Leslie Runnels at Bradford Gallery with Charlie McCurry

The community is invited to an Evening of Art and Folk Music at St. Francis by the Sea

St. Francis by the Sea is thrilled to announce a special evening of visual arts and live music open to the entire community on Friday, August 7, 2026.  The event will begin at 5:30 PM in the church’s fellowship hall with an opening reception for a new Gallery showcase featuring original works by talented local artist Leslie Runnels.

Leslie Runnels is an artist from New Orleans recently relocated to the Crystal Coast.  Her work plays in the intersection of intuition and intention, where vibrant color, layered forms, and intricate patterns become a language for exploring interdependence.  Repeating patterns displayed with interconnected shapes invite viewers to look closely, discovering new pathways and meanings with each encounter.

Following the reception, acclaimed Contemporary Christian and Americana singer-songwriter Charlie McCurry will take the stage for an intimate concert starting at 6:30 PM.  McCurry, known for his masterful guitar playing and rich lyrical storytelling, has been writing and performing roots music for decades, drawing inspiration from Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee, the Beatles and Appalachian sounds.  His song, “It’s Only Rain”, won the National Guitar Workshop’s Inaugural Songwriting Contest in Nashville, TN in 2008.  He was featured in “Performing Songwriter Magazine’s” September/October Edition that year.  His music has also been recognized at the Smoky Mountain Songwriter Festival in Gatlinburg, TN.

Event Schedule:

*5:30 PM: Art reception and light refreshments in the Fellowship Hall

*6:30 PM: Charlie McCurry concert in the main sanctuary

Admission to both the art reception and the concert is free and open to the public, though a suggested love offering will be accepted at the door.

Charlie McCurry

Leslie Runnels