Another week goes by...and we're all learning new skills. This week we will debut our first virtual gallery with more than 70 works created by our amazingly talented high school students. We are disappointed that the show won't be in the Court House Cultural Center but extremely happy that we were able to find a way to showcase the amazing talents. Today, I can't help but think about my Dad, because it's his birthday. He and I have a long history of attending live performing arts experiences together, mostly at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. We've seen Jean Pierre Rampal (as a way to nurture his young flutist ( that was me! ), the Metropolitan Opera, and many rock concerts. Variety is the spice of life! These early experiences with the arts played a big part in developing my passion for the arts. So many of us on this list are missing the thrill of a live arts experience, and I am counting the days until I can experience another one with an audience of fellow music lovers. Today is a first. We are notifying artists today who are the first wave of recipients of the Artist Relief Grants. We are so grateful that you enabled us, through your donations, to offer this relief to artists. There are still funds available if you, or an artist (literary, performing or visual) you know has suffered due to the cancellations related to COVID-19. One caveat, the artist must reside in Martin County. The Arts Foundation for Martin County's fund raising efforts are on-going to raise the match needed for our Division of Historic Resources grant. This grant will provide momentum on the planning to convert the historic Stuart High School into a Cultural Center. If you have the interest, and ability to make a gift, please make one before May 26th. Thanks! Our vision for the future, is alive and well! And lastly, if you are able to renew your membership , we'd welcome your support at any, and all levels. More than ever we appreciate you, our strong and growing number of supporters. Your membership support strengthens the Arts Council's effort to help bring healing to our community through the arts. Stay safe. Stay well.

A.E. Backus Museum The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery houses the nation’s largest public presentation of artwork by Florida’s preeminent painter, A.E. “Bean” Backus (1906-1990), and is home to the state’s only permanent multimedia exhibition on the Florida Highwaymen. The Backus Museum will re-open Saturday, May 16 and resume regular hours.

Stuart Art Supply Stuart Art Supply is now open to small groups at a time, and are asked to wear face coverings when coming in to shop. Hours are 10 AM - 5 PM, Monday – Friday, and 10 AM - 3 PM, Saturday. Orders are still available for scheduled pick up times. Check their website for updates and class schedule announcements.

Geoffrey Smith Galleries Now Open! Discover the works of nationally renowned wildlife sculpture Geoffrey C. Smith. Both of his galleries located in Historic Downtown Stuart and Port Salerno are now open!

StarStruck Theatre Voices Unite StarStruck Voices Unit a FREE virtual music extravaganza featuring the voices of over 40 StarStruck Alumni & Friends!

Art After Dark / Norton From Home While Art After Dark is on hiatus, the Norton is partnering with local artists and musicians to continue bringing our community together on Friday nights!

Lighthouse Art Center Virtual Summer Classes Registration is now open for the Lighthouse Art Center's new virtual Summer Session 1 (June 1-27) AND Summer Session 2 (July 6-August 1). Live-streamed interactive classes are being offered in Painting, Ceramics, Drawing, Jewelry/Metal-smithing, Sculpture, Photography, and Youth!

Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast Summer Camp Registration The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is currently taking reservations for Summer Camp scheduled to open June 1st! Camp will be very limited and following CDC guidelines. Pre-registration is required, NO WALK-INS. Register Online!

Stuart Stained Glass Available By Appointment Stuart Stained Glass has been busy at work repainting and reorganizing their studio over the last month as they prepare to eventually resume classes. In the interim Jim and Tess Dirks are available by appointment to assist in your stained glass project needs!

Noontime Concert with Joshua Zhuang of the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony Join the Arts Council of Martin County for a special lunch-time Facebook livestream performance by pianist Joshua Zhuang who will be perform Chopin's Scherzo No. 1 followed by Beethoven's Fantasia Piano Sonata on May 19th at noon!

Virtual Orlando Fringe 2020 schedule: May 13-19  Orlando Fringe shows happening online this week – for more information on artists and a complete list of shows, including those streaming continuously, visit thelawn.orlandofringe.org .

Young Singers of the Palm Beaches - Make a Musical Noise Young Singers of the Palm Beaches invites you to "Make a Musical Noise"! Getting together online to enjoy the book "Mortimer" and have lots of musical fun together. All ages are welcome to play and learn - whether you are at home or on the go! Just log on to our Zoom session Friday, May 15th at 2:00 p.m.

Thank you! The support to help us create this relief fund for artists was phenomenal. Remember, every gift to the Artist Relief Fund will impact an individual artist. What a gift you've made to the people who enrich this vibrant arts community you love! Are you a Martin County artist impacted economically by the shutdown COVID-19 has required? If so, applications are NOW OPEN for the Artist Relief Fund. For more details, requirements and the application, click HERE .

Calling all Local and Treasure Coast artist or arts organizations! Are you hosting virtual concerts, lessons, talks, etc? Please tell us about them. We're happy to co-host live stream videos with you and to share your positive news via this weekly email. Please send an email to Elise Raffa with a description and link!