PRESS RELEASE: OCTOBER 26, 2026

FloArts presents photographs by Lenny Foster: Soul of the City

Lenny Foster self portait

The Protest at the Ponce Hotel

Florida School of the Arts presents “Soul of the City” - photographs by Lenny Foster. The exhibit opens with a reception on Thursday, November 12 at 5:00 p.m., with an artist talk by Foster starting at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Featuring selected works from portraits to nighttime scenes in Lincolnville, Foster’s photographs explore the beauty, spirit and character of the community while reflecting his belief in photography as a way to capture moments of grace, connection and spiritual insight.

As a new resident of St. Augustine and owner of Gallery One Forty-Four on King Street, Foster said he is redefining his unique and spiritual vision, shifting his focus toward deeply impactful, socially conscious projects. “A community with such a rich, deep and diverse history and culture; coupled with its varied and fascinating architecture gives me a sense that I will be inspired and creating for quite some time.”

Foster is an accomplished fine art photographer whose career began in 1991 with a secondhand camera, launching a lifelong mission to illustrate the beauty within everyday life. After a transformative trip to the American Southwest, Foster spent twenty years in Taos, New Mexico, where he operated The Living Light Photography Gallery, exhibited in prominent regional museums, and published three books, including the award-winning Enchanted Land.

In 2017, he relocated to St. Augustine, opening Gallery One Forty-Four. His series Street Saints utilizes local unhoused individuals as models for portraits of African Catholic Saints to protest anti-homeless laws, with proceeds benefiting local shelters. Additionally, his series Where We Stand explores Florida’s Civil Rights and African American heritage. Centered in the historic township of Lincolnville, this project utilizes a unique storytelling perspective—placing shoes at historical landmarks to represent past figures—honoring everything from Fort Mose to the historic protest sites of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

For more information on Foster, visit the Gallery One Forty Four webpage.

Fosters’ works will remain on display through December 10. FloArts gallery hours are 9:00 – 5:00 Monday – Friday.

For nearly 50 years, Florida School of the Arts has transformed lives through creativity, discipline and mentorship that extends far beyond the stage. FloArts is located on the St. Johns River State College Palatka Campus and serves the entire state of Florida. FloArts is part of the academic and administrative structure of SJR State and awards associate degrees in acting, dance performance, musical theater, stage management, theater technology, graphic design/new media and studio art. For more information, call (386) 312-4300 or visit FloArts.

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