ARTISTS ENGAGE THE AUDIENCE ON THE BEACH
The Hermitage Artist Retreat will hold one of its very popular beach events on Friday, April 10th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This event is entitled No Proscenium because there is not a stage to separate the audience from the artists. The free event includes open studios, a documentary film, readings and entertaining music. Beginning at 6:00, visual artist Jane Fine will exhibit and discuss her work in the painting studio. Artist/musician Ted Riederer will screen his award-winning documentary YOU ARE NOT LISTENING, about his project Never Record. At 7:00, visitors move to the beach where the multi-disciplinary artist and world famous composer Lera Auerbach will read from her new book The Excess of Being. Following Lera, local composer/musician Michael Mendez will share some original music and old standards. All ends with Mother Nature’s spectacular sunset. Simply bring your blanket or beach chair and any refreshments. In the case of questionable weather, check the Hermitage Facebook page after 3:00 pm or call 941-475-2098 for information about possibly relocating the event to the Englewood Art Center.
“Always interesting, never the same, our Hermitage Artist events are growing in scope and audience,” remarked Executive Director Bruce E. Rodgers. “Come see and hear what draws your friends and neighbors to this unique retreat to experience art. Come meet our artists who are invited to work in our inspiring setting. Leave fulfilled by the glory of nature’s spectacular sunset. No better way to end the week.”
Visual artist Jane Fine is known for her intricate and colorful paintings and sculptures. Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States, as well as Europe and can be found in many private collections, colleges, corporations and museums.
Ted Riederer remembers the musical education he gleaned from hours spent listening in the local record store in Rockville, Maryland. This was an inspiration for his conceptual art installation Never Records, where local artists can book studio time, record their music and leave with a recorded copy of the work, at no charge, to be used however the artist sees fit. This gift to musicians and performers was captured in a documentary, which Riederer will share on April 10 as he talks with visitors about the project. The documentary explores the power of art and music to unite, educate, and uplift a community. In an era overwhelmed by virtual communities, Riederer is attempting to create actual communities.
Lera Auerbach is one of the most sought-after and well-known working composers in today’s classical music world. After her Hermitage residency, she fell in love with the gulf coast and now calls it home. In addition to her music, Lera is a talented visual artist, poet and writer. Her latest book is a collection of aphorisms. The Excess of Being was not only written but also illustrated by Auerbach. In keeping with the No Proscenium theme, the audience will be invited to participate. Lera’s original artwork for the books will be on exhibit, and she will be on hand for the sale and signing of books.
Many Sarasotans know Michael Mendez as a member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. However, what’s new is that Michael is a composer and lyricist in his own rite. Last year, he received a John Ringling Tower Grant from the Alliance of Arts and Culture. Along with a cash prize, the winners are able to enjoy a residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. Michael will close the program. As the sun sets, we will enjoy a sampling of his music, which includes soul, funk and pop.
Hermitage Co-Founder and Program Director Patricia Caswell has titled this event No Proscenium. “In theaters the proscenium arch of a stage separates audience from performer. In galleries artists are seldom present. The ticket price economic divide can be a cruel barrier. At Hermitage beach events there is no proscenium, no ticket price and no barrier. The artists openly engage you straight on. At this event each artist will have surprising and delightful direct interaction with the audience.”
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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.
