The Improv at CityPlace in West Palm Beach has helped many area organizations raise some pretty significant money through our “Fundraising through laughter” program, as we give back 70% of the proceeds to your organization.
The concept is pretty simple and straightforward…we select an evening, Sunday – Thursday. We print you a custom ticket for your organization and it helps to have a lot of volunteers getting involved. (If you sell 150 tickets, for example, your group will earn 70% which equates to $2,100.) The cost of each ticket is $20 and it admits 2 adults…this is a tremendous value as they are actually getting to see a show at a very reduced price. Usually, tickets are $30.00 each and admit one. This is much better than a raffle for a television or merchandise . . . because most people don’t get anything from a raffle. Here everyone wins because they have fun. It is up to you and your team/organization, as to how much time to allow for the selling of the tickets.
Just a few of the upcoming events include a fundraiser for The Cahill Foundation, an organization raising money for the brain cancer cluster awareness fund on Wednesday, December 9th with comedian Greg Morton. In addition, we work with many of our local youth sports teams; the Marines will present a Toys for Tots Fundraiser on Thursday, November 19th with comedian Frank DelPizzo.
For more information about fundraising opportunites at The Improv, contact:
Ilyse August
Fundraising Events Coordinator
AUGUST EVENTS info@augustevents.net 561. 503. 9767
In a continued effort to enrich, enhance and promote reading to the students, Binks Forest Elementary sponsored a “Literacy Night” on October 29th. This is just one of the many events held during the school year to encourage involvement in education and in the community. During the event students were able to swap books, socialize and play games while enjoying Chic-Fil-A in the cafeteria. They were then treated to Celebrity Storytelling which included Village of Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen as well as several teachers from the school. The evening ended with a Vocabulary Parade where students strutted outside in costumes portraying assigned words such as Miss Place, Sir Plus and Butter Fly. Photos by Lois Spatz.
Parent volunteer Lisa Weger with daughter and son Brittany and Blake who helped fellow Binks students trade books during the event.Binks Kindergarten teachers Christine McDermott and Robin Alicea get ready to participate in the "Vocabulary Parade" along with the students.Fourth grade teacher Patty Tatum shares a moment with students Jacob DeFazio and Eaven Spatz.
I am just reminding everyone of the events lined up for the next two weekends; a number of you have said “maybe” for some of these workshops: if you do want to attend, please confirm when you can! If you have already made a definite registration, then there is of course no need to contact me again. Also please do not ever hesitate to contact me if you need further details on any of the workshops happening here; I have attended all the workshops led by guest presenters and so I am able to answer questions about those as well as my own workshops.
Many thanks, Pearl
Sat Nov 7Reiki 2
Sun Nov 8Native American Dreamcatchers
Sun Nov 8Native American Drumming Circle with individual drum healings
Sat Nov 14Animal Communication level 1
Sun Nov 15Reiki 1
For information, directions and to register, email pearlrauberts@hotmail.com or call Pearl at 561-333-3372. Space is limited, so please do register early. The workshops are held in Loxahatchee, west of West Palm Beach and are led by Rev. Pearl Rauberts unless otherwise stated. If there is a workshop you wish to attend but you are not free on that day, please do let Pearl know, as workshops are repeated once demand is sufficient.
Saturday November 7 Reiki 29:30am to 5:30pm $150 includes manuals
This workshop is open to all who have done Reiki First Degree whether with Pearl or another teacher (in which case you will need to provide your Reiki 1 certificate). Reiki Second Degree opens you up to a whole new and much deeper level of Reiki energy: a quantum leap forward! You will receive the Reiki 2 attunement and this will connect you to three sacred Reiki symbols. You will learn how to draw the symbols, how to apply them and how to work with these symbols when giving a Reiki treatment. You also learn the words of power which accompany them.. A particular focus of Reiki Second Degree is learning how to project distant healing. Each participant will get plenty of practical hands on experience of giving a Reiki treatment using the symbols and also of sending Reiki to someone not physically present. You will be aware immediately how using the symbols greatly enhances your Reiki energy! You will also receive a Reiki treatment. You will receive Second Degree Reiki certification enabling you to continue to Reiki 3a and eventually Master level should you wish.
Sun November 8 Native American Dreamcatcher craftshop11:30am to 3:30pm approx $35Led by Grandfather Rick McBride
Have you ever wanted to make your very own dreamcatcher? Today you will learn all about dreamcatchers and learn the technique of weaving that web of protection that separates the good dreams from the bad ones. You will learn on a covered fixed steel hoop, but we will use sinew rather than monofilament line so that you will get used to using more natural materials. You will then make a second dreamcatcher on a natural vine hoop. You will decorate your dreamcatcher with beads and/or feathers provided for you. If you like, bring your own beads, stones (small and drilled), and feathers, whatever you have to decorate your dreamcatcher with. Once you learn the technique you can apply it to many different shapes and objects. Iktome (Spider) brings us creativity and she links the past, present, and future, which gives us a better perspective from which to understand and make sense out of the web of our own life.Children aged 7 or over are welcome with a parent (1 child per parent).
Dreamcatchers also make wonderful presents, something to think about with the Holidays coming up! Rick says: “The Elders always told me when I give something it should be the best I have. I try to do this. Giving something I made is giving the best I have; there’s a little bit of me in the gift. You want a connection with someone, give them something you made.”
Grandfather Rick is a mixed blood Tsalagi who has been a life-long student of American Indian Lifeways, actively participating in Native American ceremony for 25 years. He was formally taught advanced principles of the Medicine Wheel by Cheyenne Elder Hyemeyohsts Storm in 1994. He is a Sundancer and traditionally trained and authorized inipi (sweat lodge) leader with deep experience. Ricksees his place as that of “translator” of the Native American Lifeways to help anybody sincerely interested in learning how to become a better human being, his hope being to help achieve a proper balance in human race consciousness. For further information, visit his website: www.mxdblood.com
Sunday November 8 Healing Drumming CircleStarts 4pm DonationLed by Grandfather Rick McBride
Bring your Native American style hand drums and rattles as we pray and sing for Global Peace and Personal Healing by drumming up the Spirits of the Land. Great personal healing occurs as the vibrations call the Spirits and wake up our hearts. Please feel free to join us even if you do not have your own drum or rattle: there will be some drums and rattles to share and learn on. If you do not wish to drum, join in to help us pray, sing and enjoy listening. Rick starts by smudging, and singing a protection song; he then calls the Four Winds, which puts us in ceremony, thereby allowing him to sing the sacred songs.
You will also have the opportunity to stand in the middle of the circle and receive a very powerful individual drum healing from Grandfather Rick. You will feel the healing energy coming from his special healing drum as he stands in front of you and drums close to you. Children are very welcome also (accompanied by a parent). This event is held indoors and is thus not dependent on weather conditions.
Saturday November 14 Animal Communication Level 1 10am to 4pm$85 pay by FRIDAY 6 November or $95 afterwards Led by Jo-ann Escott, National Animal Communicator and Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner
An animal communicator has the ability to help you and your pet understand each other, solve behavior problems and relay messages. This workshop will cover the concept of telepathic communication with animals and how you can access this ability. Through various exercises you will get the feel of a telepathic exchange. We will focus on the foundation and basics of animal communication and how to open your heart and mind to telepathic information, in the form of words, sounds, pictures, emotions or sensations. We will be communicating with our own animals who are still presently with us on the earth plane. As time permits we will discuss various animal healing modalities and options. Animal Communication is used to further our understanding of pets and strengthen human-animal relationships. All people have the ability to communicate with animals; all one needs to have is an open mind, open heart and a true desire to help our animal companions. Please bring plenty of photos of your own pets for practice.
Jo-ann Escott is a National Animal Communicator, a Reiki Master, a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner and an experienced workshop leader.
Registration deadline for this workshop is WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11th.
Sunday November 15 Reiki 19:30am to 5:30pm $145 (includes 2 manuals)
Nowadays there is increasing knowledge of and interest in the healing technique of Reiki; many people become interested as they have the desire to help others but what is often not understood is that Reiki is also a wonderful way to heal ourselves. Reiki is a form of natural healing for body, mind, emotions and spirit. It means “spiritually guided (Rei) life force energy (Ki).” We all have life force energy flowing through us and if it is low we can have health problems. Receiving Reiki is very relaxing and the energy pathways in the body receive energy, guided to go where it can be of most use. During a Reiki treatment your vibratory level is raised: Reiki addresses blocks in the energy flow, healing negative energy and allowing healthy energy to flow freely. Reiki can be received in addition to medical treatment and can be given to anyone, young or old, to children, pets, even plants.In these difficult times, it is an excellent way to deal with stress!
In the Reiki Level 1 workshop you will learn how Reiki started, how to give a level treatment to yourself and others and you will receive the four attunements of Reiki 1, permanently linking you to the Reiki source. You will learn the hand positions for self-healing and for channeling Reiki to others. You will receive two detailed manuals providing you with a great deal of information about Reiki and how to use it. Each workshop participant will receive and give a Reiki treatment during the course of the day, helping you to build confidence. There will be time for questions so that your understanding of this powerful healing method can be deepened. You will receive Reiki 1 certification, which will allow you to continue your Reiki studies should you wish. To ensure everybody gets individual attention, only 6 people are accepted. No previous knowledge is needed. Pearl teaches the Usui approach to Reiki.
Hedrick Brothers Construction to sponsor Wellington Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Event Kick-Off to the Equestrian Season- Man and Woman of Distinction 2009
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again announce out time honored tradition “Kick-Off to the Equestrian and Polo Season” themed luncheon. This exclusive third year event will be held on November 18th at the exclusive Wanderer’s Club. Sponsoring this event will be Hedrick Brothers Construction. Guests will be treated to exhibition polo, an exquisite luncheon and an opportunity to meet our speakers and sponsor as well as our Man and Woman of Distinction honorees Ken and Arle Adams.
Speaking on their respective venues and events will be Mr. John Goodman and Mr. John Wash of the International Polo Club as well as Mark Bellissimo and Michael Stone from Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC. This will be an interactive, fun and educational event discussing our upcoming Equestrian and Polo seasons as well as Palm Beach Steeplechase 2009.
Ken and Arle Adams will be honored at this luncheon with the “Man and Woman of Distinction” Award. The Chamber is honored to have the privilege of recognizing the Adams’ as true pioneers and pillars of Wellington.
Hedrick Brothers Construction, sponsor of this event will be represented by Dale Hedrick and Cheri Pavlik.
This is an event not to miss if you live, work and play in Wellington! All are welcome. Networking Reception and Polo begins promptly at 11:30 with our program beginning at noon.
About Hedrick Brothers Construction
Founded in 1979, Hedrick Brothers Construction provides the highest level of craftsmanship and professional management for general contracting, construction management and pre-construction services for Commercial, Luxury Residential, Historic Restoration, Education, and Sustainable construction projects in South Florida.
Dale R. Hedrick, President
Leading Hedrick Brothers Construction is President Dale Hedrick. A fourth generation general contractor active in Palm Beach County since 1979, Dale has been instrumental in building and maintaining the company’s reputation for performing quality construction and conducting business with integrity. Dale is a graduate of the University of Florida School of Building Construction, College of Architecture, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building and Construction. His dedication to continued professional development is demonstrated by serving on the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and as a board member and past president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Florida East Coast Chapter. In the community, Hedrick and his company have supported the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Community College Foundation, the South Florida Science Museum, Habitat for Humanity and the American Heart Association.
Cheri Pavlik, Director of Business Development Joining the company in 2008, Chéri has more than 18 years of multifaceted real estate development, project planning and interior design experience. She is a Board Member of the South Florida Professional Women in Construction and the Professional Women’s Network, an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Design, and Member of the Rotary Club of West Palm Beach, and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, President’s Circle.
The Wellington Chamber Luncheon will be held on November 18th. Cost for Chamber Members with an RSVP is $ 20.00, $ 25.00 for Members with no RSVP and $ 30.00 for Non-Members. VIP tables start at $ 250.00. Please call 561-792-6525 for reservations.
Walk, Run, or Play Volleyball for Those Who Preserve Our Freedom
WHAT:Injured Marines SemperFi Fund, ( IMSFF.org) will be the beneficiary of funds raised from Banzai Wellness Magazine’s and Stayin’ Alive Fitness Center’s fundraiser for the whole family at Dreher Park.The event includes a 5K Race, and a Volleyball Tournament.RAIN OR SHINE.
Proceedswill benefit the Injured MarinesSemper Fi Fund, The IMSF Fund provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines, Sailors and other military personnel assigned to Marine Forces, injured in post 9-11 combat, training, or with life threatening illnesses, and their families. This fund alsoprovides relief for immediate financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery as well as perpetuating needs such as home modifications, customized transportation and specialized equipment.
To register for the race, please stop by Stayin’ Alive Fitness Center at 6185 Jog Road, Lake Worth, or call Meric at 561-573-5533
WHEN: Sunday, November 8th, from 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. (??)The 5K race begins at 7 a.m. and coed volleyball tournaments will begin at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE:Dreher Park at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach.Across from the Palm Beach Zoo.
WHO:Anyone that likes to participate in running events or enjoys volleyball that would also like to support our soldiers and marines!
Palm Beach, FL– October 20, 2009 –On Sunday, November 8, 2009, Banzai Wellness Magazine and Stayin’ Alive Fitness Center will hold a fundraiser benefiting the Injured Marines SemperFi Fund, at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. The event coincides withthe anniversary of the Unities States Marine Corp..2012 will be the centennialanniversary.
Organized to appeal to all ages, the event will include a 5K Race, and a Volleyball Tournament.The event will be held rain or shine.Proceedswill benefit the Injured MarinesSemper Fi Fund, The IMSF Fund provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines, Sailors and other military personnel assigned to Marine Forces, injured in post 9-11 combat, training, or with life threatening illnesses, and their families. This fund alsoprovides relief for immediate financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery as well as perpetuating needs such as home modifications, customized transportation and specialized equipment.
The race will kick off at 7 a.m. and coed volleyball tournaments will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. The community event is attracting teams of runners and volleyball players.Corporate team sponsorships are available for $80.Team sponsors will have access to tables in a designated area to display their goods or services.A participation fee for the 5K Run and volleyball tournaments is $20 for adults over 18 and $15 for individuals under 18.
The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund was established in May 2004. A nurse at the Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital, whose husband was deployed to Iraq, saw first hand the needs of those returning from battle. She brought together a group of Marine Corps spouses with diverse backgrounds to implement a plan to provide financial grants to OEF/OIF injured Marines, Sailors, and service members injured while assigned to Marine forces, and their families during their difficult road to recovery. A Governing Board of retired Generals and Officers, Senior Enlisted Marines, and others with professional backgrounds was added to help the Fund develop into a nationwide program. The Fund works closely with the Marine Corps, the Navy, and military hospitals nationwide to identify and assess the needs of OEF/OIF specific families. And, we need your help to keep this noble mission moving forward. The Fund depends on the generosity and compassion of people from all walks of life to join our quest of “serving those who preserve our freedom.”
Whole Foods Market Wellington Celebrates First Anniversary
What: Join Palm Beach County’s newest Whole Foods Market in celebrating their One Year Anniversary all weekend long! Festivities begin Friday, November 6th with a free tasting event throughout the store and performances by the Chili Chicks. On Saturday, November 7th from 12-4pm, enjoy our storewide vendor fair, and taste samples from over 30 of our natural food vendors! The festivities conclude Sunday, November 8th with a special in-store brunch benefiting children in need of organ transplants and a children’s arts and crafts activity.
When: Friday, November 6th through Sunday November 8th
Friday, November 6th
Anniversary Block Party Hoedown from 6:00-8:00pm, Free& open to the public
The festivities kick off with a special two hour block party with delicious home-style recipes, complimentary tastings, special performances by the Chili Chicks and drawings to win a $25 Whole Foods Market gift card or a shopping spree worth up to $500. One winner will also be chosen to participate in Supermarket Sweeps, where they will have 90 seconds to hurry through the store and take one of as many products as they like, excluding wine and beer. Winners will be chosen every half hour from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Drawing entry located near the produce department; no purchase necessary. Promotion ends 11/6/09. Must be 21 or older to enter. Visit our store for Official Rules or visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/wellington/
Void Where Prohibited
Saturday, November 7th
Store Wide Vendor Fair, 12:00-4:00pm Free & open to the public
Attendees can meet over 30 vendors, sample products and enjoy a variety of take home goodies. The family friendly event also boasts live music, face painting and additional giveaways. The first 100 customers will receive a Whole Foods Market Better Bag.
Join us for a magical event with an African dance performance, live music, appetizers, wine tasting, African coffee and tea samples, for a wonderful cause. Dream Sponsors Inc. is a local Wellington based non-profit providing basic needs to support orphans in Kenya and will be accepting a $10 donation at the entrance. RSVP by calling 561-904-4000
Sunday, November 8th
A Better Brunch
11:00am-1:00pm
Join us for omelets, buttermilk pancakes and assorted baked goods and help make a difference and for children in need. Your $5 donation will benefit the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. The first 100 brunch guests receive a free Whole Foods Market Reusable Better Bag.
Clementine Art Kids Club for ages 5 and up, 2:00-3:30pm Free
Join us in making your own Crazy Critters using All Natural and Nontoxic art supplies from Clementine Art. Space is limited; Pre-registration is required by calling customer service at 561-904-4000.
AboutWholeFoodsMarket® Founded in 1980 in Austin , Texas , Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com), a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and America ’s first national certified organic grocer, was named “ America ’s Healthiest Grocery Store” in 2008 by Health magazine. The Whole Foods Market motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures the company’s mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to its more than 50,000 Team
Behind every Tito Mangiola painting or piece of art, there is a story. “His paintings have a lyrical quality to them,” says his wife Leonarda, who teaches art at the Dillon Country Day School. One of the paintings that captured the most attention is named, “An Italian Comedy: Il Bracco Italiano.” The painting is a humorous, in-the-moment criticism of the politics of Italy, where Tito comes from originally. From left to right, he included the players in their roles as “judge,” “politician,” “religious leader,” “dog,” “fly” and “Mafia.” He boldly called out the corrupt forces that were in power, putting a face on each one.
From left to right, Tito Mangiola included the players in their roles as “judge,” “politician,” “religious leader,” “dog,” “fly” and “Mafia" in his Il Bracco Italiano.
Tito Maan-Mangiola had entered the painting into a national exhibition and competition, not knowing if the judges would appreciate his playful portrait of corruption in Italy. Meanwhile, he had attempted to become a U.S. citizen, but was denied his citizenship.
“I had too many children to be granted my citizenship,” says Tito. He explains that his four children at the time were considered a liability (even though they were all living in Europe), when immigration officials were aiming to keep numbers as low as possible. Meanwhile, Tito won first place for “An Italian Comedy” in the 60th Annual National Exhibition of Contemporary American Paintings in 1999. “As soon as I won that award for that painting, my citizenship was no longer a problem,” says Tito. He was granted citizenship later that same year after winning the award. “I owe my citizenship to this painting,” he says.
Tito lives, breathes, talks and creates art. He is passionate about
Artist Tito Mangiola with one of his works in progress
many things, including opera, watching polo, entertaining and teaching; however, his drive to create art transcends all else. He decided to become an artist when he was just eight years old. In his Italian school, he found himself getting in trouble with the teachers for being color blind. In fact, in an era when students would get slapped on the hand for things like being left-handed or, in Tito’s case, for being color blind, it was more critical to overcome. Instead of turning him away from art, the punishments he endured made him determined to become an artist.
Learning colors by numbers of calibration and constantly looking them up, Tito worked on his art with painstaking effort. As he began to excel in it, he took more and more classes. “I drove my mother crazy,” says Tito. “I kept switching my major every two years.” He studied oil painting, tapestry, jewelry, wood sculpture and many other arts. This kind of dabbling was not how things were done in Italy at the time, explains Tito. You were expected to choose your major, stick with it and get on with your career. However, Tito’s hunger for more art classes seemed insatiable.
As a child, he lived in Calabria, located in the “tip of the boot” in Southern Italy, a town with “not a lot of money,” according to Tito. While expensive paints and art supplies were hard to come by, it was easy to get a hold of spare chalk, a household item. So Tito began drawing in chalk and selling his chalk drawings for very small amounts or sometimes in even exchange for ice cream. He was inspired by several artists, in particular, Caravaggio and Bruegel.
Mangiola's Homage to Chagall
Today in his home in Wellington, Florida, Tito displays many of his own paintings, as well as his homages to various artists like Bruegel, Chagall, Toulouse Lautrec and others. In fact, every inch of Tito and Leonarda’s home is filled with art. They have a deep appreciation for beauty, as well as a sense of humor which contributes some whimsical ceramic items into the mix.
The Village of Wellington proudly displays one of Tito’s trademark mosaic-style paintings. It’s a polo-themed tribute to Wellington and hangs on the wall in the lobby of the Wellington Community Center.
Tito Mangiola's tribute to Wellington and hangs on the wall in the lobby of the Wellington Community Center.
This “faux mosaic” style is an unusual way of oil painting. From afar, it looks like a real mosaic. Tito explains that he generally does a painting in three versions, getting to know his subject quite well by the time he is finished.
A limited edition painting (Epreuve d’Artiste) can be seen at the Palm Beach Airport on the second level. It’s permanently exhibited there, as it was a donation from Tito Mangiola to the community.
In 2007, Tito Mangiola and his family met the former President Jimmy Carter and his wife in Plains, Georgia. For this occasion, he donated a Limited Edition painting entitled, “Excluded World II.” Mangiola was impressed with the accomplishments of President Carter, even after serving as President and delighted with his hospitality. Of course, not all of Mangiola’s paintings take a political stance, but when they do, he has no problem with telling the story exactly as he sees it, often adding a bit of his humor too.
Photo (l to r.): Tito Mangiola, former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, Leonarda Mangiola (and front) Nina Mangiola
One of his paintings that is loaded with symbolism and possible interpretations is called “In the Name of God.”Sometimes Tito and Leonarda refer to it as the “9/11 painting.”In his own words, Tito explains, “’In the Name of God’ has been for centuries used to justify our means aggressively, resulting in countless acts of destruction and genocide.” He continues, “At the center of this artwork, an Orthodox Serb is aggressively pointing a weapon to try to justify all of the atrocity committed by him or against him. Around him different
In the Name of God, Oil Painting
religious symbols mixed with atrocious scenes form a garland of war scenes: Christians, Jews, Muslims’ battles and invasion crusades, as well as the African tribal fight like the Uganda tragedy.” At the bottom of the painting is a depiction of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers from September 11th. It is a thought-provoking piece that brings to mind the many atrocities that have been committed over the ages, all “in the name of God.”
Tito has lived all over the world and brings an informed and eclectic viewpoint to his art. He grew up in Italy and stayed until the age of 18. He then moved onto Switzerland and lived there for 23 years. He also has lived for shorter periods of time in Austria, Germany, France, Holland and Australia. In 1992, Tito and his wife Leonarda moved to Wellington, Florida. After searching Florida for the right place, they were attracted to Wellington because of the polo and the beauty of the village. They bought two houses, one to live in and one to rent out in the polo season. Tito devotes a good portion of his artworks to the subject of polo and some of these works can be seen on his website under “Equestrian Art.” Tito says that he is fond of inserting horses and dogs into his paintings, whenever possible, as he is fond of both of them.
Both Tito and Leonarda teach art. Tito teaches adult education classes in the evenings at Royal Palm Beach High School, as well as tutoring young students in art in after-school lessons at his own kitchen table. Both are very warm and inviting. They challenge their young students to work on difficult projects, and the students seem to thrive on this.
Leonarda and Tito Mangiola
When asked how an artist makes a living in today’s world, Tito laughed and explained, “It’s always a struggle.” He’s always found a way to make ends meet, doing things related to art. In Switzerland, he had a frame factory, as well as two art galleries. Here in the United States, it’s a combination of teaching, managing property and art that keeps the couple busy, and always employed. Tito longs for the days when European churches frequently commissioned art, and art was taken more seriously.
Tito, a gentle and stedfast teacher, instructing two of his young students to excel at art
Both Tito and Leonarda enjoy having an open, welcoming house, where friends can come and go freely. When I asked Leonarda if she ever worries about the many fragile pieces of art getting broken during their parties, she simply responds, “You have to enjoy life!” Along with my family, I had the pleasure of joining them on the day after our interview for a birthday party for their 13-year-old daughter Nina. It was an unexpected treat to see a local pianist (who has accompanied Pavarotti in the past) playing songs, while Tito sang along vigorously, inviting everyone to join in. While you might not necessarily catch this from his art (which sometimes has dark undertones), those who know Tito can see that he is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. He has a true zest for life, which comes through whether he is painting, dancing, singing, drinking wine or just telling a story.
In the next year or so, Tito plans on showing his artwork at a museum in Calabria, Italy (where he originates from). He does have a few commissioned pieces in the works too. His international awards and past exhibits are too numerous to mention, although this link (CJRFineArts.com) gives a good summary. As a professional artist, he does portraits and illustrations, working in a variety of media, but mostly in oil. He can be reached in Wellington at (561) 791-0699. Or visit www.TitoMangiola.com for more information.
