Local artist Gary Close debuts his new collection of original oil paintings and prints at the Art First Gallery this October. In this stunning and nostalgic collection, “La Mer”, he explores the many facets of life in the Outer Banks of North Carolina: from the iconic lighthouses, to sailing, surf-fishing and of course, that ever-evocative seascape. This is a show any beach goer won’t want to miss. “The ocean, and the Outer Banks in particular, has always called to me--even as a child. I've poured my heart into this collection and hope that is apparent in my work."