Chip Evra - Point of View

Change is in the air. I can feel it. We're emerging, likely irrevocably, from the constraints and relative isolation of the last 12 months. It's been a terrible time--tragic for some--but unnatural for all. We are social creatures and we've been forced to shun the personal and physical interactions we crave. Zoom is a poor substitute.

But change is coming. Something miraculous took place on March 12. That was our most recent Music Night. We gathered outdoors in the courtyard at Jane's to enjoy Cat Ridgeway and the Tourists. The band was outstanding, but that wasn't the miracle. That night I saw something I hadn't seen in 12 months--I saw people who were not spouses hugging each other. That was so affirming. Our human connections are rebounding.

The virus has robbed us of more than just the ability to come together. To a large degree, it has blocked our access to the arts and culture. Already in short supply societally, closed museums, theatres, galleries, stadiums, concert halls and cultural sites have fed a deficit for us all that may take years to overcome. Both artists (of all sorts) and their consumers and supporters have suffered. Recovery can't come soon enough.

Many of you know that Sally Mackay, one of the founders of The Hub, is a Brit. She stays in touch with UK media and recently forwarded me an opinion piece from The Guardian on this very topic. A few unfamiliar references notwithstanding, it's a great piece. Link to article.

With the virus in the process of being dispatched, it becomes a bit easier to look ahead. First, The Hub will be back with our popular Summer Camps for both younger and older kids alike. You will find details below or here.

Finally, we are pleased to say that the Razzle Dazzle Fashion Show is returning to the Brannon Center on May 13. Last year the pandemic forced us to film a runway show without an audience. This year we'll be back live. It will once again be a major event and a fitting conclusion to this transcendent Outreach program. We hope you'll support the talented young designers by attending and/or sponsoring the show. Details will be out in the coming weeks. Click on the nearby link to learn and see more.

Art Connections - engage with our artists and watch them create.

All Hub events on 1st Saturday are free and open to the public!

Tickets or reserve space available now: in-person at The Hub, or by phone, (386) 957-3924. If space remains available, tickets will be sold at the door at the time of the event. Limited in-person seating. $5 for members; $10 for non-members. Masks are required. This Music Night event will be live-streamed on Facebook. Check The Hub's Facebook page to watch and listen online. 

April 16 - 10am-4pm & April 17 - 10am-12:30pm

The Hub on Canal exhibits the work of more than 60 artists. They are all very talented and frequently get recognized for their work. Even with that stipulation, however, the accolades have been flowing freely of late. Be sure to click on shop below photos to purchase products made my these artists.

The Fifth Avenue Gallery in Melbourne recently held their 15th Annual 100% Pure Florida juried show. Hub artists Katty Smith and Johanna Riddle walked away with awards. Katty took 1st Place for her acrylic and mixed media work, The Looking Glass, while Johanna received a Merit award for Florida Keys 1918.

Moving from the south to the north, Hub artist Renee Lewis took Best in Show for her drawing Bearing Fruit. The Florida Women's Art Association presented this award at their current show at the Casements in Ormond Beach.