St. Augustine Art Association Welcomes Moving Exhibit ‘Sacred Pilgrimage’
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (December 8, 2025) – This January, the St. Augustine Art Association is welcoming a moving art exhibit that brings together the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí and the deeply personal artistic vision of Cuban-American artist Edel Alvarez Galban, also known as AGalban. “Sacred Pilgrimage: Gaudí & Galban” opens on January 2, 2026, in the North Gallery and will be on display through February 1, 2026. At the same time, the Main and South Galleries will host the “Faces & Figures” exhibit, featuring expressions of the human form through drawing studies, formal portraits, everyday life subjects, and other figures, presented in two- and three-dimensional media.
“We’re thrilled to be one of the exhibition spaces for ‘Sacred Pilgrimage,’” says Jennifer Flynt, Executive Director of St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA). “With centuries of history and spiritual exploration, St. Augustine is a perfect fit. The pieces encourage guests to consider themes that bridge continents, creativity, and the sacred.”
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet, born in June 1852, is internationally recognized as the leading exponent of Modernism, and his work is a cultural triumph for Catalonia, an autonomous community within Spain. A collection of seven buildings designed by Gaudí, known collectively as “Works of Antoni Gaudí,” was designated as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Located in Barcelona, one of the buildings is the famed Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, started in 1882 and still under construction today. The Basilica’s iconic Passion façade inspired AGalban. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1967, AGalban works in acrylic painting with mixed media. Inspired by a vivid, spiritual vision during a major heart episode, AGalban created an ambitious series of evocative paintings, reimagining the Passion façade through themes of faith, fragility, and transcendence. His deeply moving works are paired with photographs of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, offering visitors a unique and contemplative experience.
After its Tampa Bay launch this summer, “Sacred Pilgrimage: Gaudí and Galban” will travel to sacred spaces and community venues across Florida, concluding in June 2026 to mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s passing and the completion of the Sagrada Familia’s 137-year construction. Co-curated by Tarin Mohajeri and Antonio Permuy, this exhibition is supported by the City of St. Petersburg Individual Artist’s Grant and a grant from the Gobioff Foundation with the AIA Tampa Bay’s Center for Architecture and Design as an educational partner.
ABOUT ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION – The St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA), located at 22 Marine Street in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting excellence in the arts since 1924. STAAA supports the vibrant arts community in St. Augustine and preserves its rich artistic heritage and culture. Through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, educational programs, and outreach, STAAA fosters a creative and accessible environment for artists of all backgrounds and skill levels. Their permanent collection includes works by the founding members, known as the ‘Lost Colony’ artists. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, and admission is free. Photos can be found here. For more information, visit www.staaa.org, and follow along on Facebook @StAugArtAssoc and Instagram @staugartassoc
