September 30, 2014
HERMITAGE OPEN HOUSE AND BEACH READING FEATURES
MULTITUDE OF FLORIDA TEACHING ARTISTS
The Hermitage Artist Retreat is pleased to announce an open house on Friday, October 10th that will feature teaching artists from around the state of Florida. For the second consecutive year, the Association of Florida Teaching Artists (AFTA) has held their annual three-day retreat at the Hermitage. As with all visiting artists, their members are asked to participate in a free public program. The event begins at 5:00 pm with open studios and displays featuring work by nine artists which include painters, potters, leather and jewelry artists. At 5:30, music will begin on the beach with the official program beginning at 6:00 pm. Ten artists will take their turn at story-telling and poetry, some intertwined with dance and other surprises. The evening is free, although opportunity to purchase work by the visual artists will be available. Visitors should bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on and any refreshments they would like. Any changes due to weather will be addressed after 3:00 p.m. Call 941-475-2098 with any questions or check the website www.HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
“This will be one jam-packed evening with lots to see and enjoy,” remarked Bruce E. Rodgers, Executive Director. “Some of the artists were with us last year and others are new. We look forward to seeing and hearing the art, created by the same talented people who are in the classrooms with our children. I promise a very special evening to all who care to join us.”
Among the visual artists to meet and whose art will be seen will be Nancy Buscher’s paintings; Pamela Callender’s rust on fabric; Laura Courter jewelry; Lori Loveberry George’s watercolor paintings; Judy Levine and her jewelry; Mica Martinelli’s film; Ellen Goldberg Tishman’s mixed-media handbags, jewelry and collage cookies; Debra Toger’s watercolor and acrylic paintings and Amy Webber’s paintings and pottery.
At 5:30 American troubadour Bill Schustick, who has performed for three U.S. presidents, appeared both on and off Broadway and authored two full-length ballets with Edward Villella and Edward Verso, will shift the evening’s attention to the beach with his magical historic storytelling followed at 6:00 by readings and dramatizations by the remainder of the artists. Gladys Varga, a storyteller and dramatic teaching artist, will dramatize “Mary Brown’s Baby,” a ghost tale. Magician Ishido Yasu has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre for Young Audiences and is a graduate of Chavez Studio of Magic. He will amaze with what he has learned. Bruce Segal, who speaks to middle school students about diversity in America, will present a monologue detailing his Ukrainian uncle’s migration to Ellis Island. Kuniko Yamamoto, who has preformed at The Kennedy Center and Disney’s Epcot, is a storyteller who infuses origami and elements of Japanese culture into her presentations. Gabrielle Lennon has published two books and will read her original poetry. Surapsari, who teaches arts integrated lessons and workshops to grades preK though college, will present an Indian storytelling dance, told through lively facial expressions, poses, movements, and symbolic hand gestures called mudra. Neal Schleifer, a Hermitage fellow and Ringling Towers Award recipient, will read original poetry and a passage from his forthcoming novel. Mary Kelly, chair of AFTA, Ringling Towers Award recipient and professional storyteller for 30 years, will spin an intriguing tale.
“This will be one of the most varied programs we have ever offered,” continued Rodgers. “Join us for an intriguing evening on our campus and by the water’s edge. You’ll be glad you did!”
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About the Hermitage Artist Retreat: The Hermitage is a not-for-profit artist retreat located at 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood, FL. It invites accomplished painters, sculptors, writers, playwrights, poets, composers and other artists from all over the world for residencies on its beachfront historic campus. Artists are asked to contribute two services to the community during their stay and as a result, Hermitage artists touch thousands of Gulf Coast community residents with unique and inspiring programs each year. In addition, the Hermitage awards and administers the prestigious Greenfield Prize, an annual $30,000 commission for a new work of art, rotating among three disciplines: visual art, music and drama. The Hermitage also partners with the Aspen Music Festival and School to award the annual Hermitage Prize to a composition student during the Festival. For more information about The Hermitage Artist Retreat, call 941-475-2098 or visit the website at www.HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
