Vero Beach is culturally special in a multitude of ways, many of which were showcased at last weekend’s House of Art, Culture and Design to benefit the Cultural Council of Indian River County. The four-day event took place in Old Riomar’s newest enclave, Old Oak Lane, on the grounds of the former Saint Edward’s Lower School.

Activities throughout the multi-faceted affair took place in two of the development’s stunning homes as well as a tented pavilion situated between them. Six talented local designers charmingly transformed one of the homes into an exquisite Designer House, while the Boutique House featured an array of products offered by more than a dozen vendors.

“I have a great committee who did just about everything,” said event chairman Caesar Mistretta, co-owner of J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art, crediting his co-chair Diane Langevin, Barbara Hoffman, Cultural Council executive director, and others on the committee.

“We were hoping to capture the coastal feel; we’re calling it the Vero Beach lifestyle,” said Langevin, Sunshine Furniture design consultant. “What was amazing about it is, although each designer worked separately, it all came together beautifully. I’ve had a lot of fun doing it; it’s been a labor of love.”

The pavilion was also the setting for Thursday evening’s Opening Night Gala; a Bubbles Bar Wine Tasting Friday evening; a Luncheon & Fashion Show Saturday featuring lovely selections from Cooper & Co., Francis Brewster and Sara Campbell; and a Tea & Leading Ladies Panel on Sunday. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz of Fort Pierce showcased luxury cars throughout the weekend, and on Sunday Motor City Classic Cars displayed a selection of its vintage cars.