Herb Willey, Gallery 220 and the new Starfish Café

8/26/2021

ART.BSL Podcast - August 27, 2021

"The French Potager," watercolor by Herb Willey.

In this episode, Kerry and Steve visit with watercolor artist Herb Willey. Then it's off to Gallery 220 on Second Saturday to see what's new. Finally, Kerry heads over to the new Starfish Café to talk with owner Di Fillhart.

- by Steve Barney and Kerry Maloney

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In this episode, Kerry and Steve sit down in the studio with Watercolor Artist extraordinaire Herb Willey. Herb shares his experience as a representational artist, and we learn how he became internationally famous.

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Following a career in industrial design and a fascination with automobiles, Willey has fully immersed himself in his painting for the last eight years, experiencing a personal transformation. He also shares a healthy dose of cynicism of the art industry.

Then Steve goes on location for Second Saturday at the venerable Gallery 220, where we caught up with Herb’s wife, Serena. Serena, Herb’s biggest fan, subject matter expert and social media marketer, has pushed Herb to new levels of craftsmanship and acclaim.

Gallery 220 is an Old Town anchor and one of the oldest co-op galleries in the state! They're located at 220 Main Street in Bay St. Louis. Read more about Gallery 220 in this Shoofly Magazine story!

Gallery 220, an Old Town anchor and one of the oldest co-op galleries in the state! Located at 220 Main Street in Bay St. Louis.

In the second half, Kerry takes a short trip up Highway 603 to the new location of the Starfish Café, her favorite restaurant just about anywhere. Kerry has a chance to learn the Starfish story from Di Fillhart. Di, a retired NICU nurse and lifelong street minister, was brought to the Bay to do relief work in the wake of Katrina.

Di’s youngest son, Zachary, runs the kitchen using whole foods and local ingredients. Zach has been cooking with Di since a young child, but he earned his kitchen cred from a Greek grandmother.

Di Fillhart welcomes customers to the "new" Starfish Cafe.

In the next part of the interview, as rain starts to fall, Di shares what has kept her here to continue her mission of compassion and healing. She tells a compelling story of the sorrow of COVID, the importance of vaccines, and a message of hope.

Read more about the new Starfish Café location and check out its menu in this Shoofly Magazine story!

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