Friends of the Coastal Branch Library are pleased to announce their artist of the month for August: Jean Rice.

Rice grew up in the Mississippi Delta and now lives in Miramar Beach, where she enjoys painting fishermen, boats, beach scenes and city scenes.

“While my husband was in the military we lived and traveled in many different places which influenced my art. I have painted a variety of scenes from veiled faces to Mediterranean villages, cypress bayous, old barns and Little League players,” said Rice. “I continue to explore life and art, enjoying the journey as well as the destination.”

Her work has been displayed as part of the Top of the Class A+ Art Exhibit at the South Walton campus of Okaloosa County Courthouse, Retail Therapy in Santa Rosa Beach, the Walton County Library and Old Taylor Gallery in Oxford, Mississippi. Rice’s paintings will be on display throughout the month of August at the Coastal Branch Library.