Isabel Saad’s Photographic Palm Beach Début Exhibit Sells out

 Those of us who attended the recent photographic exhibit at The Center for Creative Education met the talented Isabel Saad and witnessed first hand the young lady’s impressive collection, which sold out opening night! Isabel Saad’s recent show of her engaging new photographs, curated by Bruce Helander for The Gallery at Center for Creative Education located in historic Northwood, West Palm Beach, opened on May 6th.

The exhibition was completely sold out by the end of her well-attended opening reception, as every one of the photographic

Norka Aron, Isabel Saad, David Aronberg

works from Ms. Saad’s first solo show were snapped up, with a percentage of sales proceeds going directly to the CCE for educational programs. Collectors include Lori Stoll, State Attorney Dave Aronberg, Charles Bianco, Aron Family Collection, William Louis-Dreyfus, and artists Bruce Helander and Alex Guofeng Cao. Adjacent to the recently completed Conrad N. Hilton Theater, The Gallery opened in 2013 and is a spacious 1,500 square foot area that presents a spacious and bright platform for ongoing exhibitions that focus on student artworks in addition to established artists with local and national standing.
“Isabel Saad’s photography was a standout amidst the works of many student pieces being exhibited in what has been the most robust collection of student works The Gallery at Center for Creative Education has exhibited to-date.  With varying levels of artistic merit, the artworks and opening reception were well received by art aficionados and casual collectors alike with the stamp of approval being the sold out works by Isabel Saad,” said Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla, Gallery Manager.
Isabel Saad, who currently is a photography and English literature major at the prestigious New School Parsons School of Design in New York City, has had a strong interest in photography for a number of years. This interest developed into a recognized style, quite often influenced by her discoveries and documentation of urban street activities, from department store windows to pedestrians passing provocative billboards and advertisements. Some of her works concentrate on self-portraiture and other figurative representations, which can elicit a mysterious and pensive depiction. In some examples, Ms. Saad can appropriate an historical or theatrical connection, such as her Red Shoes composition that seems to connect with Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. In others, the photographer examines the unusual aesthetics of emptiness, such as an empty classroom where vacant tables and chairs take advantage of shadows and natural light, set up an unexpected minimal composition that is surprising and memorable.

Isabel Saad, who at a young age has lived in and traveled across two continents, has developed an interest not only in photography but in film making, drawing and design, creative writing and acting. She has attended Phillips Academy Andover, Cambridge University, the New York Film Academy, the nation’s only early college Bard College at Simon’s Rock and the Boca Raton Museum of Art School, among others.

In addition to her exhibit, The Gallery at CCE is showing photographs of Dreyfoos School students who major in photography and the work of Lot23 students.  The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm and continues through May 27th.  The Center for Creative Education is located at 425 24th Street, West Palm Beach, Fl 33401. 

For additional information please contact, Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla, Gallery Manager, The Gallery at Center for Creative Education at (561) 805-9927 or jonathono@cceflorida.org

To view photos from opening night, click here. 

Father launches 50 mile stand-up paddleboard challenge to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis

When Piper was four years old, she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a terminal lung disease that currently does not have a cure.  CF is a genetic disorder that causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. 

Immediately after her diagnosis Piper’s dad, Travis Suit, learned that the inhalation of salt water mist has a therapeutic effect on the lung problems associated with the disease.  Salt water helps to clear the mucus that traps bacteria, viruses and other foreign particles.    

“When we heard about the effects that salt water has on the lungs, we knew we had to get her in the ocean immediately,” said Suit. “It doesn’t cure the disease, but she doesn’t suffer nearly as much, and we’re hoping that instilling a lifelong love for the ocean will keep her alive as long as possible.”

In the summer of 2013, Travis Suit and three friends completed The Crossing for A Cure which was a stand-up paddleboard journey from the Bahamas to Florida to raise awareness of the benefits of salt air and raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Battling rough seas, a moonless night and exhaustion, the quartet completed the arduous 90 mile journey in less than 16 hours.

 

This upcoming Father’s Day weekend (June 17th) Travis and 30+ other paddlers will be embarking on The Crossing for A Cure 2017.  Paddlers will start in Bimini and finish in Dania Beach. Once again, all proceeds will benefit families impacted by the disease and research toward a cure for CF. 

 

                                                                   

PALM BEACH

LAUNCH PARTY

MEAT MARKET,  MAY 17TH

SPACE IS LIMITED!!!

RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW 

BY

DONATING ON LINE

$20 Minimum Suggested Donation

 

To pay at door RSVP:

561 833 8283 

(Paying at the door subject to space)  

 

 

New Proud Sponsor of Crossing For A Cure:

 

Have you noticed more people walking around wearing red sneakers? It may be because of a young boy named Oakley Debbs.

If you ever met Oakley Debbs, you would have thought what a great kid he was. 11 years old, he attended Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach. He was a straight-A student, and a loving son and brother to his twin sister Olivia. He had an infectious smile, and he loved playing soccer and football

Late last year, while on vacation with his family, Oakley accidentally ate a piece of cake containing nut resin. Oakley’s parents knew he had a nut allergy, and had always been vigilant about his health, his allergy, and the asthma they managed. Oakley had developed blisters on his lips, so they gave him Benadryl. He seemed fine. In the hours after, though, his body went into anaphylactic shock, and he never recovered. The tragedy of Oakley’s death is unfathomable. Not least because it could have been prevented had the family known how to recognize the signs of a severe food allergy reaction and given him his epi-pen immediately.

Shortly after his passing, his family started Red Sneakers for Oakley, named after his favorite shoes. They knew right away they had to get the word out and spread awareness about food allergies so that no other parent or community need suffer a similar loss.

Spreading Awareness 

Their first awareness event was a community soccer game at the Palm Beach Recreation Center where hundreds of children came out to honor Oakley in a soccer jamboree wearing red sneakers. What was truly amazing about the turnout was that even families who don’t have food allergies showed up to express their support of the need for better education of the real dangers of food allergies.

At another recent event, just last month, families of Rosarian Academy participated in an Awareness Day with informational booths as well as carnival games and rides for the children. Over 400 people attended.

The Mission of Red Sneakers for Oakley

The mission of Red Sneakers for Oakley is to empower families and communities with the tools and information to better protect their children. In just 8 weeks, Red Sneakers for Oakley gained 7,500 followers on Facebook, with an average weekly reach of 40,000, and a growing audience of a combined 100,000+ across all their social media accounts.

One of their Calls to Action is to ask people to wear red sneakers to promote the movement and food allergy awareness, to take photos and to post on social media platforms. And it’s working. Red Sneakers for Oakley has truly galvanized an online movement that did not exist before.

The Red Sneaker symbol is a simple one, but it is resonating with millennials and Gen X’ers alike. Red Sneakers for Oakley has received thousands of messages and posts from people all over the world. They are also receiving testimonials from parents who might otherwise have suffered a tragic incident with their own child had they not heard Oakley’s story.

The dangers of food allergies may be known to parents of children who have them, but many people overlook the severity of them. Have you ever witnessed people questioning whether an “allergy mom” is being overly cautious at a play date? It happens all the time. Red Sneakers for Oakley hopes to change that attitude. It only takes one bite for a child with allergies to potentially have a life-threatening, fatal reaction.

That is the heart and soul of Red Sneakers for Oakley:  Children and their communities rallying to make sure everyone understands the true severity of what some people call the allergy epidemic in America.

More than 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. Yet there is a widespread lack of awareness and confusion surrounding how to respond properly to anaphylactic reactions.

The road ahead is still daunting as Red Sneakers for Oakley hopes to grow its reach into the millions and raise much-needed funds for awareness programs. Somehow, somewhere, the Debbs family finds the strength and courage to keep promoting their cause, but they can’t do it without you.

 This is how YOU can help 

Wear Red Sneakers

  • What: Any red sneaker will do, take a photo and post on social media
  • How: Use the hashtags #redsneakersforoakley #livlikeoaks #foodallergyawareness
  • Where: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest

Share this link when and where you can 

Raise awareness.  Organize a community event at your school, recreation center or local business Flyers are available for download at  Red Sneakers.org

Donate with card or paypal

Follow Red Sneakers for Oakley:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/redsneakersforoakley/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/redsneakersforoakley/

Twitter https://twitter.com/oakley_red

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/oakley_red/

As seen in:

Today Show

Fox News 

WPTV 

Huffington Post 

VBGIVESBACK 

 

 

More than 50 guests noshed on scrumptious hors d’oeuvres while sipping Veuve Clicquot champagne recently for artist Romero Britto’s “pop-up” gallery at Meat Market Palm Beach celebrating the American Cancer Society’s Annual Benefit “Rock Palm Beach.”  Britto has lent his vibrant, colorful artwork “Spotlight” for the annual event’s invitation and will be donating a custom portrait for the event’s live auction to help raise critical funds to support the organization’s mission of fighting cancer.

 The lounge area of the restaurant was brilliantly transformed with several pieces of vivid artwork and radiant lighting to create the gallery which consisted of three sculptures: a 7’ flamingo, a 3’ torso and a 4’ reclining woman.  Britto also exhibited several of his iconic paintings to complete the gallery.

 Guests included: Chrysanti and Howard Berger, Andy Dugard, Beth Farris, Susan Furman and Bob Holuba, Marla Garchik, Roni and Gerald Goldsmith, Arlette Gordon, Ivy Greenberg, Donna and Steve Grossman, Carol Jaeger and Douglas Jencks, Wyatt Koch, Bebe Presenti, Miguel Rivera, Renee and Donald Scott, Kitty Silverstein, Lori Stoll, Jesse Stoll, and Jeff Zipper.

                            Susan Furman & Romero Britto

 

 The American Cancer Society Annual Benefit, “Rock Palm Beach,” will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017, 8:00pm in the Grand Ballroom decorated with Britto artwork at The Mar-a-Lago Club and will feature Lou Gramm, former lead singer of the group Foreigner.

 “Rock Palm Beach” will also host a private, black-tie Sponsors Dinner on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at The Mar-a-Lago Club with a performance by the group Tavares.

Click here to view more pictures

 

For tickets or more information about “Rock Palm Beach” contact Michelle Jaminet at the American Cancer Society,

Telephone 561.655.3449 or email michelle.jaminet@cancer.org.

Have you purchased your ticket yet for one of the buzziest events this Season? 

They are going fast. … The Armory Art Center is thrilled to present the much anticipated Purple Reign event on Thursday, January 26th.  The highly regarded Special Kiss to Prince Pop-Up exhibit— 2016 Fashionopolis Event featuring runway designs inspired by Prince,  an Icon of fashion, style, music and creativity. 

                        Ines di Santo Jumpsuit

Eight fashion designers, from Minneapolis to Manhattan to Amsterdam, including “fan favorite” from television’s Project Runway, Christopher Straub, created ensembles to celebrate the Pop Life of the enigmatic superstar who’s pioneering style was flamboyant, sexy, and always impossibly cool. 

The celebrations have already begun as evidenced at the recent Preview Party at Meat Market Palm Beach with Speedpainter, Michael Israel who will be performing at Purple Reign. Over 80 guests attended the event including Chairperson Marie Adler-Kravecas; Honorary Chair Linda Silpe, committee members Wyatt Koch, J. Roby Penn IV, Nicole Dicocco, Chris Leavitt, Sarah Scheffer, Kirsten Smith, Zachary von Gonten, Josh Sagman, Conrad Hilton III, Samantha Curry and Robert Riva.

Other committee members who sipped Meat Market’s ‘Purple Rain’ signature cocktails and enjoyed a sneak peek of Michael Israel’s impressive masterpieces inspired and created to music within minutes, were Don Silpe, Carlos Morrison, Elizabeth Fekkai, Colleen Hanson, Virginia Oatley and Leonard Lauren. 

Michael Israel, Chair Marie Adler-Kravecas, Joanna Marlow

 

 

Tickets $250  Junior Tickets (under 40) $150

 Click Here to Purchase Tickets  

(when prompted press continue– no need to register)

or call  561 832 1776
 

 

 

 

 

 

Britto to be special guest at American Cancer Society Benefit

The 59th Annual American Cancer Society’s Palm Beach Benefit is spicing it up this year with Romero Britto.  The Brazilian-born, Miami-made pop artist Romero Britto contributed his bright signature art for the event invitations and has continue to drive the inspiration for what promises to be the most colorful and coolest benefit The Mar-a-Lago Club has ever hosted.

“Britto’s vibrant, bold, and colorful patterns reflect his optimistic view of the world – which is one of the reason we chose to align our event with him. Through its research, the American Cancer Society creates optimism for cancer patients worldwide,” said event co-chairman Shelley Menin.

Chairs: Shelley Menin & Marla Garchik

Menin’s co-chair Marla Garchik added, “We’re grateful to add Romero Britto as a corporate partner this year and are delighted to be collaborating with him for a spectacular, colorful event!”

The third Rock Palm Beach continues in 2017 with another musical extravaganza at The Mar-a-Lago Club on Friday, February 10 at 8:00pm and will feature lavish food stations, VIP Lounges, and several live acts in the Club’s Grand Ballroom.

Also, new this year, the annual event will host a black-tie Sponsors Dinner on Tuesday, February 7 at 6:00pm hosted by Fantastic Finishes in the famed Gold and White Ballroom at The Mar-a-Lago Club which will also present several musical acts.

 

Other event corporate partners include the Addison Hines Charitable Trust, Braman Motorcars, Fantastic Finishes, Meat Market, and the Private Client Reserve of US Bank.

If the hard-to-miss, lively invitations requesting “colorful chic attire” are indicative of what’s to come at the event, the crowd will be carousing and dancing the night away until the wee hours!

For tickets or information, please contact Michelle Jaminet at the American Cancer Society in Palm Beach: telephone 561.655.3449 or email Michelle Jaminet

Armory Art Center prepares for Purple Reign Event on January 26th

The world of popular culture was rocked in 2016 with the unexpected loss of several major Rock Icons.  Nowhere was the loss of the artist Prince Rogers Nelson known better simply as Prince felt more deeply than in his hometown of Minneapolis.  In a nod to the trendsetting aspects of Prince’s multi-decade career, and out of respect for Prince’s indomitable style, Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine joined forces with the Minneapolis Art Institute to create a Fashion Designer tribute based on Prince’s musical hits. 

Billed as a Special Kiss to Prince, the 2016 Fashionopolis Event featured runway designs inspired by the one-or-a-kind hit maker, Prince, who was known as an Icon of fashion, style, music and creativity.  Eight fashion designers, from Minneapolis to Manhattan to Amsterdam, including “fan favorite” from television’s Project Runway, Christopher Straub, created ensembles to celebrate the Pop Life of the enigmatic superstar who’s pioneering style was flamboyant, sexy, and always impossibly cool.

Winner of seven Grammy awards, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, Prince was one of the best-selling musicians of all-time.  Hits included Little Red Corvette, 1999, Purple Rain, Kiss, and When Doves Cry.

The Armory Art Center will feature the highly regarded Pop-Up exhibit at their much anticipated Purple Reign event on January 26th.  Click here to register for the event

120% Lino gives back December 10 through December 20

Palm Beachers have long been celebrated as dog lovers.  This Holiday Season, you can shop on Worth Avenue at 120% Lino and support Big Dog Ranch Rescue. For 10 days beginning December 10,  choose from the fabulous selection of accessories and  120% Lino will contribute 10% of purchases to Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

Select from beautifully hand-woven Italian handbags made from waxed cotton exclusively for 120% Lino; Italian ballerinas made from the finest Italian Leather; exquisite Italian chain necklaces and jewelry from French designer Dominique Denaive; authentic Panama Hats direct from Montecristi, and delicate linen scarves while contributing to the welfare of our four-legged friends.  Spoil your friends (and yourself) with a gift from 120% Lino and know that you are acting as Santa’s helper for dogs in need.

120% Lino is Italy’s foremost fashion brand specializing in linen for men, women and children.  Their  fashion collections which are known for an understated luxury style, are focused on just one material:  the pure linen fiber. Passion and research for the reinterpretation of this quality textile is the core of 120% Lino which offers the perfect fit for people who love sophistication and natural elegance.  Visit the store located at 333 Worth Avenue,

 Click Here to preview  the latest arrivals at 120% Lino                                                          

big-dog-ranch

Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the largest no-kill dog rescue in the Southeastern U.S, began over 10 years ago as Florida Weimaraner Rescue, and in 2008 expanded to rescue all dog breeds. Since then, Big Dog Ranch Rescue has saved over 12,000 innocent dogs and puppies who would not have survived without intervention. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.  President and Co-Founder Lauree Simmons reminds that with their motto, “Big And Small, We Save Them All!”  

Click Here for more information or to adopt a pet from Big Dog Ranch Rescue

 

Armory Art Center Sponsors Shopping Opportunity in Advance of Purple Reign Event

In anticipation of The Armory Art Center’s upcoming Winter Fundraiser planned for January 26– PURPLE REIGNa Tribute to Prince,  two neighboring Worth Avenue boutiques have gotten into the Purple spirit.   Mary Mahoney and The Silver Fund are offering a donation to the Armory Art Center for any purple merchandise purchased in the month of December.  A special piece sure to appeal to collectors is a beautiful Dorothy Draper inspired chrome X-form bench upholstered in a brilliant purple velvet fabric, USA circa 1970 exclusively designed by The Silver Fund and offered at $8,500 (featured above).  

Vase Poseidon Bleu-Lavande

Vase Poseidon Bleu-Lavande

 

Mary Mahoney has a celebrated collection of tableware, gifts and entertaining essentials with many purple options.  Collectors are invited to consider the Lalique Poseidon Vase offered at $17,500.

The Armory Art Center is delighted to be the beneficiary of this WORTHwhile shopping opportunity.  In their 30th year, The Armory Art Center offers scholarships for youth and adult programs to help inspire the creation and experience of art in Palm Beach County for underserved families.  In addition to providing a full roster of art classes, the Armory Art Center operates two major programs…. Artist in Residence Program and Art of the Phoenix, which conducts therapeutic art classes to aid teenage victims of human trafficking.

Click here for more information on Purple Reign 

First of a series of events benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County SELLS OUT

In spite of rescheduling due to Hurricane Matthew, the 2016 Wellington Golf Tournament benefiting the Neil S Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club sold out!  The event which takes place at the Wanderers Club was rescheduled to November 13 2016. Leading the charge this year is Chairman Nic Roldan.

Marley Goodman Overman & Georgina Bloomberg

Marley Goodman Overman & Georgina Bloomberg

 

It’s no secret the celebrity-studded Boys and Girls Club fundraisers are among the most coveted events to attend.  Shoppers, shooters and party-goers should mark their calendars!  A for sure sell out will be the 2017 Wellington Dinner Dance which takes place January 6th– equestrian champions Georgina Bloomberg and Marley Goodman Overman are returning as two of the Chairmen.

This year’s theme is Passport to Paradise and highlights include music by HyRyze, performances by the Club’s dance team, and amazing vacation packages that include an extravagant equestrian experience for auction

 

Mark Your Calendar Now For These Popular Upcoming Boys & Girls Club Events

NOVEMBER:  2016 HOLIDAY TRUNK SHOW at Seagate Hotel & Spa

DECEMBER:  2nd Annual Tower Shoot at Pine Creek Sporting Club

JANUARY:  2017 WELLINGTON DINNER DANCE

FEBRUARY:  2017 GALA – THE WINTER BALL at The Breakers Palm Beach

Click here for event ticket and registration information 

Nic Roldan, Gillian Johnston, Neil Hirsch, Nacho Figueras, Melissa Ganzi take the trophy at Great Futures Polo Day.

Nic Roldan, Gillian Johnston, Neil Hirsch, Nacho Figueras, Melissa Ganzi take the trophy at Great Futures Polo Day.