Christopher Still used family members of
AdventHealth North Pinellas president
and CEO Jason Dunkel as models for this
painting of a family enjoying a picnic on
Anclote Key.
In a similar vein, Still visited Leonidio,
Greece, the birthplace of John Cocoris, who is
considered the founder of the Tarpon Springs
diving industry. A relative of Cocoris chose a
rooster there for Still to paint because the Greek
word for rooster sounds much like the name
Cocoris and is thought to symbolize a new day
and good fortune.
Still has incorporated a multitude of elements
into this painting to present the legacy of the
people of Tarpon Springs over the years and
into the future. One symbolic item is the railroad
vine that winds its way around the diving
helmet, representing how the early railroads
wove their way through early Florida and on
to Tarpon. These purple flowers are especially
meaningful for Still because they represent a
promise he made to his mother to think of her
whenever he paints a wildflower.
AdventHealth has added to the growth,
culture and health care of Tarpon Springs
through its conversion of Florida Hospital and
this Christopher Still masterpiece. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: This painting will be unveiled
at the official opening of the newly renovated lobby
at AdventHealth North Pinellas hospital.
Christopher Still completed a portion of his painting after
recreating the scene with actual objects in his studio as
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 53
part of his process.