Volume 2 No. 14 |March 24, 2020
|
|
|
|
ARTS NEWS
& PROFILES
FROM
FLORIDA'S
TREASURE COAST & BEYOND
|
|
Sharing our wealth of arts and culture.
We're having an ARTS BLAST!
Supporting arts and cultural councils everywhere.
|
|
In This Issue
On the Bright Side (Send in Yours)
The Changed Lives of Freelance Musicians
St. Lucie Cultural Alliance's New Project
Arts Council of Martin County Made a List
Scroll Down for Arts Updates and Messages
|
|
Arts Blast is planning a special advertising issue for small businesses and individuals who are tech savvy and looking for customers. With so many people hoping to go online with video classes and performances, get your skills out there through Arts Blast.
Email for rates.
They're small-business friendly, from this small business to yours.
|
|
Every time a new mandate comes out, I take a deep breath and tell myself, OK, I can do that.
And then here comes another and then one more. How much more can they close down, I wonder, then wonder if I've just jinxed everybody by wondering that.
It's time for me to stop overthinking and move out of the dark side back to the bright side, where I usually live. I'm asking Arts Blast sponsors and readers to join me in thinking of positive news, ideas for exploring something new, and maybe a few how-tos. (I know that looks as though it needs an apostrophe but it's a trick, like the cat that tells everyone who'll listen that it's starving.) Some are taking the lead, producing videos or tracking down Internet links to keep us informed and entertained. Others are working on online classes. The pioneer spirit is a wonderful thing.
I am so grateful not to have youngsters in my care right now. If you do, many of us are feeling your pain. If art, music, and creativity are helping you get through, how about sharing some stories with Arts Blast readers?
|
|
An Under the Oaks slideshow and the full list of ribbon placements will be on our website, willimiller.com, Later today. In the meantime, may we say
CONGRATULATIONS!
to these winners.
2020 UNDER THE OAKS FINE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW AWARDS
BEST IN SHOW
:
Richard & Lillian Becker Family Foundation Award
Robin Frisella (Robin is in the Graphics category)
ANNA MARYE BARNES AWARD
OUTSTANDING ARTIST OF MERIT IN WATERCOLOR / PASTEL / PRINTMAKING / GRAPHICS
Dawn Miller
RON MILLER AWARD
FRIEND, ARTIST, VOLUNTEER - EXCELLENCE IN ART
Susan Gancher
(Susan is in the Jewelry Category)
JEAN NAGY MEMORIAL AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN ACRYLIC / OIL
Evan Schwarze
|
|
|
Photo courtesy of Edward Perry IV
|
|
|
Listen to Atlantic Classical Orchestra's David Amado and Vero Beach's dynamic duo Sean and Sharon Sexton on the Cultural Council of Indian River County's Cultural Connection with Willi Miller Monday, March 30,
at 5 p.m. on WAXE 1370 AM and 107.9 FM and www.waxe1370.com.
|
|
The Changed Lives of Two Freelance Musicians
|
|
Bassist Jim Bergman
As you can see, my nephew Jim Bergman started young, although from the way he's holding that bass, it might just be that he was last in line when they were handing out the guitars.
I remember hearing stories about his hauling the bass on the New York City buses and subways back when he was a Juilliard student. I never could figure out why every musician doesn't choose something manageable, like a piccolo or even a clarinet.
He's been a freelance musician in California for many years and, since his job calendar has been wiped clean by the virus, he had time to tell me what life is like these days.
|
From Jim:
Music:
If you are a freelance musician you are now unemployed. Unfortunately being unemployed as a freelance musician is a lot more complex and confusing than if you have lost one larger job. Incomes are made of W-2 (employee) jobs, 1099 (independent contractor) jobs, and various cash jobs. On top of that the tax laws have recently changed so it is a confusing time in general as we get familiar with new tax regulations.
As (we all now know) all performances of all kinds in all venues have been cancelled. My datebook has been emptied. Even if you are a contract player every contract with every group might be a bit different. Every group itself varies in it's economic stability and this kind of thing can finish off groups that were just making it. Donor money is essential and only gets harder to find.
|
Some smaller things are just cancelled and nothing else said. Certain groups with union contracts say performances are postponed until later and you will be offered first dibs on those new dates. That doesn't help in the moment. Who knows if you will be available then. One of the hardest parts of freelancing is fitting all these little pieces together. I am assuming if
these performances are rescheduled most musicians would not be too busy to take them.
Just to reiterate, even if groups have contracts they are all different. Many contracts don't offer a guaranteed number of services each season. As groups plan out their next season who knows what their financial state will allow. There may be reduced numbers of performances, rehearsals, and players.
|
|
This has already been happening over the last few years: 4 rehearsals become 3, 2 performances of a concert becomes 1, an orchestra of 60 players becomes an orchestra of 40. Instead of a large Romantic Era symphony they program a smaller Classical Era symphony or a chamber music concert.
Each year I work with 5-10 groups that have union contracts. I am a contracted member with two (for the rest I am a substitute). For those two I only make a few thousand dollars. There is no real guarantee, certainty, or security.
School:
The other part of my musical life is as a professor at a college. Since last week we were told all classes had to be taught online. We had a few days to learn the technology and reformat our material. It has been a non stop dash to get this together. Lots of hours and anxiety. Pretty much an experiment for all involved, teachers and students. Lecture classes work most easily. Many music classes are unique in the way they are interactive. Sing, clapping, playing keyboards. You can't easily type out music on a computer like you would in email. We are using computers, cameras, and every kind of software we can. This has proved very difficult. Even if a teacher has the equipment it is not likely that every student does. Technology has limitations at this point in what can be done in a group class setting. Sound quality in music is different than just communicating through speech. Private lessons are limited in scope. Group performance classes like chorus, orchestra, band, keyboard class, strings class and the like are virtually impossible.
|
Students of all ages with limited technology skills are going to have trouble. Students with financial limitations are going to have a real problem if they were borrowing books from the school library or using a school computer and now do not have access. Students with learning issues or disabilities could have new challenges and hurdles as they suddenly switch to new learning "modalities".
My college has been making tremendous efforts to face what is a wildly daunting challenge. This includes administration, teachers, students. Long hours are being put in, ideas are being shared, patience and flexibility are being displayed.
It is a tough time for all I know. Keep your fingers crossed but make sure you washed your hands first.
Photos: My new college “classroom” and my current performance venue.
|
|
From Lindsay
:
It is hard to fathom how the current health crisis will impact each of our lives. As a freelance musician, I am suddenly without work for the next two months (at least!). In addition to the concerts and teaching that were scheduled in Florida, I was supposed to go on a recital tour to Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore between mid-April and early May. These included some very important premieres of a work that was written for me by an Australian composer, so it is of course a disappointment to know these concerts may not be rescheduled in the foreseeable future.
It is heartbreaking to know so many musicians like myself who are suddenly without work for the foreseeable future! As any lover of the arts knows, music is one of the only things in life that truly brings us together. Performing a magnificent piece of music and sharing it with an audience is the reason I have dedicated so much of my life to this beautiful art form. That communication between performer(s) and audience is sacred, so to speak, and that is why so many look to music for inspiration and joy—something greater than ourselves that we can experience together. Music (and art) are essential to humanity, and not having the opportunity to share these as a community, in person, is incredibly sad.
|
|
That said, I have already seen many people searching for creative ways to preserve this sense of community in the current crisis. Social media is an amazing platform for people to share music; my sister, cellist Ashley Garritson, has been posting daily videos of beautiful pieces such as "The Swan" that friends on Facebook can enjoy. Like myself, she is a freelance musician and very active in South Florida. In recent weeks, I have had countless friends post similar videos with the spirit of generosity and nourishment of the soul.
If we believe life without music is a life greatly dimmed, it is essential that those who appreciate this art form continue to support those organizations (and musicians) that bring music to life! If you find yourself with previously-purchased tickets to events now cancelled, please consider donating the funds back to the organization. If you know a musician (or artist of any kind) who is suddenly without work, let them know how much you appreciate what they do!
These are incredibly difficult times for everyone, and I truly believe that through all of the craziness and through all of the uncertainty, music is one of the things which will keep us connected. Most importantly, it will provide comfort.
|
|
Interested in hearing a mini concert by Ashley Garritson, Atlantic Classical Orchestra's principal cellist?
How about a cooking class with Chef Olivia Binn Ostrow, owner of O's Cafe at the Elliott Museum?
Would you like to take a drawing class with Marvin S. Cone Annual High School Juried Art Show alumnus tony DeTerlizzi?
If you are craving creativity as we all continue to practice social distancing, we've compiled a great list of virtual arts opportunities to get you started! Invite friends and family to join you in the virtual activities below.
Are you a local Treasure Coast artist or arts organization hosting virtual concerts, lessons, talks, etc.?
Let us know - we'd love to share!
Please send an email to
Elise Raffa
with a description and link!
|
|
The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance has a project in the works and wants you to join in
The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance values the wellbeing of everyone in all St. Lucie County’s communities and recognizes the difficulties in social distancing. To lessen the impact of this pandemic and keep the community inspired and connected, in the short term, it will focus on bringing the beauty and inspiration of the arts to you online over the coming weeks – and will be offering creative activities for all to practice and enjoy at home.
“We all can be creative but often lack the time to do so. Well, what better occasion than now to recycle some of your everyday household items and get creative?” said Neil Levine of the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance.
The campaign is for all ages, children and adults alike, as it will make good use of everyone's time away from school and work. Its goal is to teach, entertain and inspire using arts of all disciplines with a multitude of activities, including
- DIY tips and tricks
- lessons and tutorials
- challenges and contests
|
|
From Ballet Vero Beach:
Of course we would love to perform our season finale Clarity of Vision as we intended April 17 and 18, but the likelihood of that happening continues to dwindle. ... In light of that situation we have developed two alternative plans that will offer a rather exciting look at the program that would have been.
On Saturday April 18 at 7:30pm we will release one of two films to ticket holders for Clarity of Vision.
- Our first option is a filmed theatrical version of the program designed to put our audiences in the best seats in the house and have the complete Ballet Vero Beach experience without ever leaving home.
- Our second option is a documentary film using existing archival and rehearsal footage of the program designed to give our audiences a much more intimate view into the rehearsal process and a behind the scenes look at what it takes to get our programs to the stage.
...
More about the films: all of our patrons have come to know our technical director and resident filmmaker Lance Glenn over the past seven seasons. This project is a wonderful opportunity for an artist whose work we only see in short bursts to put his stamp on an entire evening of dance. The films will feature Artistic Director/CEO Adam Schnell's Ballade and the World Premiere of Ariel Grossman's Rust as were originally planned for this program. The main stage debut of je, tu, il, elle has been moved to late July/early August when (spoiler alert) konverjdans will headline the 2020 Riverside Dance Festival. Additionally we are working hard to include the world premiere of Miami based choreographer Yanis Eric Pikieris's Around Midnight which was to debut as a part of our collaboration with Atlantic Classical Orchestra, and a sneak preview of a very special work that will grace our thrilling 2020-2021 Season.
Visit the
website for all the details.
|
From the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 public health situation, the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation announces the following changes to our scheduled programming:
The 10th Annual Poetry & BBQ, scheduled for April 5th, has been cancelled.
Our Writing Center office, located at 1914 14th Avenue in Vero Beach, will be closed until April 6th. Writing groups may continue to meet virtually in the meantime; members will be contacted.
The historic home, located on the campus of Indian River State College in Vero Beach, will be closed to visitors until April 11.
|
From Martin County Library System
:
If you're a library card holder in Martin County,
Try Ancestry.com
(Library Edition) from the comfort of your home — completely free!
- Select Ancestry Library Edition from list of search results.
You will be prompted to enter your library card number & PIN. Contact library staff at
772-288-5702
for assistance!
|
From the Environmental Learning Center:
A force of nature is full of energy, unstoppable, unchallengeable and unforgettable; never giving up, no matter what. The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is, and will continue to be, a positive force for nature.
...
We are shifting our delivery methods. Our education staff is currently working to create free virtual science, environmental, and wellness programming ... so that people will still have access to the unique and important programming we provide. We can think of no more essential provisions for the community than the gifts of peace, knowledge, and wellness. We all have gifts we can share during this critical time. Including you!
|
Around the Internet:
It's never been easier to visit the world's greatest museums and cultural sites remotely.
Meanwhile, galleries and other for-profit businesses are calling on the city for aid.
(NYC
)
|
From OperaWire.com:
Satisfy your craving for opera with these options.
- PBS is showcasing the Met's "
Turandot
" on its Great Performances series this week.
|
The
St. Lucie Cultural Alliance has a new project for artists. Read about the plans for a fully digital indoor-only art campaign on the website.
Check out the
Cultural Council of Indian River County's new website. Yes, the calendar's as full as ever, but most entries begin with POSTPONED or CANCELED. Get information on how to upload your events when this crisis has finally passed.
In Palm Beach County,
follow the social media channels of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County.
|
|
A Message from Vero Beach Art Club:
The Art Club office/administration has gone remote and is no longer physically located in the Museum on a temporary basis during this time so that we ensure we always have the ability to operate our administration and limit everyone’s exposure.
We are trying our best to keep up with our changing environment and our many issues at hand regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need something from the Art Club and have reached out and have not received a response yet and it is a matter that needs to be addressed immediately, please resubmit your request. We are receiving hundreds of emails during this trying time and we don't want anything to slip through the cracks. If you do not need immediate assistance, please reach out again at a later date to better help us respond to the greatest needs first.
|
Community Church of Vero Beach update from Rachel Carter:
At CCOVB we have had to cancel in-person gatherings which sadly has caused us to cancel our Rossini Stabat Mater on Good Friday.
From the Music and Fine Arts ministry, our response has been sadness in having to cancel Choral Society concerts, IRSA concerts, and other organizations who use our facility as a venue, as well as our own concert series events. We are making decisions to benefit and protect our vulnerable population and trying to stay connected in other ways.
This past Wednesday we joined our featured artist, Ellen Fisher on a tour of her current art hangings in our Narthex Gallery. The tour can be viewed on our facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/CCOVB.org/
.
We are continuing with our Lenten Organ and Poetry series. We are trying something new by livestreaming the event so people can catch it anywhere they are!
Wednesday, March 25
th
, Andrew Galuska and Jill Truax will host a Facebook Live tour of our Lively-Fulcher organ at 1PM. It’s a great “behind the pipes” opportunity!
https://www.facebook.com/CCOVB.org/
Thursday, April 2 @11:00 a.m. - "Spring and All: Classic Poetry of the Lenten Season"
|
From The Society of the Four Arts:
Following a discussion with Palm Beach police department, The Society of the Four Arts has assessed that The Philip Hulitar and Botanical Gardens are deemed as non-essential gathering places for the community. As such they will therefore regretfully be closed beginning March 24, 2020, together with the rest of The Society’s campus, until further notice.
However, we want to remind you that several of our gracious partners in the arts community have stepped forward to continue to provide entertaining, educational, and stimulating streamed programming to our guests while they adhere to current public health initiatives including social distancing.
These streaming options include:
|
From Heathcote Botanical Gardens:
Heathcote Closes to the Public
With several new cases of COVID-19 in our area, Heathcote will be closed to the public effective Tuesday, March 24 and remain closed through May. The 3rd Annual Tea in the Gardens has also been cancelled.
We will keep you informed as we make important decisions about garden hours and appreciate the dedicated volunteers and staff who continue to assist in the gardens. We are taking measures to keep our volunteers and staff safe and healthy and are carefully monitoring
CDC guidelines
.
Consider viewing our Gardens online through the website at
Virtual Tour
to enjoy a moment of calm and respite. Thank you for your dedication and continued support as we journey these uncertain times!
|
From Brevard Symphony Orchestra's Christopher Confessore:
This is definitely uncharted territory for all of us. Most musicians have experienced a concert being postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather. But I've never been in the situation we found ourselves in a week ago, where a
Subscription Concert had been fully prepared over four rehearsals, and then the morning of the first concert, we had to postpone indefinitely due to a rapidly evolving public health crisis.
I am concerned for the health and safety of our extended BSO family: our patrons, musicians, volunteers, staff, and friends. None of us know how long we'll be isolated from one another, and it's hard to imagine what "normal" will actually look like moving forward. But I do believe that (once it's safe to do so) we will all be eager to return to the communal experiences that have always been such an important part of who we are as a society - worship services, concerts and other performances, art festivals, sporting events, and so much more.
In the meantime, the musicians of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, like so many of their colleagues around the world, will be practicing. And they'll share some of what they are working on in short videos they are preparing that will be posted on our Facebook page. It will be great for morale, and a terrific way to keep in contact with one another. Follow our Facebook page so you don't miss out!
|
|
Scroll down for guidelines for submitting calendar items and feature suggestions to ARTS BLAST.
|
|
To opt out of receiving Arts Blast, "unsubscribe" at the end of the page.
|
|
Like Willi Miller's Arts Blast Facebook page for updates and Willi Miller's Arts Blast Just For Fun 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
|
|
LIBRARIES
-
IF YOU GO (ONLINE)
|
|
Information is to
be received in an email at least one week before publication.
Use this format:
Who (organization)
What (Event)
When (dates, time)
Where (Name of venue, address)
Why (a brief description of the purpose)
Web address
Contact for public (for tickets, questions, etc.)
Then add a short, descriptive release if available.
Send only one photo, with caption, until more are requested.
Media contact with email for my followup (not for publication)
|
|
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.
|
|
Copyright
©2019-2020 Willi Miller's ARTS BLAST!, all rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
