ORANGE PARK – The Art Guild of Orange Park and the Garden Club of Fleming Island are preparing for its annual “Art and Garden Party” at Club Continental on May 16 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

The event will feature sales of art, plants and gifts. There will be a silent auction and raffle of items, donated or made by the two clubs. Come join us and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cash bars and a beautiful evening with friends and neighbors.

Tickets are $8 if purchased before the event. Tickets are available from Art Guild or Garden Club members. Tickets are also available at the door for $10.

The Art Guild of Orange Park has approximately 130 artist members and supporters. The organization’s primary objective is to promote visual fine arts and culture in Clay County and surrounding areas. Through outreach efforts, art-focused activities and related interests, group collaborations, events, exhibitions, fund-raising campaigns, programs, volunteer work and workshops, the group can enhance public awareness and appreciation for the importance of fine visual art.

The setting for this event is the historic Club Continental, one of the most beautiful venues in Orange Park. The club’s history began in the 1880s when B.J. Johnson, founder of the Palmolive Soap Company, was looking for a place to escape the harsh Wisconsin climate. He brought his family to the little town of Orange Park.

Built in 1923, Club Continental was the winter home of Caleb Johnson, heir to the Palmolive Soap Company. Caleb and his wife Elinor commissioned an architectural firm in Milwaukee to design a Mediterranean structure they named Mira Rio.