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Arts Updates, Interviews, Calendar, Calls for Artists and Volunteers, Auditions --- It's All Here in Arts Blast, Arts Blast on the Air, and on Facebook. | Supporting The Arts & Arts Councils Everywhere | |
Volume 5 Garden Club of IRC November 12, 2023 | |
This special edition of Arts Blast is dedicated to the Garden Club of Indian River County's annual Christmas ornament, this year celebrating Riverside Theatre's 50th anniversary. | |
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Ornament History
It all began with the first ornament, celebrating the old railroad station in Vero Beach, designed by Arun Wijetilleke for Christmas 1992. Nat Jackson was the chairman of the committee and in 1996 became the writer of the history that's enclosed in each gift box. Civic projects are supported by sales of the Garden Club Annual Christmas Ornament. This year's ornament was designed by Bonnie Pfiester.
(Scroll down for a 2005 article written by Willi Miller about the ornament for Vero Beach Magazine.)
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Garden Club of of Indian River County
Mrs Winchester Fitch of New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut, a winter resident of Vero Beach, found other women interested in beautifying the area through gardening and, in 1928, created the Vero Beach Garden Club. Read the complete history on the club's website.
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Riverside Theatre
Built in 1973 on a 54-acre tract of land designated by the City of Vero Beach as a cultural park, Riverside Theatre was funded solely by private donations.
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The 2023 Garden Club of Indian River County Christmas Ornament is available at these generous businesses in Vero Beach and Sebastian. | |
From the Nov/Dec 2005 issue of Vero Beach Magazine - Willi Miller | |
 |  | What has become a long-lasting, sold-out tradition in Indian River County began with a simple, thoughtful gift more than a dozen years ago. Natalie Jackson's sister-in-law sent her brother in Vero Beach a Christmas present, a tree ornament depicting the hospital where he was born in Richlands, Virginia. The ornament had been a fund-raising project of the garden club she belonged to there. That gift got Natalie and the creative ladies of the Garden Club of Indian River County thinking about how they could adopt the idea and make it their own. Incorporating historic places into the design was a concept that clicked with the newly formed ornament committee, with Nat as chairman. Arun Wijetilleke accepted the challenge of designing an ornament that would be sought after by enough people to make it a worthwhile endeavor. The first ornament, the old railroad station building, was produced for Christmas 1992 and the most recent design, the Vero Beach airport as it was more than 50 years ago, was unveiled in September. This latest creation features one of the Mailwing planes that brought mail to Vero in the 1930s.
Collectors of the Garden Club's ornaments get more than a tree decoration. Tucked into each gift box is a history lesson, a product of the in-depth research Nat has tackled every year since 1996. County historian Ruth Stanbridge wrote the history of the railroad station in 1992, Elizabeth Casano researched the Ocean Grill and Dodgertown — 1993 and 1995, respectively — and Eleanor Sexton captured the Barber Bridge in words for the 1994 ornament. A limited edition of fifteen hundred pieces was made the first year, but as the demand for the ornaments grew, the manufacturer's run increased to more than 2,000. The 1994 design of the Merrill P. Barber bridge was one of only two exceptions to the limited edition policy, Arun recalls, because the old drawbridge over the Intracoastal Waterway was about to be replaced by a more modern span. The 2,500 pieces commemorating the bridge's history were gone well before Christmas, prompting the club to place an order for more. Eleanor described the original Barber bridge, the one pictured on the ornament, as a "double-lift bascule drawspan" that was dedicated in 1951, as a "magnificent new bridge (that) replaced a rickety wooden bridge ... built in 1920 using cabbage palms for pilings." That piece of history gave way 10 years ago to the high-span bridge that now crosses the Indian River Lagoon.
There's no question that the ornament project has been successful, although that success came as a surprise to club members. "We never thought it would last this long," Arun said. "Some people are dying to get the first one, to complete the set." While at an interior design show with another year's ornament, Arun was told by a woman that she didn't want the current ornament but would pay $150 for the railroad station edition.
The creation of the boxed ornament begins in January each year, with the selection of a theme for the following Christmas. The members of the committee for 2005, along with Arun and Nat, are Chairman Jaclyn Webb, Renae Senn and Bettye Talley.
Arun, a 23-year member of the Garden Club, works on the concept for several months. She explains that the final design is more a collage of images than a photographic presentation of the subject. The artist begins by taking dozens of photographs. For the Memorial Island ornament (2002), she asked a friend with a boat to motor slowly back and forth on the water while she viewed the island from every angle.
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After she chooses the feature that will dominate the ornament, the difficult work begins for Arun. Because it will be suspended from a single point, the weight of the ornament has to be balanced. Then she has to figure out the three-dimensional aspect that she will communicate to the manufacturer, and prepare swatches of the exact colors that will be silk-screened onto the ornaments. A prototype is presented to the committee by the company and the order is placed.
While Arun is working on the artwork for the ornament, the descriptive card that goes into each box is being researched. Nat, who says she has always loved history, begins her research at the public library, where she finds archives from the Press Journal and a few of her favorite books on local history. Interviews with knowledgeable people often lay the groundwork for Nat's research. Bud Holman, for example, was instrumental in bringing together the Dodgers and Vero Beach and had the inside scoop on how that extended relationship began. Before her story becomes a permanent part of the ornament package, Nat likes to run it by county historian Ruth Stanbridge, "a fountain of knowledge."
Nat has been contributing to the Vero Beach community since she arrived here 43 years ago. She founded the adult literacy service and has been a member of the Garden Club —and a charter member of the Seagrape Circle — since 1967. Her miniature histories add to the luster of the 24 karat gold-plated ornaments, but Nat says that being involved with the project has allowed her to "learn so much about this county. It's really benefited me!" Just this year Arun completed the15-year-long journey to her certification as a Master Judge in flower arrangement, and is eligible to judge shows internationally. She is an established artist and a member of the Rose Circle.
The Garden Club depends on retailers in the county who volunteer to sell the ornaments as a community service. Arun cites a few examples: A special case for the ornaments was built at Zeran Jewelers on Miracle Mile in Vero Beach; the Royal Palm Frame Shop has them on permanent display; and Corey's on the beach and other merchants sell them for the club. The proceeds from sale of the ornaments are used for civic beautification programs including the landscaped island on Indian River Boulevard north of Royal Palm Boulevard and the retention pond landscaping at Habitat for Humanity's Grace Grove community. The club of the 1940s planted the oak tree canopy on Victory Boulevard in honor of all who served in WWII, Nat notes, as well as the royal palms that replaced some of those on Royal Palm Boulevard that were killed by the freeze of the late '80s. The 2002 ornament — Memorial Island — is the second ornament the committee reordered. There are still some available at John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry, with proceeds earmarked for the restoration of the hurricane-damaged island.
The Garden Club of Indian River County is 77 years old — one of the oldest non-profit service organizations in the count — and has more than 300 members in nine circles. The members have created another hit with Gardenfest!, held each year in February at Riverside Park, and with their biannual flower show, next scheduled for 2006.
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Indian River County
Nov. 11-12 - Annual Holiday Art and Craft Expo at IRC Fairgrounds
Nov. 12, 4 p.m. - Treasure Coast Chorale presents I Want to Be in That Number at First Baptist Church, Vero Beach
Nov. 13, 6:30 pm. - Monthly meeting of Indian River Bromeliad Society - Garden Club of Indian River County
Nov. 14 - 16 - 25th anniversary VAPA Show - Come Back Home - in the Charter Dome at IRCharter HS
Nov. 14, 2 p.m. - Italian Genealogy interest group at VB Main Library
Nov. 14, 7 p.m. - Orchestra Concerto Competition at VBHS
Nov. 14, 7 p.m. - Open Mic Night at First Presbyterian Church VB
Nov. 14-Dec. 12 - Film Studies at Vero Beach Museum of Art: Canadian Interlude: Maple Leaf Tales from Our Northern Neighbors
NOV. 17&18 - NO LIVE IN THE LOOP OR COMEDY ZONE AT RIVERSIDE THEATRE
Nov. 17, 7 p.m. - The Ultimate Christmas Variety Show with the Edwards Twins at the Emerson Center
Nov. 17, 5-8 p.m. - 3rd Friday Art Walk at Lopresti Art Gallery, 900 7th Ave., VB
Nov. 18, 11 a.m. - Playtime in the Park - Dance Along with Mia - Riverside Theatre
Nov. 18, 3-8 p.m. - Downtown Vero Beach Tree Lighting at Pocahontas Park, 14th Avenue - This is a free, family-friendly event
Nov. 18 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - The Sebastian River Art Club Arts and Crafts by the River - Riverview Park, Sebastian
Nov. 18, 2-4 p.m. - A Tribute to Weldon J. Stout exhibition and sale at Stouthouse, 13700 Ruffner Lane, Sebastian
Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m. - A Musical Evening of Escher w/ACO at VBMA
Nov. 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Art in the Park - Vero Beach Art Club in Humiston Park, Ocean Drive
Nov. 19, 3 p.m. - Space Coast Symphony Jazz Orchestra - The Great Gatsby Party: The Roaring Twenties
Through Nov. 12 - Million Dollar Quartet at Riverside Theatre
Through Nov 30 - Viner Series for the Visual Arts at Community Church of Vero Beach, sanctuary Narthex Gallery
Through Dec. 13 - Feathers, Fins, and Furs at IRC Intergenerational Recreation Center
Through Dec. 29 - Nature-Inspired Art Show at Environmental Learning Center - The Magic of Trees
Through Dec. 30 - M.C. Escher: Infinite Variations at VB Museum of Art
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St. Lucie County
Nov. 12, 1 and 5 p.m. - One Act Showcase at Pineapple Playhouse. Little Momma's Ristorante and That's Amoré
Nov. 14, 7 p.m.- Live at the BlackBox - Sunrise Theatre FP Jazz & Blues Society
Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. - Celebrating Billy Joel at the Sunrise
Nov. 16-19 - Schoolhouse Rock Live! at IRSC McAlpin Fine Arts Center
Nov. 17-19, hours vary - Magnificent Miniature Masterpieces silent auction at Harmony Music Lounge - Fort Pierce Art Club
Nov. 17-Jan. 7 - Kindred Spirits: Paintings & Letters from the Kiplinger Family Collection at A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
Nov. 22, midnight - Deadline for entries for Pineapple Playhouse's One Act Play Festival - So You Think You Can Write?
Third Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. - Jammin' at Oxbow - Oxbow Eco-Center
5400 Northeast Saint James Dr., Port St. Lucie
Fridays and Saturdays 10:30-Noon - FAU Harbor Branch IRL boat Tours, FP
Through Nov. 10 - Best of the Best at A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
Through Nov. 19 weekends - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at Treasure Coast Theatre PSL
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Brevard County
Nov. 10-12 - Native Rhythms Festival 2023 - Wickham Park Amphitheater, Post Road entrance
Nov. 10-Dec. 10 - The Wizard of Oz - Titusville Playhouse
Nov 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend Open House at Warbird Air Museum, Space Coast Regional Airport, Titusville
Nov 12: An Evening with Tab Benoit, King Center
Nov 12: Christopher Cross, King Center
Nov 12: Jazz Concert: Saxophonist Dan Wilborn, Space Coast Jazz Society, Veterans Memorial Center, Merritt Island
Nov 15: Afternoon Tea at Field Manor, Merritt Island
Nov 17: Ehnes String Quartet, Melbourne Chamber Music Society, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Indialantic
Nov 17: Friday Fest, Downtown Cocoa Beach
Nov 17-19: Central Brevard Art Association Fine Art Show & Sale, Cocoa Beach Library
Nov 17 – December 3: Sister Act, Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse
Nov 17 - Dec 10: A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Henegar Center
Nov. 18-19 - ArtWorks of Eau Gallie Fine Arts Festival, Melbourne
Nov. 18 - Turtle Trot at Tortoise Island - Brevard SO fundraiser
Nov 18: Jo Koy – World Tour, King Center
Nov 18: Field Manor Beer Fest, Merritt Island
Nov 18: Art by the River, Riverside Park, Sebastian
Nov 18 & 19: ArtWorks of Eau Gallie Fine Arts Festival, Eau Gallie Arts District
Through Nov 12: Dracula, Melbourne Civic Theatre
Through Nov. 19 - Once Upon a Mattress at Surfside Players, Cocoa Beach
Through Nov. 29 - Winner of Kaleidoscope at Eau Gallery
Through Dec. 2 during library hours - Watercolors of Olde Brevard at Eau Gallie Public Library, 1521 Pineapple. Ave. MLB - Brevard Watercolor Society
Through Dec. 31- Jingle All the Way 41st Annual Holiday Craft Show at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery
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Martin County
Nov. 12, 1 p.m. - Rockin' Riverwalk
Nov. 14 - O-Town Motown at the Lyric
Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. - Ukulele Russ at the Elliott Museum
Nov. 16, 6 p.m. - Jammin' in Jensen
Nov. 18, 10 a.m. - Fine art pop-up &nOpen House at The Gilt Complex
Through Nov. 18 - Day...Night...Dream - Jacquelyn Roesch-Sanchez & Rachel Tribble at Court House Cultural Center, Stuart
Through Nov. 19 - Lend Me a Tenor at The Barn Theatre
Every Sunday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Market on Main, Flagler Park, Stuart
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Palm Beach County
Nov. 12 - Drawing Room Piano demonstrations at Flagler Museum
Nov. 12, 3 p.m. - Erik Satie: His Music and Improbable Legacy at the Norton
Nov. 16 - Ticketed runway show for Elegant Threads at Lighthouse ArtCenter
Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m. - Members and media only - Artist Innovation Fellowship Showcase and Exhibition
Nov. 16-18 - An Olde Fashioned Holiday 30th annual juried art & craft show at Old School Square - Southern Handcraft Society, Pineapple Grove Chapter
Nov. 16, 8 p.m. - David Brighton's Space Odyssey at Kravis Center
Nov. 17- Jan. 13 - Exhibition: Whimsy & Wonder at Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
Ongoing Fridays and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. - Garden Sculpture Tours at the Norton
Thursdays 6-9 p.m. - Clematis by Night
Every Friday, 5-10 p.m. - ART AFTER DARK at the Norton
Through Nov. 12 - Agatha Christies's Murder on the Orient Express at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Through Dec. 2 - Little Lush exhibition at Lighthouse ArtCenter
Through Dec. 2 - Elegant Threads at Lighthouse ArtCenter
Through Dec. 9 - Wild Things - Sue Gurland at Delray Beach Public Library
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Beyond the Treasure Coast
Nov. 12-19 - Miami Book Fair 2023
Nov. 12- Kerry Washington, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Joan Baez open Miami Book Fair
Nov. 12-15 - The Dallas Symphony's Women in Classical Music Symposium: Empowering women in the Arts - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 14, 2 p.m. - Second Tuesday Lectures at Collier Museum at Government Center - The Calusa and the Randell Research Center
Nov. 14-March 2 - Out of the Sands: The Origins of Golf on Marco Island - Marco Island Historical Museum - OPENING RECEPTION NOV. 16, 6:30 P.M. - In-person and virtual Artist Conversation with Geo Neptune and Lily Hope - Smithsonian American Art Museum
Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. - Michael Feinstein at Carnegie Hall
Nov. 16, 2 p.m. - Third Thursday Lectures at Museum of the Everglades - Roadside Reservations: Seminole Tourist Camps Along the Tamiami Trail
Nov. 17, 7/8 p.m. - Miami Book Fair Next Page 40th Anniversary celebration event atMarriott Marquis/Miami
Nov. 17 - Straight No Chaser - Sleighin' It Tour at Van Wezel
Nov. 18, 8 p.m. - NEW DATE AND TIME: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Van Wezel
Every Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Saturday GreenMarket, 10091 McGregor Blvd. , Fort Myers
Every Saturday 1 p.m. - Saturday Exhibition Highlight Tours at Rollins Museum of Art, Winter Park
ONGOING: Live carillon concerts Thursday - Sunday, 1 & 3 p.m. - Bok Tower Gardens.
Through Nov. 25 - Whimsy and Wonder - Doug MacGregor - Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Through Nov. 25 - Preserving Collier: 20 Years of Conservation Collier at Collier Museum at Government Center
Through Nov. 26 - Clown Bar at Alliance for the Arts
Through Jan. 1, 2024 - Carola Bravo: New Monuments 2023 at The Bass
Through April 14, 2024 -The Nature of Art at MFA St. Pete
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VOLUNTEERS
Ballet Vero Beach is looking for energetic and outgoing individuals to help us promote the art of dance as a universal language in our community and beyond.
VOLUNTEER TO ASSIST IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS
GUEST SERVICES
BOUTIQUE SALES
SPECIAL EVENTS
ADMIN SUPPORT
PUBLICITY
Ballet Vero Beach Volunteers receive FREE tickets, merchandise, and the opportunity to attend volunteer thank you events.
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Call for Artists:
The Cultural Council of IRC’s Art In Public Places announces the 3rd annual exhibit with the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Our member artists and gallery affiliates have been invited to exhibit work in the Patten Community Gallery from December 8 to January 21, 2024.
We are accepting 2D and 3D pieces which may include mediums such as textiles, wood, baskets, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, photography as well as paintings and drawings. Original work only.
Artists may submit up to five (5) images of work to sheila@cultural-council.org by Monday, November 20. Please include the Title, Medium, Dimensions, A brief description and Price. Review the specifications below.
Location: Vero Beach Museum of Art Patten Community Gallery
Theme: Artist Choice
Exhibit Date: December 8 – January 21,, 2024
Exhibit Title: Cultural Council of IRC Members Exhibition
Call to Artists: September 22
Submission Deadline: November 20
Notification Of Selection: November 28
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