Fred Leavitt believes art is serious business... and he wants the rest of us to think so, too.
 
And he should. As the President of the Heartland Cultural Alliance, Fred's job is to educate the public of the importance of the art and culture industry for business growth, academic achievement, health care and quality of life. The mission statement of the Alliance is: To serve as a catalyst for our community and cultural development in Highlands County. To serve as a collective voice and advocate for the arts and cultural organizations in the community.
 
To achieve this means, Fred recently contacted the Chamber with his campaign: to educate our community that local art means money for Highland's economy.  In his efforts, he will be placing a different ad each month in the Chamber newsletter, The Communicator, featuring data and statistics that support his proclamation.
 
"We've been in hiding for the past year or so," said Leavitt, "But now we're ready to come forward and let people know why they should support our local artisans - They bring revenue to our community; And," he continues, "we have the facts to prove it."
 
The Alliance, a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 2001, supports all mediums of art. Fred himself has been involved in the arts for most of his life in a diverse array of expression. Currently the founder, manager, and a player in the Primal Connection-a multi-cultural, world rhythm, percussion ensemble-- Leavitt knows how hard it can be for artists to gain entry into the market and sustain an income.
 
"It's incredibly difficult," Leavitt asserts, "because art is one of the first casualties in difficult economic times. However, it's exactly what needs to be supported because art attracts tourism and spurs business, and the money is exchanged right here in our community."
 
Take Bruce Rogers for example, who with his wife Joy, own Brewster's Coffee Shop in Sebring. A member and strong supporter of the Alliance, Bruce knows what it takes to sustain his business. Having suffered his fair share during the recession, and with the advent of an aggressive product competitor, he continues to look for ways to differentiate himself and brand his image. 

 

In his efforts, Bruce decided to allow various artists to display their artwork around his shop. Each wall of his coffee shop has an eclectic mix of visual art, including photographs, drawings, paintings, and architecture.
 

"The art has really attracted the interest of my customers," he says while carefully studying a piece. "Why not give them this available real estate on my walls?

 

"I definitely would say it has been good for business," he concludes.
 
In addition to the visual arts, Bruce hosts shows and gatherings by poets and writers, creative organizations, and musicians (who, he says, perform to standing-room only). 
 

Indeed, Fred Leavitt wants artists to have a means by which they can present their works to the public. Gallery Walk, most recently held on August 13, provides resident artisans with such a venue. Gallery Walk is held the second Friday of every month around the Downtown circle.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 August's "Gallery Walk"  took place from 5-8 pm at the "Yellow House" on August 13th, 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to School Safety Highlands County Schools are back in session and this is a good time to reinforce some safety tips for your children. First of all, please be sure your child knows his or her home phone number including area code, as well as their address, your work phone number and the number of another trusted adult in case you are unavailable.
 
If your child walks or rides a bike to school, help him or her choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and when possible utilize intersections with crossing guards. It is also recommended that you test the route with your child and remind him or her to stay out of remote locations. Also please teach your children to obey all traffic signals and make sure they walk or bike in groups when possible.
 
When car-pooling, drop off and pick up children as close to school as possible. Do not leave the area until the children have entered the school yard or building. Be sure that all persons in your vehicle, including yourself, are restrained property based on their location in the vehicle and their size and age. Failure to wear a seat belt contributes to more fatalities than any other single traffic safety related behavior, and by the way, the cost for a seatbelt violation in Highlands County is $99.00.
 
If your child rides a school bus, be sure he or she stays away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals them to enter. When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten giant steps away from the bus. Also please be aware of the street traffic around you and the bus. While drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, not everyone complies.
 
If your child is home alone for a few hours after school, set up rules for locking doors and windows, answering the door and telephone. Agree on rules for inviting friends over and for going to a friend's house when no adult is at home.
 
We hope you have a great school year. If you have any questions about school security or law enforcement issues at school please feel free to contact Sergeant John Barcinas, School Resource Supervisor at 402-7445 or 402-7200.