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Dear Friend of HCA, 
Bill Dailey from Pro Art America, made a point in a conversation awhile back. "If there was only one golf course in Highlands County could the county be promoted as a golfing center?" Not likely. The same applies to art & culture (A&C). The more venues we have the more attractive we will be to the cultural tourist. The venues are not competing with one another (as each has a different offering) but add vitality to our art & culture scene. This in turn attracts more artists and more cultural tourists to support multiple venues and fuel our economy. We have the assets in place to get this syndrome going. The missing link has been access to Tourist Development Council (TDC) funding already allocated for this purpose.
For a decade TDC guidelines have worked to favor sports marketing at the cost of promoting the county's A&C attractions. Now, owing largely to the A&C community's advocating for its mandated share of funding the guidelines are flexing a bit. TDC has agreed to pay for an A&C video to be used for out of county TV advertising. In addition they will now allow up to $750 grants to advertise A&C events, out of county, without tying it to room night verification.
It appears some progress has been made and we can start the win-win syndrome of enriching Highlands County and bolstering her economy through A&C. The recent HCA sale of a $10,000 piece of art has brought to light the potential of our A&C offerings to bring in the kind of tourist that leaves some serious money behind. BUT...
Don't be lulled into complacency. There is a serious threat to A&C forthcoming!
Even though the benefits of promoting A&C are clear TDC still wants to kill the goose that lays the golden egg in order to feather some pillows.
A the meeting where the A&C video was approved, the TDC announced its intention to eliminate A&C as a category worthy of an allocated percentage of tourist tax revenues!
They will be asking the county commissioners to approve an increase in the bed tax from 2 to 3%. HCA has no problem with the increase. It is the attendent change in funding allocations they are requesting that is alarming. TDC is pushing for 30% of revenues to be used for operations, 20% for local events, 10% for lakes and 40% to be spent in any category or amount they choose. This also means they can choose not to fund A&C at all, unchallanged.
TDC is asking us to trust them to use the money wisely. With their historic predisposition to fund sports marketing, no representation of A&C on the council, and the air thick with allegations of misappropriation of public funds, trust is not the first thing that comes to mind.
They could ask for a tax increase and still allocate a percentage of funding to promote A&C. Why do they choose not to?
TDC needs four out of five commissioners to agree that A&C is not worthy of a allocated percentage of tourist tax revenue. In order to stop TDC's transparent grab for power we need at least two commissioners with the wisdom to recognize that the A&C assets of our county are indeed worthy of promoting. The danger level is high. Your voice must be heard. More information will be forthcoming.
The public/political understanding of the importance of A&C in our educational system is another area that HCA believes needs to be brought to light. A&C's effect on the academic achievement of our children can not be overestimated, but it is easily overlooked.
With this in mind and elections right around the corner we asked two candidates, HCA members, Roberta Peck with an educational background and Will Bennett with a business background to share their thoughts on A&C in their plans for our future.
Our future comes down to your vote. Business, academic achievement and quality of life in HighlandsCounty are in your hands. You can make the difference. Primary voting is Aug.1-14.
In Earnest,
Fred Leavitt, President
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Record Art Sale, Proof of Potential
By Fred Leavitt | |
 | | Beside the Still Waters by Peter Powell Roberts |
When people in Highlands County learn that HCA sold a painting for $10,000 their reaction hovers between shock and awe. It is newsworthy. This is in sharp contrast to art & culture based communities and large population centers where it is business as usual.
The painting from a local artist was purchased by visitors from up north. They didn't come here to golf, fish, ride motorcycles or participate in any of the events that the TDC believes will boost our economy. Rex and Laura Diamond came to visit relatives and are representative of a large segment of tourists who buy art and engage in cultural activities. They have disposable income and take pleasure in finding and investing in art that touches them.
The Diamonds come at a quiet time when there are no screeching tire events. They are quiet people who eat at our best restaurants, enjoy a glass of wine and tip generously. Just as quietly they return home with a piece of art they treasure and leave $10,000 behind to reverberate throughout our economy.
We have the talent here to be discovered. We need only target tourist tax dollars to attract the cultural tourist seeking to discover it. I believe by doing this we will no longer undervalue our cultural assets. It is within our potential to reach a point where the sale of a $10,000 piece of art becomes business as usual. There are lots of Diamonds who just don't know about us. Yet. |
Why We Should Care About Art & Culture
By Will Bennett
Candidate for County Commissioner, District One |
 Times are tough! Businesses struggle to keep their doors open and the government struggles to maintain operations with reduced budgets. So, as political and business leaders grapple with the very real financial challenges facing all of us during these tough times, why should we care about Arts & Culture? Simply put, because supporting the arts makes good business sense.
A 2009 economic impact study for HillsboroughCounty found that in 2008, Hillsborough's nonprofit arts industry generated $298 million in economic activity which resulted in 8,377 full-time equivalent jobs, $192.4 million in resident household income, $11.5 million in local government tax revenues and $19.1 million in state government tax revenues (Americans for the Arts, 2009). Using an economic impact calculator from the Americans for Arts, the Avon Park Oktoberfest, with a cost of $12,500 and an
estimated attendance of 4,500, created a total industry impact of $114,425 and an increase to total household income of $49,565 (Arts & Economic Prosperity Calculator, 2012). This indicates that an investment in arts and culture is also an investment in the financial growth of a community.
According to the American Planning Association there is a clear connection between the fields of planning and economic development and arts and culture. The APAstates that arts and culture "can improve a community's competitive edge, create a foundation for defining a sense of place, attract new and visiting populations, integrate the visions of community and business leaders, and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce."
This connection between arts and culture and economic success is
well supported by economic impact studies across the United States. Because of these economic advantages, developing local arts and culture has become a pillar of community redevelopment and economic development strategies throughout many communities looking to grow and prosper.
Larry Levy, former president of the Avon Park Historical Society has often said, "Culture is the heart and soul of our community." The tangible, measurable benefits of arts and culture in our communities are clear, but there are also intangible benefits which help the business community. Ken Ferguson, past Chairman of the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce said, "There is a visible difference in places with an active cultural community. I see people looking for places to park, stores staying open late, and restaurants packed with customers. The business day is extended and the cash registers are ringing."
The US Department of Labor cites the arts as important for creating a foundation for skills including creative thinking, problem solving, sociability and individual responsibility. Arts and culture also help a community have a stronger sense of unity and identity as events bring people together in shared experiences that add depth and character to our social interactions.
Should we support art and culture when funds are tight? Yes! The economic benefits are clear. Art and culture acts as an economic catalyst bringing jobs, tax revenues and tourists to our community.
When we invest in art in culture, we are investing in our economic future, and that makes good business sense. |
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HCA Member Profile:
Kristina Anderson,
Executive Director, IDC/EDC
by Sherry Carlson, Photography Fred Leavitt |
 | | Kristina Anderson. |
The Heartland Cultural Alliance promotes HighlandsCountyarts and culture "For the Dollars and Sense of It." Kristina Anderson, Executive Director of the Industrial Development Authority/Economic Development Commission (IDA/EDC), is a key resource mandated to advance all County industries to the State, our country and globally. A nationwide search by the EDC board selected Kristina as the best suited for the task. She moved from her high-powered position in Kentucky to begin employment here in July, 2011.
The local newspapers have lauded several economic advancements since Kristina's arrival. As an excellent communicator dedicated to honesty, fairness, and maintaining positive relationships, she is in contact with both government and private business concerns on a regular basis. Roughly 50% of the time, she is focused on informing and expanding new businesses of the advantages of HighlandsCounty locations.
In a February meeting with County Administrator Rick Helms, County Commissioner Jack Richie and the Howard Fertilizer and Chemical officials, she helped facilitate the application filing of the first tax abatement claim for the County. With the expansion of SouthFloridaCommunity College four year degrees, she anticipates heightened interest in and profits for the area.
Kristina's energy, excitement, and exuberance levels are high. Her work takes her to Washington D.C., Tallahassee, etc. but her heart is here with our community. She wanted her family to relocate here. "there is always something to do in HighlandsCounty" she states, "and with more than one event in a day, it's often hard to choose just one."
In May she organized the 2012 Development Day seminar in which members of the business community, chamber executives, advisory committees and elected officials gathered to inform each other and learn of the County's economic tools.
On the 9th of June the IDA/EDC, partnered with the Greater Lake Placid Chamber to host a "company picnic" at Henscratch Farms for more informal networking opportunities.
 | HCA Artists Phyllis Jones, Dotty Bade and Dixon Taylor at the HCA table
during the EDC Company Picknick" teaching children how to paint frisbees. |
Both Kristina and HCA President Fred Leavitt have, exchanged organizational memberships and discussed future involvements. HCA helped Kristina find local talent to design the IDA/EDC logo. Both Fred and Kristina are members of TDC's Marketing Committee; Kristina's office at 1 East Main Street in AvonPark and displays some art from the Artist Group (TAG), an HCA member organization. This art is for sale.
To editorialize, in this writer's past, business, economics, politics, etc., were not of interest or a part of my knowledge base. I was somewhat intimidated knowing I would be interviewing Kristina and attending the "Tool Box" seminar. My understanding now is collaboration is tremendously easy and important. If "we" keep an open mind and focus on what our creativity can do for the community's growth, prosperity, and enrichment , the opportunities are endless, the pay-offs inevitable for all. |
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Flash Fiction Writers Contest Comes to a Close
by Larry Levey |
 | | Prompt Photo (c) Travis Garcia. |
The first-ever "Flash Fiction" Writers' Contest, sponsored by the Heartland Cultural Alliance (HCA), holds its awards event Sunday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m., at Brewster's Coffee House on U.S. 27 just south of Home Depot. The event is open to the public at no cost and light refreshments will be served.
The contest was a multi-media affair, with artists from the HCA Artists Group submitting paintings and photographs to be judged as a "prompt," or stimulus, for the writing contest. The winning "prompt" was a photograph taken by Sebring photographer Travis Garcia.
Volunteering as judges were Romona Washington, Publisher/Executive Editor of the News-Sun; Charlotte Pressler, Ph.D., Professor of English and Philosophy at South Florida Community College; and Marie Chenique, Chief Librarian at Lake Placid Community Library.
Major sponsors of the contest were the News-Sun, Alan Jay Automotive Network, and Carmelita Lim, M.D. Supporting sponsors included Palms of Sebring, Heacock Financial Group, TempleIsrael of HighlandsCounty, HighlandsCommunityChurch, Dr. Luck - Optometrist, and IDA/EDC.
The contest committee consisted of HCAmembers Fred Leavitt, Larry Levey,and Arthur Lefkowitz, "We were extremely pleased to have received 40 entries from our local writing community," said Lefkowitz. "It shows that HighlandsCounty is well represented by writers."
Third place in the writing contest will receive $25; second place, $50; and first place, $100.
Winners are expected to be on hand at the June 24th event to read their winning entries. |
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HCA Today Sponsor
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The Arts and Academic Success
By Roberta Peck,
Candidate for School Superintendent | |
 Attendance, academics, and attachment, are the three factors which lead to success in public school, according to a researched school truancy report
Attendance
Sheriff, Susan Benton, has stated that Truancy is number one factor in community crime. Truancy correlates with drug use, teen pregnancies, and poor academics and is a major factor in school drop-out. The long term effects are in producing unskilled and uneducated, disenfranchised citizens. Truancy grows significantly with age 15 being the peak, suggesting how important Middle School level is. A brief check of Highlands County middle schoolwebsites reveals that our highest performing "A" schools have broad art offerings while our lowest performing schools, have eroded programs in The Arts; they also have higher truancy.
Academics
It is general agreement that school arts programs provide activities that kids like which stimulates their desire to attend school. But how do The Arts actually foster cognitive success?
Few in The West know what art form is the trump card behind Japanese world class mathematical success. Japanhas consistently produced high school students who score at the highest level internationally in math. The Japanese use the love and motivation kids have to learn origami as a precursor to higher math. Origami structures the brain to manipulate 3-dimentional formulas and develops the love of challenge, and the will to struggle with errors.
The visual arts offer ongoing practice in decision making skills in a free environment for problem solving, as well as attention to detail, precision and manipulative refinement. These are the same skills that scientists, dentists, surgeons, and many professions require. DaVinci considered drawing as a means of studying and appreciating the world around him as well as the vehicle for his inventive imagination.
Countless studies reveal how the persistence and skills required in mastery of an art form, such as playing a musical instrument, end up producing higher numbers of college bound graduates and successful citizens. In band and chorus, one practices being attune to others and is constantly challenged in the refinement of performing with others; social harmony and good citizenship require the exercise of these same qualities.
Attachment
As an art teacher of 33 years in Highlands County, I have firsthand experience in the "power" student assemblies featuring the Arts, the affect they have on student "attachment" to school. The motivation and morale of the performer is enhanced as well as the appreciation by their peers. One of the best examples was "HGMS Has Got Talent." This allowed an audience for individual student skits, video productions, music, song, and dance numbers, many choosing to work as teams. Students who are at home working on projects for school are attached to school and readied for similar projects in science and social studies fairs.
The Arts do make a difference in the future of our students. Help insure the expansion and future of art programming in Highlands County public schools. The choice is yours.
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Lake Wales Ridge Project: A Partnership
Report #2, by Sherry Carlson | |
HCA artists, writers & photographers are working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to raise awareness of the unique ecosystems, wildlife, insects and plants of the Lake Wales Ridge.
RECAP: Ridge Ranger Coordinator, Bill Parken, wildlife biologist Nicole Ranalli and Ridge Ranger Patty Lloyd educated HCA members at the first October 2011 meeting. HCA partners were okayed for off trail, guided excursions into the scrub and conservation areas at Bok Tower gardens, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, Avon Park Air Force Range, Highlands Hammock Park, FWC Royce Ranch and Archbold Biological Station as coordinated by Bill Parken. A sampling of the photographic images and paintings created by HCA members on those excursions were the featured at the latest LWRP gathering.
THE LATEST: On Monday, April 30th, Fred Leavitt, HCA President, and Ridge Ranger Bill Parken hosted the first Lake Wales Ridge Project Event at SebringCivicCenter. Excursion images ranged from panoramic views of the scrub to close ups of the new bee species (Colletes francesae) found only on the Ridge. Recurrent themes of the artists' narrations were: the diversity of insects, plants, and wildlife; the timeless peace experienced when observing the Ridge's micro and macrocosms; and relationships developed with the inner self, the land and its history, and birds (especially Scrub-Jays). Participating photographers were Jun Alcordo, Bill Dailey, Travis Garcia, Richard Howard, Rick Knoche, Fred Leavitt, Patty Lloyd, Ken Merop, Bill Parken, Mike Pirkkala, Melissa Platt, and Chuck Oliver. Joan Swanson and Christine Yarbour were the artist participants.
The refreshment table was hosted by artists Phyllis Jones Behrens and DixonTaylor.
HCA'S VISION: The Lake Wales Ridge Project is progressing. To paraphrase Fred Leavitt, HCAartists have met and will continue to meet the challenge of individually expressing their personal response to this grand environment. We will be developing a collection of their works for enjoyment, education, and conservation/protection fund raising efforts throughout the State. We want everyone to "fall in love with the Ridge."
Check out HCA Lake Wales Ridge Project on Facebook to start your own love affair.
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HCA Donations
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New Members |
Kevin Main, Artist
Roberta Peck, Educator
Marsha Penn, Watercolor
Arty Lefkowtz, Writer
Nancy Dale Ph. D, Author
Peter Powell Roberts, Artist
Frances Dixon Taylor, Music educator
Michelle Herchick, Consultant
Stefanie Nellett, Artist
Will Bennett, Supporter
Carol Daniels, Artist |
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Send letters to info@heartlandculturalalliance.org. All letters for publication must be identified with the writer's name.
Recent Letters
Great Going Fred!!!!
Peter must really be excited that he let you show his art and let HCA represent him. I'm so happy for him and for the financial boost to HCA.. Sounds like you had a good showing at the TDC meeting and made some headway. I hope everyone lets the county commission know they don't want the TDC to have a blank check book in light of their financial history. Their proposal shuts out arts and culture completely (which they did anyway in the past but now they want the public to have nothing to say about it). I have been working to get my studio set up in NC and it's about finished. I started painting again last week and almost have one finished. Look forward to seeing everyone again in Oct. or NOV.
Bob Fishel
Hi Fred
Thank you so much for giving me Big Al's information. I had the pleasure of meeting him this morning and got to see the wonderful clown museum, unfortunately he didn't have a frame that would work but gave me the idea of how to protect my grandmothers needlework. He and I will be doing business in the future however, I left my membership along with my dues down at Brewsters for youThank-you so much for everything!
Stefanie Nellett
Hello Fred
I have sent your e-mail to TLP members and all the guests. Also forwarded to Nancyat the office in the coop. This is amazing and wonderful news. It is just what we need. The video will be a great tool to advertise HighlandsCounty, but the promise of exposure for the video is enormous. I am so excited. This is a project that should stay on our front burner and given top priority. We need this for next season..
Harriet Porter
Fred,
This (last issue) was a great newsletter. I read every word. I look forward to our next meeting. It ought to be a good one!
Dixon Taylor |
| Support HCA Today and grow your business: |
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On Your Birthday | |
Buy a Florida State of the Arts license plate and 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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The content of this publication is copyrighted by Heartland Cultural Alliance Inc. and the respective contributors. All rights reserved. For more information email info@heartlandculturalalliance.org |
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HCA MEMBERS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
HCA Flash Fiction Writing Contest Award Cermony
June 24, 7 PM at Brewster's. Winners will be anounced, cash awards given and winning entries will be read. Free snacks
There will be a series of professionally guided photography workshops available in Highlands County. Richard Howard,Bill C. Dailey JR.,Jeremy Berkson and Travis Garcia have finalized all the details and we are proud to present "Camera Ready Workshops". Jeremy Berkson will lead these workshops, with special guest instructors from time to time. Jeremy graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2010 with a degree in Photography. He has 15+ years experience working in photography and related industries. The first workshop will start Wed. August 1st. The first workshop will be an 8-10 week course about "Photographic Design-The Art of Seeing", covering such topics as: Passage of Time, Light as Subject, Shadow/Negative Space, Weight & Balance, Stop Action/Motion Blur, and many more..... The course will be $185 and will include 10 professional-grade 11x14 prints for portfolio use provided by Pro Art America, and a gallery event hosted at Brewster's Coffee house. For course information and signup contact Travis.
Heart of Highland, Sweet Adelines, Show Chorus
is looking for SINGERS! You do not have to know how to read Music! If you love to sing and would like to learn the Barbershop style of singing, join us on a Thursday
7 PM, at the Avon Park Rotary, 20 S Verona St. For more information, call Jeanne at 699-0743
SFCC Performing Arts Center presents
Bruce Springsteen Tribute
"Bruce in the USA"
Performed by
Matt Ryan & American Dream
Saturday, June 23
7:30 p.m. SFCC Theatre for the Performing Arts
Tickets: $20, $25, $30
Box Office: M, W, TH; 11:30 - 2:30
Buy online
A benefit for Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Highlands County Rotary Clubs
Lake Placid Art League
The Lake Placid Art League offers continuing classes in Wood Carving on Tuesdays 12-3, and Thursdays 8 - 4, painting classes on Tuesdays from 9 - 12 and has open studio on Mondays from 1 - 4, they meet the third Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. for their general meeting.127 Dal Hall Blvd, Lake Placid, Contact person Pat Keesling (863) 699-2058, email
HCA Airport Gallery Opening
Exhibiting the art of Carol Daniels, Christine Yabour,, Dorothy Bade, Phyllis Jones Behrens, Peggy Miller and Pamela Paralikis. Show opening and artist reception Wednesday, June 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, at the Sebring Airport. Wine, cake and snacks. Classical guitar by Kenny Summers. Open to the public. Free.
Scribes' Night Out
Meets the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at BREWSTER'S COFFEE HOUSE, just south of Home Depot. Schedule -- April 22 (Verwayne Greenhoe, Featured Call Larry or Elaine at 385-8618 for more information
Brewster's Art Show Opening
New Shows -
Our Next Show will be as scheduled on June 17th! (please e-mail Alli -alli@displaycreation
com-
your rsvp) The show will NOT be extended for the Summer, but the show fee is reduced to $15 for two months, June 17-August 12. This will be the LAST non-juried art show! We have come a long way at
Brewster's with our Gallery Lighting and Hanging System so we are raising the bar on the quality of work as well! If you are interested in being on this jury committee or have someone in mind let us know! First Juried Art Show-August 19th(opening) - October 14th
Scribblers & Scribes
First Wednesday of every month at Beef O'Brady's
Meeting at 7 pm
Come one hour early for dinner.
SFCC ANNOUNCES 2012-13 ARTIST SERIES
The performances are held at 7:30 p.m. in the SFCC Theatre for the Performing Arts
Season subscriptions are on sale now and start at only $254 for all ten performances. For a season ticket order form click here
or call the SFCC Box Office at
863-784-7178. Single tickets go on sale Oct. 15 online or Oct. 22 at the
SFCC Box Office.
Introduction to Percussion
Primal Connection will be offering a free interactive workshop at Uptown Music in Sebring. The workshop will introduce you to a number of world hand drums and percussion instruments. You will learn about, and experience, the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of hand drumming. For more information email Fred.
Community Drum Circle
3rd Sunday
3-5pm behind the
Sebring Civic Center on Lake Jackson
Free Event- some
instruments available
Contact
Fred: (863) 402-8238,
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Members Links
Judy Nicewicz will be offering summer art classes in her home studio to a limited amount of students ages 8-12 yrs that have an interest in learning how to paint. This will be an all day weekly art camp from 9 to 5 p.m. Please contact Judy Nicewicz for further info at 863-273-1339
Weekly painting and drawing classes with Anne Watson are available in Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid. For additional information, please contact Anne.
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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