Volume 2 No. 48 |December 1, 2020 |
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ARTS NEWS
& PROFILES
FROM
FLORIDA'S
TREASURE COAST & BEYOND
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Sharing our wealth of arts and culture. We're having an ARTS BLAST!
Promoting The Arts & Arts Councils Everywhere
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In This Issue
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Ballet Vero Beach Nutcracker on the Indian River on PBS
Ben Earman - New CCIRC Head
Sponsor Profile - Gallery 14
Non-profit Gift Shop - A.E.Backus Museum
Brevard Symphony is Live for Christmas!
December at Riverside Theatre
Gustav Miller at Center for Spiritual Care
Boat Parades and More
VB Art Club & Oceanside Bus. Assoc. & Vero Outlets ❤️ Riverside Theatre
Atlantic Classical Orchestra Update
Short & Sweet - Oneliners from the Calendar
*If you don't scroll all the way to the end, you're missing a lot of good stuff!
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NOTE: Calls for Artists, Auditions, Volunteers is now online.
Get Daily Updates on Willi Miller's Arts Blast Facebook Page
plus
Shared Information and Fun Links on Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras
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I'm a masker, one of the few ways I feel I can contribute to the fight against this virus. If you aren't one already, please consider joining me. |
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Please encourage friends and even friendly strangers to Like our Facebook pages and become Arts Blast subscribers!
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Sunday on Cultural Connection on the Air - Renae Senn talks about the Garden Club of IRC's new ornament; Ben Earman - Cultural Council of IRC's new executive director. |
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Listen to Cultural Connection on the Air at a new time and place, Sundays at 8 a.m. on WQOL, 103.7 fm and on iHeartRadio.com. |
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I should know better than to set something in stone on my Arts Blast calendar. In real life, stuff happens — some good, some less good — and the schedule goes out the window. New information keeps arriving in my inbox and i want to get it all in Arts Blast. Reminds me of the beach walk on Anegada, with me insisting on picking up every conch shell I saw.
Petra arrived Monday and is still settling in. She probably won't begin taking on her Arts Blast responsibilities until next week.
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Short & Sweet:
Holi-DAYS at McKee Botanical Garden 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Opening reception for Martin Artisans Guild December Exhibition
Dec. 2, noon - Lake Wales History Museum Book Club - Paradise Screwed: Carl Hiaasen
Dec. 3, 11 a.m. - Advent Organ and Poetry Series at Community Church of Vero Beach. Sean Sexton
Dec. 3, 7 p.m. - The Symphonia - Symphonia of HeARTS -Virtual
Dec. 4, 5-8 p.m. - Holiday Tree Lighting, music, festivities in Eau Gallie Square, Melbourne
Dec. 4, 5-8 p.m. - First Friday Gallery Stroll in Vero Beach Historic Arts District
POSTPONED - Home for the Holidays at Pineapple Playhouse
CANCELLED- Dec. 5 - Swingtimers' Holiday Concert
Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Holiday Open House & Pot Sale at Indian River Clay
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Nutcracker on the River Makes a PBS Appearance! |
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For Adam Schnell, seeing his Nutcracker on the Indian River on PBS this month literally will be a dream come true. Schnell, CEO and artistic Director of Ballet Vero Beach, grew up in a small town in Vermont, where experiencing any arts performance live meant a trip to Montreal or Burlington — or, much like today, turning to PBS on television. “I always had a sense that artists featured on PBS had 'made it’,” he said.
The dancer’s road to realizing his PBS dream was a bumpy one. He had his heart set on musical theater but the only “safe” form of dance for a young boy then was Hip-Hop. “Hip-Hop led me to ballet (to improve my overall coordination and technique), and I fell in love. My first classes in ballet were in a city hall gymnasium while my peers jeered and played basketball.”
Schnell’s perseverance paid off for him and for the Treasure Coast Community — and a bit of luck didn’t hurt, either. South Florida PBS became interested in this variation on a Nutcracker theme because, “they were facing a lack of holiday programming (and specifically Nutcracker programming) this year due to the pandemic.”
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With help from the Cornelia T.Bailey Foundation, which had given Ballet Vero Beach a grant earlier for its work with The Learning Alliance, Schnell’s Nutcracker found its way to the right audience.
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Filming had to be moved up, Schnell said, but it’s now in post production (closed captioning/some color and sound correction) to get it ready for PBS. Nutcracker on the Indian River’s traditional live performances, including Nutcracker for All, won’t be happening this year but the video, filmed in part on the shore of the Indian River, will air between December 22 and January 6. Broadcast details are on the website. Local station TV-30 has also donated three showings locally between Dec. 23 and 27. All broadcasts can be seen in local areas only at the time of broadcast, Schnell said. “We will be releasing the film on our website from 12/23-1/6 in both English and Spanish. That is the place people can watch on demand from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.”
The Tea Up for the Nutcracker Digital Preview Party begins at 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets are on sale now but attendance is limited to 200 households.
Adam Schnell and Eva Guerra: Photo by Joe Semkow
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Brevard Symphony Orchestra Goes Live for Christmas! |
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Holiday music will fill the hall at the King Center in Melbourne December 12, when the Brevard Symphony takes to the stage for a live concert in front of an audience. Music Director Chris Confessore explained how much effort has gone into making the experience as safe as possible for everyone. “The BSO staff spent a great deal of time developing health and safety protocols to keep our musicians and backstage crew safe. The King Center and its management firm ASM Global have developed front of house protocols for our patrons as part of their Venue Shield safety protocols.” Seating will be limited and masks and socially distancing are required.
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All but a few of the BSO musicians will be on stage, along with Confessore and guest narrator Terrence Girard. “Everyone has been extremely happy to be back playing together,” Confessore said. “We've all known how much we missed being together - but it really hit us when we were all there together for the first time.” The Brevard Symphony Orchestra has been a long-time holiday tradition with the Indian River Symphonic Association, whose season has been canceled. |
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The holiday concert is the BSO’s fourth performance since mid-August but the first with a live audience. “Our musicians have fully embraced our comprehensive health and safety protocols,” Confessore said. “Several have commented that they have felt safer onstage with the BSO than anywhere else they've been in public.”
In this new world, the musicians are seated at least six feet apart, “so we are spread out much more than usual,” Confessore said. “That makes it more challenging for the musicians to hear one another. It is a process that we have adapted to quickly. Our musicians are fantastic and amazingly flexible!”
For those who aren’t comfortable going to an in-house performance or just can’t make it that day, the Brevard Symphony’s 2021 season concerts also will be streamed, Confessore said. “Our plan is to present our full lineup of concerts with an audience present, starting on January 23, 2021, at the King Center.” The website has all the information you’ll need to enjoy the concerts, either online or in person.
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A New But Familiar Face Heads Up Cultural Council of Indian River County |
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A 4th generation Indian River County Floridian, Ben Earman, turning 33 on Dec. 3, knows his community and the importance of the arts in it.
Born and raised in Vero Beach, he went to Indian River Charter High School for Visual & Performing Arts, then earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Education from Indian River State College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Performing Arts from The University of Tampa.
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When the executive director's position opened up with the Cultural Couuncil of Indian River County, he knew it was a good fit for him. "As someone who has grown up in the arts and Indian River county, I feel that I bring a strong passion in helping the organization grow and move forward into our current times." It was the knowledge that he'd be working with all arts organizations that "really drew me to the position. The arts are so important and it's important to help them succeed.
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Earman said he has been heavily involved in the arts all along the Treasure Coast for many years, both acting and directing. He has worked with the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, Riverside Theatre, the Barn Theatre in Stuart, the Pineapple Playhouse in Fort Pierce, and the Henegar Center in Melbourne, and performed professionally with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
He has taught high school theatre in Port St. Lucie and middle school theatre in Vero Beach. Earman is involved in the community in other ways as well, including the City of Vero Beach's Three Corners Steering Committee.
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Addressing the effect of Covid on the arts, Earman said, "I see the arts thriving even more than ever once things reopen! People are aching for all of our arts to return. Things may be different yes, but the arts always knows how to bounce back and do it differently than the rest, that’s what makes the arts so special."
Developing strong relationships with community members and government officials will be a priority for Earman. "Indian River County is a special place for the arts, and full of wonderful support for our arts community! I have full faith that we’ll be ok! "
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Shop a Non-Profit for the Holidays |
A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery in Fort Pierce is in our Non-profit Gift Shop spotlight.
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Gifts, including gift certificates, are available for men, women, and children. To gift a membership: www.BackusMuseum.org/join for all levels and benefits.
Shipping is available for most items and purchases are packed in gift bags.
Gift shop manager Marilyn Rose's top picks:
Backus Home Collection – Limited Edition Hand-Textured Canvas Reproductions (prices vary by size, starting at $440)
Bring a Backus Home (or to your office) and display the idyllic and iconic scenes of Florida beloved for generations. Each image is limited to editions of 500 or fewer, and is available framed or unframed in a variety of sizes.
Backus Ceramic Mugs ($13)
Enjoy a cup of Bean (or tea) inspired by the landscapes of A.E. Backus (dishwasher and microwave safe).
Backus Commemorative Holiday Ornaments ($15)
Trim your tree or display year round, these ceramic disks feature a detail of an original Backus painting; don’t miss the special ornament this year celebrating our 60th anniversary.
Tropical Light: The Art of A.E. Backus ($75)
The perfect coffee table book for your Florida Room! This sumptuously illustrated work details the story of A.E. “Bean” Backus (1906-1990), Florida’s painter laureate.
All visitors are asked to please wear face coverings and to practice social distancing with staff and guests outside of their households. Sanitizing stations are available for guests’ use.
A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
500 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce
Historic Downtown Fort Pierce
Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday, 12 n – 4 pm
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It's Holiday Lights and Rockin' Live Music at Riverside Theatre this month, with Collins and Company providing the music Dec. 4 and The Jacks Band Dec. 5 for Live in the Loop. Frankie Paul and Ken Miller bring the laughs inside at the Comedy Zone |
Attendance is limited and Riverside is following CDC safety guidelines to keep patrons and staff safe, including wearing masks when standing and masks off when sitting. |
Sponsor Profile: Gallery 14 |
Gallery 14 was created by a group of like minded artists who recognized that bringing a new identity to the historic area of Vero Beach could result in a boost of energy for downtown development. It was hoped that the sprinkling of galleries and
restaurants could ultimately expand and become a new destination for tourist, artists, and residents. With that in mind, in addition to other innovations, Gallery 14 introduced the First Friday Gallery Stroll concept, when galleries open their doors and welcome visitors for a stimulating evening of art exposure and camaraderie, and initiated the artist/business banners that fly throughout what has become the Historic Downtown Arts District.
Always dedicated to high standards and innovation, Gallery 14 now consists of eight accomplished artists of whom six are founding artist-owners: Lila Blakeslee, Barbara du Pont, Mary Ann Hall, Barbara Landry, Deborah Morrell Polackwich, Dorothy Napp Schindel, Beth Anne Fairchild, and George Pillorgé. They are a diverse group of professionals with work in multiple mediums, each responsible for an area of the gallery’s operation. In addition to showcasing the work of the artist-owners, Gallery 14 represents a variety of artists working in 3-D mediums that include: assemblage, sculpture, pottery, metal, glass, pine needle basketry and oil. The represented artists include Joan Earnhart, Mia Lindberg, Terry Green, Carol Staub, Michael Robinson, Francis Mesaros, Viola Pace Knudsen, and Walford Campbell.
Revolving exhibits feature new work and old favorites by the artist-owners, the represented artists and monthly rotating guests, many of whom are award winning and internationally admired. Gallery 14, which also is proud to evolve with the times, has a prominent online and social media presence containing virtual, and e-commerce components. As it enters the 13th exciting year of operation, Gallery 14 prides itself on an evolution of service to both artists and the greater community.
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Gustav Miller at Center for Spiritual Care by Warren Obluck
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Gus Miller Tells Us to Think Small
In Center for Spiritual Care Show
Gus Miller’s new show, this one of small paintings and collages, will be at the Center for Spiritual Care Dec. 4-31. The exhibition will be on view by appointment only to ensure adherence to state and CDC Covid guidelines. Arrangements can be made by calling 772-567-1233.
Miller and his equally talented painter wife, Jan, are two of Vero’s most active and cherished artists. When his show opens, they will just have returned from their summer retreat in Stonington, Connecticut.
“Gus has been working flat out on this exhibit for a full year,” says Center director Carol Ludwig. “He challenged himself to compress the dynamic angles and that strange calmness that mark his large work into a much smaller format. It hasn’t been as easy as he makes it look. This is a show we’ve all been looking forward to.”
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Miller was destined for a career in art from birth. His grandfather worked as a draughtsman and designed buildings. His father went to Parsons and became a noted New York designer who spent time in prewar Paris. Art was everywhere in Miller’s environment, and his trips into Manhattan by train and boat from his hometown of Nyack imprinted on his consciousness a range of architectural forms that influence his work even today.
He chose Syracuse University not only because of its nationally ranked football team but because of its art faculty.
He took every class he could cram into his schedule, including sculpture and ceramics, two forms he has developed into major parts of his oeuvre. Then he met Jan, a year behind him in school, and decided to stay around for graduate school.
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Miller's works are in major corporate offices, museums, and private hands up and down the East Coast, including at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. He takes what he calls an abstract constructive approach to his art, which is grounded by his love for urban walls and structures, geometric forms and a wry sense of humor.
The Center for Spiritual Care is located at 1550 24th Street, two blocks north of the Main Library in Vero Beach. Call 772-567-1233 to arrange a viewing time. And remember your mask.
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Atlantic Classical Orchestra Update |
From Executive Director Cindy Roden:
It is with regret our board has made the hard decision to cancel the Masterworks performances of the ACO for the coming 2021 season for the safety of our performers and audiences.
But we need music now more than ever. So instead of merely staying in place until we can gather again for our Masterworks concerts, we will still hold our 2021 Chamber concerts and use the rest of our offstage time to launch a campaign that will help us build on our recent successes. In addition to offering the Chamber series at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, we will perform at a new venue in Stuart, and add a series in North Palm Beach.
“Emerging Brighter and Stronger” is our fundraising drive through 2022. The financial plan for the coming year with a goal of $1 million will help sustain a more vital orchestra that gives back to the community — the original mission of ACO founders.
Our strategy is to keep our ACO family and musicians healthy and thriving and to continue to enrich our community and inspire young talent.
For Ticket Donation or Ticket Credit, please contact
Kim Piston, Patron Service Manager
415 Avenue A, Suite 206, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
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Vero Beach Art Club & Oceanside Bus. Assoc. & Vero Outlets
❤️ Riverside Theatre
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The Vero Beach Art Club's new Jeanette Beach Gallery, in the former Tiger Lily Gallery space on 14th Avenue, will be the site of the first Holiday Showcase, a joint fundraiser for the club and Riverside Theatre. Riverside's annual entry into the holiday season, Festival of Trees, was a Covid victim this year, but local organizations stepped up with workarounds, like this event, which opens during Gallery Stroll Dec. 4. |
The Oceanside Business Association and Festival of Trees designers created a Festival of Wreaths in shop windows on Ocean Drive. Proceeds go towards the programs at Riverside.
The Vero Beach Outlets offered several windows for Riverside to showcase some holiday cheer.
Riverside Theatre spokesman Oscar Sales said, "While there will be nothing on campus for Festival of Trees, it will be nice to have touches of the Theatre throughout the community."
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DOES KEEPING FINANCIAL RECORDS MAKE YOU NERVOUS?
Even smaIl operations need to keep their financial house in order. Image First can record deposits, write checks, pay taxes, and provide reports in Quickbooks. Artists, spend more time in your studio and less on paperwork. Let’s talk, free consultation. Image First, 772-538-4148.
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Pick a county, any county, on the Treasure Coast and you'll find a holiday boat parade to brighten the season.
Martin County - December 5 - 40th Annual. Boats assemble at 5:30 p.m., and begin the parade at 6 -just southeast of the Jensen Beach Causeway
St. Lucie County - Dec. 5 - 30th anniversary.
Boats assemble at 5:30 p.m., and begin the parade at 6 - just just North of the South Causeway
Indian River County - December 12. Boats assemble at 5:30 p.m., and begin the parade at 6 - between the two bridges.
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Cocoa Beach - Dec. 12, 6 p.m. - Near Centennial Park
Merritt Island - Dec. 19, 6 p.m. - Sykes Creek Causeway Bridge
Satellite Beach - Dec. 19, 6 p.m. - Grand Canal
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Sunrise Rotary has created a workaround for the annual Vero Beach Christmas parade. The organizations's spokesperson, Debbie Avery,said, "To keep everyone safe, we are doing a reverse parade... Floats/Displays stay in a stationary spot on the assigned grass perimeter of the fields. Spectators will remain in their cars on the road, slowly following the designated route to view the Floats/Displays." No walkers or bicycles, please.
For safety, parade goers can enter only from Aviation Boulevard westbound. "Bring your own popcorn and drinks. Enjoy the music and lights on your ride through this year’s Winter Wonderland,
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Dr. Marcos Daniel Flores is a piano performance graduate from The Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico B.M., The Eastman School of Music M. M., and Arizona State University where he received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Flores is an active performer as well as an experienced and inspirational piano teacher.
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Event schedules can change, often at almost the last minute. Verify, double check, and then do it again before you head out the door. And when you do go out, take a mask. Without one, you risk being turned away. |
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Scroll down for guidelines for submitting calendar items and feature suggestions to ARTS BLAST.
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To opt out of receiving Arts Blast, "unsubscribe" at the end of the page. |
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Like Willi Miller's Arts Blast Facebook page for updates and Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras for interesting, inspiring, and fun shared posts, then go to willimiller.com to catch up on every issue of Arts Blast, and see the latest ON THE CALENDAR listings.
Please share this to help Arts Blast reach more readers and spread the word.
As always, For Helen Miller
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Information is to be received in an email at least one week before publication.
Use this format for Calendar entries:
Who (organization)
What (Event)
When (dates, time)
Where (Name of venue, address)
Why (a brief description of the purpose)
Web/Facebook address
Contact for public use (for tickets, questions, etc.)
Then add a short, descriptive release if available.
Send only one photo, with caption, unless more are requested.
Media contact with email for Arts Blast followup (not for publication)
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Here's a suggestion for uploading information to calendars that allow you to input your own events.
In the body of the listing, sometimes called Description, make sure to include all dates in each upload. For example: Performances are on March 12-31; or the exhibit is open March 12, 14, 15, and 17. That information should be in all dates you post individually.
If you are a member of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, you need this information:
The deadline is MONDAY - 10 days prior to the Wednesday publication.
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Copyright ©2019-2020 Willi Miller's ARTS BLAST!, all rights reserved.
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