VERO BEACH — The charming new Osceola Bistro played host to a gathering of cultural arts enthusiasts to celebrate the unveiling of the Cultural Council of Indian River County’s sixth annual Community Event Planner. Non-profit representatives and supporters of the arts were all on hand to get a first peek at the restaurant and the newly printed publication.
“We saw it as the kickoff to the cultural season in Indian River County,” said executive director Susan McGarry. “We wanted to celebrate that as well as the Cultural Council and this new restaurant in the arts district.”
More than 900 listings of scheduled community events, from gallery openings and galas to festivals and fundraisers were submitted for the printed calendar. As additional listings are submitted throughout the year, they are updated on the Cultural Council’s website calendar.
The long-awaited cooler weather, blissfully rain-free after recent soakings, couldn’t have been more perfect. Visitors were able to make full use of the expansive outdoor courtyard as they mingled with one another and thumbed through the planners, marking out plans for the season.
“It’s a tough time for everybody,” said long-time arts supporter Herb Whittall of the Cultural Council’s current funding challenges. “IRSA [Indian River Symphonic Association] plans out two years in advance. That’s what they’re trying to do; it’s what they have to do.”
Cultural Council board president Barbara Hoffman is confident that the organization will remain viable.
“We’re really committed to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Cultural Council,” said Hoffman. “We have a strong nucleus of people. We’re offering lots of new things to the community. We have also expanded our registry to now include authors, musicians and performers.”
Chef Chris Bireley, owner of Osceola Bistro was as pleased with the crowd as they were of his preview of upcoming gastronomic delights. The restaurant opens to the public on Monday, Oct. 24.
“We wanted to have more of a bistro feel,” said Bireley of the room’s elegantly simple décor. Guests may even create their own designs and doodles on the butcher paper covering white tablecloths.
As the wait staff deftly maneuvered the bar area and the patio while passing a delicious assortment of hors d’oeuvres, it was clear these were seasoned professionals. Many had worked with Bireley in the past, including dining room manager Josh Graham who has worked at a number of Vero’s top restaurants.
“He knows the Vero clientele,” added Bireley.
Sitting at a high-top in the bar area, artist Sharon Sandel was enjoying the food while happily catching up with friends after the summer. She said she was also looking forward to another season of artist workshops she runs at the Women’s Club.
“That’s one of the nice things about being an artist in this town,” she said, noting the close camaraderie of the gathering. “I just like seeing people and doing fun things.”
Board member Donna Lindsay was very pleased with the turnout, saying, “I think that it was a wonderful representation for the Cultural Council to show that we’re functional. The Cultural Council provides a necessary service for arts in this county. It’s a specific industry that enriches the lives of everyone in the county. Without the arts you wouldn’t have butts in seats or heads on beds.”
The public is invited to visit the Cultural Council office, 2036 14th Avenue, to pick up copies of the free calendar.
