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Dear Friend of HCA, 
Rapid changes are taking place that will benefit the art & culture community and Highlands County as a whole. The Tourist Development Council (TDC) is redistributing the balance of its funds to make up for past mistakes.
The TDC internal audit shows that out of the 17% of bed tax revenue designated by county ordinance to promote art and culture (A&C) less then 8% was used. A Reconciliation Plan was proposed by TDC Chair, Don Elwell and approved by the TDC.
The Reconciliation Plan calls for redistribution of existing funds. The TDC has voted to pay $163,277 to the fund allocated to promote art & culture bringing the fund to $183,277. This dramatically increases our potential to attract the cultural tourist, which is the lion's share of the Florida tourist market and the segment proven to turn rural economies around.
The Reconciliation Plan is an exciting and promising turn of events that paves the way for an A&C partnership with TDC to promote Highlands Countyas an art & cultural destination. Change is in the air and the Caladium Fest and Highlands Art League have already benefited with $750 grants not tied to heads in beds.
The TDC will ask the county commission to raise the tourist tax to 3%. HCA endorses this provided A&C remains a funding category receiving 17% of tax revenue. We believe that a 1% increase in bed tax is not likely to discourage tourism. It will, however result in a 50% increase in revenue available to attract tourists. The increase will also enable TDC to bring administrative costs in balance.
The time is at hand to tap the potential of our cultural assets. We welcome the opportunity of working together with the TDC to accomplish this.
In putting this issue of HCA Today together one thing stood out. We are growing. The A&C community is growing and energized. New galleries are appearing and more are in the works. National attention is coming our way and we are maturing in our relationship with the TDC. We are moving in the direction that will enable A&C to do what it does best, enrich, prosper and grow a community.
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In Earnest,
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There is a New Gallery in Town
Article & photography by Fred Leavitt |
 | | Joseph Anthony @ 131 N. Ridgewood, Sebring |
The movement to make HighlandsCounty an art & cultural destination just took another jump forward. Local artist Joseph Anthony (AKA Tony Tapia) signed a lease for a 750' storefront at 131 N. Ridgewood in Sebring.
In early October he will open a co-op gallery featuring contemporary art at the downtown location. Tony has owned galleries in Los Angeles and will use that experience to add a new dimension to the growing art scene in the county.
For starters he will be giving away an original piece of art to the first 50 people that come to the gallery's opening celebration on Friday, October 5, from 5 to ? There will also be a selection of local home made wines to sample, goodies to eat and music by Alex highlighting the Darth Vader Blues.
This is the beginning of something big. Stand-by. |
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Lake Placid to Receive National Attention, Again! |
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Readers Digest is going to do an article about Lake Placid for their January issue, which will come out in middle of December. This is the perfect time for the tourist season.
An editor from Readers Digest is in the process of interviewing all of TLP groups that they want to highlight.
They will be sending a photographer to town as well. The opportunity for national recognition resulted from the contest TLP entered last winter. This is exciting, and just what TLP is supposed to do. It is all of you who have contributed information to the contest and who voted so many times that made this happen. It is another example of working together to make Highlands County an art & cultural destination. Well done TLP! |
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The HCA Members Tent Debut
by Jan Merop, photo Ken Merop |  The annual Lake Placid Caladium Festival on August 24-26, 2012 welcomed Heartland Cultural Alliance for the first time.
Like unveiling anything that needs to be put together, taking the tent out of the box for assembling on Thursday evening was daunting at first. It was discovered that tent zippers were flawed and those are being sent back for replacement. But, with many willing hands, a lot of perspiration, suggestions, and perseverance, it not only was put up in time for the show; but, was an attractive addition to the festival. One of the Caladium Festival organizers came by and complimented Fred Leavitt, President of HCA, for a "lovely display."
With the Heartland Cultural Alliance banner spanning both tents, many onlookers were drawn to the art and wanted to know more about the organization.
Customers came to both sides of the tent to look at the great variety of art projects from jewelry, photography on canvas, framed photography, oils, watercolors, quilted wall hangings, and more.
Artists had the joy of not only seeing their work admired, but purchased as well. Passersby enjoyed talking with the artists and understanding their art forms.
It was also an opportunity to once again display the art work of Master Artist Peter Powell Roberts and to share a bit of his story. Three paintings of his concepts of Hammock State Park painted in oil on wood were displayed.
Throughout the weekend ~ which was blessed by beautiful weather for two days and then suspended on Sunday due to Tropical Storm Isaac ~ new ideas for the next show came to mind.
Anything done for a first time will give birth to improvements and HCA is committed to making every show better than the last for all artists. As Fred Leavitt observed, "We planned for too many tables and overcrowded the tent with 16 panels based on a design on paper." The next Tent event will be on the first weekend in November and the configuration will be different. "We will cut back to two tables and 10 panels giving higher visibility to the artists and improved flow for the visitors," said Leavitt. "Adjustments are also being made to the framework for hanging panels."
In short, for a first attempt, success could be measured by 15 transactions, gross income totaling $1,260 in two days of the three day event. The net to artists was $895. In addition, artists received commissions for their work as well as referrals, along with new students as a direct result of being in the HCA Members Tent.
The concept will most definitely continue with the following upcoming event: HighlandsArt League Art & Craft Show - November 3.
 HCA is grateful to Ms. Jodi Mast, Asst. Store Manager at Lowe's in Sebring for donation of materials, as well as all who participated in putting the tent up and taking it down again.
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HCA Lake Wales Project ScoopCopestylum barei, Rairly Seen, but Beautifully Captured on Film by Melissa Platt |
Melissa Platt, a HCA photographer working on the HCA Lake Wales Project photographed the above insect which alluded identification for quite awhile. In pursuit of Identifying the insect Bill Parkens from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWC) and FFWC liaison for the HCA project brought the image to the attention to Mark Deyrup, Invertebrate Scientist at Archbold and got this response: "What a great photo!! Is there any chance I could get permission to use it in power point presentations on pollination ecology? This fly is one of the hover flies (Family Syrphidae). Its name is Copestylum Barei. It is seldom seen because it is most active just before dawn. It is most common on flowers that open before dawn and usually fade before noon. Examples are Chapmannia Floridana, Commelina Erecta and (as in your photo)blue curls and Trichostema Dichotomum. I have also seen it on Calisia Ornata, but have no vouchers from that host. Like other members of its genus, C. Barei feeds on pollen as well as nectar, and it appears that your photo is showing this. Commelina Erecta, which has no nectar, is another host that shows the importance of pollen-feeding for this species. The larva probably feeds on decaying plant material. I think of this as a scrub/sandhill species in Florida."
HCA artists and photographers have been working on an artistic study of the endangered Lake Wales Ridge for the past year. The project will result in a fine art, educational exhibit that will travel the Florida library system next year. It has been endorsed by the Sierra Club of Florida and the Nature Conservancy. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more about the project and see the quality of the work click: www.heartlandculturalalliance.org/LWRP.html. |
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The Art Van
by Art Lefkowitz |
 | | James Ward and his custom van |
If you see a multi-colored van with trees and three foot parrots shown on it, you are looking at James Ward's van. The Dodge Ram C/V was purchase new in May 2012 from Wells Motor Co. in Avon Park to transport James artwork to local and statewide venues and as a marketing tool. The advertising component was achieved by having his van wrapped by GPI Signs in AvonPark. The wrap design was created by using specific components of one of James vibrant abstract paintings and includes his contact information. The design process took two weeks to complete and the wrap process took 3 ½ days. The van is a moving advertisement that receives recognition wherever it goes.
James is one of Highland's County most skilled artist and sculptors. He is a multi-media artist and paints on just about anything, including, wood, ceramic, rock palm fronds, and yes canvas too. James doesn't limit himself to just paint; he is equally skillful with ink, chalkand pencil, sometimes combing these different media in the same painting.
Slim, 66 year old former marine is a self-taught artist. James often works on several projects at once. While he waits for a layer of paint to dry on one painting, he will put the finishing touches on a vase, totem pole or palm frond he started earlier in the day.
James' work can be seen in the HCA Gallery in the Kenilworth Lodge Sept./Oct. show, as well as Brewster's Coffee House in November. No matter what your taste in art is, you will surely like some form of work produced by this multi-talented artist. |
Sunny Serafino:
'Reaching the heart and soul of the reader'
by Larry Levey | Local author, HCA supporter, and frequent SNO attendee Sunny
Serafino has one memoir to her credit, along with a number of short stories, but her "real love," she says, "are novels, Christian novels about women, courageous women."
Her latest is "Finding Amy," which, in 2011, won two awards from the Florida Writer's Association's Royal Palm Literary Award, one in Woman's Fiction and one as Book of the Year (both then unpublished). Since turning author not that long ago, she has captured five awards. And this year "Finding Amy" was published by Double Edge Press, a Christian publishing company.
Once asked if an award makes a story or a book special, she captured the essence of every writer by saying, "Perhaps, but I like to think it was special because it reached the heart and soul of the reader; that there was something real, unique or compelling about the story and the characters which made it special."
"Finding Amy," she says, "is my best-written work, but I love them all. I grow with each book I write." She describes the book as the story of "a mother's search for her missing daughter that leads her on a chase through three states, sinister characters and false leads before finding the truth and a surprising love.
"The book was a true labor of love and was, in part, based on fact. I loved the story, the characters, the outcomes, even though at the start of the book I never expected the end that came about. The book took more time than any of my other novels, with a lot more research to be done with this book. Not that I'm complaining. I love researching because it's kind of like going back to school. You learn so much more than you ever need to."
How does she come up with her ideas? "It's my 'what-if' syndrome. Something comes to my attention and I'll say, 'What if that happened to me? How would I handle it? What would be important?' And that's
how I begin."
For "Finding Amy," Sunny says, "Something triggered me to the subject of children who run away. I didn't want someone who becomes a street person. I wanted a confused, only child who never knew her father and who wanted to express herself. She had just graduated high school, was a talented artist and planned on going to art school. She originally intended to come back home ... but circumstances change."
Listen to Sunny and you get the impression she began life as an avid reader and writer. "I read even before starting school; and in school I'd often get extra credit for doing writing projects. Later, when I was working as a secretary, my bosses would tell me to go ahead and write their letters for them."
But it was not until she retired and married Lenny (also a writer), could she find time to pursue her passion for fiction. "I try to write every day, with each novel, on the average, taking me eight or nine months to complete."
"Finding Amy" is available through doubleedgepress.com; amazon.com; barnesandnoble.com; and kindle. |
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20th. Birthday of the Caladium Co-op
& Dr. Melville Dewey In His Own Words
A Video Debut, By Lee Ann Hinskey |
 | | Melville Dewey |
From 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2 the public is invited to celebrate the 20th Birthday Gala of the Caladium Arts & Crafts Cooperative, at 132 E. Interlake Blvd. in Lake Placid. To honor this special occasion, the Lake Placid Historical Society has chosen to debut the movie of famed Lake Placid resident Melville Dewey's life, "Dr. Melville Dewey in His Own Words." Refreshments will be served.
The Caladium Arts & Crafts Cooperative has been at 132 E. Interlake Blvd. in Lake Placid for the past 20 years. The 10,000-square-foot store was previously a grocery store, a 5 & 10, and a few other businesses over the years before the co-op moved in. The large building was perfect to showcase hundreds of artists and crafters works.
Especially exciting was the fact this building had a large back room that they could turn into a classroom to teach various mediums of art.
Twenty years later, the Caladium Arts & Crafts Co-Op has had hundreds of our local artists as members, many of them sharing their talents as teachers, exposed thousands of our community's children to various art mediums, and hosted many community events in the extra large classroom. |
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HCA Today Sponsor
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The Big Blank Canvas |
To coincide with the Centennial, the Hahn Group is planning a huge 40 ft mural
 | | James Hahn & "blank canvas". |
on the corner of Magnolia & S. Ridgewood. Sponsors are stepping up to help make a sweeping artwork appear on a warehouse wall, which is currently a "blank canvas". The owners of the warehouse & neighboring business, Eldridge Carpet One, spoke in length with
Hugh Liddle, art agent for James R. Hahn Productions. "Mike Carr and his wife, Katie, were very open to the idea, and had considered having something artistic added to their big wall that's just off the Circle," Hugh says. The Centennial-themed mural will adorn the west-facing wall of their warehouse. Hugh adds "Katie has a strong background in design and is excited about adding to the creative landscape of Sebring by helping to spearhead the Hahn mural."
One of the first sponsors to step up to support the Centennial mural is ESSENTIAL DEPOT. This company that sells and distributes essential oils and soap-making chemicals and herbs, has its headquarters in Sebring. Owners Derek Hodges and his wife Kim recently commissioned the Hahn's to create an 18 ft custom mural for their Wine Soap Bar on Hwy 27.
Hahn's vision for the wall includes a few icons you would expect, a vignette featuring race cars seemingly streaming from the wall, buildings well-known in the area, and a general look to the artwork that is an ode to the heyday of Floridapostcards. Oranges that seem to pop out of the mural and a sea plane coming in for a landing, are just a few of the elements that will cause passersby to slow down, park and as Hahn says "hopefully stay a while and enjoy this lovely gem-of-a-town." Hahn also plans on a "live painting" exhibition during the Centennial Celebration festivities. Updates and sponsorship opportunity information can be found by visiting jamesrhahn.com.
Florida native artist, James R. Hahn has been in demand,providing eye-catching murals for businesses in Sebring since his company decided to expand its galleries there. Champion for Children Foundation chose Hahn to help revitalize and re-imagine its Circle Theatre, and now enjoys a new Art Nouveau marquee that Hahn created and facilitated. Kathy's consignment Boutique on South Commerce has a brand new "fool-the-eye" mural that looks like a large window with mannequins outfitted in fashions from current to past decades.
James and Kay Hahn are preparing to launch a new high end art gallery in Sebring. More information will be forthcoming. This is further evidence of Highlands County gaining traction in becoming an art & cultural destination. |
Millie Richmond: helping children deal with loss by Larry Levey | 
Hildy, a nine-year-old, is losing her hearing, a fact she tries to hide from her friends (including her "most best friend," ) classmates, teachers and family. With the help she finally gets, "... she's ready to take on even the class bully." Another child, this one a young boy, is also trying to deal with loss - the death of his father. "How am I supposed to be feeling?" he seems to be asking.
Loss: of hearing, loss of a loved one, both through the eyes of a child: This is the world explored by local author and HCA member and SNO attendee Millie Richmond in her two books. The first, published in 2010, is called, "Hildy." The second, published earlier this year, is, "Daddy's Gone."
While these books are written for children, Richmond, who recently retired as a teacher after 41 years as an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist, points out both books have a message for adults: "to get them to look at things through a child's eyes."
"In 'Hildy,' says Richmond, "adults didn't pick up on her hearing loss until things reached a dramatic point. 'Daddy's Gone,' is about how only too often, a child is told how he should feel. This book shows how he does feel."
Richmond also talks about how her early experiences contributed to the writing of these two books. "I had hearing loss after college, but surgery and hearing aids helped a lot. And because I was older, I didn't have to go through any bullying. But things happened to me I could make into a situation in the book.
"My dad died when I was in high school. That planted a seed. I never forgot how I felt. Those feelings became part of 'Daddy's Gone.' My hope is it will help little kids who have to deal with the loss of a loved one. The intent of the book is to empower kids so that they be allowed to feel whatever they want to feel. The role of the adult is to help support their feelings and help them deal with the loss. A lot of kids don't know how to ask for help. They just keep it inside."
She's just completed another manuscript -- with the working title of "Papa's Promise" -- for middle-graders . "I'm now trying to locate an agent to take it on and find a publisher. It's the story of my grandmother emigrating from
While retired from teaching, Millie's not retired from writing. "I now have three things going at the same time: two picture books and a sequel to 'Hildy.' I've gotten a lot of feedback from kids saying, 'Please write another 'Hildy' book." The sequel is Russia with her two small daughters in the early 1900s. The story is told through the eyes of one of the daughters."
Richmond loves writing. "I like playing with words, trying to say something in a way that's never been said before. There aren't any new stories, just unlimited ways of telling those stories."
She also talks about the writing help her husband gives her. "I bounce ideas off Bill and he makes sure I stay focused. He's my in-house editor."
Commenting on E-Books, like Kindle or Nook, Richmond says, "They have their place and they're not going away. But you don't have to give up the old-style books or the E-books. You can have them both."
But, she says with a smile, "There's nothing like curling up on the couch with one of my granddaughters ... and a delicious book!"
"Hildy" and "Daddy's Gone" are available on amazon.com and barnes&noble.com. Richmondcan be reached at richmondmil@aol.com. |
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Art in the Heartland 2013 Calendar |  Art in the Heartland is a partnership arrangement between Bernie Preblick and Loretta DeWitt, co-owners of Preblick Publishing Company and Sarah Pallone of Habitat For Humanity.
This calendar showcases artwork from numerous HighlandsCountyartists and features Max Gooding's view of Downtown Sebring on the cover. The calendar is large; 12" x 24" when opened. The retail value of a comparable calendar is about $20. The calendar will be published in early October and priced at $12.00. 50% of the net proceeds will benefit Highlands County Habitat's ReStore Repair Fund. This 2013 calendar is being pre-sold at the price of just $10 (including tax) to raise some of the funds needed to make the necessary repairs to the ReStore so that it can continue to operate at its present location.
You can e-mail Preblick Publishing letting them know you want to purchase a calendar or calendars at the pre-sale price. They will email or mail you a receipt that you can use to pick up your calendar once it's published at any of the four listed locations: Habitat for Humanity, N. Ridgewood Ave., Frames and Images, Circle & N. Ridgewood Ave., Sebring Chamber Of Commerce, Circle Park Drive, Gilbert Drugs, Lakeview Drive. |
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HCA Donations
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New Members |
Cindy Barber, Artist
Ann Weekley, Supporter
Melissa Platt, Photographer
Martin Fisher, Photographer
Julie Howlett, Photographer, Video |
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Send letters to info@heartlandculturalalliance.org. All letters for publication must be identified with the writer's name.
Recent Letters
That was quite an article in the Highlands Today. Amazing what one person can accomplish when they are right. CONGRATULATIONS!!! It will be interesting to see what happens now. If the heads in beds can be relaxed then no telling what tourism could be encouraged to visit Highlands County. Thanks for all you do. Harriett Porter, President Lake Placid Mural Society
FINALLY!!! BRAVO!! ENCORE!!!!
It's the sort of fantastic news we need so desperately in this age of govn't abuse at every level. KUDOS to you Fred for choosing this campaign and staying in the fight all these years.... Steve Jones
Hi Fred ... really looks like your fight paid off in the long run. So glad the funding is beginning to flow in the right direction. We're going to turn this place around one way or another. James Hahn
Good JOB Fred......keep up the good work! Thanks, Patsy Cross
Dear Fred,
What wonderful news! I read the article in the News-Sun... Fred. Your time and energy have really paid-off!
Sincerely, Terry Daisey, 1st VP Lake Placid Art League
Dear Caleb (AKA Fred): If YOU had not begun this battle - none of this would have come to pass. Thank you. Marjorie O'Meara
And a BIG thank you to you, Fred. Your work, your concern, and your keeping us informed. Anita Martinec
Sir:
I really am pleased with all you are doing for arts in Highlands County..... Thank you very much, and keep up the most excellent representation you are doing. Yours truly, Judith Hinkle, Sebring
HCA,
The above is a sampling of the support I have received. The gains we made would not have happened if you did not stand up to be counted. The kudos belongs to you. I do not get paid for what I do. It is you, the membership that keep the fire in my belly burning.
For this I thank you. Fred Leavitt |
| 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
Gallery opening and artist reception
at the Heartland Cultural Alliance Art & Music Gallery in the Kenilworth Lodge.
In an exhibit curated by Joseph Anthony, HighlandsCounty artists will be showing new and classic work in a variety of styles and medium. One original oil on wood painting by Florida Master Artist Peter Powell Roberts will be exhibited and available for sale. Three new full size Giclee prints on canvas of his work will also be on exhibit.
Hand made jewelry by Lee Ann Hinskey available only at the artist's reception.
Classical guitar by Kenny Summers, wine & edible
Artist's reception Thursday, September 20, from 6 - 8 PM, Kenilworth Lodge, Lakeview Drive at Kenilworth Blvd. Sebring. Free.
For information contact: Fred Leavitt (863) 402 8238,
Email
SFSC Museum of Florida Art and Culture
Season Schedule
2012-13
EXHIBITIONS
Reflections from an Artistic Marriage: Watercolors, Oils, and Batiks
Phil Fisher and Natalie Guess
December 5 - January 19
Journey Stories: Paintings by Owen Jolly
Journey Stories
from Highlands County
January 23 - February 28
Sand and Sea: John Bunker and Rick Crawford
Tools from the Earth: Shell tools by Terry Powell
March 6 - April 11
Alligators: Dragons in Paradise
April 17 - May 3
Cracker Cowboy Collection
SFCC Student Art Exhibition
Ongoing
Wildflower Wayside Shrine Trail
Museum Hours: Wednesday - Friday, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., beginning October 10. The museum is open one hour before each Artist and Matinee series performance.
SFCC Performing Arts Center presents
NUNSET BOULEVARD (Saturday, Dec. 1) - Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show is the latest installment of Dan Goggin's Nunsense franchise. Television icon Cindy Williams (Laverne & Shirley) will head the cast as Mother Superior. The hilarious plot unravels as the Sisters of Hoboken are thrilled when they are invited to sing at the Hollywood Bowl, only to realize it is the Hollywood Bowl-A-Rama bowling alley.
NEWYORK TENORS "CHRISTMAS" (Monday, Dec. 10) - The New York Tenors combines the artistry of three men who alone are superb, but together present an awesome showcase with renditions of Broadway, pop, holiday and more. Celebrate the season with Andy Cooney, Daniel Rodriguez, and Michael Amante. They are accompanied by a 12-piece orchestra.
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 any of the 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.
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
Brewster's Spotlight
Brewster's Spotlight is now regularly the third Sunday of every month Sept 16th (encore show)and Oct 21st (new art) are the next two.
Scribblers & Scribes
First Wednesday of every month at Beef O'Brady's
Meeting at 7 pm
Come one hour early for dinner.
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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