November 19, 2020 | St. Lucie Cultural Alliance | Member Spotlight – Sailfish Brewing Company
Contributed by Dorothy Kamm
Member Spotlight – Sailfish Brewing Company
Creating a craft beer has much in common with creating artwork. Both require experimentation to concoct the perfect finished product, one that resonates with customers. David BuShea, president of Sailfish Brewery and a Board member of the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, lends his business expertise to the Alliance while supporting local artists.
Downtown Fort Pierce has a rich artistic and cultural history that attracted Dave. He has fostered strong community ties. Partnerships in art are as important as partnerships in business. Cross-pollination and cross-promotion are necessary for the success of all. Sailfish Brewery, the first of its kind to be located in downtown Fort Pierce, promotes the monthly Historic Downtown Fort Pierce Art Walk (currently on hold due to COVID-19). They have used local artists to design the artwork on their packaging, apparel, hats and accessories.
Inside the taproom decorating deep azure blue walls are colorful and whimsical paintings by South Florida marine artist Steve Diossy. The artwork complements the brewery’s theme and sets a fun mood. It’s also for sale.
Understanding that the arts contribute to and enhance the quality of life, Dave is excited that the Cultural Alliance is re-launching its Art in Public Places committee. “Fort Pierce has a number of outdoor murals that reflect its history and flavor and serve to establish an identity for a building and for downtown,” says Dave. Through the committee, he will be seeking a grant and reaching out to local artists to fulfill his desire for a mural on the north side of the brewery. “I am envisioning a mural that reproduces the look of an old postcard of Fort Pierce dating from the 1920s through the 1940s,” says Dave.
“Having a consistent unified message promoting art and culture in downtown Fort Pierce, as well as St. Lucie County, is paramount. The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance is the one organization that accomplishes this,” adds Dave.
Whether you’re downtown to shop, visit the A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery or Manatee Observation and Education Center, or on your way to the beach, Sailfish Brewery offers lunch, dinner and late-night pizza, chicken wings, flatbreads and more, in addition to pints and to-go cans. Families and friendly dogs on leashes always are welcome. And while you’re there, check out the artwork by Diossy.
Sailfish Brewery is located at 130 N. Second Street in Fort Pierce. Visit them online at https://sailfishbrewingco.com/.
To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: info@artstlucie.org or call 772-462-2783.
