Arts & entertainment

Talent and creativity knows no age limit–because art calls to everyone. Now through September 30th, Vero Beach residents and visitors can see the work of newcomers to the art world during the annual Summer Art Show at The Galleries of First Pres, located on the campus of First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard.

The public is invited to stroll the three gallery spaces at First Presbyterian and view the work of 10 art students from the Sebastian River Art Club. All students are under the tutelage of Suze Lavender, Curator of The Galleries at First Pres, along with fellow art instructor, Sheila Lougheed. The Galleries at First Pres are open from noon to 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday and on Sunday mornings between church services. Admission is free and open to the community. For more information about the Summer 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 Netherlands-born painter, sculptor and printmaker, Frits Van Eeden. Lavender has been instructing art students at the Sebastian River Art Club (SRAC) for six years. She and artist-in-residence Sheila Lougheed teach a “Fix My Painting” class at SRAC on Thursdays — for any medium. The Summer Art Show at First Presbyterian of Vero Beach will run through September 30.

“Four times a year, we have the distinct honor of showcasing the work of outstanding local artists in our galleries,” said Ms. Lavender. “This summer’s show focuses on talented newcomers to the art world, many of whom display a startling ability far beyond their years with a brush.”

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 Summer 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 — The participating artists are all over 50 years of age and hail from Sebastian, Palm Bay and Vero Beach. Group members include:

Becky Anders

Marian Gremillot

Wil Prodell

Tana Nalley

Maria Neely

Patti Kaylor

Jack Wilkenfeld

Monica Griffey

Sally Digman

Lana McLeod

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.