ORANGE PARK – When Nancy Page, Art Guild of Orange Park Scholarship Chairman, received a phone call from a former AGOP member, Barbie Cunningham, about a possible donation of Courtenay Hunt artwork, she quickly said, “Yes.”

Joined by AGOP President Phyl Renninger and Treasurer Edie Dosza, the three artists arrived at the home of Barbie’s friend and artwork donor, Mary Cobb. They expected one or two paintings, the trio were amazed to find a collection of artwork and memorabilia.

Mary’s friend remembered seeing an article in The Clay Today about the Art Guild scholarship program, and it seemed to be a perfect match for Mary Cobb’s collection. Cobb had a collection of Courtenay Hunt artwork from when he passed away. “The collection needed a good home and a good purpose,” Cobb said.

She especially liked the idea of the collection generating funds to help students who planned to be art majors in college. The AGOP Scholarship program awards an annual $1,000 Courtenay Hunt Scholarship to a Clay County School senior who intends to major in Visual Fine Arts or Art Education at a college of their choice. The student applicants submitted a portfolio and attended an interview with the AGOP Scholarship Committee. The committee also considers the applicant’s academic record, extracurricular activities, employment, community service, awards and recommendations.

J. (Julian) Courtenay Hunt, a local Orange Park resident, was a resourceful artist who worked in oils, pen and ink and pastels to create beautiful portraits, still life and landscape artwork. Hunt received his art education from the Ringling College of Art and Design, and his work was exhibited in many locations, including Palm Beach Gallery, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville, Norton Gallery in Palm Beach, the National Academy Gallery in New York, the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, the University of Florida and the Jacksonville Historical Society.

Courtenay was commissioned to paint a portrait of Andrew Jackson that still hangs in the Jacksonville City Hall.

Mary Cobb’s husband, Richard, was Hunt’s attorney who helped fuel her love of Courtenay’s artwork. Mary was thrilled to talk about Hunt’s life in Orange Park, his love of painting and a few stories about the man. Cobb was happy to find a good home for the collection that she had protected for many years. Dosza told Cobb, “I am totally impressed by Courtenay Hunt, the collection, limited edition lithographs and the vibrance of his colors.”

Renninger agreed.

“The Art Guild is thrilled by Mary’s generous support of the arts and interest in future generations of artists,” she said.

Page assured Cobb “the collection will be used to generate support of the AGOP Scholarship Program and that the Art Guild is totally grateful for the Clay County citizens, like Ms. Cobb, who support and love the arts.”