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Supporting The Arts & Arts Councils Everywhere

Volume 4 No. 48| December 30, 2022

Notes from the Editor:

2022 had its good moments and some that were not so good.

Let's see what 2023 can do!

Got my ticket to Nutcracker on the Indian River! Get yours on the Ballet Vero Beach website for December 30 or 31.

Waldo Sexton Homestead Days

Treasure Coast residents will have a rare opportunity to visit the original 1917 homestead of Vero Beach pioneer Waldo Sexton next weekend, Saturday, January 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, January 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., when the family of Mark Tripson, grandson of Waldo Sexton, will host Waldo Sexton Homestead Days on the property at 5000 12th St., Vero Beach.

Sexton, who arrived in Vero Beach in 1913, would go on in the next five decades to create such landmarks as the Ocean Grill, McKee Jungle Gardens, Waldo's Mountain, Driftwood Inn, Patio Restaurant, and Szechuan Palace.

Sexton, also celebrated for the comment “I’d rather be a liar than a bore,’’ claimed to begin construction on a home shortly after arriving in Vero, but it wasn’t until 1917 that he moved into the bungalow. A year later, he married Elsebeth Martens and took her to live in the house, where she found that one room served as a living area while the other was kept full of livestock feed.

Over the years, Sexton would go on to expand the house to two stories to accommodate his family of four children. When grown daughter Barbara Tripson became pregnant with her first child, he built a second home next door for her and her husband, John Tripson.

Sexton started his Vero Beach Dairy on the property, which became Tripson Dairy after Tripson took it over.

Sexton’s homestead today, purchased by Tripson and his late wife, Hildie, in 1980, is much the same way as when Sexton lived in it and features trademark use of objects such as driftwood, iron, and other recognizable features from the ruins of Palm Beach mansions Sexton salvaged. Visitors will also be able to see his secret garden and outdoor kitchen, as well as to meet members of the gregarious Tripson family. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the door through 3 p.m. each day or obtained online at www.waldossecretgarden.com.

Saturday and Sunday’s visitors will be able to hear the following presentations:

Saturday 11 a.m. - Paranormal investigator Larry Lawson will share results of a ghost study taken at the home and talk about other ghost lore related to Waldo Sexton.

Saturday 2 p.m. - Tribal Courts of the Seminole Tribe will talk about the history and impact of the Seminoles in Florida.

Sunday Schedule to be announced: Representatives from the A.E. Backus Museum and other notable community members will be present.

Photos from the website, www.waldossecretgarden.com.

And While Some Complained About Having to Wear Socks With Their Sandals ...

JoAnn Falletta, music director and conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, posted these photos on her Facebook page, giving credit to "Our hero Dan Hart trying to save the Buffalo Philharmonic office in the worst snow storm we have ever experienced! Winds over 70 mph blew snow through the window frames!"

As Buffalo was being swallowed by the killer storm, Falletta and her family were visiting her sister in New Jersey for the holidays. She hoped to get on the road the day after we emailed to get home, "since the airport is closed. What a winter here!!!"

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and violinist Sanddi Cameron will be in Vero Beach for the Indian river Symphonic Association March 23. On the program:

Z. Kodály: Dances of Galanta

F. Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

A. Dvořák: Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70, B. 141

Community Church of Vero Beach is the venue for concerts of the Indian River Symphonic Association concerts are at Community Church of Vero Beach at 7:30 p.m.

With rehearsals beginning soon, a “call for singers” is being made for anyone interested in singing with the Paradise Master Chorale. Weekly rehearsals for their next performance, “Music Fit for a King!”, will take place at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church at 7550 26th Street in Vero Beach beginning on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 7pm to 8:45pm.

The Paradise Master Chorale, under the direction of Artistic Director Ryan Kasten, is a a group of men and women singing Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass vocal parts. Kasten is the Director of Music Ministries and Organist at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church. Their next concert of the season will be on Friday, May 12, 2023, and is entitled “Music Fit for a King!”. The performance will feature “Te Deum for the Victory of Dettingen”, as well as two Coronation Anthems, all composed by G.F. Handel.

There are no auditions or fees to be in this ensemble. Just have a love for music and a desire to work hard! For more information on the Paradise Master Chorale, please contact Ryan Kasten, Artistic Director and Director of Music Ministries at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church at (772) 584-9744 or paradisemasterchorale@gmail.com.

On Thursday Feb. 23, The Gifford Youth Orchestra will hold its annual GALA at the Quail Valley River Club, 2345 Hwy A1A. The Diamonds and Crystals event will feature guest speaker Captain Winston Scott, a former NASA Astronaut. For 20 years the GYO has offered violin lessons to the children of Gifford where founder Dr. Crystal Bujol believes that changing hearts one violin at a time is worthwhile. She is right as all students who go thru the program, graduate high school and go on to higher education. There will be plenty to eat & drink plus entertainment by the GYO students, as well as a silent auction and 50/50. Only $150 per ticket with sponsorships available. www.gyotigers.org or call 772-213-3007 and ask for Casey Lunceford, the new Executive Director.

Florida humorist Carl Hiaasen celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation with “LOL Laughing Out Loud with Carl Hiaasen” on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at the Community Church of Vero Beach. “We are delighted to have reached this milestone anniversary,” remarked Marie Stiefel, LRJF President. “Our local and all-volunteer board wanted to bring the community a smile and a chance to enjoy one of Florida’s highest acclaimed authors.”

This stellar event will begin at 6:30pm for all general seats ($50) and will be followed with a “meet and greet with Carl Hiaasen” in the courtyard of the church immediately following the event from 8-9pm. The public may purchase tickets ($50 general admission/ $100 VIP ) at https://lauraridingjackson.org/special-events/lrjfs-30th-anniversary/ or may purchase tickets directly at LRJF Writing Center on 1914 14th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. For more information, please visit www.lrjf.org.

“We are elated that the community has offered such astounding support for our key speaker event in January,” added Sara Wilson, LRJF Executive Director. To date, sponsors include Professional Management Inc. (Joanne Mitchell), Marie Stiefel, Charlotte Terry Group at Alex McWilliam Real Estate, Silverman Partners of Raymond James and Andrew Streeter of Edward James.

The mission of LRJF is to preserve a feature of Florida history in the author Laura (Riding) Jackson’s historic Florida “cracker-style” home, and to maintain the Florida native plant garden which surrounds it at the Mueller Campus of Indian River State College in Vero Beach. In addition, the foundation advances her legacy by nurturing writers in the community through a series of literary offerings including adult and teen writers’ groups, summer camps, workshops, and poetry festivals. Annually each Spring, LRJF hosts a Poetry and Barbeque Festival featuring guest poets and all southern barbeque.

Carl Hiaasen, an American journalist and novelist, began his career as a newspaper reporter and by the late 1970s had begun writing novels in his spare time, both for adults and for young-adult readers. Two of his novels have been made into feature films. Hiaasen's adult novels are humorous crime thrillers set in Florida. Many of the novels include themes related to environmentalism and political corruption in his native state.

City of Fort Pierce Commissioners Seek Applications for Arts and Culture Advisory Board

The Fort Pierce City Commission is seeking civic-minded Fort Pierce residents to serve on the Arts and Culture Advisory Board. The purpose of the Arts and Culture Advisory Board is to develop a 10-year Arts and Culture Strategic Plan, recommend sites and works for public art projects, serve as cultural liaisons, and assist with community awareness. Eligible applicants should have a strong interest or background in at least one of the following: visual arts, graphic arts, performing arts, music, theater, dance, or architecture.

To be considered, please submit your application no later than Friday, January 13, 2023. To fill out an application or see a complete list of Boards and Committees, meeting days and times, and any specific qualifications, visit the Boards & Committees on the City’s website at: www.cityoffortpierce.com

All applications should be returned to the Office of the City Clerk, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34954, or via email to lcox@cityoffortpierce.com For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 772.467.3065.

The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast (TCM) is in the heart of Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach. The Children's Museum opened in August 2008 and has welcomed over 400,000 visitors and over 50,000 students have experienced the power of education through our field trip and outreach programs. The museum continues to grow and flourish each year. Future plans include: expansion of the explorers gallery.

With a mission to offer children and families a place to explore and learn through hands-on, interactive activities, the Children’s Museum exhibits will reflect Florida’s unique character.

The Children’s Museum is a family-friendly place that features bright, creative and hands on exhibits designed to spark discovery and creative thinking. Like children’s museums throughout the country, the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, exists to support the very simple, but profound truth, children learn through play and that for the youngest among us, play provides the essential foundation for lifelong learning.

The Community Church of Vero Beach continues the ’22-23 concert season with “Magical Schubert” presented by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center on Tuesday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

During his brief life, Franz Schubert created a stunning musical legacy. Composing almost a thousand works in just eighteen years, his mastery accelerated as he neared death at only thirty-one, leaving symphonies, piano works, chamber music and songs for the world to discover during the remainder of the 19th century. This program features three examples of Schubert's genius, each work at the pinnacle of its genre.

Concert attendees will hear a riveting concert of Schubert’s Fantasie in F minor for piano, four hands, Fantasy in C major for violin and piano, and Trio No.1 in B-flat major for piano, violin, and cello. Artists featured are pianists Alessio Bax and Gloria Chien, Bejamin Beilman, violin and David Requiro, cello. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased in advance or at the door.

To purchase tickets, call the ticket office at 772-778-1070 or visit the church website, www.ccovb.org.

❄️⛄️ Happening in Indian River County! ❄️🌲

Through Dec. 30 - Friends of Contemporary Art, Viva Foca! - at Center for Spiritual Care

Through Dec. 30 - Maria Claudia rivadeneira: Dreaming Awake at Big Art Now gallery

Through Dec. 31 - Fall Art Show at The Galleries of First Pres - First Presbyterian Church, Vero Beach

Through Dec. 30 - Changing Nature: A New Vision, Photographs by James Balog at Vero Beach Museum of Art

Through Dec. 31 - It's the Little Things, a 12"x12" art show at Environmental Learning Center

Through Jan. 5 - All Mixed Up exhibit at Art at the Emerson

Through Jan. 27 - Start to Finish: The Works of Frank Spino & Carol Staub at Gallery 14

Dec. 28-30 - Magic of McKee Festival of Lights - check website for details

Dec. 29, 7:30 .m. - Family friendly Ballet Vero Beach - Nutcracker on the Indian River - Vero Beach HS Performing Arts Center

Dec. 30-31 - Ballet Vero Beach - Nutcracker on the Indian River - Vero Beach HS Performing Arts Center

Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 - McKee Botanical Garden closed

See Merana Cadorette's Artemis NASA MoonSnap here!

❄️⛄️ Happening in

Martin County! ❄️🌲

Through March 3 - Norman Rockwell and his mentor: J.C.Leyendecker - at the Elliott Museum

❄️⛄️ Happening Beyond the Treasure Coast! ❄️🌲

Through Dec. 31 - Art Encounters - One Act of Kindness: A World of Difference at Rollins Museum of Art

Through Dec. 31 - Art Encounters - Modernisms: Iranian, Turkish, and Indian Art, 1960s - 1970s at Rollins Museum of Art

Through Dec. 31 - Art Encounters - Barbara Sorensen: Billows at Rollins Museum of Art

Through Dec. 31 - Art Encounters - What's New? Recent Acquisitions from the Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation at Rollins Museum of Art

Through Jan. 1 - Holiday Nights at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Through Jan. 8 - Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens - Daily holiday carillon concerts at 1 & 3 p.m.

Through Jan. 8 - Go Gnome for the Holidays at El Retiro (formerly Pinewood) at Bok Tower Gardens

Dec. 29, 6 p.m. - After Dark/An Evening of Songs and Arias - Marly Music MFA St. Pete

Dec. 31-Jan. 28 - Giordano's Fedora at The Metropolitan Opera

🌲⛄️ Happening in Brevard County!❄️⛄️

BREVARD CULTURAL ALLIANCE HAS MOVED

NEW ADDRESS:

513 N. HARBOR CITY BLVD.

MELBOURNE, FLORIDA 32935

(On U.S. - 1 Just South of Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL)

Through Dec. 31- Comfort & Joy - 40th annual holiday fine craft show at Fifth Avenue Art gallery

Through Dec. 31- Studios' Annual Members Exhibition at Studios of Cocoa Beach

Dec. 30, 1:30 & 6:30 p.m. - The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents Sleeping Beauty at the King Center

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Dance, Melbourne Municipal Band, Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place

Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-2 a.m.- Elemental at Ember 7 Oak -presented by Derek Gores Gallery

❄️⛄️ Happening in St. Lucie County! ❄️🌲

Through Dec. 30, 5:30 - 9 p.m., dates vary - Heathcote's Garden of Lights

Through Dec. 31 - Vessels: A Journey in Clay by Walford Campbell at Backus Museum & Gallery

Dec. 22-30, Thursdays and Fridays, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Heathcote's Garden of Lights. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 17.

❄️⛄️ Happening in

Palm Beach County! ❄️🌲

Through Dec. 31- Gabino A. Castelán at Donald M. Ephraim Family Gallery

Through Dec. 31 - Tropical holiday trees at Mounts Botanical Garden

Through Dec. 31 - The History of Whitehall at the Flagler Museum

Through December 31 - Holiday in Paradise on the West Palm Beach waterfront

Dec. 30, 5-10 p.m. - Art After Dark at Norton Museum of Art

Dec. 26-30 - Magnifique Winter Intensive dance program at Kravis Center

Dec. 30, 6:15 p.m. - Great Gatsby Murder Mystery at the restaurant at the Norton

Tidbits

Vero Beach Theatre Guild announces audition dates for The Boy from OZ: January 9, 10, 11, 7 p.m.

7 females/all singers (1 plays Judy Garland, 1 plays Liza Minelli) ages 21 – 60+
6 males/all singers 6 ages 21 – 35
2 males 35+ & 65+
1 boy (sings solo &; dances) age 12 (or a small 14 – 15-year-old.)

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.

Treasure Coast Theatre presents "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" -- the second longest running Off-Broadway musical in history. This hilarious show takes on the truths and myths behind the modern relationship --everything you ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit! Jan. 6-22 weekends.

Every Thursday from 6 – 9:30 PM in downtown Jensen Beach (on Jensen Beach Boulevard), Jammin Jensen offers a mini-festival of local artists’ displays, music, vendors, and family entertainment!

There is no admission fee — it’s FREE!

Streaming First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach presents many concerts and special performances. If you can't get to them in person, visit the church's website and watch the archived videos!

From the Lake Wales History Museum:

Harken back to a simpler time, when sugarplums danced in your head and Jack Frost nipped at your nose. A time when your mom bundled you up so tight, it was hard to put your arms down. Dad drove everyone to the city for your annual Christmas tradition...storefront window displays. Come relive those traditions with our new Christmas exhibit, Yuletide of Yesteryear. Visit Tillman's Toystore, Johnson's Clothiers, and more! Window-shop like a kid again, now until the strike of midnight News Year's Eve.

New Exhibit from the Museum of Florida History coming January 10-April 11, 2023.

Stop in and learn about the rich history of Blues and Jazz in central Florida. This exhibit has interactive displays, videos, and much more to learn about how Florida Got the Blues!

Free trees available at the Audubon House in Vero Beach:

7 ft Southern Live Oaks in 3g pots -Produces the most insects for birds
6 ft Pond Cypress in 3g pots-Grows in dry soils also
3 ft Dahoon Holly in small pots- Small tree that needs irrigation

Visit our Pelican Island Audubon Society’s Audubon House at 195 9th St. SE (Oslo Rd) Vero Beach on Sun, Wed, or Fri from 9-11 a.m. to pick up trees. Also, Native Plants for sale! Hummingbirds will come! See our websites:

https://pelicanislandaudubon.org/home-page/free-trees-available-at-audubon-house/

https://pelicanislandaudubon.org/home-page/trees-for-life-plants-for-birds/

or call PIAS: 772-567-3520

Instructions for PIAS Birds Need Plants Photo Contest

Each month you can submit up to 3 photos for the Birds Need Plants Contest with emphasis on birds pursuing, consuming, using plants, or near plants and prey. To submit a photo for this month, the deadline is the last day of the month.
A Florida bird must be pictured in your photograph (priority to action shots with or pursuing, using plant, food sources, habitat, and that demonstrate relationship to plants, insects, animals, natural foods).
The photo must be taken in Florida.
A photographer may submit 3 digital images per month.
A photographer will submit only photographs that have never won an earlier award in any contest or exhibit anywhere.
PIAS requests that you provide the highest resolution possible of your jpg digital images.
Deadline: The last day of the month
Email to piaudubon@yahoo.com

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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