Tuesday, June 24, 2025
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Coming Next Week: Film Festival

The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©

Presents Special Summer Screening of

BELLA!

Celebrating Trailblazer Bella Abzug on Her 104th Birthday

At Cinemark Boynton Beach 14, July 24 at 4 pm

Writer-Director Jeff L. Lieberman to Participate in Audience Q&A

(West Palm Beach FL – July 16, 2024) Next week The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival© (SASIFF) will be hosting a special summer screening of BELLA!, an award-winning documentary about trailblazing Congresswoman Bella Abzug, on the 104th anniversary of her birth: July 24 at 4 pm at Cinemark Boynton Beach 14.

“Part of our mission is to bring thought-provoking films to Palm Beach,” said SASIFF Founder Donald M. Ephraim. “I can only imagine what a firebrand like Bella Abzug would make of this election year and our hope is that this special summer screening sparks audience interest on both sides of the political aisle.

The 2022 winner of the Library of Congress/Ken Burns Prize for FilmBELLA! celebrates the fiery feminist who entered Congress in 1970 ready for a fight. With her trademark hat and Bronx swagger, Bella Abzug upended the Washington patriarchy, battling for women’s equality, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ protections. Using never-before-seen home movies, audio diaries and a vast trove of newly discovered news footage, this gripping documentary features new interviews with Barbra Streisand, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Lily Tomlin, Maxine Waters, Shirley MacLaine, Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas, Charlie Rangel, Scott Stringer, and David Dinkins.

Jeff L. Lieberman, the writer-director of BELLA!, will attend the special screening and participate in a Q&A with the audience.

Ken Burns, America’s most celebrated documentary filmmaker, has praised BELLA! as “one of the most energetic and wonderful films,” while The New York Times says it “illustrates the merciless challenges of electoral endurance event for the fiercest fighter.”

How to Get Tickets to BELLA!

Cinemark Boynton Beach 14 is located at 1151 N. Congress Ave. in Boynton Beach. Tickets to Bella! are $14 and may be purchased at http://sasiff.org/Bella, For more information, call 561.220.6735 or email info@sasiff.org.

SASIFF returns for a new season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (Jan. 23-Jan. 30, 2025) and EVO Entertainment Delray (Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025).

Now entering its third year, the SASIFF is overseen by Artistic Director Barbara Scharres, the former director of programming at the Gene Siskel Film Center at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival:

The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife, aims to bring highly anticipated, critically acclaimed, and thought-provoking films to Palm Beach County. As a world-class film festival, The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International represents a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County. SASIFF returns for a new season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (Jan. 23-Jan. 30, 2025) and EVO Entertainment Delray (Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025).For more information, please visit www.sasiff.orgwww.facebook.com/DME.SASIFF and www.twitter.com/dmesasiff or www.instagram.com/dme_sasiff or contact info@sasiff.org or 561.220.6735.

About MorseLife:

MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs also include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels, and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity, and compassion. For more information, visit morselife.orgwww.facebook.com/MorseLifewww.twitter.com/MorseLifeHealthwww.instagram.com/morselifehealth or www.linkedin.com/company/morselife-inc-/ or contact info@morselife.org.

U.S. News & World Report Names Wellington Regional Medical Center Among Best Hospitals 2024-2025

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as High Performing for Heart Failure.

Wellington, FL – July 16, 2025 – Wellington Regional Medical Center has been named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital for Heart Failure. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “The ‘High Performing’ designation acknowledges hospitals that consistently deliver high-quality care for specific medical procedures and conditions. This recognition highlights their expertise and commitment to patient well-being.”

To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook,

Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

About Wellington Regional Medical Center

Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center, and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit http://www.wellingtonregional.com.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed

Armory Art Center Opens Artist & Vendor Applications for its November Arts Market

West Palm Beach, Fla. (July 12, 2024) — The Armory Art Center is now accepting visual & performing artist and vendor applications for participation in the 8th year of its juried art festival. 

In celebration of the organization’s upcoming 40th anniversary, the Armory Art Center has reimagined its annual festival to the Art + Craft + Design Creative Market, which will take place at the Armory’s historic campus on November 9-10, 2024.

Located within walking distance of CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach, Antique Row, and the Norton Museum of Art, the market hosts nearly 5,000 visitors every year. By expanding its offerings, the market will showcase additional artisans, styles, and wares—supporting creatives in a more significant way. The creative market will also feature a variety of performing artists and delicious craft food and beverages for guests to enjoy.

Also new this year is a Juried Art Exhibition, a special month-long exhibition that will feature Florida-based artists in conjunction with the market.

“Our museum-quality contemporary art, craft, and design creative market takes place in beautiful West Palm Beach, just minutes away from other cultural destinations in The Palm Beaches,” said Jill Brown, Armory Art Center CEO. “We can’t wait to welcome talented artists & vendors from across the country to showcase their works and talents at our world-class market.”

How to Apply:

Artists are invited to apply inbasketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, wood, leather, sculpture, painting, printmaking, and more. The show is limited to approximately 100 exhibitors, chosen by a jury of highly qualified 2D and 3D fine artists and craftspeople. The artist application fee is $50. 

Performing artists—including local musicians, singer-songwriters, and dancers—and food & beverage vendors who offer creative, unique options are also invited to apply. All visual and performing artist and food & beverage applications must be submitted by September 13, and applicants will be notified by September 27.

The Juried Art Exhibition will feature Florida artists who embody this year’s theme: “A Day in the Life of Palm Beach.” Artists are invited to submit works that provoke thought while addressing contemporary issues. The exhibition will run from November 4-December 8, 2024. The submission deadline for the juried exhibition is September 27, 2024.

To learn more about the requirements for the Art + Craft + Design Creative Market or to apply, visit armoryart.org


About the Armory Art Center:

Having served the community for over 30 years, the Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory Art Center’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from preschool to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics, and sculpture are held in 12 state-of-the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries. The Armory’s exhibitions, lectures, and special events are open to the public. 

The Armory is proud to have been the recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.

For information, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.

BOUJEE SIPS

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Lifetime Kitchen hosts the

Riedel Wine Glass Tasting Experience at

The Mall at Wellington Green

Wellington, FL – Prost! Family-owned, fine cookware purveyor Lifetime Kitchen at The Mall at Wellington Green will host the Riedel Wine Glass Tasting Experience, an epic wine tasting adventure on July 26 and July 31, from 7-8pm. 

Riedel’s brand ambassador will take guests on a delightful oenophilic journey, where they’ll sip four tantalizing varietal wines, enjoy delicious light bites, and learn how fine glassware can affect a grape’s aroma and flavour. Wine pours will include cabernet, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, and oak chardonnay.

Participants receive 10% off all in-store purchases during the event and will take home a complimentary Riedel Veloce Wine Tasting Set (a $180 value). 

Cost is $109 per person, per class. 

Register for the Riedel Wine Glass Tasting Experience here: 

July 26 

July 31

For more information, call (561) 370-3891 or visit lifetime-kitchen.com.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

Wellington Ladies Golf Club

Story by Krista Martinelli, Photos by Alan Fabricant

A few months ago, I discovered a ladies’ golf group that meets on Saturday mornings at Okeeheelee Golf Course.  This weekend they are celebrating two years as a group.  To celebrate, the ladies (along with their families) got together at Adventure Mini Golf in Lake Worth and had a potluck party.  What I love about the golf lessons on Saturday morning is that there is no judgement – you can be at any level of golfing, even an absolute beginner.  The lessons are with golf pro Darrell Welker and cost only $20 (cash) and you RSVP on the Facebook page “Wellington Ladies Golf Club.”  As a general rule, a maximum of ten people can sign up for the Saturday morning lesson, which runs from 9am to 10am.  I talked to founders of the group Melanie Kafka and Carole Glushien, as well as golf pro Darrell Welker. 

I asked Melanie Kafka what gave her the idea to start a Ladies Golf Club in Wellington.  “A few of us used to go to a lesson and it was great, not intimidating.  During the pandemic, golf was one of the only sports you could play, and we continued to go.  Carole Glushien helped bring this all together, as she has the contacts, and her kids are golfers.  In general, we suck at golf.  We know this,” she laughs.  “We wanted to have a place where it would be OK to still be allowed to be out there with our golf clubs and our shenanigans.  We found a home in Okeeheelee Golf Course.” 

She went on to say that the potluck party and mini golf would be a great celebration of their hard work as organizers.  Also, we are recognizing one of our MVP’s, Christa Hutton, who has done a lot to boost attendance at the lessons.  “I have a whole notebook full of ideas for the future,” says Melanie, who recently met with Carole to think of extracurricular activities, which will supplement the weekly golf lessons.

“Why do you enjoy golf personally?  What lessons does it teach us?” I asked Melanie.

“It’s like yoga where I get to hit things.  Namaste golf!  I get to calm down, focus on nothing but being outside.  You just focus on this one small area, and it takes all other worries out of the picture.  I want everyone to experience this.  Why golf?  I grew up in a very male world, where there were a lot of pro golfer guys in my family.  It was kept from me intentionally.  Women don’t get the same opportunities as men in golf.  So now here’s your opportunity, ladies!”

I also spoke to Carole Glushien about the golf group.  “It started at a late-night wine night when we were brainstorming,” says Carole.  Her youngest child was seven and taking golf lessons already, while her oldest was a golfing assistant at Okeeheelee.  “You know the soccer mom?  I was the golf mom.  I just found the place and the coach,” she explains.  The coach was originally Trish Beucher at Okeeheelee. 

Today the golf coach is Darrell Welker and I spoke with him about what he enjoys most about teaching the ladies golf group on Saturday mornings. He says, “I was privileged to be able to learn the game at an early age and had my first lesson at 7.  I was injured before orthoscopic surgery was available.  These days I love the ability to give back and giving back information to help people learn the game better.”  Welker was a professional golfer for a living and now has been teaching golf for approximately 35 years. 

We also talked about the variety of levels that come for the lesson.  “We have a few girls who golf regularly.  A few girls who are beginners.  It’s interesting because you’re helping people of all skill levels.  The challenge is always there to help the individual.  Stance and posture are always so important.  I’m blessed to have the girls…it’s fun for me and I’m hoping it’s fun for them.”

If interested in joining the group on Facebook, which now has over 200 members, just visit “Wellington Ladies Golf Club.”  Or if you don’t have Facebook, you can email: wellingtonladiesgolfclub@gmail.com

BRAD BARTON REALITY THIEF 

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Magic and mind reading at the Hub at Space of Mind in downtown Delray Beach benefiting the Community Classroom Project 

WHAT: Brad Barton, aka The Reality Thief, is a magician with a knack for uncovering an audience’s inner joy. With over twenty years of experience, Brad has dazzled at corporate events, arts festivals, TED talks and more. His relaxed and engaging style has earned him international recognition, with fans including GE’s Jack Welch, musician Tom Waits, and Mike Gordon, who said, “I laughed, I gasped, and then I told friends.”

If you haven’t yet experienced the Lunchbox Theater at the Hub at Space of Mind, you’re in for a treat. The venue offers a unique blend of creativity, energy and ambiance. Arrive early to explore the art studio and enjoy light bites and drinks at the donation bar. Don’t miss this exclusive one-night event as Brad brings his magic from San Francisco! 

Proceeds from this event benefit the Community Classroom Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing learning and life-related stress through creativity. Believing in magic is a key element in life, so this event is the second installment in the CCP magic series featuring mind-blowing illusionists from around the country! 

TICKETS: 

$50 -$70

includes light bites, a donation bar and entertainment

https://bradbarton.givesmart.com

WHEN:

Friday, July 26 

7pm doors & bites | 8pn show 

WHERE:

The Hub at Space of Mind

101 NW 1st Ave Delray Beach, FL 33444, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Valet parking is available from Dada or free parking at Delray Beach City Hall (north side of the building).

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CLASSROOM PROJECT: The Community Classroom Project (CCP) is an innovative 501(c)3 nonprofit organization launched by the team behind Space of Mind. CCP was created to provide experiential learning, educational resources, entrepreneurship and scholarships by bridging the gap between students, parents, educators, schools, mental health providers and the community and to rethink current approaches in education to reduce school-related stress. Their Community Classroom Kitchen (CCK) initiative is on a mission to enhance mental and physical health for families in South Florida through the art of cooking and communal dining. It commences with training a culinary workforce passionate and equipped to thrive in the dynamic restaurant industry. 

www.yourccp.org 

Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County Adds Amazing Life-Sized Metal Animals as Prelude to Upcoming Leap into a Year of Nature, Art, & Science

Public is Invited to Suggest Names for Seven New Garden Accessories

(West Palm Beach, FL – July 12, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is inviting the public to suggest names for its seven newest garden accessories—life-sized animals crafted from recycled metal that have been placed around the 20-acre tropical oasis located just minutes from the hustle-bustle of downtown West Palm Beach.

“As prelude to our upcoming Leap into Nature, Art & Science, a year of inspirational programming for all ages that will culminate with our new Ribbitt the Exhibit II Grand Opening November 23, Mounts Botanical Garden has recently added seven life-sized metal animals—three giraffes, two elephants, and both a hippo and a lion,” says Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller.

“We hope garden-lovers of all ages will visit Mounts this summer, check out these new super-cool, man-made animals, and then email us their various name suggestions for each—from which our team will select the winning monikers,” she adds. The email address is mountsmarketing@pbcgov.org. The deadline to enter is Labor Day, September 2.

This fun new Name Game for our seven metal animals is the perfect, family-friendly kick-off for the next major exhibition at Mounts Botanical Garden, which is coming back by popular demand:

Ribbit the Exhibit II

November 23 through May 25

This delightful new exhibit will feature 18-larger-than-life, thoughtfully crafted, and whimsically inspired sculptures by Andy Cobb,” says Stoller. “Best of all, almost all of the super-sized sculptures will be new to Mounts and were not part of the original exhibition in early 2020”

“The 18 lovable, hand-crafted frog sculptures will be displayed throughout Mounts, providing a captivating window into the fascinating world of amphibians and their profound impact on our ecology,” she adds.

During Ribbit the Exhibit II, Garden visitors can immerse themselves in a whimsical art experience where nature, art, and science converge harmoniously, while discovering how these seemingly small creatures play a crucial role in the delicate balance of ecosystems and the interconnectedness that sustains the natural world.

Each frog sculpture is 5 to 7 feet tall, is crafted from hand-patinated copper, and each has a name and a story. Inspirational and Educational programming during this exhibit will include:

  • Family Days, with activities for children and fun and informative presentations by experts.
  • Wetlands Ecology and Environmental Workshops.
  • “Frogtastic” educational programs.

For details on sponsoring this exhibit, visit https://www.mounts.org/leap-into-nature-art-science/.

During the summer, Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm (with last entry at 2 pm), and the daily admission rate has been lowered to $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $7 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6. The traditional hours and rates at Mounts will resume this Fall.

Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects

Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide

Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org]

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.

Hanley Foundation to host 2nd Annual Bartle BBQ Hang

West Palm Beach, FL (July 12, 2024)—Hanley Foundation, Florida’s largest provider of grant-funded prevention programs to combat addiction, will host the 2nd Annual Bartle BBQ Hang, a skateboard and BBQ event, on August 24 at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach. The Bartle BBQ Hang was conceived by the Bartle family, their close friends, and SandyJames Fine Food and Productions, in honor of Cory Bartle, a 34-year-old skateboarding enthusiast and rising culinary star, who tragically lost his life from an accidental fentanyl overdose in October 2022.

“We were so moved last year by all of the support and participation from our friends in the skateboarding and culinary communities,” said James Bartle, event chair and co-founder of SandyJames Fine Food and Productions. “This cause is near and dear to our hearts, and we can’t wait to host this again!”

The event committee chaired by James Bartle includes Jessica Busarello, Sandy Coto, Trudy Crowetz, and Mary Jacobs. The BBQ will take place on Saturday, August 24 from 4PM- 7PM at the National Croquet Center, 700 Florida Mango Rd, West Palm Beach, FL. Tickets are $50 for adults, $35 for Juniors (ages 13-30), and free for children 12 and under. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be purchased at hanleyfoundation.org/bbq.

Admission includes a BBQ feast underwritten and catered by SandyJames, as well as a variety of kids’ and family activities, including a half pipe competition with cash prizes. Other major sponsors include Cleveland Clinic Florida, Seabreeze Building, Leeds Custom Design and The Croquet Foundation of America. All proceeds from the event will benefit Hanley Foundation’s Cory Bartle Memorial Fund, which helps provide lifesaving scholarships for individuals with substance use disorders who would not otherwise be able to access quality treatment.

About the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund
Cory Bartle was a masterful culinary artist by the age of 25 whose work brought him an incredible amount of joy. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he loved skateboarding and the beach. Cory was passionate about the people he loved and was willing to help people in any way he could. Cory was working hard on his recovery and wanted to be free of addiction. Unfortunately, an accidental overdose took his life in October 2022. In honor of Cory’s life, his family created the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund to support efforts to combat addiction and bring awareness about the addiction crisis.

Donations made to the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund, administered by the Hanley Foundation, will provide lifesaving scholarships for individuals with substance use disorders who would not otherwise be able to afford treatment. The fund will also support work to educate individuals and their families on substance use disorders and the road to recovery for all involved, with the hopes of breaking the cycle of addiction and overdose.

For more information, visit hanleyfoundation.org, call 561-268-2355, or email info@hanleyfoundation.org.

About Hanley Foundation 

Hanley Foundation envisions a world free of addiction, leading the way as the largest provider of grant-funded prevention education programs in the State of Florida. Hanley Foundation’s mission is to eliminate addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support. Operating under these pillars, Hanley provides accredited, holistic addiction treatment, recovery scholarships to those in need, and trainings to identify the signs of substance misuse. Hanley Foundation educates, changes minds, and saves lives through its evidence-based treatment and prevention programs. For more information, please visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 561-268-2355. Follow Hanley on Instagram and Facebook @HanleyFoundation and on Twitter and LinkedIn @HanleyFNDN.

PBA Presents AMERICOLOR: Exploring Urban Color Fields

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Exhibition of Photography by Dennis Church
Curated by Hirbod Human

Exhibition Dates: August 12 to October 4, 2024
Reception and Discussion: September 19, 6 to 7:30 PM
Location: Tauni De Lesseps Art Gallery, The Warren Library, Palm Beach Atlantic University 
Address: 300 Pembroke Place, West Palm Beach, Florida  
Hours: Open during regular library hours. Please visit library.pba.edu for updated times. Parking in regular campus lots is available for free after 6 PM

West Palm Beach, Fla. (July 9, 2024)— Palm Beach Atlantic University is pleased to announce the opening of Urban Color Fields, a beautiful exhibition featuring the works of street photographer Dennis Church. Curated by Hirbod Human, it will be on view from August 12 through October 4, 2024, at the Tauni De Lesseps Art Gallery in The Warren Library. 

Dennis Church, known for his vibrant and dynamic street photography, brings a painter’s sensitivity to his depiction of urban environments. His latest collection, Urban Color Fields, showcases twenty carefully selected works that uniquely capture the complex interplay of color, shape and form in everyday urban scenes.

Church’s photographic journey began with a childhood trauma that altered his perception of color, influencing his unique visual language. This profound experience is evident in his ability to transform mundane urban scenes into intricate compositions of geometric shapes and harmonious color patterns. His photographs reveal an underlying order within the apparent chaos of urban life, drawing viewers into a visual symphony that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Color plays a central role in Church’s work, with his transition from black-and-white to color photography marking a significant evolution in his artistic approach. His images convey emotion and narrative through a rich palette, turning everyday scenes into vivid, painterly compositions. This mastery of color is comparable to the works of abstract painters, creating a visual dialogue between photography and fine art.

In Urban Color Fields, Church’s relentless exploration of urban landscapes is on full display. His images document the ever-changing nature of city streets, construction sites, deserted alleys, and abandoned lots. The omnipresence of advertising in his photographs incorporates the pervasive influence of commercialism, transforming billboards and shop signs from mere visual clutter into integral elements of the urban narrative.

Church’s background in psychology and sociology deeply informs his photographic practice. His work offers a sociological commentary on contemporary urban life, reflecting the subconscious social coordination among city dwellers. This perspective adds depth to his images, encouraging viewers to contemplate the underlying social dynamics of the environments he captures.

Church’s ability to capture the perfect moment is evident in his meticulous timing and composition. He often waits for the ideal moment to press the shutter, resulting in photographs that feel both spontaneous and carefully crafted. His instinctual framing, which sometimes disregards conventional rules, allows him to present a raw and authentic perspective on urban life.

Dennis Church’s work has received significant recognition in the field of street photography. His photographs have been featured in the seminal book Bystander: A History of Street Photography, authored by Colin Westerbeck and Joel Meyerowitz. He has exhibited widely in the USA and his photographs are in the permanent collections of several public institutions. His works have appeared in hard copy and on-line magazines in the USA, Italy, France, England, Russia and the Czech Republic. 

Curated by Hirbod Human, this exhibition is a testament to Dennis Church’s unique vision and exceptional talent. Join us at the Tauni De Lesseps Gallery of Art to experience the profound depth and complexity of Urban Color Fields. The opening reception will be on September 19 from 6 to 7:30 PM, with discussion led by the artist. Visitors are invited to join the conversation and to explore the unexpected meanings and connections in this beautiful work.

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About Palm Beach Atlantic University  

Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.

YMCA of the Palm Beaches Appoints Director of Philanthropy

West Palm Beach, FL (July 8, 2024)—The YMCA of the Palm Beaches  is pleased to announce the addition of Stephanie Langlais to its leadership team. In her new role, Langlais will serve as Director of Philanthropy. 

Stephanie Langlais has over 18 years of experience as a non-profit professional, fundraiser, marketer, and grant writer in the south Florida market. Throughout her extensive career, she has raised millions of dollars for several organizations in Palm Beach County, including the American Red Cross, the Max Planck Research Institute, Bethesda Hospital Foundation, and more. As Director of Philanthropy at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, Langlais will focus on major gifts and fundraising for the YMCA’s new 55,000 sq. ft. community center at Lake Lytal Park, a public private partnership with Palm Beach County’s Parks and Recreation Department. The County is building a new aquatics center adjacent to the Y’s community center. Langlais will oversee all fundraising initiatives and special events. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our leadership team,” said Tim Coffield, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “The impressive fundraising experience that Stephanie brings to the YMCA will help us grow as an organization and expand our impact serving children and families within our territory of Palm Beach County.”

About YMCA of the Palm Beaches
The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has served the Palm Beach County community for more than 100 years, providing essential programs, activities, and services for thousands of children, seniors, and families annually. The Y’s mission is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, regardless of the ability to pay. For more information, call 561.968.9622 or visit 
ymcapalmbeaches.org.