Page 21 - PGA Community News - February '22

February 2022 February 2022 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 21

Community News

Section B

West Palm Beach Artist Tracy Guiteau Selected

As The 37th ArtiGras for the poster County District Park in Palm Beach Gardens. The outdoor
“The idea
arts event showcases a juried exhibition of outstanding
Fine Arts Festival came from fine art along with activities which include artist and chef

Commemorative Poster Artist experiencing the demonstrations, the Baptist Heath Youth Art Competition
Gallery and the Amazon ArtiKids Zone. Tickets are only $11
pandemic alone,”
said Guite au, per day with advance purchase and children 12 and under
Wi t h he r pa ssi on who has many are free. More information can be found at artigras.org.
for art guiding her, this geographical and About Hanley Foundation
year’s ArtiGras Fine Arts cultural influences Hanley Foundation combats substance use disorders
Festival commemorative in her work from within our communities by raising awareness and
poster artist Tracy Guiteau her own Haitian providing education through quality substance use
has forged an impressive heritage as well prevention programming in schools and communities in
collection of work which as her experiences Palm Beach and 21 other counties within Florida. Hanley
includes being hand-picked studying art across Foundation is dedicated to working alongside community
by the top tennis player the country and partners to promote healthy lifestyles and to positively
Naomi Osaka and iconic abroad. “T he influence attitudes, norms, and values by empowering
athlete LeBron James’ journey of individuals and families while helping supply need-based
digital media company for Tracy Guiteau ‘Blossoming You’ treatment scholarships to individuals with demonstrated
an art collaboration during into who you are is embedded with obstacles and hardship, needs in Palm Beach County.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. but overcoming each struggle reveals new growth.” About Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce
“I’m grateful and honored to be chosen as the ArtiGras Guiteau didn’t always think being an artist was The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is one
poster artist this year,” said Guiteau, who lives in West going to be her profession, until one day a math teacher of the largest and most active business organizations
Palm Beach and has been showing her artwork at shows recommended she follow her artist spirit after noticing her in Southeast Florida. Serving businesses in the 10
for a few years, but this will be the first time she has been school books brimming with drawings. After graduating the municipalities that make up Palm Beach North, the
selected as the official poster artist for an event. “This New World School of the Arts High School in Miami, she chamber fosters a partnership of private, public,
will expand my artistic perspective with new experiences pursued a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. educational and civic organizations working together
as well as to offer important representation that will Her passion for art has led her to many adventures including to ensure Palm Beach North is Florida’s “Prosperity
encourage artists within our community to pursue their being exhibited internationally and at Miami Art Basel. Coast.” The chamber’s four strategic imperatives are: a
artistic vision.” You will be able to meet Guiteau at the 37th ArtiGras prosperous economy, high quality of life for all residents,
The commemorative poster is based on her colorful Fine Arts Festival presented by Hanley Foundation and a smart and connected region, and regional leadership.
acrylic painting titled Blossoming You which was born produced by Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. The For more information visit www.pbnchamber.com.
from Guiteau’s experiences during the last two years. festival will run from Feb. 19 to 20 at the Gardens North
Bruges The Bridge

By Don Kiselewski, MCC, emporium for the Hanseatic League, and, with the other
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens “members of Flanders” (Ghent and Ypres), virtually
Travel Leaders governed the entire province. In the face of attack, the
Brugge – better known area maintained its independence from the French in 1302,
here as Bruges – is a city and thereafter, grew to its commercial zenith in the next
of medieval aspect, dotted century.
with cathedrals and ancient Water access to the sea was of prime importance to
homes that are often filled the city. As a result of this accessibility, Brugge became a
with art of great value. It’s trading center for the Hanseatic League. Brugge reached
located in the northwest the height of importance in the 15th century, where again
sector of Belgium, on the we see Mother Nature imposing her will. It was at this
Zwin Estuary, about 10 time that the Zein Estuary silted up, prohibiting access to
miles south of the country’s northern sea port of Zeebrugge. the sea. When this occurred, the city began its decline as
Those of you who watched the 2008 crime film In a trade center, but remained brilliant and powerful as the
Bruges starring Colin Farrell and Brandan Gleesan will court of the dukes of Burgundy (known as the counts of
recall that the city’s well-preserved architecture practically Flanders after 1384). It also became the artistic center of
transports you back to medieval times. In reality, the the Flemish school until religious and political struggles
history of Brugge goes back much further. of the 16th century completed its ruin. However, the
The Roman Bridge, where the River Rei flows into the same artistry in tapestry is being demonstrated today as
estuary, was mentioned in seventh century writings. The it did centuries ago. One must only behold the Flemish
name given to the bridge was Municipium Brugene. The tapestries that line the walls of the Sistine Chapel in Rome
French call the city that developed in the area “Bruges” and to truly appreciate the art form.
to the Flemish their beautiful city is “Brugge.” Since that Brugge remained a sleepy medieval town until 1907,
first bridge, approximately 60 bridges span the river, estuary when a new canal was dug to the port in Zeebrugge. This
and many canals that have been dug over the ages. These revived trade and stimulated industry and tourism.
man-made canals provide waterway access through the city. During the two world wars, Germany occupied
After Brugge was evangelized by St. Eloi, bishop of Belgium. The port of Zeebrugge was blocked from use as a
Noyon Tournai, the first counts of Flanders built their The belfry of Bruges was a prominent landmark in the 2008 German submarine base in 1918, when the British attacked
castles here in the ninth century. This was to protect film In Bruges. It is also known locally as Halletoren, meaning and sunk German ships in the mouth of the harbor.
them from the Norman invaders. By the 13th century, “tower of the halls.”
Brugge held a monopoly on English wool, was a leading Photo by Graham Richter Bruges The Bridge on page 22

A panoramic shot from atop the Bruges belfry Photo by Nacho Castejón Martinez