

Timothy Murphy uses his conservation skills and art background in sculptures, which he builds from materials found on construction sites. The reclaimed materials, such as red cedar and coquina stone blocks, are used to make sea creature sculptures. Gromling first met Murphy, a retired forester, through the Marineland Right Whale Project and said that he is very strong and involved in the conservation community.

"He came in and said that he was a wood carver ... and he told me (he did) marine life," Gromling said. "I though, boy are you talking to the right guy. ... All of our books are about nature, marine life and conservation. It's a really sweet relationship."

Some of Murphy's pieces have sold but the other two Ormond Beach artists, Daniel McFee and Karen Ann Patton, have not yet. Still, Gromling expects that to change.

"They are both excellent artists but they came in at a time when the market was changing," Gromling said. "We have a pretty decent summer session but then things slow down. We are now expecting them to do quite well. They are highly talented."

Ocean Books & Art hosts open art galleries on the first Friday of every month.

Call 693-4882.