ARTS AND CULTURAL Events ~ CCIRC Performances & Events
McKee Botanical Garden Festival of Lights 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.
Writers Window Pane on December 22, 10am. Vero Beach Main Library, 1600 21st Street
The Vero Beach Film Festival with the Vero Beach Theatre Guild presents Holiday Movie Night with special showings of festive family favorites.
Holiday Movie Night – “Elf” on December 23, 2 – 4:30pm.
Will Ferrell stars in the beloved “Elf”, Admission is Free.
Holiday Movie Night – 1947 Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street” on December 23, 5:30 – 7:30pm.
Historic House Tours Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation December 26, 1 – 5pm. Mueller Campus of IRSC, 6155 College Lane in Vero Beach. The Jackson’s home was constructed around 1910 when the region was a wilderness. It is a good example of Florida’s historic “cracker” style of vernacular architecture with the deep porches and large windows for cross-ventilation. The center portion of the home, made of Florida pine, is the oldest part of the house and is distinctive in its simplicity. The Jacksons added the North bedroom and bathroom and installed indoor plumbing. Until 1989, Laura lived in her home without electricity using kerosene for heat and light and propane to cook.
After her death in 1991, a group of concerned individuals created the non-profit Laura (Riding) Jackson Home Preservation Foundation to save the home as a focal point for the study of literature, history, architecture and the environment.
The Jackson home was first moved on August 9, 1994 to the Environmental Learning Center, and again on July 14, 2019 to Indian River State College’s Mueller Campus. Ongoing preservation of the home is a major goal of the Foundation. The home is open for public tours. The home is registered as a Friends of the Library USA National Literary Landmark and is listed on the Florida Literary Map.
Sunrise Theatre presents Cinderella on December 27, 7pm
http://www.sunrisetheatre.com/events
VBMA Museum Stories: 0-23 Month Olds December 27, 9:30 – 10:30am
VBMA Museum Stories for 2-4 Year Olds December 27, 10:30 – 11:30am
Riverside Theatre Live in the Loop Come Party with us at our British Invasion on December 29 The Johnny Nicks Band will be playing all your favorite hits from The Beatles and Rolling Stones! Plus some other exciting unforgettable musical memories from British Invasion music past that we all know and love!”
Goodbye 2023 Live Music Party! On December 30. Dress up in your favorite 60s and 70s outfits (optional)!
GOODBYE 2023, HELLO 2024 Pre-New Year’s Eve Live Music Party! The band GenX covers some of the top 40 tunes of the 70s 80s 90s from: Journey, Pat Benatar, Heart, AC/DC, Alanis Morrisette, Fleetwood Mac, Tonic, Talking Heads, Bon Jovi, The Police, No Doubt, Lit, Don Henley, 3 Doors Down, Gin Blossoms, Lita Ford, Green Day and so many more artists!
Ballet Vero Beach announces the return of the full theatrical production of Nutcracker on the Indian River! December 30, 2 & 7pm. Performances include venues in both Indian River and Palm Beach counties and the return of Nutcracker For All, a subsidized abbreviated Accessible/Family Friendly Series production, December 29, 7:30pm.
Nutcracker on the Indian River retains all the whimsy and magic of the original ballet but moves the action to the year Vero was founded (1919). Taking the ballet’s heroine, Marie, on a holiday journey from New York to Florida, Fifth Avenue Mansions, Grand Central Station, and rail cars become settings. Instead of a second act featuring candy characters, Marie dreams of the shores of the Indian River Lagoon and is entertained by all manner of local flora and fauna. From land crabs to manatees and river otters to bougainvillea, our production has become an instant classic that takes all the magic of the stage and uses that magic to both entertain and inspire. This year’s production features over twenty professional dancers and over seventy-five local student dancers, including young people representing Sebastian Elementary School, our area’s Elementary School for the Arts. The Palm Beach Gardens performance will feature students from the prestigious Benjamin School. This year’s performances also include spectacular new scenery for Grand Central Station and new special effects (including a growing Christmas tree!)
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
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 through January 26 at 1911 14th Avenue in Vero Beach.
Opening Receptions on 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. 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.
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.
America The Beautiful exhibit plus a lecture with photographer Clyde Butcher on a Pelican Island Audubon van excursion. On view through January 11
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.
Artists Choice: Variety, The Spice Of Life On view through January 21, 2024
The VBMA collaborates with Cultural Council of IRC/Art In Public Places to present the 3rd annual art exhibition in the Patten Community Gallery. In response to the Cultural Council’s call to artists a collection of work has been curated to reflect member’s wide variety of talent through perspective, use of materials and style. Cultural Council of IRC Member Exhibit:
Judy Burgarella, Andy Burnam, Merana Cadorette, Tony Caruso, Ella Chabot, Diana Farace, Elise Geary, Janet Grossarth, Rene Guerin, Gail Lois Jaffe, Marzia Kennedy, Barbara Landry, Lisa Lugo, Joshua McMiller, Janvier Miller, Gustav Miller, Tara Ravoni, Mark San Souci, Dorothy Napp Schindel, Yvonne Steere, Lauri Tagliaferro & Mark Wygonik
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.
Vero Beach Art Club Gallery & Marketplace Big Bold & Beautiful
On view through February 9. Artwork is available for purchase at all exhibiting shows. 1903 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County Intergenerational Recreation Center Exhibit Big, Bold & Abstract, On view through March 6. Featured Artists: Mary Carter, Tony Caruso, Allie Comer, Diana Farce, Patricia Forelle & Wendy Ryles.
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:
Riverside Theatre presents Jersey Boys January 2 – 28.
Vero Beach Opera presents Don Giovanni on January 7, 3pm.
Mozart’s Don Giovanni is an arrogant and promiscuous nobleman, who abuses and outrages everyone until he encounters something supernatural that he can’t outwit or destroy. Fully staged in Italian with English supertitles, with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. VBHS Performing Arts Center
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents The Best of Country Music on January 7 at 3pm.
Indian River Guardian 