Museum hosts reception for local artist, students

VALPARAISO, FL -  The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will host a reception for long-time Valparaiso resident and artist Vial Fontenot on Sunday, January 20, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Fontenot, a mostly self-taught artist began painting when he retired after a successful military career. His charming images depict local landscapes, scenes from his extensive world travel or vistas from his imagination. 
  
Also on view will be the hand-woven basketry created by Niceville High School students of art educator Cherie Mulhearn.  Throughout the fall semester, Mulhearn’s students were taught the age-old tradition of weaving with indigenous pine needles. The Heritage Museum offered an outreach program to the school where craftsman Joe Stoy instructed students in the process and technique.

The reception is free and open to the public. Reservations are not needed. Works are on view now through February 29. The Heritage Museum is located at 115 Westview Avenue in Valparaiso.