Athena Society Dinner
April 22, 2022
Vero Beach Museum of Art
Vero Beach
A record number of 150 guests attended the annual dinner, which is one of the highlights of the museum’s calendar. The Athena Society supports the enhancement of the Museum’s collection through the purchase of significant works of art. This year, five artworks were displayed for more than a week and during the cocktail hour for consideration. After a presentation by senior curator Anke Van Wagenberg, guests enjoyed lively conservation over dinner and ballots were collected. This year, for the first time, there was a tie. Fortunately, both artworks were acquired. The new acquisitions are: Daisy Youngblood [American, 1945] Gorilla, 1996, Bronze, AP 1 of 1, edition of 4, 37 x 39 x 49 inches, and Wu Chi-Tsung [Taiwan, 1981], Cyano-Collage 121, 2021, 141 3/4 inches [diameter].
FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
50th Anniversary Celebration
May 25, 2022
The Elliott Museum, Stuart
Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham
The invitation-only premiere event highlighted the organization’s first public exhibition of the Johnson-Sea-Link II submersible and its rich history. Attendees heard noteworthy remarks from John Kelly, president of Florida Atlantic University; Jim Sullivan, FAU Harbor Branch executive director; Shirley Pomponi, FAU Harbor Branch research professor; and Don Liberatore, a former chief submersible pilot.
Top Chef 2022
House of Hope
June 6, 2022
Stuart
Photos by Liz McKinley
More than 180 people gathered at the District Table & Bar for the Fourth Annual Top Chef Martin County competition. Competing for the top honor were : Donna Forcella, Katie Ertz, [subbing for her mom, Donna Jenson], Julian Maiucci, Pete Morello, Marybeth Pena, and Joe Tomasiello. These culinary experts who love food, enjoy cooking and are passionate about the mission of House of Hope, competed for bragging rights to be called the Top Chef of Martin County. Forcella was awarded Top Fundraiser, Pena won Best Dish and Katie Ertz was named Top Chef. Proceeds support programs that offer people nutritious food, clothing, financial assistance and life-changing case management.
Original Florida
Highwaymen Museum
July 8, 2022
Fort Pierce
Photos by Ellen Gillette
A happy hour and open house was held to introduce the Original Florida Highwaymen Museum to the community. A diverse gathering of local artists and civic leaders mingled with business owners and community members, enjoying refreshments and beverages while getting a sneak peak at the museum. The work of the Florida Highwaymen, whose 60-year legacy of paintings are still in great demand, has been called the last great American art movement of the 20th century.
Sept. 27, 2022
