FAIRHOPE, Ala. — After almost a year of anticipation and preparation, A Painter’s Paradise: Fairhope & the Eastern Shore coffee table book is now available for purchase at $40 per copy at the Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St. in downtown Fairhope.

This spectacular hardbound book showcases the Eastern Shore landscape, lifestyle and community.

Included in this first edition are 140 original paintings by 111 well-known local artists.

The dust cover image is a watercolor painting by Ron Thomson entitled “Expedition.” Inside there are full-page, color photographs of each artwork.

Represented are such notable artists as Eugenia Foster, Jo Patton, William “Bill” Thompson, Stacey Howell, Randy Moberg and Nall.

A foreword by Alabama native Fannie Flagg describes her feelings about this magical and inspirational Southern area. She admits “she fell hopelessly head-over-heals in love with Fairhope on first sight.”

Flagg has distinguished herself as an actress and writer in television films and the theater. She is best known as the author of the New York Times bestseller Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café.

An introduction by writer Winston Groom explains the history and culture of the area as an art colony. “The town [Fairhope] was said to be constantly enlivened by street-puppeteers, musical bands, theatrical performances, roaming psychics, and of course the painters at their easels,” stated Groom.

A Painter’s Paradise: Fairhope & the Eastern Shore was published by the Eastern Shore Art Center, and was chaired by Diane Daniell, president of the ESAC board of directors.

Proceeds benefit the Eastern Shore Art Center a 501(c3) non-profit organization founded in 1958.

For more information, call ESAC at (251) 928-2228.