ARTS AND CULTURAL Events ~ CCIRC Performances & Events
Riverside Theatre offers Winterfest on December 1–3
Winterfest is the rebranded, signature fundraising event for Riverside Theatre’s educational programs, formally known as Festival of Trees. Considered Vero Beach’s premier holiday event, this festival transforms Riverside’s campus into a holiday wonderland filled with beautifully decorated trees, centerpieces, wreaths, vendor booths, arts and crafts, live performances, Santa’s Village, and even an “ice” skating rink!
Live Performances For Kids
Riverside Theatre offers Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.
December 1-3 On the Stark Stage, 60-Minute Version
Fully staged production performed by Riverside’s theatre education students. December 2
Disney’s The Lion King Jr
Staged Concert 60-Minute Production
Disney’s Aladdin
Staged Concert 30-Minute Production
Winterfest After Dark
December 1 & 2. Enjoy Riverside’s campus at night as it is illuminated into holiday decorated areas, live performances, cocktail bars food and activities for kids in Santa’s Village!
Rock n’ Holiday Concert included with your Winterfest pass. Bring your lawn chairs or sit at a table under the Oak trees. Casual dining & drink specials available for purchase. Live music 5:30pm-9pm.
Dec 1: Rocket City will perform top 40 dance radio hits and holiday songs.
Dec 2: Johnny Nick’s Band will perform American Bandstand hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s, plus rock n’ Christmas tunes
Comedy Zone/Winterfest Ticket $40: 6pm or 8pm Showtime(Includes: Winterfest Pass. Arrive anytime the day of your Comedy Zone show and enjoy Riverside’s campus as it is transformed into a holiday wonderland)
Sunrise Theatre presents Treasure Coast Youth Ballet Present: The Nutcracker On December 1, pm and The Prophecy Show The Music Of Trans ~ Siberian Orchestra on December 7, 7:30 pm.
http://www.sunrisetheatre.com/events
In December 2023 and January 2024 Gallery 14 Presents
A Lifetime of Exploration: Paintings by Barbara Krupp
Journey Through the Decades: Time Capsules by Paul Solovay
On view December 1 – January 26 at 1911 14th Avenue in Vero Beach.
Opening Receptions on Friday December 1, 5-8pm and Friday January 5, 5-8pm. Gallery 14 is proud to present a two month dual special exhibit featuring work by abstract expressionist Barbara Krupp and photographer/assemblagist Paul Solovay
Barbara Krupp, living in both Ohio and Vero Beach, has exhibited nationally and internationally in galleries and museums and her work can be found in many private collections, including the University of Tampa, who purchased fifty three of her paintings. Originally trained as an x-ray technician, she likes to quote T.S. Eliot, “I have seen the skull beneath the skin.” The structure of the painting is very important to her, as she allows the bones of the painting – both computationally and metaphorically, become the painting’s subject matter.
Paul Solovay, living in both Upstate New York and Vero Beach, spent nearly thirty years as a top creative talent in advertising, creating many award-winning commercials. His Pepsi commercial “Bringing Home Baby” is in the Smithsonian Museum and the Broadcast Museum in NYC. His ‘Active Camera’ photographs translate musical sound waves into light waves, capturing the high energy of performance. His new series “Time Capsules of the 20th Century” feature multi-media assemblages with sound tracks and ephemera through the decades.
Also featured: Gallery 14 artist-owners: Lila Blakeslee, Barbara du Pont, Barbara Landry, Mary Ann Hall, Jessica Leto, Deborah Polackwich, Dorothy Napp Schindel, and Evan Schwarze. Also shown will be work by represented artists Walford Campbell, Melanie Denison, Joan Earnhart, Terry Green, Viola Pace Knudsen, Mia Lindberg, Francis Mesaros, Michael Robinson, Carol Staub and Jo Zaza.
Discover the Remarkable Paintings and Extraordinary Conversations that Formed Common Ground Among Uncommon People in the special exhibition
Kindred Spirits: Paintings & Letters from the Kiplinger Family Collection
On view through January 7. Opening Reception December 1, 6 – 8pm.
The A.E. Backus Museum is pleased to present an important exhibition that explores the close friendship between artist “Bean” Backus and publishing magnate “Kip” Kiplinger.
W. M. Kiplinger (1891-1967), a famed Washington journalist with a home on Sewall’s Point, discovered the art of A. E. Backus and the two became friends in the 1950s. Despite great differences in their lifestyles, the two shared a charitable mind-set when it came to support for the community. Kiplinger found Backus to be a close counterpart in many ways. He also admired Backus’ work and commissioned a number of significant paintings by the artist included in the exhibition. One of the important works he commissioned is a nearly 9-foot long, mural-sized painting of the St. Lucie River from his Sewall’s Point estate. The view from the estate, Bay Tree Lodge, was perfect for and certainly destined to become a Backus painting. When Martin County built its first library on land that Kiplinger donated to the community, he also donated the Backus mural-sized painting to the library. The painting, which is kept at its permanent home at the Blake Library in Stuart, will be part of the Kindred Spirits exhibition. This will give Backus Museum visitors the opportunity to appreciate the painting up-close for the first time since 1999, as it will be installed at eye-level for ideal viewing.
Kiplinger, who was also a tireless letter writer, corresponded with his friend “Bean” as well as with other artists he met at the Backus Studio, including a surprisingly candid exchange with Alfred Hair (1941-1970). Kiplinger provided encouragement to Hair, a talented young artist who would go on to become famous in his own right as one of the original Florida Highwaymen. Kindred Spirits is the first public showing of selected works from the Kiplinger Family Collection including rare letters like the one to Hair. Paintings on view from the collection include works by Al Black, Walter Cole, Willie Daniels, James F. Hutchinson, Kevin Hutchinson, Therese Knowles, Roy McLendon, Harold Newton, and Sam Newton.
To continue the legacy of both Kiplinger and Backus, the Kiplinger family has endowed a space in the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery to be known henceforth as The Kiplinger Gallery.
Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Sebastian River Art Club’s Gallery
December 1, 5:30 – 8:30pm and December 2, 10am – 3pm
- Free Photo Booth with Props for both children and adults.
- Light Refreshments
- Children’s Raffle Baskets
Shop Unique Gifts created by Local Artists, Signed, original artworks all priced under $100.00, Special section of “Mini-Masterpieces” (100% of sales from this section benefit the local Ecumenical Food Council.) Proceeds from certain sales items also benefit our SRAC Scholarship Fund.
Bake Sale: Proceeds from the Bake Sale go to the local Ecumenical Food Council as well as to the Sebastian River Art Club’s Scholarship Fund.
Sebastian River Art Center, 1245 Main Street in Sebastian
Writers Window Pane on December 1, 10am. Vero Beach Main Library, 1600 21st Street
Indian River Clay Holiday Sale
December 2, 10am – 1pm
Indian River Clay’s members will be selling beautiful pieces of handcrafted pottery. There also will be a silent auction and a raffle that will benefit the studio’s Capital Campaign. Come browse and buy a one-of-a-kind piece of art!
The Gifford Youth Orchestra End of the Year Recital & Holiday Gathering
December 2, 1pm
Gifford Community Center, 4855 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach
Vero Beach Rotary Club presents Christmas Parade on December 2, 6 -7pm.
Location Details: Beachside Ocean Dr., Vero Beach
The 1st Annual Rotary Kids Triathlon will be held on Saturday, December 2 – a fun and safe, short course, swim-bike-run event for elementary and middle school kids between the ages of 6-13. This exciting youth-focused event is taking place at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex/Gifford Aquatic Center in Vero Beach. To Register Online and for detailed information, go to: KidsTriathlonVeroBeach.com
Holidays at the VBMA Event, December 3, 1 -4pm
Inspired by the exhibition M.C. Escher: Infinite Variations, offering all visitors an admission-free cultural day of activities. Visitors will enjoy free admission to the current exhibitions with docents in the galleries offering clues to an Art Hunt and other fun gallery games themed around artworks on display. The studios will allow creative minds to make festive decorations and ornaments, and free live school/student music and dance performances will take place in Holmes Great Hall, Laura and Bill Buck Atrium, and Leonhardt Auditorium. Additionally, NEW this year will be high-flying acrobatics shows from Cirque Adventure! The McCandless family will be onsite to perform gravity-defying tricks and illusions infused with holiday flair.
2023 Studio activities include: Easy Easel Painting with Camy DeMario; M.C. Escher inspired 3D ornaments with Stephanie Lovallo; Printmaking with Sophia Strazinksy; Create your own mesmerizing 3D Escher scene with Pearl Lau.
2023 Entertainment includes: Vero Classical Ballet, Fellsmere’s Musical Mustangs, Osceola Magnet Singers, Vero Beach Karate, and Glendale Elementary Choir. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be available for purchase from The Dignity Food Truck and Treasure Coast Girls Coalition.
VBMA Babies and Toddlers
December 5, 9:30am. Museum Babies and Museum Toddlers take place in the museum’s galleries and include an art activity
VBMA Museum Stories: 0-23 Month Olds December 6, 9:30 – 10:30am
VBMA Museum Stories for 2-4 Year Olds December 6, 10:30 – 11:30am
Indian River Clay Loot and Libations!
December 6, 6 – 8:30pm
Melbourne Municipal Band
Jingle Bells Forever
December 6 & 7, 7 -9pm
Free Event: Featuring Staci Rosbury, Conductor. It’s that time of year when the MMB plays all of your holiday favorites. We will pay homage to bells of all kinds, Christmas trees, snow, glad tidings and more. We may have palm trees and balmy weather outside, but there will definitely be a Sleigh Ride happening in the Melbourne Auditorium! We will collect non-perishable food items for the Sharing Center. Pre-show Entertainment: Flute Choir
Swingtime Dance: Winter Wonderland Waltzes and More!
December 8, 7 -10pm
Featuring Kurt Schulenburg, Conductor. Naughty or Nice? Don’t think twice! Swingtime brings the best of Big Band Holiday music from the 1920’s thru the 2020’s! Dance the night away – it might just get you on the Good List. Please, no outside alcoholic beverages in the auditorium. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks may be purchased at the Bistro in the auditorium.
Silver Tones Holiday Concert
December 7, 10am & 6pm
Senior Resource Association presents the Silver Tones choral concert “Let’s Celebrate the Holidays.” The lively group of seniors, under the direction of Dr. Jacob Craig, continues a tradition of bringing holiday joy and cheer to the community. The concert is free of charge, but donations are always welcome. First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd. in Vero Beach
America The Beautiful exhibit plus a lecture with photographer Clyde Butcher on a Pelican Island Audubon van excursion. On view thorough January 11
Join Pelican Island Audubon for a lecture with acclaimed photographer Clyde Butcher, organized in conjunction with his exhibition “America: The Beautiful” on December 7. Pelican Island Audubon Society offers an excursion in our new passenger van to the The Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines for a lecture by Clyde Butcher on the opening of his new exhibit, America the Beautiful: The Monumental Landscapes of Clyde Butcher at The Frank Art Gallery & Exhibit Hall in Pembroke Pines.
In this photographic exhibit, whose content stretches from the Redwood forests of California to the Everglade swamps of Florida, Clyde has captured the essence of our natural spaces and treasured landscapes. His images document the changing environment, capturing what is there today and encouraging us to enjoy the beauty of wilderness. He raises awareness of our remote places and the species who live there, allowing us a serene adventure through his lens. Clyde’s images in this exhibition present the diverse places of wilderness and respite found throughout all of America and allow us to appreciate the beauty across our land.
WinterGreen Night Lights at Environmental Learning Center
December 7- 9, 5:30 – 8:30pm. December 14 – 16, 5:30 – 8:30pm
The Environmental Learning Center welcomes the holiday season with its signature event WinterGreen Night Lights on December 7 – 9 and December 14 – 16. This family-friendly celebration will take place from 5:30 – 8:30pm over six nights and feature unique entertainment each evening. Elite Christmas Lighting will have the campus illuminated with thousands of lights. Sponsors include Dyer Subaru and Gould Cooksey Fennell.
WinterGreen Night Lights has activities for all ages. Adults and children can experience the lighted mangrove tunnels by canoe as ELC paddlers take guests on a ride in the Indian River Lagoon. ELC will have an Earth-Friendly Market with vendors in the Lagoon Room for shopping. Everyone can explore the Discovery Station which features a Touch Tank and aquariums. “The Magic of Trees” group art show is on exhibit in the Tidal Gallery and the Lagoon Room and all artwork is for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the ELC. The Nature Nook Gift Shop will be open and has puzzles, stuffed animals, books, and gift certificates.
Merry Little Variety Show December 8 & 9, 7pm
Get into the holiday spirit with A Merry Little Variety Show, featuring a collection of family friendly music and comedy sketches. This intergenerational event will feature members of our church community AND some very special guests. There will also be warm drinks and sweet treats to get you into the holiday spirit.
First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach 520 Royal Palm Blvd in Vero Beach
Tinsel and Tidings: A Community Concert December 8 – 17
Join the Vero Beach Theatre Guild and the Vero Beach community for a holiday celebration! There will be music, dance, and festive holiday showcases featuring local organizations you know and love
Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County Intergenerational Recreation Center Exhibit Feathers, Fins And Furs. On view through December 13. Featured artists; Merana Cadorette, Mary Carter, Ella Chabot, Donna Franklin, Debby Hall, Evelyn Haught, John McAleer, Lauri Tagliaferro and Mariya Yankovich.
Vero Beach Art Club Gallery & Marketplace
Holiday Treasures
On exhibit through December 15 at 1903 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
The Galleries at First Pres offers Fall Art Show
On view through December 29. The work of three standout artists will be displayed in galleries throughout the church campus for the duration of the show. Visitors can enjoy the work of Tony Caruso, Karin Delagi and Joseph Wade.
ELC 2023-2024 Nature Inspired Art Series presents The Magic of Trees
The Magic of Trees is a group show with five artists; Judy Burgarella, Ella Chabot, Cynthia Colella, Scott Kelly, and Camy de Mario will be exhibiting tree-themed artwork. On view through December 29. Environmental Learning Center, 255 Live Oak Dr., Vero Beach
Deborah Gooch Memorial Retrospective
Center for Spiritual Care, On view through December 29.
1550 24th St, at the northeast corner of 16th Avenue and 24th St., in Vero Beach.
A memorial retrospective of forty paintings by Deborah Gooch, an influential artist and teacher who worked in Vero Beach for more than 30 years. Proceeds from sales of the paintings will go to fund a scholarship in her name granted by the Vero Beach Art Club.
VBMA presents The Infinite Variations: The Imaginative Worlds of M.C. Escher
On view through December 30. A consummate boundary-pusher and arguably the most famous printmaker of the modern era, Escher used his work to challenge perspectives, deftly exploring the relationships between art and science, reality and illusion, chaos and order, and logic and absurdity. Escher’s images pervade popular culture and fascinate audiences with their imaginative design, consummate draftsmanship, and dreamy visions.
J.M. Stringer Gallery presents “Captivating Inspirations” a Group Exhibition! On view through December 31
Art at The Emerson presents All Around the Town Exhibition on through January 3. Gallery hours: Monday – Friday from 10am – 3pm. For more information, please visit www.artattheemersoncenter.com
Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County On Exhibit Indian River County Administrative Complex, Bldg A & B, First & Second Floors. On view through January 10, 2024. Portraits/ The Artist’s Studio. Featured artist: Judy Burgarella, Julie Burns, Mary Carter, Evelyn Haugh, Pearl Lau, Eileen Lovre, John McAleer and Michelle Nevaeh.
Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County in conjunction with Mandy and Ray Hooker invite you to viewing at Indian River Distillery, 3308 Aviation Blvd. in Vero Beach. Exhibit Theme: “Old Florida”. Featured Artists: Judy Burgarella, Mary Carter, John McAleer, Gwen McNenney, Ena Raquer , Tara Rovani, Mark San Souci & Lauri Tagliaferro. On view through January 27.
Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County New Venue Vero Beach Outlets Mall Guest Services on exhibit All Things Vero! Featured Artists: Judy Burgarella, Julie Burns, Mary Carter, Evelyn Haugh, Pearl Lau, Eileen Lovre, John McAleer & Michelle Nevaeh. On view through January 27. 1824 94th Drive, Vero Beach (located beside Michael Kohrs).
Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County On Exhibit Indian River County Courthouse Solo Exhibit- Judy Burgarella Life and Still Life. On view through February 7.
Cultural Council of Indian River County is pleased to announce a new venue for Art in Public Places Program – Vero Beach City Hall, 1053 20th Place, Gallery Exhibits in Hallway & Council Chambers. “All Around The Town” on view through April 24 with works by Gwen McNenney on exhibit in the Hallway. Works by Barbara Krupp on view in the Council Chamber.
McKee Botanical Garden newest exhibition:
A Tropical Flock of Avian Avatars by The Myth Makers Donna Dodson & Andy Moerlein
On view through April 28. Featuring ten monumental and environmentally friendly bird sculptures created from bamboo and other mixed media.Each unique Avian Avatar in the Tropical Flock is made specifically for McKee. These majestic birds will grace McKee’s tropical landscape though April 28. The sculptures are designed to attract, captivate, and inspire the imaginations of all who encounter them.
Artists Guild Gallery is a fine-art gallery featuring original art by local artist-owners. Diverse styles and mediums are represented, and the art is changed, and rotated on a monthly basis. Classes are offered in oil, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, and drawing. Located: 1974 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 3pm, Saturdays 11 – 3
A Look Ahead:
Sunset Saturday Concert on Ocean Dr December 9, 5-8pm. Featuring a local band and VB Artist.
McKee Botanical Garden Festival of Lights
December 15 – December 17 December 19 – December 22 December 28 – December 30
6 – 8 pm nightly. Last admission at 7:30pm on each of these nights
The Garden’s majestic palms, exotic plants, trees, waterfalls, tranquil streams, and historic structures like the Hall of Giants and Spanish Kitchen will be illuminated with thousands of professionally installed LED lights, festive holiday decorations and lighted displays. Listen to local entertainment presented by the Imagine School South Vero Tangerine Ensemble, First Methodist Church Handbell Ensemble, and more. Enjoy intermittent snow flurries, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, outdoor classic holiday movies, and tasty treats from the Garden Café. By popular demand, the 1924 Wurlitzer Band Organ will be on display December 19 – December 22. The large-scale model train will be showcasing new features and will be on display from December 19 – December 22, and December 28 – December 30.
Indian River Guardian 