Harriet and Bob Porter

   In the early 90's Lake Placid was a financially-stressed town. Over a dozen empty storefronts lined Main St. and Interlake Blvd. Bob and Harriet remembered motorcycling in British Columbia through a town called Chemainus, "The Little Town That Did." The Porters learned that what the town "did" was to revive itself from financial failure with a program of painting outdoor murals on local establishments. Bob and Harriet brought the Chemainus inspiration to Lake Placid and founded the Lake Placid Mural Society in 1992.

   The Mural Society received approximately 2200 visitors last February. Bob and Harriet believe that the numbers of visitors are underestimated due to the constant flood of people in and out of the Welcome Center. Visitors come throughout the year to view the murals. Bus tours can bring in as much as $1500 a day to the city and must be scheduled well in advance.

   Bob & Harriet receive no compensation for their full-time involvement in the Society. 20 more volunteers are needed during the tourist season. Sales from the mural book ($3) and Welcome Center visitors', corporate and private donations (including those of the Porters) have funded the creation and maintenance costs of the murals.In l995 the Town of Murals received Florida's Outstanding Rural Community of the Year award. A well-produced documentary on Lake Placid and its murals and original "mural" paintings (approved by the Porters and the Board of Directors before any building is touched) are well worth viewing to comprehend the magnanimous scope of the Society's work.

   The Porters have become mentors to many interested in including murals as an economic, historical and aesthetic asset to their cities.  Articles have been written about the Porters and Lake Placid in U.S. and foreign publications (Greece, Czech Republic, U.K., etc.).  Any "how to's," though freely shared, cannot factor in the Porters' creativity.  After one artist's "mistake," they directed subsequent artists to purposely hide objects in their murals for younger viewers to find.  Another example was their idea to keep the city beautiful amidst so many visitors, by getting artists to create unique trash receptacles.  

   The first mural, painted on the Caladium Arts & Crafts Co-Op building by artist Thomas Freeman, was completed on May 15, 1993 and entitled "Tea at Southwinds." Its story is only one of 44 to be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.  The latest murals were completed in 2010:  Keith Goodson's "Toby's First Clown Class," (east side of Toby's Clown Museum) and Monica Turner's "The Art of Clowning" (north wall).

   One of the better-known murals, "Cracker Trail Cattle Drive," (Winn Dixie wall) incorporates sound. This mural, (Goodson, l995) exemplifies the use of private donations for the mural projects. Along the bottom is a line of cattle, each bearing the brand of a local rancher who funded its completion.  

   The end?  Not so.  The Porters have more ideas to benefit and honor Lake Placid.  If you meet them, let them tell you more of the Society's past and future.  We writers definitely want to go back for more.

    The Kenilworth Gallery opening on April 2^nd was another big hit with 70 people filtering in over the course of the evening. Those in attendance included artists, HCA members, Lodge guests and others who wanted to investigate this free Saturday night entertainment.  Rick Jones, an organist, and his wife Sarah came to learn more about the Heartland Cultural Alliance and find out how their club of organists might benefit by membership.

   Four new artists exhibiting their work included Janet Robinson, Jayne Seiler-Plank, Mazi, and HCA newsletter developer Linda Kegley. Two works were sold opening night by Ken Merop and Rick Knoche.

   Kenny Summers, always ready to oblige, played classical guitar for the first hour. His soothing music was the perfect accompaniment to the wine, appetizers and quiet conversations.  James Ward, a regular exhibitor, spoke about his abstract painting, "You're Looking At Me" and how his art has evolved. Known for his sea-life pictures, James wanted to present something different at this month's gallery.

   At 8 pm, the "open mike for bands" began. This new addition to the monthly gallery opening has room to grow.  The entertainer who stepped "up to the plate" was Larry McCandless, actor and musician. Larry and his guitar played a wide variety of tunes including many 60's ballads.  He received cheers for a Paul Simon song.  One couple expertly danced to many of his selections.  Fred Leavitt accompanied him on the bongos.

   The next gallery gala will be Saturday, May 7, and we hope to draw more musicians for the open mike entertainment. As always, new artists are encouraged to exhibit their work.

   On March 13, at Brewster's Coffee House, 16 people attended to hear Dottie Wexford read from her book May Snow and from a new work, Songs in the Night. May Snow  is a story of three widows: Rose, Grace, and Charity, who agree to "share" a man, Anson Stone.

   Set in the wine country of upstate New York, it is a touching tale of friendship, loneliness, mystery, and loss. Dottie has lived the majority of her life in western New York, and winters here in Florida. A graduate from State University of NY, Dottie has been involved in education, social work, and as a labor service representative. Now retired, this mother of two and grandmother of six devotes her time to her second calling, writing. Dottie is a FWA Royal Palm Award recipient for Songs in the Night.

   Up-and-coming poet Stacey Gallimore kicked off the open-mike session, and Arty Lefkowitz read his short story, "Audrey." Jim Gulledge read excerpts from Heartstrings and Funny Bones and Cynthia Schumacher shared two poems, "Morning Stroll" and "St. Patrick's Day."

   March 27^th brought Jim Gulledge back as the featured author/reader. Jim is from Ft. Pierce and considers himself a genuine "Florida Cracker." His laid-back demeanor was evident as he sat in an overstuffed chair rather than standing behind a podium. His book is a collection of short, humorous, and touching stories "which many of us can relate to."

   Open-mike readings were by Mary Jo Whelpton, Dottie Wexford ("Marilla Says"), and Arty Lefkowitz ("The Granddaughter from Hell"). 14 people attended.

   Scheduled for April 10 is Dawn Batterbee Miller, author of Footprints Under the Pines and the editor of Pioneer Potpourri, a collection of writings by her aunt, Rosalind Batterbee Bundy Westcott. Dawn is a retired teacher from Northern Michigan who now resides in Avon Park. Her book is a story of pioneer life in the lumberjack community of "the deep woods." She has researched the history of the logging camps and her book contains rich detail and authenticity.  

   April 24^th is Easter Sunday so there will be no Scribe's Night Out that evening.

   Books by published authors will be available for purchase at each event. To schedule a date to read as a featured author contact Sherry Carlson by email or phone at sherryc@vistanet.net