arts & entertainment

If the days are delightfully cool, it can only mean one thing: It’s time for the annual Winter Art Show at The Galleries of First Pres! On Sunday, January 28, the public is invited to an opening reception from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach, for the Winter Art Show at First Presbyterian Church, which will run through March 31. The work of three standout artists will be displayed in galleries throughout the church campus for the duration of the show. Visitors can enjoy free refreshments as they peruse the work of Evelyna Helmer, Maciek von Ato and Bertelle Brooking. For more information about the Winter Art Show, visit www.FirstPresVero.org or call (772) 562-9088.       

Suze Lavender curates the rotating collection at The Galleries at First Pres and is herself an artist, having studied under the prolific Netherlands-born painter, sculptor and printmaker, Frits Van Eeden.

“We are delighted to once again showcase the talents of three artists during our Winter Art Show,” said Ms. Lavender. “Winter visitors to Vero Beach as well as our full-time residents always appreciate the art installations at First Presbyterian. At the reception, art lovers can meet each artist and view their very diverse work.”

The Galleries at First Presbyterian feature a wide variety of works by local artists, on rotation throughout the year. The Galleries are located on the campus of First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach. They are open for viewing from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday and on Sunday mornings between church services. Admission is free and open to the community.

The Winter Art Show is just one of many events sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, known for its musical and artistic outreach to the Central Florida community. For a list of upcoming concerts or for more information about First Presbyterian of Vero Beach, visit www.FirstPresVero.org.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS —

Evelyna Helmer

The paintings of Chicago-born, Sydney-based artist Evelyna Helmer emphasize the power of nostalgia and the allure of mystery. Often intentionally elliptical, Helmer’s seemingly quiet objects are charged with an emotional and psychological valency. Helmer’s works are somewhat Hopper-esque in their cinematic suspension of moments in time. The familiar depictions evoke visions of comfort and, at times, an unnerving childhood whilst dismantling the barrier between reality and illusion. Evelyna Helmer presents objects commonly taken for granted as treasures she has unearthed from early memories, thus encouraging the viewer to engage in a sensitive interaction with visual consciousness and presentation. Evelyna Helmer’s artwork owes perceptible debts to Thiebaud, Morandi, and Celmins’ work.

Maciek von Ato — From a very early age, Maciek von Ato loved to draw and his creativity led him to seek a future in graphic design, a revered art form in Poland, where he was born. His dreams came true when he began studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, receiving a Master’s Degree in Graphic Design and Painting. He soon was showing his art throughout Western Europe and later moved to Australia, continuing to paint as he founded a well-known graphic design firm. A decade later, Maciek longed for a more vibrant lifestyle and arrived in the U.S., where, for 18 years, he established himself as a successful painter/sculptor/designer on the East Coast. Five years ago, he decided to move to a warmer climate and settled in Vero Beach where he is continuing his creative journey. Although versatile in all media, he prefers to paint in oil and gouache on canvas, paper, or wood. His work has been featured in galleries, museums and publications, and found in private collections throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States.

Bertelle Brooking — Using artistic expression since childhood to express and explore an inner self, photography became a second language. Bertelle lives in Micco, Florida. Raised in Pennsylvania, she was the artsy one of thirteen children. 1975 she began summering in Boothbay Harbor, Maine surrounded by gorgeous landscapes and inspiring artists. Moved year round to Portland’s Old Port and then Cape Elizabeth’s, Kettle Cove. Awarded a state scholarship in 1989 pursued her dreams and passions for art at the University of Southern Maine’s BFA program, graduating Summa cum Laude, including studying Art History and Anthropology in Greece. 1998 accepted into a top graduate photography school, Rochester Institute of Technology, moved, worked and exhibited at The George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography and Film. Bertelle moved to Florida and joined Sebastian River Art Club in 2019. She was recently juried into the VBMA Show: Treasure Coast Creates: Tribute to Local Artists.

ABOUT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH– First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, founded in 1958, is a congregation of about 800 members with a vision for mission and ministry to represent the heart of the Reformed Tradition. The church serves Indian River County and beyond, covering worship and service to meet the needs of the community. It is located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach. For more information about First Presbyterian services or upcoming music or art-related events, contact the office at (772) 562-9088 or visit www.firstpresvero.org. Under the guidance of Dr. Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts, the music department consists of a Chancel Choir, Handbell Ensemble, and a comprehensive youth music program with Wind Ensemble, Choir, and Orchestra. The church is also home to The Galleries at First Pres, a collection of spaces throughout the campus dedicated to a rotating collection of curated art. First Presbyterian is also the home of the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums, PRIMO School of Performing Arts, and the Vero Beach Choral Society. For more information, visit www.FirstPresVero.org.