original art by Cedar Key artist Janet Cook

Cedar Key is all about fishing. Everywhere you look someone is fishing for fun, fishing for profit, growing clams, eating clams, smoking, frying or eating mullet, serving chowder, selling bait and tackle, guiding fishermen and generally messing about in boats of all kinds. When the thriving arts community in this village decided to create a garden next to the Arts Center for the enjoyment of the public, it was no surprise that the theme and elements of the garden would reflect this maritime heritage.

Renowned local artist Chick Schwartz created and donated the delightful, larger-than-life mosaic sculpture of a fisherman reeling in his catch. Chick's wife, Marsha, led and inspired a team of volunteers in building the garden wall with its mosaics of waves and sea creatures.

Chick's landmark sculpture was the inspiration for Janet Cook's acrylic painting (at left), chosen as this year's commemorative piece for the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts. Self-described "housewife and professional volunteer" Cook began exploring her artistic talents through classes and workshops offered by the Cedar Key Arts Center after moving here from St. Petersburg with her husband, John. As a volunteer at the Center she has seen first hand the smiles and delight of visitors when they discover the Fisherman in the garden. She feels this work represents the life and spirit of Cedar Key - the fishing, the art, the island lifestyle and the community spirit of giving and sharing one's talents and efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Cedar Key, Florida - February 24, 2010

Spring Arts Festival Just Two Months Away

April 24th and 25th doesn't seem too far away for the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts Committee and the event coordinator, Mandy Cassiano. "Everything is coming together well and Mandy is doing a great job" says Bev Ringenberg, president of the Cedar Key Arts Center (CKAC), which has taken over the role of coordinating sponsor for the first time this year.

The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts (OFCA) is happy to announce Drummond Community Bank and Palms Medical Group as its 2010 Title Sponsors. Drummond Bank has been a valued supporter of the annual spring arts festival for many years, however, this year's decision by Drummond bank branch president, Heath Davis, to take on a title sponsor role demonstrates the bank's commitment to the community and their belief that Cedar Key's reputation is further enhanced by the fine arts festival. Trenton Medical Center, Inc., soon to be Palms Medical Group, made its commitment as a title sponsor to endorse our Spring Arts Festival while also promoting their new name. As of April, all 7 medical facilities operated by Trenton Medical Center, Inc. in Levy, Gilchrist, Suwannee and Alachua counties, will begin working under the business name Palms Medical Group.

Heath Davis, Drummond Community Bank & Bev Ringenberg, CKAC President

Eileen Senecal, Trenton Medical (soon to be Palms Medical Group) & Mandy Cassiano, OFCA Event Coordinator

The festival committee is also pleased to announce support from Rainbow RV Campground, The Island Hotel, John Cook-Attorney, Old Fenimore Mill, Philip Freeman, John McPherson, The Old Fishhouse Café, CK Women's Club, Dog Island Blues Clam Co., CK Keyhole, Capital City Bank, Island Arts, and last but not least, the CK Lion's Club who have graciously agreed to support the cost of the festival tent at City Park for the 3rd year in a row.

In addition to the tent sponsorship, the Lion's Club has also asked the OFCA and CKAC to take over operations at City Park which include the non-profit food vendors. With their encouragement and support, the entire festival will now be under one umbrella, which will be less confusing to volunteers, vendors, and visitors alike. The OFCA agreed with the Lions that the food venue should operate as it does during Cedar Key's Clamerica festival every July 4th. Tickets will be sold at a single location and a 10% commission is kept by the sponsoring organization to help underwrite festival costs. These changes benefit vendors by eliminating the need for money handlers and having to keep individual banks at each booth.

During the next month, the OFCA Committee will be reaching out to local groups and individuals to solicit volunteers. There are a wide variety of ways to help with this event including setup/take down, being a block captain, and/or assisting at the artist's reception in the CKAC sculpture garden Saturday evening. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have an in-kind donation to contribute, please contact Mandy Cassiano at cedarkeyarts@bellsouth.net or 543-5400.

###

Previous Press Releases:

• November 30, 2009 - Old Florida Celebration of the Arts under New Leadership