ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Bonnie Gravette and Scott Thomas are making their debut on the Alabama Gulf Coast with “Just us Folks” at the Orange Beach Arts Center.

This happy and uplifting exhibit is a much needed respite from our oily realities, and it will hang through Aug. 5.

Gravette, a Memphis artist, has created paintings especially with the Gulf Coast in mind.

Her normally earth tone palette has taken a tropical turn, and her subject matter includes folk-style landscapes and lively sea life each with a distinct personality.

This is actually the first time the artist has painted fish. While creating the Spirits of the Sea series she began to see fish everywhere from bathroom tiles to clouds. Her work would be a perfect addition to any home.

Thomas is a self-taught artist from Cloudland, Ga.

After retiring from the textile industry, he began collecting objects from flea markets which he then paints in a whimsical style. These discarded objects are given a new life complete with a very clever name.

Some of the objects on display include guitars, hats, old cameras and radios. Adults and children have been captivated by his work.

Each artist’s work is for sale at very reasonable prices.

To learn more about this exhibit visit www.orangebeachartscenter.com.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The Orange Beach Arts Center is next door to the Waterfront Park.