Remembering Briny Artists
Some of Briny Breezes Artists
Probably the “biggest” name of the Briny Breezes artists that I knew was Janet Folsom.
It’s funny that I now live in a place she visited and studied in. San Miguel de Allende is an artist’s colony, and Janet spent a few months here back in the 60′s, perhaps earlier.
I can remember Janet talking about it and I am now sorry that I don’t remember more of what she said. Of course in those days I had no idea I’d ever end up living here.
The last few years of her life Janet hit the big time. Her work was exhibited in the Hokin Gallery in Palm Beach and Chicago.
Grace Hokin was a personal friend of mine in Palm Beach and ran the very important Gallery.
I was so thrilled to receive an invitation to the opening. It was a big turnout and there were many sales. I bought a great shaped canvas painting of Janet’s that night. It was a new medium that Janet used and did so well.
In my living room I have one of her paintings. It is 7′ by 4′, cut canvas, which gives it another dimension.
In my opinion, Janet died too young. I can remember her husband, Paul, riding his bike all over Briny. He was only in his late 90′s.
"Solitude" is an Example of Fred's artistic talents. This image is Posted with permission from the author, Fred House.
Editor’s Note:
Another Briny Artist is the author of this (and other articles within our Blog) Fred House.
A sampling of the author’s work (at left).
Fred holds a Degree in International Business.
Fred has had many shows in Palm Beach, Florida, as well as other locations during the 70′s through the early 90′s.
Since moving to San Miguel, Fred has had three major shows there.
“This is about 90% actual photo with a little added work in the background,” Fred House, author and photographer.
More of Fred’s photographs at:
http://www.pbase.com/fredhouse
More stories by Fred House at
http://www.briny-breezes.com/blog/briny-articles-by-fred-house
Filed under Briny: History, Brinyite: Fred House by 
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Comments on Remembering Briny Artists
This web site is wonderful! I lost touch with Peter Folsom many years ago after moving here to Mexico. Last month I received an email from him–he had found this web site and read my article about his mom. It turned out he had come here to San Miguel one year with his mom and lived here.
I’ve also sent this link to various friends from Briny in the old days, including Lindy and Ellen Grannis, Greg kessman, Clare Ohland, Dana Littlefield– so hope they check it out.
Clare and I have been looking for Chellie Long Varcoe for many years so if anyone has a clue please let me know.
Perhaps the whereabouts of Joyce Varcoe? thanks
Another update–recently Clare emailed me that she is interested in coming to San Miguel to see how life in the slow lane is. I haven’t seen her since the 60′s so it will be interesting.
I just moved into a brand new house here, a few minutes out of town in the country. I have a horse parked across the street. I call him my fertilizer machine. Of course I don’t get too near but send my gardener over to collect the nuggets.
My parents bought in Briny back in 1958 and I think the 3rd or 4th place on Mallard. At that time, I was a snow bird kid going to Gulf Stream School. Every Spring we would go to Key Largo with Paul, Janet and Peter Folsom. Janet could free dive for an amazingly long period of time. We would bring fresh lobster back and boil them in fresh Ocean Water. Both Janet and Paul mad an everlasting impression. Janet would always say. “You can do anything if you want to do it bad enough” She would later teach me how to scuba dive right off of Briny Beach.
The Folsoms were such great people. Paul always had a smile welcoming everyone…To know them were real Briny Treasures