To recognize those who help influence arts and culture in the community, the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach will host its inaugural black-tie event, Beaches, a Celebration of the Arts, at The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Surf Club from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23.
All in a “lively, whimsical, deep sea setting,” as described by the Cultural Center, 15 honorees including artists, individuals and organizations, will be recognized.
The honorees were chosen out of a pool of about 50 nominations, according to Events and Membership Coordinator Angela de Gregory.
“Each nominee was nominated by one of their peers or colleagues,” de Gregory said. “We then had our judges review each nomination received.”
Judges of the evening include Barbara Golden, Communications Manager of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau; Barbara Colaciello, Community Arts Advocate, motivational speaker, director and performer and Lisa Goodrich, Business Development Strategist at Brunet-Garcia Advertising, Inc.
The categories and nominees are:
Emerging Artist Award
Mary Ann Rosenthal
Gentry Gudal
Marlene Scheer
Arts Education & Advocacy Award
Dawn Wolf, Ponte Vedra Ballet
Beaches Go Green
Rod Morris
The Art of Giving Award
Steve and Elaine Wyman
Art with a Heart in Healthcare
Teresa Radzinski
Community Impact Award (Member’s Choice Award)
Deck the Chairs
Tim Ellis, Beaches Museum Music Series
St. Augustine Art Association
Beaches Award
Christine Hoffman, Beaches Museum
St. Johns County Cultural Arts
Kristopher Jackson, Players by the Sea
“We will be recognizing all 15 honorees at the event and announce the top honoree in each of the five categories,” de Gregory said.
The Cultural Center will also recognize Irene Lazzara, trustee of the Lazzara Family Foundation, as the Beaches Honorary Chair for history of supporting initiatives that influence artistic, cultural and educational opportunities.
“The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is elated to have such an esteemed member of our community involved with Beaches,” said Donna Guzzo, the Cultural Center’s executive director.
Tickets to Beaches, a Celebration of the Arts are $250 and include chef-inspired specialties, drinks, live music, art and a silent and live auction at the ceremony.
For tickets or more information, visit www.ccpvb.org or call Gregory at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach at (904) 280-0614, ext. 1203.
The Surf Club at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is located at 200 Ponte Vedra Blvd. in Ponte Vedra Beach.