arts & entertainment

Nearly 30 of the most highly regarded painters and photographers in Vero Beach will join in a holiday group show Nov. 21-Dec. 24 at the Center for Spiritual Care in Vero Beach.  The Center is located at 1550 24^th St., two blocks north of the main public library.  The show will open with an artist’s reception to which the public is invited Friday, Nov. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.

            “This will be the fifth edition of this highly anticipated annual organized by Friends of Contemporary Art, called FOCA for short,” says Lori Ferrell, the Center’s director.  “It’s always one of our most popular exhibitions.”  

            FOCA is an organization of artists, curators, gallerists and collectors united by their passion for the art of the now, Ferrell said.  The year-end showing is a chance to see new trends on the walls of a local gallery – and, because of the smaller size of the works, to snare a unique holiday gift affordably.

            Many different styles and tendencies will be included in the show.  “Vero is fortunate to have so many talented professional artists call it home,” Ferrell said. “And FOCA has become a kind of clearing house for some of the best of them.”

            When asked why he joined FOCA five years ago, Tim Sanchez, a painter with an MFA from Long Island University, a 35-year career in art education and a residency in Vero Beach that spans 25 years, called FOCA “long-awaited.” He recalls that, “When I heard there was to be an organized effort to provide artists and others with a vehicle to discuss art, view works and have art professionals speak about topics that have been at the core of their existence, I was excited to join.”

            All the artists in the juried show at the Center are members of FOCA.  They are Britt Bair, Rita Barone, Steve Bradbury, Judy Caldwell, Ann Chwatsky, Muci Clemons, Hank Feeley, Patricia Forelle, Elise Geary, Xaque Gruber, Susan Hale, Barbara Krupp, Charlotte Cain Lajoie, Barbara Landry, Madeline Long, Liz Mayo, Susy Mellott, George Pillorgé, Tomothy J. Sanchez, Dorothy Napp Schindel, Sean Sexton, Allan Teger, Emily Tremml, Janet Kipp Tribus, Stuart Weismiller and Mark P. Wygonik.