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Dear HCA Member past, present and future,Welcome to "HCA Today".
 The newly reorganized and invigorated heartland Cultural Alliance has taken some major initiaves in establishing credibility and is moving toward its goal of having Highlands County promoted as an arts & culture destination.
- We have sponsored the county's first themed art show (see article) which has exceeded expectations in attendance and publicity. And since it was an off- season event it stood to establish a measure of local interest and support of Highlands County artists
- HCA has opened its own Gallery of Fine Art at Sebring Regional Airport with an exhibit of Jim Fitch's art and a tribute to his contributions to the Highlands County art community (see article). The gallery's airport location will enable corporate executives who fly private jets into the county associate art and culture with Highlands County. It also serves to expose local artists to a population with disposable income who are likely art buyers
- Our ad campaign educating the public about the importance of art & culture to economic growth, academic achievement, and quality of life in Highlands County is in full swing
- The first weekend in December HCA, in partnership with WHFT Radio, will be producing the county's first Music Fest and art show at Lake Shore Mall. This three day event will highlight the talent of local musical groups to the world. More to come on this watershed event
"HCA Today" is another step in uniting the creative community to enrich the lives of all who live in and visit Highlands County. This is your publication. Bring forth your announcements, events, ideas and comments. Let's share, network, unite and prosper.
In earnest,
Fred Leavitt, President
Heartland Cultural Alliance
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Call For Entries
|  Call for entries for Art & Music Festival at Lake Shore Mall presented by HCA in partnership with WHFT Radio. This fund-raising event will take place in a large store (formally an Alan Jay Dealership) in Lake Shore Mall that has been converted to a gallery and music venue for this first of its kind festival. This three day event (December 3,4, & 5th.) will feature Highlands County artists showing their choice works and showcase the musical diversity of Highlands County bands live on the radio. HCA Artists and artists of HCA member groups - Secure your wall space for three favorite pieces. No submission fee (a donation of 15% of sales to HCA will be expected). First come, first served. Don't miss this chance to show and sell your art to a Christmas buying crowd at Lake Shore Mall! Reserve your space by contacting Fred at (863) 402-82380, Email: info@heartlandculturalalliance.org Musical groups of all kinds - This is your chance to get your sound heard live on the radio as well as have a radio spot to promote your performance. This is a nice venue for sound and if you have a CD you can sell it at the event. Stage time is limited so get booked before all the slots are taken. Contact Sue (863) 214-6204 or Email: sblewis2710@earthlink.net. Musicians can also contact Fred at (863) 402-82380, Email: info@heartlandculturalalliance.org |
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Spill Your Heart Out
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 September 10, 2010 The newly reorganized Heartland Cultural Alliance backed and promoted a special event. It was the opening of Highlands County's first, all- medium, themed, art exhibit, "Spill Your Heart Out", which focused on local artists' thoughts and feelings about the Gulf oil spill.
The event took place in a pop up gallery at 112 N Ridgewood in Downtown Sebring and was timed to coincide with the September Gallery Walk. The storefront space was donated by Gene Brenner (with the proviso HCA covered the cost of air, light and any damage). The space was set up and laid out by local artist Joseph Anthony who came up with the theme. Denise Miriani produced the show. HCA brought in the artists and promoted the event. The show opened with an invocation by Pastor George Miller and classical guitar music was provided by Kenny Summers.
Some 20 local artists exhibited 29, paintings, photography, sculpture, collage, ceramic and fabric art. Opening night was indeed a celebration. One hundred people signed the unmanned guest book and at least that many unsigned guests packed the gallery. Best of Show went to Bill Dailey for his photograph "Look Away", First Place winner was Joseph Anthony for sculpture "Eve of Destruction"and second place went to Linn Shinek for her fabric art piece titled "Unmixable".
The show was a remarkable success on all counts. It remained in place through October 2nd and was opened to accommodate the many visitors from Sebring Thunder Car Show and the Run to the Heartland motorcycle event. The show was also opened by appointment for art students from Avon Park and Sebring high schools.
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Current Ad running in local newspapers
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HCA Gallery opening and Jim Fitch tribute
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 | | Top: Sebring Mayor George Hensley reads Jim Fitch Day Proclamation, Left center: Jim Fitch explains recent work to art buyer, Center right: Reporter Christopher Tuffley interviews Fred Leavitt, Bottom left: Gene Brenner, Jim Fitch and Robert Butler, Bottom right: art buyer Betty Ford-Smith. Photography by Mountain Top. |
The Heartland Cultural Alliance celebrated the Grand Opening of its Gallery of Fine Arts at Sebring Regional Airport on September 24, 2010. Approximately 80 people attended the inaugural event which honored Jim Fitch, artist and legendary cultural entrepreneur of Highlands County.
HCA's President Fred Leavitt emceed Jim's tribute. The invocation by Pastor George Miller was followed by program additions specifically kept secret from Mr. Fitch, namely:
· Sebring's Mayor George Hensley's reading of the Jim Fitch Day Proclamation.
· Anthropologist Anne Reynold's tribute to Jim as a founding member of the Kissimmee Valley Archaeological and Historical Conservancy.
· Curator Mollie Doctrow's and Dr. Stevens' acknowledgment of Jim as the founder of the Museum of Florida Art and Culture at SFCC.
· Celebrity artist Robert Butler's amusing anecdotes of the "Highwaymen's" discovery and early promotional efforts with Jim.
Jim was surprised, told some humorous stories himself, and then got down to affirming some HCA goals: promotion of art and cultural events to help the area's economy and gain deserved notoriety as an exceptional artistic community. He mentioned the HCA slogan of "Art & Culture For the Dollars & Sense of It." Jim finished by conducting an auction of some of his works.
Reporters from Highlands Today and the Sebring News-Sun interviewed program participants. Several photographers also documented the event.
Mr. Fitch's paper inlayed paintings are uniquely pleasing-combining natural muted colors with distinctive shapes/scenes. The cypress sculptured furniture and boxes are conservation friendly and treasures for any home. Biographical materials describe the processes Jim uses to create his works and his extensive involvement in cultural activities throughout Florida.
Art enthusiasts enjoyed wine, cheese and pastries, the classical guitar music of Kenneth Summers, and perused the exhibit. As the gallery's first featured artist, Mr. Fitch was almost incognito until someone asked a question or commented on a piece. Then this friendly, down-to-earth philosopher smiled from ear to ear and started talking about the inspirations of his life and art.
Sherry Carlson |
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Sponsors: Artists Prints
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Welcome New Members
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NEW MEMBERS
Artists, Supporters of the Arts, Not-for -Profit Organizations
Anthony, Tony - Artist, 414-6237, taonysgirl@yahoo.com Back Porch Revival, Bluegrass +, knowhealth@embarqmail
Barnhart, Judy, jb621@hotmail.com Carlson, Sherry - Florida Writers Assoc. 471-3174, Sherryc@vistanet.net Dailey, Bill - Photographer, 381-2648, bill@dispalycreation.com Fitch, Jim - Artist, 655-0412 Garnich, Goldie and Jerry - Supporters, 655-5632 Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce, http://lpfla.com
Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, http://www.sebring.org
Harris, Greg, Supporter, President, Sebring Chamber of Commerce, greg@sebring.org Heim, Betty - Artist, 382-9188 Jones, Steve - Songwriter, musician, 273-1334
Lasco, John - Artist, 471-1593 O'Meara, Marjorie - Artist, 465-2920, momeara01@hotmail.com Stephens, Norm -Supporter. President, SFCC, normstephens@comcast.net Summers, Ken - Classical Guitarist, 658-1547
Watson, Anne, Artist, anne@annewatsonstudios.com Williams, Chris -Florida Writers Assoc 202-6786, krisstofier@vistanet.net Business Members: Brewster's Coffee House, 314-8890
Frames & Images, info@framesandimagesawards.com
Lake Placid Health Care, 465-7200 Walz, Doug - Printmaker, Artists' Rep & Marketing, 381-1198, doug@walzco.com
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On Your Birthday
|  Buy a Florida State of the Arts license plate. Enrich yourself and your community. $20 from the cost of the plate is donated by the state to HCA. Show you care and wear your new plates proudly. |
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Together we can make it happen!
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HCA is busy creating opportunities for the art and culture community in Highlands County. We are poised to make a big difference and need your help. Some receiving this newsletter have been former members of HCA but have not kept up with your dues. Others have expressed an interest in joining but have not signed up yet. I ask that you get off the sidelines, go to our web site, www.heartlandculturalalliance.org, join and get involved. We need you. Numbers count (read votes in the eyes of local government). Together we can make our county a better place to live in and visit.
Heartland Cultural Alliance |
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November 2010
HCA Events
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Heartland Cultural Alliance Gallery of Fine Art at Sebring Airport is proud to present an exhibit of new and classic works of photographer Bill Dailey, who won Best of Show in the Spill Your Heart exhibit. The exhibit's opening celebration will take place at the Sebring Airport on Friday, November 26, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. Wine and snacks. Classical guitar music by Kenny Summers.
Art & Music Festival at Lake Shore Mall, December 3, 4, & 5. See Call For Entries story in this issue.
MEMBER EVENTS
Highlands Art League November 6 & 7, 44th Annual Downtown Historic Craft Festival. Enjoy the quaint historic downtown district of Sebring while you take in the winter tradition of the Annual Historic Downtown Sebring Craft Festival. There is something for everybody. Show hours both days are 10 am to 5 pm. For more information see www.highlandsartlea gue.org or call (863) 385-5312.
Primal Connection Community Drum Circle is now at a new location, On lakefront behind the civic center in Sebring. November 21 from 3:30 to 5 pm. call (863) 402-8238 for more information or visit www.primalconnectio n.org.
HCA members this is your space for announcing events. It is a free membership perk.
HCA is your voice to the creative community.
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