DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORS 06.19.12

Condolences:

We recently lost two great talents in the art community.  Gail Pflaster, Ed. D. passed away in early May.  She spent forty years in the academic world as a teacher and become passionately involved in the arts community in the late 90s.  A member or patron of many St Augustine arts organizations, she created the Festival of the Muses in conjunction with the St Johns Cultural Council in order to celebrate Women’s History Month.  In 2009 she founded ROWITA (Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts).  Her energy and enthusiasm will be missed but her work will carry on.  A gathering of friends met recently at the Limelight Theatre to celebrate Gail’s accomplishments and to honor her accomplishments.

Thomas Glover White will be forever remembered for his efforts to create the St Augustine Sculpture Garden, but his contributions to the arts community were even greater than his gift of art in a public place.  Diagnosed in February 2012, he passed away in late May from an aggressive brain tumor.  His friends and fans have arranged a fundraiser to help defray the medical costs incurred and everyone is invited.  Many of the same artists, patrons and local businesses who came together last year to help get the sculptures installed at Lakeside Park have joined forces again to host an event this Wednesday, June 20^th starting at 5pm and located at Mardi Gras at 123 San Marco Avenue.  Artists have donated their works, restaurants have donated food and many of Thomas’ musician friends will be on hand to make music.  For more info, call 315.0162 or email [email protected].

 

Congratulations:

Downtown resident Isabel Dickson was recently honored by the Camellia Circle for her beautifully eclectic garden and patio.  Starting with one azalea 25 years ago, Isabel has done every bit of work herself and recycled old chimney bricks into the walkways.  Hats off to our wonderful assortment of gardeners!

If you’re a fan of French fries, march yourself down to French Fry Heaven located at the Spanish Plaza at 100 St George Street and treat yourself to a smorgasbord of toppings unless you’re like me and you like them plain with malt vinegar and salt.  The grand opening was in late May and it’s been buzzing ever since.

Amiro Art and Found at 9 Aviles Street just recently celebrated its first anniversary and the gallery was hopping with live music, a gaggle of artists and a long line of well-wishers on hand to make merry.  Be sure to stop by and congratulate them.  amiroartandfound.com

 

Events:

The 2012 St Augustine Music Festival is almost upon us and you don’t want to miss this extraordinary premier classical music concert offered for free.  Held at the Cathedral Basilica over two weekends, the first series is June 21 – 23 followed by performances on June 28 – 30.  Visit staugustinemusicfestival.org for details but be sure to save the dates because you won’t want to miss it.

Terri Newman reminds us that this Saturday, June 23, is the anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Bloody Mose and there will be two re-enactments of the battle starting at 11:30 and again at 4:00.  The event is free and offers military demonstrations, theatre presentation, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities.  Held at the Fort Mose Historic State Park at 15 Fort Mose Trail, you can call 823-2232 for more information.

Although the weather hasn’t been too cooperative of late, remember that the free concert series at the Plaza is happening every Thursday evening starting at 7pm.  Bring your comfortable chair, sit back and enjoy the breeze off the Matanzas while tapping your toes to the Mid-Life Crisis this Thursday.

Summer is here and so are the summer visitors to this city of ours.  Accolades for St Augustine keep rolling in and we are fortunate to live here amongst all the treasures that are found here.  Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen!

 

 

 

Contact Me