Art @ Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church

Leslie Runnels' Art Exhibit at Bradford Gallery 

Join us at 5:30 on August 7th for an art opening featuring original works by talented artist Leslie Runnels, who recently relocated to the Crystal Coast from New Orleans. Her work plays in the intersection of intuition and intention, where vibrant color, layered forms, and intricate patterns become a language for exploring interdependence. Repeating patterns displayed with interconnected shapes invite viewers to look closely, discovering new pathways and meanings with each encounter.

Following the art opening, we will have music upstairs performed by one of our own, talented Charlie McCurry.  Enjoy the art and stay for the music.

Charlie McCurry Concert 

Following the art opening, from 6:30-7:30, we are excited to welcome Charlie McCurry back to his beloved St. Francis. After eight years living on the island, Charlie moved to Fancy Gap, Virginia, where he writes songs on his mountain patch on The Blue Ridge Parkway.

Many current members of St. Francis will remember Charlie’s involvement in worship. Known for his masterful guitar playing and rich, lyrical storytelling, Charlie will be performing a selection of songs he has written from his life experiences.

He began writing in the late 60s, and while his songs are uniquely his own, they hearken back to his folk roots, inspired by artists Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee, The Beatles, and Appalachian sounds. His song, “It’s Only Rain”, won The National Guitar Workshop’s Inaugural Songwriting Contest in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2008. His music has also been recognized at The Smoky Mountain Songwriter Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He continues to enjoy performing, most recently in Tennessee and Virginia. We’re happy his schedule will allow him to come “home”.

Sadly, we recently lost our dear Tim.  Please join us as we celebrate and remember his life and contributions on Saturday, 27 June at 3 pm.  The family will host a reception following the service at St. Francis.

Obituary Tim Bradford

Did you miss our last concert?  You can enjoy the concert on 02-20-2026 by clicking on the video link. 

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SFBTS has officially renamed its art gallery The Bradford Gallery at Saint Francis by the Sea. This name change honors Tim Bradford, who created the gallery for the church in 2008 and has served as its curator since its installation. Since its inception, the gallery has hosted over 150 art exhibitions by local artists. The ceremony began with a short litany of dedication honoring Mr. Bradford. The gallery will showcase artwork, some of which he painted and created, currently hanging in the gallery, along with the artwork of featured artists.

Tim's art has changed quite a bit since he graduated from Ohio University with a BFA. His favorite medium is acrylic, but he has been experimenting lately with painted fabric, copper, and metal piping.

The gallery is open Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A collage video of photos taken during the event can be viewed here.