This article appeared in the Luminaries, a weekly magazine featuring non-profits in Vero Beach, and TCPalm.com. 

The newly formed Indian River Estates Art Guild held its inaugural Arts Exhibition and Show on the east campus at Indian River Estates on Feb. 28 and March 1. 

The first day was reserved for the residents of both Indian River Estates West and East, with a large, well-attended reception from 3 to 6 pm.  Wine and hors d’oeuvres were served to the accompaniment of the talented resident pianist, Nicole Zoch. 

The show drew some 60 participants, exhibiting 106 works of art. 

Besides a large selection of paintings in various media, the Indian River Estates Quilters displayed a large exhibit of Fiber Art, some of it prize-winning in other settings.  The residents came out in droves to see the exhibition and were quite ecstatic and surprised by the overall quality of the art at Indian River Estates.

The second day was partially devoted to the residents who again came out in large numbers.  The afternoon was devoted to potential residents of Indian River Estates, with over 50 prospective residents enjoying the show.  The guests enjoyed another delicious combination of wine and hors d’oeuvres.  This reception was graced by the extraordinary world renowned flutist Judi Lampert. 

Residents of Indian River Estates browse the inaugural Arts

Residents of Indian River Estates browse the inaugural Arts Exhibition and Show on the east campus. (Photo: Boyd Fellows/For Luminaries)

The marketing department at Indian River Estates, headed by Barbara Dietrich, was instrumental in collaborating on this aspect of the show.

About three years ago, Indian River Estates and the Vero Beach Museum of Art developed a joint venture, with the museum providing continuing instruction two to three times per month on the Indian River Estates campus.  Dawn Miller, a faculty member from the museum, has led this program, and with her extraordinary skills, has developed a very devoted following of artists at Indian River Estates. 

Miller spoke eloquently at both receptions on the value of arts participation in an Indian River Estates type setting.  Following her talk, Robyn Orzel, director of development at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, showed a Power Point presentation about the many activities at the museum. She also spoke on the value of the joint cooperation in the arts program to both institutions.

All in all, the Indian River Estates Art Exhibition was judged a resounding success.
The Indian River Estates Art Guild is made up of arts interested persons residing at Indian River Estates. Through this exhibition, and other means, the guild is endeavoring to promote interest and participation in the arts program at Indian River Estates.  Shirley Garnett is president of the Art Guild.

Inquiries about the arts program may be directed to Barbara Dietrich at 772-770-0058 or Barbara.Dietrich@actslife.org.

Pictured are, from left, Dawn Miller, art faculty,

Pictured are, from left, Dawn Miller, art faculty, Vero Beach Museum of Art; Kathy Woodhouse, marketing, Indian River Estates; Marilyn Ingalls, Indian River Estates Quilters; Shirley Garnett, president, Indian River Estates Art Guild; Debbie Chastain, marketing, Indian River Estates; Noel Thompson, marketing, Indian River Estates; Barbara Dietrich, director of marketing, Indian River Estates; Andy Burnam, co-chair, Indian River Estates West Art Guild; Bruce Berlin, executive director, Indian River Estates. (Photo: Noel Thompson/For Luminaries)