Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s MUSIC FOR THE MIND Concert Series to Present ‘Classical Quest’ by Violinist Gareth Johnson in the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace in West Palm Beach

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April 2, 2016

Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s MUSIC FOR THE MIND Concert Series to Present ‘Classical Quest’ by Violinist Gareth Johnson in the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace in West Palm Beach

(West Palm Beach, FL – March 24, 2016) The Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s popular MUSIC FOR THE MIND concert series will return next month with Classical Quest performed by acclaimed violinist Gareth Johnson. Dr. Robin Arrigo will accompany him on the piano for an unforgettable night of music performed by two charismatic and energetic musicians. The concert will be held on Tuesday, April 19, from 7 to 9 pm, in the Harriet Himmel Theatre at CityPlace in West Palm Beach.

Gareth Johnson holds a master’s degree from the Lynn Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton and travels the world as a soloist, master teacher, and educator. He is a dedicated composer and arranger of Contemporary, Classical, New Age, and Hip Hop music. Johnson has won numerous competitions and prizes throughout the United States and Europe playing on an 1840 J.B. Vuillaume violin.

Robin Arrigo received a Bachelor of Music in piano performance and Master of Music Education from Florida State University. She also has a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Accompanying and Chamber Music from the University of Miami. Dr. Arrigo has spent the last three summers studying and concertizing in France, Spain and Italy, and has written two piano transcriptions of a newly discovered Mendelssohn’s: Their Music in History (Oxford Press). She is listed in the Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who Among Women.

Kretzer Piano Music Foundation of Jupiter sponsors this MUSIC FOR THE MIND concert series. Proceeds benefit the “Keyboards for Kids” group piano classes for 72 inner-city school children. Help us change lives by attending and supporting this concert.

About MUSIC FOR THE MIND:
Held on the third Tuesday of every month in the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace, MUSIC FOR THE MIND concerts feature musical groups from Palm Beach County. Beginning in 2002, MUSIC FOR THE MIND has provided 10,792 young musicians with an opportunity to perform, while generating more than $558,000 to help promote music in our schools and community. For more information, please visit www.kretzerpiano.com/kpmf.

Art After Dark in April

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Natty Kelly

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April 2, 2016

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Art After Dark in April

-Highlights African art, music, literature, and tradition also planned: a special presentation ab0ut dale chihuly’s persian sea-life ceiling before it is de-installed to prepare for new norton construction

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (March 23, 2016) – The Norton Museum of Art is presenting exciting programming during its Art After Dark series on Thursday evenings to celebrate popular exhibitions and installations before their scheduled closings, or the de-installation of works in the collection in preparation for major construction set to begin this summer.

April highlights include programs in conjunction with the exhibition, Njideka Akunyili Crosby: I Refuse to be Invisible, (on view through April 24). Prof. Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi, Curator of African Art at Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, will discuss Akunyili Crosby’s fascinating, large-scale work on April 14. Also that evening, the Osundara Yoruba Dance Theater will lead audiences on a musical journey through Nigeria via rhythm and dance, directed by High Chief Nathaniel B. Styles, Jr.

The following week, on April 21, Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education, will present Dale Chihuly: Making Waves, a Curator’s Conversation in conjunction with Earth Day, and in advance of the artist’s popular Persian Sea Life Ceiling being taken down and stored during New Norton construction. Tomlinson will discuss the artist and his remarkable work, which features more than 600 colorful, glass-blown, marine-themed pieces, and has delighted countless visitors to the Norton. Persian Sea-Life Ceiling will be on view through May 1, 2016.

Here are April Art After Dark themes and additional highlights:

April 7/ Majestic Mountains

Laurie Barnes, Elizabeth B. McGraw Curator of Chinese Art, discusses the exhibition, Majestic Mountain Retreats: 17th- and 18th-Century Monumental Chinese Landscapes; Esteemed musician Ann Yao performs traditional Chinese music on the zheng, or Chinese zither, one of ancient China’s most revered instruments. A long, horizontal plucked zither, the zheng epitomizes the sound of the ancient East. Also in conjunction with this exhibition, a special Sketchbook Thursday presents Brush and Ink, where participants will create narrative brush and ink illustrations.

April 14 /RAW Ingredients The evening begins with a tour of the Recognition of Art by Women (RAW) exhibition, Njideka Akunyili Crosby: I Refuse to be Invisible, and is followed by an Exhibition Lecture about the artist’s work by Curator Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi. Also on the schedule: A performance by the Osundara Yoruba Dance Theatre, and a screening of the brief documentary, Fantastic Man (30 minutes), which investigates Nigerian musician William Onyeabor, a man shrouded in mystery and myth.

April 21 / Earth Day Aside from the Earth Day-related Dale Chihuly: Making Waves presentation, the evening also includes the screening of the BBC documentary, Planet Earth| Episode 1: From Pole to Pole (51 minutes). The Quiet Villagers, a “retro lounge trio,” perform a blend of mid-century bossa nova, cocktail jazz, Caribbean rhythms, electronica, and more! The trio features Laura Sue, “the Silver Nightingale,” on flute; Johnny O’io on vocals and guitar; and Bob Taylor on percussion. This is also one of the last opportunities to take a docent-led tour of tour of the special exhibition, Njideka Aklunyili Crosby: I Refuse to be Invisible.

April 28 / Next Generation Art After Dark celebrates the future – the future generation, that is, and includes a performance by Plumosa School of the Arts students titled Words and Music. Talented elementary school pupils from this arts academy show off their skill in choir, strings, piano, and drama. Forest Hill Community High School Students in the Norton School Partnership present their research into selected works of art from the Museum Collection. Docents lead tours of Youth in Sculpture and Painting, and O’Keeffe, Stettheimer, Torr, Zorach: Women Modernists in New York. A screening of the documentary, Adora Svitak @ IdeaCity10: Let Kids Be Kids? (25 minutes), questions traditional notions of childhood and discusses the achievements of today’s youth. A DIY art project, Fantasy Figure, encourages participants to take inspiration from the work of artist Wangechi Mutu, and create a collage-style fictional figure full of color and abstract patterns.

For complete details, visit www.norton.org/artafterdark.

about the norton museum The Norton Museum of Art is a major cultural attraction in Florida, and internationally known for its distinguished Permanent Collection featuring American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, European Art and Photography. The Norton is located at 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach, FL., and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays and major Holidays). General admission is $12 for adults, $5 for students with a valid ID, and free for Members and children ages 12 and under. Palm Beach County residents receive free admission every Saturday with proof of residency. For additional information, please call (561) 832-5196, or visit www.norton.org.

OXBRIDGE DRAGONES SOAR AT 2016 FLORIDA STATE SPANISH CONFERENCE

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Natty Kelly

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April 2, 2016

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OXBRIDGE DRAGONES SOAR AT 2016 FLORIDA STATE SPANISH CONFERENCE

Oxbridge Spanish teacher Michael Hollis-Anand (far right doing thumbs up) with the school Spanish team

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 24, 2016) —The Oxbridge Academy Spanish Team, called Los Dragones de Oxbridge, continued its reign as one of the best in the state following its successful showing at the 2016 Florida State Spanish Conference. Held earlier this month in Orlando, the conference brings together the top 50 public and private school teams from Florida to compete in impromptu speaking, poetry declamation, theatrical performance, musical entertainment, visual arts expo and creative writing.

Los Dragones de Oxbridge finished second place overall in Division II – 4A/6A, after trying to defend its 2015 Division Champion title. This is the fourth year that Oxbridge has finished in either of the top two spots.
In addition to competing, Oxbridge Academy served as host of this year’s conference. Under the direction of Oxbridge Spanish teacher Michael Hollis-Anand and alumnus Manny Briseneau, the host committee was responsible for all aspects of the four-day event. The group executed all event logistics, such as registration, decorations, preparation of the competition rounds and the awards ceremony. One of the host committee members, Alex Commette of Jupiter, was recognized by the Florida State Spanish Conference Board of Directors for being this year’s most polite and professional student volunteer.
Host duties also included determining the tournament theme: recordando nuestras raíces (remembering our roots), which was centered around Guatemalan writer Rigoberta Menchú’s concept of nahuales (Mayan spirit shadows). The Florida Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese recognized Hollis-Anand and Briseneau for their work creating and executing the most literary and culturally diverse theme and visual arts project in tournament history, as well as the most creative opening ceremony speech.
Los Dragones de Oxbridge individual awards included:
Virginia Argüelles, Wellington: two trophies with perfect scores for impromptu speaking and poetry declamation and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance
Viviana Brooks, Jupiter: a trophy with perfect scores for impromptu speaking and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance
Jordan Bustabad, Boynton Beach: two trophies for impromptu speaking and poetry declamation and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance
Chavely Calleja, West Palm Beach: a trophy for impromptu speaking, a trophy with perfect scores for poetry declamation, and a trophy with perfect scores for theatrical performance
Laura Castillo, Lake Worth: a trophy for impromptu speaking
Mario Farrulla, West Palm Beach: a trophy for impromptu speaking and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance
Isabella Greene, Lantana: a blue ribbon for impromptu speaking, a trophy with perfect scores for poetry declamation, and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance
Alejandra Gutiérrez, Loxahatchee: a blue ribbon for impromptu speaking and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance
Brandon Kramer, West Palm Beach: a trophy with perfect scores for impromptu speaking and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance Jack Maloney, Delray Beach: a trophy for impromptu speaking Kella Merlain-Moffatt, Wellington: a trophy for impromptu speaking Carlos Pernas, Loxahatchee: a trophy for impromptu speaking and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance Aryanna Ramsey, Palm Beach Gardens: two trophies for impromptu speaking and visual arts expo Max Shteiman, West Palm Beach: two trophies for impromptu speaking and poetry declamation and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance Nalin Vattigunta, Palm Beach Gardens: a blue ribbon for impromptu speaking Justin Wisnicki, West Palm Beach: two blue ribbons for impromptu speaking and poetry declamation and a gold ribbon with perfect scores for theatrical performance The team was awarded a trophy in dramatic presentation for its performance of ¡Médico! ¡Médico!, an original play written by coach Michael Hollis-Anand and directed by team members Virginia Argüelles and Max Shteiman. The team also won second place overall in the Parade of Nations for Aryanna Ramsey’s hand-made costume of Gabriel García Márquez’s “Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes” and first place/best of show in the entire state in the visual arts expo for Fred Marro’s ceramic nahuales sculpture of a green, purple, and gold Mayan dog.
For more information on Oxbridge Academy, call 561-972-9600 or visit www.oapb.org.

March, 2016 – Around Wellington in Pics

Around Wellington in Pictures

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April 2, 2016

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"Joyeuses Paques" by Rollin McGrail. Visit www.RollinMcGrail.com. — “Joyeuses Paques” by Rollin McGrail. Visit www.RollinMcGrail.com.

Sandy-Rollin-cookbook — Sandy Axelrod, cookbook author and writer of “The Discerning Palate,” hands over her cookbook (a raffle prize) to winner Rollin McGrail at the 10th Anniversary Party of AroundWellington.com.

Sherry, a co-owner of Gandhi's restaurant, in the Marketplace at Wycliffe. THANKS to Gandhi's, one of our new advertisers, a restaurant offering the best in Indian food and elegant, friendly service. — Sherry, a co-owner of Gandhi’s restaurant, in the Marketplace at Wycliffe. THANKS to Gandhi’s, one of our new advertisers, a restaurant offering the best in Indian food and elegant, friendly service.

Orchid at the front entrance of Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. Photo by Krista Martinelli.

Bernie and Hillary - by CP — Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders took part in the eighth Democratic Debate at Miami Dade Community College in Miami on March 9. The debate was sponsored by Univision and the moderators included Karen Tumulty, Maria Elena Salinas and Jorge Ramos. Photo by Carol Porter.

Palm Beach International Film Festival from April 6 to 14

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April 2, 2016

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Palm Beach International Film Festival Presenting Record Number of World Premieres

Lights, Camera, Palm Beach Glamour! The Palm Beach International Film Festival To Present Record Number of World Premieres, Celebrities and Glamorous Parties April 6-14

The 21st Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival, April 6-14, announced it will present a record number of World Premieres, outstanding films and documentaries, and gala parties with filmmakers and celebrity casts, plus a myriad of other events that make PBIFF one of the country’s preeminent film festivals befitting its glamourous, world-famous location.

“We have an amazing lineup of films, including an Opening Night World Premiere that will bring a celebrity cast to our theaters, which is as exciting as it gets,” said Jeff Davis, Chairman and President of The Palm Beaches Theatre/Palm Beach International Film Festival. “It’s what our patrons, media, and sponsors always hope to see – stars on the red carpet – icing on a delicious cinema cake.”

There are 172 films in the festival this year. The features lineup contains 28 premieres, including 16 World, one International, eight North American and three U.S. Premieres. The 88 features consist of 20 documentaries, 58 narrative features, and 10 titles in PBIFF’s first-ever Horror Film Competition. Tickets for all films are available at www.pbifilmfest.org or by calling 561.362.0003.

Highlights include Opening Night Film “MONEY!,” a World Premiere starring Kellan Lutz (Twilight), Wednesday April 6, with filmmakers and all-star cast walking the red carpet at 6:00 pm. On April 9, the James Franco-produced “The Adderall Diaries” is featured, starring Christian Slater and Amber Heard. The Closing Night Film on April 14 is “Silver Skies,” starring George Hamilton. Theaters include The Palm Beaches Theater, PBIFF’s new year-round home, G-Star Studios, Muvico Parisian, and Cinemark Palace, all included in the schedule now available.

Opening Night announcers include WOW Yachts Captain Sandra Yawn and presentation of the The first “Flossy Award,” proudly sponsored by Yaacov Heller of Gallery 22, to Yvonne Boice for her dedication, exemplary service and patronage for the Palm Beach International Film Festival.

In a first-ever collaboration of its kind, the world-renowned Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) joined forces with PBIFF in 2014 and its partnership with Sundance Institute is a first. Recently announced partnership with G-Star School of the Arts (www.GSTARSchool.org) provides PBIFF with additional space and technical facilities for screenings and production, as well as film educational outreach.

Media Contact: Adrienne Mazzone, amazzone@transmediagroup.com 561-750-9800 x2270

30th Annual Drop it, Thrill it, Float it, Launch it, Clean it on Saturday, April 16th

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April 2, 2016

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Drop it, Thrill it, Float it, Launch it, Clean it!

30th Annual Engineering Competition, April 16th 2016

Drop it, Thrill it, Float it, Launch it, Clean it (*NEW!*) is an annual engineering design competition jointly presented to all students by the Florida Engineering Society & the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

$5,000 in cash and prizes awarded to winners in elementary, middle and high school categories! Special prize for the school with the most participants.

For competition information and rules, please click HERE.

If you are interested in being a vendor at this event, please click HERE.

If you are making a donation, please click HERE for an In-Kind Donation Form.

**PLEASE NOTE– In our continued efforts to promote sustainability, we encourage guests and participants to bring their own reusable water bottles. We will provide water at the check-in station, but no cups.**

Registration fee is $3. One student and one adult will receive a entrance wristbands with the $3 registration. All other visitors pay full price.

All team participants must register individually as well as list their teammate(s) on the registration form. Maximum participants is 400 and you MUST register before April 13th.

SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM SATELLITE LAUNCHS IN JUPITER

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Natty Kelly

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April 1, 2016

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SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM SATELLITE LAUNCHS IN JUPITER

In partnership with Bricks 4 Kidz, STEM Studio brings family-fun to Downtown Abacoa
(JUPITER, Fla.) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming has picked up some steam and expanded to Jupiter, according to leadership at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, the local authority on informal science education. STEM Studio, an extension of the 55-year-old nonprofit venue in West Palm Beach, opened to the public on March 11 with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. In partnership with Bricks 4 Kidz, the 2,000-square-foot space serves as a social hub for educational enrichment in Downtown Abacoa.

“The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium has been serving South Florida locals and visitors for 55 years,” said Lew Crampton, Science Center CEO. “We are proud of our programming, which continues to evolve to the meet the needs of our community. STEM Studio is another step in our continued expansion plans. It will allow us to open even more minds to science. We look forward to bringing our well-known camps, planetarium shows, ‘Parents Night Out’ events, and so much more, to the residents of Northern Palm Beach County, Abacoa and beyond.”

In 2012, the Science Center expanded its current venue from 20,000 to 30,000 square-feet, an increase of 50 percent of space for exhibits, classrooms and more. The $5 million expansion and renovation was the start of multiphase improvements. Currently, the West Palm Beach facility is working on improvements to the outdoor Museum Campus, including a multi-purpose education center, “The Conservation Golf Course,” community gardens, 25 interactive exhibits, an expanded outdoor main stage and much more. Funding for the project is coming from a $250,000 challenge grant issued by the Batchelor Foundation of Miami.

“We are excited to partner with the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium and create a permanent home for our Bricks 4 Kidz, Maker Camp, and other STEM programs,” said Tracey Lamport, owner of the Metro West Palm Beach Bricks 4 Kidz. “The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is an amazing forward-thinking resource for local families. Together, with community input, we are creating a place for kids and adults to learn, create, code, tinker and make. STEM Studio will be a hub of curiosity, creativity and fun.”

STEM Studio is a collaborative community space managed by the Science Center and Bricks 4 Kidz. Both organizations, along with select community partners, will offer regular programming geared toward kids and families. The Science Center will host planetarium shows, camps, open play days, scheduled classes, “Parents Night Out,” and much more. Guests will be able to check out the special programming at the March open house, with raffles and discounts on future classes from the Science Center highlighting the celebration.

“Jupiter, and specifically Downtown Abacoa, is a booming community for kids and families,” continued Crampton. “We are eager to reach this audience on a more regular basis and look forward to partnering with other Downtown Abacoa businesses on special events and packages at STEM Studio.”

STEM Studio is located at 1209 Main St. Unit #112. The space will be open based on scheduled activities. For more information about STEM Studio and its events, please visit www.stemstudiojupiter.com, call 561-818-STEM (7836) or email info@stemstudiojupiter.com.

Captured By the Spell of Heidelberg

Travel with Terri

Terri Marshall

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April 1, 2016

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Travel with Terri

Captured by the Spell of Heidelberg

Story and Photos by Terri Marshall

As you know, I travel often and each destination offers its own special charms. But sometimes when I wander around in a new place I instantly know it is special…unique. Such was the case in Heidelberg, Germany. Originally it was just one city of many on an 11 day itinerary, but once I stepped foot in the historic center of this gem of Germany, I was captured by its spell. I’m not sure words can accurately describe it, so I give you photos and a few highlights.

Strolling Heidelberg’s Historic Center

Straddling the Neckar River and surrounded by tree-covered hills, Heidelberg couldn’t be more picturesque. Baroque houses, winding cobbled streets, and a graceful old town bridge spanning the Neckar River make for a most romantic scene that has served as an inspiration for poets and writers for centuries. The best way to explore this area is with a guided tour of the old town where the past comes to life. The city center is home to Hauptstrasse, the longest pedestrian-only street in Germany with a wide range of excellent shopping options.

Most impressive is the Church of the Holy Ghost that dominates the Marktplatz. Originally built in the early 1400s, the church has shifted between Catholic and Protestant several times over the last 600 years. At one point in the early 1700s it was partitioned so that both religions could use the church. Who knew Catholics and Protestants could share? If only it were the same for Republicans and Democrats! Look closely at the stained glass windows. They were blown out during the war and have been replaced by the works of modern artists in a variety of styles.

Germany’s Oldest University

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany. It has attracted scholars to Heidelberg for centuries and has produced an impressive list of Nobel Prize winners. The university’s magnificent neo-Renaissance Great Hall was built in 1886 to celebrate the institutions 500th anniversary and serves as the venue for ceremonial events. The ceiling frescoes feature the four faculties – theology, law, medicine and philosophy. Standing at the podium overlooking the hall it is easy to imagine the students waiting to receive their professor’s wise words.

Between 1778 and 1914, students who misbehaved were detained in Studentenkarzer (Student Prison). The prison began as a means to control rowdy college boys who disturbed the peace by letting out the locals’ pigs and partying into the wee hours of the morning. Fed up with the noise and disruption, the townspeople created the student prison. But these boys were from influential families of wealth and could not be detained from attending their classes which meant they could come and go as they pleased. The prison quickly became something of a rite of passage and a party zone as food and wine were delivered upon request. The old prison walls are covered in graffiti drawn with soot and chalk that tell the humorous stories of these bad boys.

Boat Ride to Stift Neuburg Monastery

Located in the beautiful Neckar valley with views of the Neckar River and the slopes of the Odenwald mountain range, the Stift Neuburg Monastery has existed for almost 900 years. It is possible to hike to the monastery from Heidelberg, but I chose the easy route – traveling by boat. Getting out on the Neckar River provides a completely new perspective of the city. The ride travels through three locks, past the lush landscaped hills and on to the monastery. Brother Bruno met us and gave us a guided tour of the abbey. Our tour included the crypt where Brother Bruno pointed out the date of birth listed on each stone was actually the date of death. Monks celebrate death as the birth of their eternal life.

On the grounds, a small farm shop sells cheese and other goods produced by the monks. You can also tour the small organic brewery to learn how the brothers brew their beer. Make time for a hearty lunch of traditional German fare at the Gasthaus zum Klosterhof – and don’t be surprised if the local goats make an appearance to wait for your leftovers.

About that Castle

The highlight of any visit to Heidelberg is, of course, a visit to the medieval castle. Destroyed in a war in 1693, the castle ruins have become a symbol of the German Romantic Movement. A funicular railway whisks you up to the top where lovely gardens surround the ruins of the massive Renaissance edifice. The castle ruins – once home to the Prince-Electors – rise majestically above the city’s historic center. There is an interesting apothecary museum on the castle grounds and you definitely don’t want to miss the world’s largest wine barrel said to hold a capacity of 58,650 gallons – it is empty so no need to bring your wine glass.

The views of Heidelberg from the castle are spell bounding whether by day or night. In his book, A Tramp Abroad, Mark Twain said this of Heidelberg’s castle, “A ruin must be rightly situated to be effective. This one could not have been better placed.”

See www.germany.travel.com to plan your adventure to Heidelberg and Germany’s other great cities.

We Fail

Poem of the Month

Bryan Hayes

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April 1, 2016

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WE FAIL

By Bryan Hayes

As a culture, we fail

when we let fear, hate and/or violence

become social norm.

As society, we fail

when we shun “them” instead

of embracing them.

As a community, we fail

when even one member dies,

feeling unloved.

Henry Flagler: Cultural Pioneer

Cultural Corner

Angela Shaw

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April 1, 2016

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Cultural Corner

Henry Flagler: Cultural Pioneer

By Angela Shaw

Last weekend I traveled to St Augustine for a reunion with my New England cousins. We stayed at the Sarah Petty Anderson house in the heart of America’s first town, within walking distance of all the major sights like the San Marco Fort and the renowned Flagler College. What a gorgeous structure Flagler built back in 1888 as his first hotel to support his railroad system the sun-seekers of a century ago!

Even though I was far from Wellington, I mused on how Flagler impacted these two cities and all the communities along Florida’s coast.

His second hotel was built in West Palm Beach.

If it weren’t for pioneers such as Henry Flagler, we wouldn’t have Wellington, much less the art and culture we enjoy in this community. Sure, someone else probably would have built the railroads and settled the swampy land. But he did it, and his story is worth retelling and appreciating.

Upon a visit to Jacksonville for his wife’s health, Flagler bought the Jacksonville, St Augustine and Halifax railroads in partnership with John D. Rockefeller.

Flagler built his first hotel in St Augustine, The Ponce de Leon Hotel, which is now Flagler College. It was and still is considered an architectural marvel. After establishing three hotels, and the huge Memorial Presbyterian Church, in memory of a deceased daughter, he and his Florida East Coast Railway continue southward.

He purchased an existing hotel in Ormond Beach, then visited Lake Worth, which he referred to as a “veritable paradise.” He built his second hotel, The Poinciana, boasting the largest all wooden structure in the world with a dining room that seated 1600.

Then came another little (I jest) local hotel named the Palm Beach Inn, known to us as “The Breaker’s.”

The Breaker's Hotel, Palm Beach — The Breaker’s Hotel, Palm Beach

Though not an artist, per se, his sense of beauty in architecture paved the way for arts and culture to grow and thrive as beautifully as the flowers for which this state was named.

Flagler College lobby - St Augustine — Flagler College lobby – St Augustine

In fact, over time, much of the land he owned became sites for several cultural establishments, such as The Norton Museum of Art, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, and the Palm Beach County History Museum and 1916 Courthouse. All these were part of his Model Land Company, owning 2 million acres from Jacksonville to Key West.
In 1902, Flagler raises his Palm Beach home, called Whitehall, which brings me to the thrust of this article, because it’s Around Wellington.

There’s a lot more to see than the 75 rooms, including ballrooms and dining rooms. Whitehall, this Gilded Age specimen, also offers cultural events and tours of the Breaker’s Hotel.

Here are some upcoming events at the museum.

Saturday, April 9, 3pm – Blue Grass Concert – Flatt Lonesome and Lonesome River Band – tickets $35

Saturday, , May 7, 11:30am – Mother’s Day Tea

Sunday, May 5, 12 noon – Mother’s Day Tea

Sunday, June 5th – Founder’s Day – Free tours of the Flagler Estate

Watch a Lecture about the Architects of The Breakers.

This lecture on architects Schultze & Weaver was part of the 26th Annual Whitehall Lecture Series on “The Architects Who Designed Palm Beach’s Iconic Buildings.” Jonathan Mogul is the Academic Programs Coordinator at the Wolfsonian at Florida International University. He co-authored “Grand Hotels of the Jazz Age: The Architecture of Schultze & Weaver.”

With all this to do in our own backyard, there’s no need to travel to St Augustine just to see amazing art and culture, unless it’s also to see cousins.

Here is the tagline

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Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s MUSIC FOR THE MIND Concert Series to Present ‘Classical Quest’ by Violinist Gareth Johnson in the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace in West Palm Beach

Art After Dark in April

OXBRIDGE DRAGONES SOAR AT 2016 FLORIDA STATE SPANISH CONFERENCE

March, 2016 – Around Wellington in Pics

Palm Beach International Film Festival from April 6 to 14

30th Annual Drop it, Thrill it, Float it, Launch it, Clean it on Saturday, April 16th

SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM SATELLITE LAUNCHS IN JUPITER

Captured By the Spell of Heidelberg

We Fail

Henry Flagler: Cultural Pioneer

Cultural Corner

Henry Flagler: Cultural Pioneer

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Palm Beach Dermatology (561) 440-7546

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