Hermitage Artist Retreat Receives 12 Felix de la Concha Paintings

Sam Alfstad, the president of Alfstad& Editions in Sarasota, and the Spanish painter Felix de la Concha recently donated 12 paintings by de la Concha to the Hermitage Artist Retreat. The paintings, which depict the historic structures on the Hermitage property, are on permanent display in the Palm House at the Hermitage, 6630 Manasota Key Road in Englewood. The paintings can be viewed during all public programs held at the Palm House.

“Felix de la Concha’s art is known and acclaimed around the world,” says Alfstad. “Three years ago, a Hermitage fellowship made it possible for him to spend a number of weeks in Sarasota. While here, he painted the cottages and grounds of the Hermitage Artist Retreat on beautiful Manasota Key. I have always believed that work — inspired by and created at the Hermitage — belonged at the Hermitage. And now that is where it is. Hopefully, Felix’s paintings will inspire artists and be appreciated by visitors for many, many years to come.”

Bruce Rodgers, executive director of the Hermitage, says, “We are enormously grateful to both Sam Alfstad and Felix de la Concha for this generous donation. These beautiful paintings capture the spirit and essence of the Hermitage and of our historic heritage. We are proud to display them as part of our permanent collection and that we will be able to share them with our community into the future.”