arts & entertainment

When autumn comes to the Treasure Coast, it surely means that First Presbyterian of Vero Beach is spotlighting a new art show. On Sunday, October 5^th from 1 PM until 3 PM, the public is invited to the opening of the annual Fall Art Show: Through Their Lens at The Galleries of First Pres, located on the church campus, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach. 

Local residents and visitors alike are welcome to stroll through two gallery spaces at First Presbyterian and view the curated work of photographers Robert McCall and Panol Vega. McCall’s exhibit will feature images from his upcoming book, “Glass Steel Electricity,” a look at the life of a glassblower, his work and his family. Devoted to fine art photography since 1979, Mr. McCall is a former U.S. Army photographer. Cuban-born Panol Vega studied theater and film in Russia, before furthering his studies at the New York Institute of Photography. His diverse portfolio includes international captures that span street photography, nature, portraits, architecture and landscapes. During the October 5 opening reception, McCall and Vega will be on hand to meet the public and answer questions about their work. Dr. Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach and a popular local pianist, will provide piano music during the reception. The show will run through December 31, 2025. 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 Fall Art Show: Through Their Lens, 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. She is proud to present the work of two outstanding photographers during the Fall Art Show: Through their Lens through December 31.

“Four times a year, we have the distinct honor of showcasing the work of outstanding local artists in our galleries,” said Ms. Lavender. “Our fall show focuses on two very talented photographers, each with work that conveys something important about the world they inhabit.”

Manuel Adrian Lopez is the Artist Coordinator for the Galleries at 1st Pres and has worked extensively with the photographers in preparation for the Fall Art Show: Through their Lens. 

“Photography is another form of poetry,” said Lopez. “And both of these artists are definitely poets in their own right.”

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 Fall Art Show: Through Their Lens 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.

Robert G. McCall Jr.

“Right now, all my photographic effort is focused on producing a book, themed on one particular image: “Glass Steel Electricity.” This is the first exhibit of the book concept. I took “Glass Steel Electricity” in 2015, and it is one of my favorite still life photographs. Ten years earlier (2005), I took glass artist Dick Huss making the piece. I have photos of Dick blowing glass from 1972, 1974 and 1980. I have photos of Dick with his daughter in 1972, and 1977. I have photos of Dick, with his three grandchildren. I have a series of fine art photographs of Dick’s marbles with orchids. A few will be on display in this show. Together, I have enough very interesting material to produce an excellent book covering a glass blower, his work and his family.

In this exhibit, I have three photographs that are tied together. One: ‘The Piece;’ Two: a photo of ‘The Piece’ being made; Three: a triptych of ‘The Piece’ being removed from the punty (a metal rod used for handling molten glass).”

From 1969 t0 1971 U. S. Army Photographer at Fort MacArthur, San Pedro, California.

From 1971 to 1975 Photographer and Graphic Design for Pandora Production, Environmental Graphic, Wayzata, MN

From 1975 to 1979 Free-lance photographer doing weddings and portraits.

From 1979 to present devoted all my photographic work to “Fine Art” Photography

Panol Vega

Panol Vega was born and raised in Remedios, Villa Clara, Cuba. From an early age, he developed a passion for theater, leading him to graduate as theater instructor. In 1986, his exceptional work earned him a scholarship to study Theater Direction at the Saint Petersburg State Theatre Academy in Russia, under the renowned Georgy Tovtonogov. After completing preparatory studies at Lomonosov University, he moved to Saint Petersburg. However, the tragic death of his professor prompted him to return to Moscow, where he shifted focus to film directing and photography.

As student at the Moscow Film Academy, he assisted in the filming of Quiet Flows the Don by Serguei Bondarchuck. The Perestroika period in 1992 saw him back in Cuba, completing his education at the University of Arts in Havana. Post-graduation, he served as a TV director at ICRT. In 1997, he emigrated to the United States, furthering his studies at the New York Institute of Photography. His photographic achievements include serving as director of photography for the short film “F”, showcased at the Cannes Festival Short Film Corner, Los Angeles Short Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, and Veracruz Extreme Film Festival (Jury Award).

His work has been featured in exhibitions like “A Play of Light, Color, and Shadow” at MoCCA and “Cruzando la Brecha: Artistas Cubanos de Ambas Orillas” at the Cervantes Institute in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His diverse photographic portfolio spans street photography, nature, portraits, architecture, landscapes, and nude-art with captures from Cuba, Russia, Sweden, Spain, and the United States.

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.