Page 4 - Southern Exposure - February '22

Page 4, Southern Exposure

‘On The southErn proFiLE

Veranda’

Casual Gala West Palm Beach Artist

Raising Funds For Tracy Guiteau Selected

Benzaiten’s Children And As The 37th ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival
Scholarship Programs Commemorative Poster Artist

Every year the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts With her passion for The festival will run
brings in 800 or more children, free of charge, to explore art guiding her, this year’s from Feb. 19 to 20
the wonders of fine art glass. With so many art programs ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival at the Gardens North
being cut from our schools’ curriculum, we try and expose commemorative poster artist County District
kids to artistic disciplines that they would otherwise never Tracy Guiteau has forged Park in Palm Beach
have a chance to discover. It opens their minds to a whole an impressive collection Gardens. The outdoor
new world. They learn that people can make beautiful and of work which includes arts event showcases
lasting pieces of art out of nothing but their own desire to being hand-picked by the a juried exhibition of
create. It gives them something to think about other than top tennis player Naomi outstanding fine art
playing the next new video game, being plugged into the Osaka and iconic athlete along with activities
Internet or binge watching their favorite show. It gives LeBron James’ digital which include
them a much deeper appreciation of the arts, which in turn media company for an Tracy Guiteau a rt i st a nd c he f
enhances their overall quality of life. Some kids start taking art collaboration during demonstrations, the
classes with us. The ones that show promise are rewarded Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Baptist Heath Youth
with scholarships to enable them to continue with their “I’m grateful and honored to be chosen as the ArtiGras Art Competition
studies. Some have actually established full- or part-time poster artist this year,” said Guiteau, who lives in West Palm Gallery and the
careers with our center or with others around the country. Beach and has been showing her artwork at shows for a few Amazon ArtiKids
years, but this will be the first time she has been selected Zone. Tickets are only $11 per day with advance purchase
as the official poster artist for an event. “This will expand and children 12 and under are free. More information can
my artistic perspective with new experiences as well as to be found at artigras.org.
offer important representation that will encourage artists About Hanley Foundation
within our community to pursue their artistic vision.” Hanley Foundation combats substance use disorders
The commemorative poster is based on her colorful within our communities by raising awareness and providing
acrylic painting titled Blossoming You which was born from education through quality substance use prevention
Guiteau’s experiences during the last two years. programming in schools and communities in Palm Beach
“The idea for the poster came from experiencing the and 21 other counties within Florida. Hanley Foundation
pandemic alone,” said Guiteau, who has many geographical is dedicated to working alongside community partners
and cultural influences in her work from her own Haitian to promote healthy lifestyles and to positively influence
heritage as well as her experiences studying art across the attitudes, norms, and values by empowering individuals
country and abroad. “The journey of ‘Blossoming You’ into and families while helping supply need-based treatment
who you are is embedded with obstacles and hardship, but scholarships to individuals with demonstrated needs in
overcoming each struggle reveals new growth.” Palm Beach County.
Guiteau didn’t always think being an artist was About Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce
going to be her profession, until one day a math teacher The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is one of the
recommended she follow her artist spirit after noticing her largest and most active business organizations in Southeast
school books brimming with drawings. After graduating the Florida. Serving businesses in the 10 municipalities that make
New World School of the Arts High School in Miami, she up Palm Beach North, the chamber fosters a partnership of
pursued a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. private, public, educational and civic organizations working
Her passion for art has led her to many adventures including together to ensure Palm Beach North is Florida’s “Prosperity
being exhibited internationally and at Miami Art Basel. Coast.” The chamber’s four strategic imperatives are: a
You will be able to meet Guiteau at the 37th ArtiGras prosperous economy, high quality of life for all residents, a
Fine Arts Festival presented by Hanley Foundation and smart and connected region, and regional leadership. For
produced by Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. more information visit www.pbnchamber.com.

• Screen Doors & Window Screens
• Hardware Repacement
• Impact/Non-Impact Glass
• Custom Frameless Showers

561-404-1727

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing Buy 1 & Get The 2nd
Palm Beach County and is a privately $
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing 50 OFF
dependable, reliable and professional Bear Industry Screen
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle: 3/12/22. 3/12/22. 3/12/22. 3/12/22.
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com