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 4 No. 36 | October 7, 2022

Notes from the Editor:


Updates from the west coast are trickling in, some with good news, others very sad. As they come in, I post them to the Arts Blast Facebook pages as well as my personal page — featuring their events and stories in Arts Blast for almost four years has made my contacts feel like old friends, even though we've never met..

Arts Blast alternates with On the Arts Blast Calendar with extra Arts Blasts as needed.


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Arts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller

This week's Arts Blast on the Air:   Author Nelson DeMille, at Vero Beach Book Center 10/17, and Janeen Mason, Lighthouse ArtCenter curator.  Listen to or download the podcast now or listen on the radio — 101.7FM ON THE TREASURE COAST —Sunday evening at 7.


Note: Arts Blast on the Air podcast is now uploaded to more sites — SpreakerSpotifyiHeartRadioDeezerPodcast AddictPodchaser; and JioSaavn — and there's even an Alexa skill! "Alexa, play the latest Arts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller."

Bookmark On the Calendar at WilliMiller.com for frequent updates. Calls for Artists, Auditions, & Volunteers are now onlineCatch up with events at Willi Miller's Arts Blast on Facebook and pick up some laughs and interesting info on the Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras page. And now there's a Facebook AND an Alexa Arts Blast on the Air!

In This Issue

FEATURES


First Friday!

Best of the Best Backus Blue Ribbons

Catching Up with Martin Arts

Last calls

West Coast Updates - Edison Ford; Ding Darling; Bailey - Matthews

Live in the Loop Changes


Tidbits

VBMA and CCIRC Exhibition

The Zest - Sebastian Area Historical Society

Last Call for Pourquoi

Pelican Island Conservation Society's Art Show

Date Change at the Sunrise

Service for "Jaybird" Miller

Grassy Waters Annual Nature Photo Contest

Youth Open Mic

             ... and more!


It's Another First Friday!


First Friday Gallery Stroll in the Downtown Vero Beach Arts District. Artists reception at Gallery 14 5-8 p.m. See the newly refurbished Vero Beach Art Club Gallery & Marketplace 5-8.


October Friday Fest at Marina Square, Fort Pierce 5:30 p.m.  Music by Dave and the Wave


First Friday Artwalk Openings in Melbourne's Eau Gallie Arts District - Friday, October 7 5:30-8:30 p.m.


Friday Fest in The Creek District of Arts & Entertainment, Stuart, 5-9 p.m.

The Pelican Island Conservation Society (PICS) Annual Indian River Bird and Nature Art Show will be at the Environmental Learning Center in Wabasso through Saturday Oct 29. The show is held in October each year around the National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 9-15 this year.


There will be an artists reception Oct. 7, 4:30-6:30 p.m., with Ruth Stanbridge as featured speaker at 7. She will talk about Jungle Trail, "the history of a trail that turned into a commercial corridor for agriculture, ... a gateway for tourists, treasure hunters, and today's winter residents." Other events are planned for the month-long event including several sunset wine and cheese pontoon cruises to Pelican Island.


For more information, email Debbie Avery or PICS, or call the Environmental Learning Center at 772-589-5050.

Last call to see Pourquoi from Ballet Vero Beach online through October 9.

The 2022 Best of the Best at Backus

From the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery:


The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery is pleased to announce the accepted works of art and award winners for the 2022 Juried Art Exhibition The Best of the Best. A jury panel of three independent judges voted to accept 70 entries out of 237 submissions in four categories: Oil/Acrylics, Watercolor, Varied Techniques, and Three-Dimensional. A total of 29 awards were conferred to distinguished examples in each of the four entry categories. Following a premiere viewing at the Season Opening reception on Friday, October 7, the exhibition will be on display to the public October 8 through November 18, 2022 at 500 N. Indian River Drive in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce.

The Backus Museum’s roots as a community gallery run deep. Guided by "Bean" Backus's example of fostering artistic talent at all levels, two annual juried competitions are organized each year to celebrate and nurture established and up-and-coming artists. Now in its fifth decade, The Best of the Best continues this creative tradition, spotlighting the best artistic works in different media. Entries must be made within the past 3 years, and never been entered in the competition before. Each year the independent jury panel inspects and assesses each physical entry in person, finding and rewarding excellence, technique, and presentation. Cash prizes are conferred to top awards and 1st-3rd place category awards.

Top among the 29 awards include the 2022 Best of Show Buckhead (watercolor on paper) by Lisa Arnold Franklin, and the Director’s Choice Beach People (acrylic on canvas) by Danielle Biglin. First Place in Oil/Acrylic is Long Live Chessie Cat by Carel Luis; First Place in Watercolor is Branching Out by Gale Poteat; First Place in Varied Techniques is Pearl Earring by Pete Azzopardi; and First Place in Three-Dimensional is Gaia by Mallory Wixson-Omalley / Jim Cohoe. A complete list of awards and all accepted works of art can be downloaded at https://backusmuseum.org/juried-shows.

 

As always, visitors to this year’s The Best of the Best can have their own voices heard by participating in the People's Choice award during the exhibition. Visitors may vote once on the one work of art that is their favorite, and at the end of the exhibition the artist will receive this special award honor with cash prize.

The October 7 Season Opening Reception for The Best of the Best is 5:00-8:00 pm, free of charge to Museum Members and to submitting artists. The charge for not-yet members is $20, or they can join at the door and enjoy free access to all exhibitions and receptions for the year. The Season Opening Weekend of October 8-9 will feature free admission during regular hours to welcome the community to a new season of art and culture.

 

Information on the 2022-2023 Season’s exhibitions and growing list of supporting Season Sponsors can be found at https://backusmuseum.org/view


Photos courtesy of Backus Museum. Counterclockwise from top left: DIRECTOR'S CHOICE - "Beach People" by Danielle Biglin; 1ST PLACE - VARIED TECHNIQUES "Pearl Earring" by Pete Azzopardi; 1ST PLACE - 3D “Gaia” by Mallory Wixson-Omalley & Jim Cohoe; 1ST PLACE - WATERCOLOR "Branching Out" by Gale Poteat; 1ST PLACE - OIL-ACRYLIC "Long Live Chessie Cat" by Carel Luis; BEST OF SHOW - "Buckhead" by Lisa Arnold Franklin, Watercolor.

Catching Up with Martin Arts


Fall Is In the Air in Martin County, According to the Latest MartinArts Newsletter

Subscribe at martinarts.org

Tuesday, October 11, 5:30PM

Sunset Concert: "Halloween Oktoberfest"

Performed at St. Mary’s Chapel with Brandon Glick, piano and organ, and Paul Hamaty, piano. Come prepared to be spooked! Costumes welcome! Halloween gruel served!

Registration is encouraged. Free for Members; $5 donation for nonmembers.

MartinArts is pleased to announce its participation in Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6)


The most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. Administered by Americans for the Arts, AEP6 will examine the economic impact of the arts and culture in Martin County and 386 additional communities representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Volunteers to hand out surveys at art events are needed! 

If you would like to volunteer, please email Shelbyat scofrances@martinarts.org for more information.

A.C.T. Studio Theatre has American Buffalo weekends through October 27; Treasure Coast Ballet brings Villains to The Lyric Oct. 29; Wings To Fly Dance Company - Evolve is at The Lyric Oct. 15.

MartinArts Awards 2022

November 3 at the Lyric Theatre


Since 2003, the MartinArts Awards have been a signature event of MartinArts honoring outstanding artistic, voluntary, and philanthropic achievement in Martin County, which inspire a passion for and participation in the arts in our community. 

Awards Presentation, 5:30PM

The Lyric Theatre | 59 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL

Adults $42 & Students $22

Raffle tickets

1 for $10 | 3 for $25

The evening will feature a raffle to win local treasures, including an exquisite, ruby and gold ring donated by Diamonds by Terry. 

Excited to be a part of a wonderful night? Sponsorship opportunities and program ad opportunities are available - call us at 772-287-6676 (x2) today to get in on the fun and be recognized as a supporter of the ARTS! Proceeds from the event support student scholarships, arts education, and help fund year-round community outreach programs.

View our Nominees and 2022 Honorary Award Recipients.

I'm Still Standing Closing Night Reception

November 19, 6 - 8 p.m.

Elliott Museum, Stuart


The Inner Truth Project sexual trauma survivors and St. Lucie Cultural Alliance artists joined forces to present the inaugural exhibition of I’m Still Standing.

The initiative united the pair to work together to create art from recycled materials, mirroring the journey of survivors of sexual assault.

Art will be auctioned at the closing night reception.

West Coast Updates

We feel incredibly fortunate that our staff and visiting artists are safe and sound. We only suffered minor property damage from Hurricane Ian and are deeply saddened to see how many in our community have had tragic losses of lives and homes. We hope you are unharmed and able to come to the theatre to enjoy our beautiful musical fable, Guys and Dolls!

Many people have asked how we are doing. We appreciate all of the concern and well wishes from our members, sponsors and even visitors who were here only once. 


This week, we have been cleaning up the site, removing downed trees, and assessing any possible damage. We were very lucky. The historic homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford have weathered another storm.The property had some flooding, but because the homes are elevated, they escaped the rising water.


We will thoroughly inspect each structure. At this point, we have found some damage. The Ford Cottage Shoppe -- our gift shop that was once Henry Ford's caretaker's home -- sustained some roof damage, the swimming pool tea house structure and sistern have some structural damage, the Edison caretaker's house and the Edison study had some flooding, and the "block house," which is not a historic structure has roof damage. These structures will be repaired. 

The museum -- filled with hundreds of artifacts -- survived without any damage! Electricity has been restored and the air conditioning is running and keeping the artifacts cool. Additional artifacts are kept in the Southwest Florida Water Management District building and they are also unharmed. 


The gardens bore the brunt of the hurricane-force winds and storm surge. There are trees that were uprooted and we are assessing which ones can be propped upright and staked. Fortunately, our iconic Banyan and Mysore Fig trees survived. The gardens will need some work, and that's where you can help. For those who were fortunate and don't have personal losses, if you'd like to help us restore the gardens, you may make a donation through our website at EdisonFord.org.

Many of you have asked when we'll re-open. We are currently clearing debris from the more than 20 acres. This is going to take some time; however, we plan to be partially open by October 29 for our new Fall Festival! We hope everyone will come out and join us for a day of fun!


This is a photo of Edison Ford employees in front of Edison's study. The team is working hard to clear debris from the site. 

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge 



*ALL REFUGE LANDS & WATERS ARE CLOSED

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Ian, and to ensure everyone's safety, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s offices, trails, Visitor & Education Center, official concessionaire, Tarpon Bay Explorers Inc., and "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge offices will be CLOSED until further notice.

Staff and partners are actively assessing structures and conducting cleanup efforts across the island and on Refuge lands. However, the damage is extensive and there is no power, water or sewer working across the island.

Please visit the The City of Sanibel, Florida webpage to learn about island curfews and opening plans: https://www.mysanibel.com/hurricane/hurricane-ian

#dingstrong

#sanibelstrong

Hillsborough County Community College


The closing reception for Sanctuary by Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz is still set to take place Thursday, October 27 from 5-8 p.m. at the HCC Ybor City Campus. The artist will be attending the event, with a lecture presentation that will begin at 6 p.m. that day.


In her solo exhibition Sanctuary at Gallery114@HCC, new works in sculpture and performance portraits create a space of healing and refuge that intertwine with themes related to nature, hair culture, social politics and urban-futurism. 

Gallery114@HCC Ybor City Campus

The Helen Ecclestone Stone Film Library at Vero Beach Museum of Art will reopen October 11.

As a sustainability measure, Bok Tower Gardens is updating the adult general admission rate beginning October 1, 2022. Adult general admission will be $17 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Admission for El Retiro is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12.

WE NEED ART!

Calling on all artists and art collectors!

Is your art collection getting too big? Would you be willing to donate a piece of your work to a good cause? Give your art to Lighthouse ArtCenter for D'Art For Art as a tax-deductible donation.

D'Art for Art is LAC's premier annual fundraiser. All donations made will go towards LAC's Art For All outreach and scholarship programs, and, thanks to a generous donor, will be doubled!


All D'Art donations of art must be delivered to LAC's Gallery by November 4, 2022.

Call us at 561-746-3101!

GET A JUMP START ON YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

Join the Indian River Genealogical Society’s October virtual program with genealogist and educator Keira Murphy on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 beginning at 11 AM. on the topic of “Dotting the “I”: The Importance of Intentional Intergenerational Inquiry.” 

In celebration of Family History Month the Indian River Genealogical Society, IRGS will offer complimentary access to monthly programs and socials for the remainder of 2022 and is your opportunity to get a jump start on your own family history. 

October speaker Keira Murphy is the founder of Jumpstart Genealogy, a resource dedicated to researching and preserving family histories with an emphasis on new ways to engage the next generation of genealogists.


Membership information, resources, volunteer opportunities and many areas of special interest may be found the IRGS website: www.irgs.org

The Armory Art Center opens “Grassy Waters Annual Nature Photo Contest” Friday, Oct. 7 and runs through Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. 


In collaboration with Grassy Waters Conservancy, the exhibit features images from amateur photographers, showcasing locations and wildlife at Grassy Waters Preserve in West Palm Beach. Contestants could capture images using any photographic device, including traditional cameras and smartphones.


Where: Greenfield Gallery at Armory Art Center (811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401)

Hours: Monday-Friday (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. – noon). Closed Sundays. 

Cost: Galleries are free & open to the public. For more information, please visit www.armoryart.org.

DATE CHANGE at the Sunrise Theatre


The Michael Carbonaro: Lies On Stage show originally scheduled for Friday, October 14th at 8PM has been rescheduled to: Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at 8:00PM


We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Your current tickets are still valid for the new performance date. Please contact the Box Office if you have any questions.


The Box Office is open Monday - Friday 10am-2pm and can be reached by phone 772.461.4775 or email boxofficesrt@gmail.com

A Treasure Coast radio tradition since 1999, “The American Songbook” is heard on WQCP online and on 91.9FM Saturdays, 8 p.m.-midnight.


This week, October 8, host Dick Golden will present a lineup of American originals including  some highlights from the Concord All-Stars 1992 Cape Cod concert. Also a track from the soundtrack of the movie “New Orleans” featuring Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden performing “Where a Song is Born.” Another highlight will be a piano duet with Count Basie and Oscar Peterson.

The Sebastian Area Historical Society is proud to present "It’s Simply the Zest”, presented by Heather Stapleton, Director of the Citrus Museum and Vero Heritage Inc., Wednesday, October 19th at 6:00 p.m.    

This presentation will be held at the North Indian River County Library at 1001 Sebastian Blvd. (CR 512) at Roseland Road in Sebastian and is open to the public. Admission is free (donations gratefully accepted). This event is not sponsored by the North Indian River County Library.

Come join us as Heather tells us all about “The Zest”. You may be surprised!


The Sebastian Area Historical Museum located at 1235 Main Street, Sebastian is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment by calling 772 581-1380.

From First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach:

There will be a Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the Life of (musician) Jay "Jay-Bird" Miller this Sunday, October 9th, at 2:00pm in McAfee Hall at First Presbyterian Church. "Jay-Bird" was a special member of our church and of the community of Vero Beach. On Sunday, we will gather with joy to celebrate this life so well lived.


Link to article in Link to article in TC PalmC Palm


Last call to see  the work of member artists of the Cultural Council of Indian River County in Abstract Art: Conceptual Creativity, on view in the Patten Community Gallery at Vero Beach Museum of Art through October 9.

There is no charge to visit the Education wing of the Museum and view the exhibit in the Patten Community Gallery. The Vero Beach Museum of Art hours are: Mondays, Closed, Tues. through Sat., 10 am to 4:30, Sun., 1 pm to 4 pm.

The Elliott Museum has resumed normal operating hours, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The House of Refuge remains closed while renovations continue. Thank you for your patience!

From the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation:


Get ready to roll up your sleeves and put on your work boots – it’s time to volunteer! United Way is hosting its Annual Day of Caring volunteer event. Lend a helping hand at the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation Pole Barn. We need volunteers to help waterproof picnic tables and weatherstain our wheelchair ramp and the front steps of our historic house. So grab your co-workers, friends, and family and join us Saturday October 15 from 8-12PM. 


It's easy to register. Simply click the button below and then click 'Sign Up'. Enter Laura Riding Jackson Foundation as your Team at the bottom of the page. Voila - you are all set! Your help improves the quality of our house and gardens for all to enjoy.

Youth Open Mic at Harmony Music Lounge in Fort Pierce October 8, for " singers, musicians and talents of all kinds UNDER AGE 21 to come in and perform." Sign up begins at 2 p.m., performances at 2:30. No cover charge.

116 Marina Way (Avenue A)

Playtime in the Park Fall Schedule:


October 8 @ 11am – Theatre Program Presentation

October 15 @ 11am – Dance Program Presentation


November 12 @ 11am – Theatre Program Presentation

(No Dance Program in November)


December 10 @ 11am – Theatre Program Presentation

December 17 @ 11am – Dance Program Presentation 


Tickets are NOT required. For further information, call the Box Office at 772-231-6990.

The Vero Beach Choral Society is in need of vocalists in both Tenor and Alto ranges. Anyone who can read music and has experience singing in a vocal ensemble is welcomed to join the group by audition. Visit the group’s website, www.VeroBeachChoralSociety.org, and click on “Audition” to apply. There is a $100 annual membership fee that covers operational costs for the group.


For more information, please contact Joanne Alexander at joannevbcs@gmail.com, or call (305) 797-7177.

Weekend Changes at Riverside Theatre

Some new changes for The Comedy Zone:

  • Face masks are recommended INSIDE Riverside Theatre facilities regardless of vaccination status, but not required. Masks will continue to be made available at the entrance.
  • We have reduced the number of tables and seats, limiting shows to 50% attendance.
  • Come Hungry! Support us by purchasing food & beverages at The Theatre’s Grill & Bar and help us keep the laughter alive and music rockin’! Do not bring coolers, tumblers, water bottles or food on our campus. 
  • Arrive early for Live Music on the outdoor stage before the comedy show begins. Live music times: 5:45pm-6:45pm, 7pm-8pm and 8:15pm-9pm. 

Some new changes for Live in the Loop 2022:

Walk-up Anytime, Tickets NOT Required. Free Open Seating Under Our Oaks, Bring Lawn Chairs Or Purchase Reserved Seating In Our New Covered Tents.

  • Free Entry! Walk up anytime and sit at an available table. First come, first served.
  • New Covered Reserved Table Areas! Guarantee yourself a table seat at the show under the the big tents and arrive anytime after 5:30pm, the seats are yours all evening. Purchase a reservation ticket up to 2 weeks in advance. Reserved Seats are $5 per person and are non-refundable.
  • We welcome Lawn Chairs inside our gates. Sit on the grass in front of the stage or in designated areas. Order food and drinks inside at the lobby bar.
  • Come Hungry! We offer table service or you may purchase food and beverages inside the lobby bar.  Do not bring: coolers, tumblers, water bottles or food on our campus. We offer free cups of water and bottled water for $2. Support us by purchasing food & beverages at The Loop and help us keep the concert series alive and rock’n!
  • The Bands play 3 sets rain or shine between: 5:45pm-6:45pm, 7pm-8pm, and 8:15pm-9pm
  • Sorry, no pets allowed on campus (except for certified service dogs).


American Songbook with Dick Golden Saturdays 8-midnighton NPR affiliate WQCS/WQCP

Bookmark On the Calendar at WilliMiller.com for frequent updates. Calls for Artists, Auditions, & Volunteers are now online.


Catch up with events at Willi Miller's Arts Blast on Facebook and pick up some laughs and interesting info on the Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras page. And now there's a Facebook Arts Blast on the Air!

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