VERO BEACH — Mother Nature provided an artistic backdrop as approximately 50 ladies relished breathtaking river views at an afternoon tea-party at the spectacular Marsh Island home of Susan Von Hagen, the new chairwoman of the Vero Beach Museum of Art’s Circle of Friends. The home is situated almost dead-center in the middle of the Indian River Lagoon, and its expansive window-filled walls offer a magnificently sweeping view of the river facing north.
“The reason we chose Vero was because it had such a wonderful museum,” said Von Hagen, who moved here 10 years ago from Seattle with husband John. “I think it’s why many people move here.”
The Circle of Friends was formed in 2009 to support the Museum’s educational outreach programs, which serve a wide range of demographics, from toddlers and teens to the elderly. Florida cut the arts out of its state budget and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts are limited, so private funding for outreach programs is crucial. Without additional support, programs could potentially be compromised.
Utilizing a method similar to Impact 100, the giving circle is comprised of women who each write a check for $250 and collectively decide which program will be funded.
While the goal is to raise $25,000 from 100 women Von Hagen says, “The sky’s the limit. I want to get as many members as possible. Every member is another $250 that goes out directly to the community.”
Diane Wilhelm chaired last year and said she has heard some people had reservations about joining because of recent exchanges between the Museum and the Art Club.
“I personally see these as two separate events,” said Wilhelm. “One is a contractual agreement that has been settled between the Art Club, the Museum and their lawyers. The Circle, on the other hand, is an entrepreneurial group of women whose purpose is to raise funds to help support the Museum’s Community Engagement Programs. Choosing not to become a Circle member does not hurt the Museum but it would affect the community as a whole.”
“Our goal is to need magnifying glasses to read all the membership names on the newsletter,” said Von Hagen, speaking briefly to the gathering.
Members of the steering committee have narrowed the number of programs eligible for funding this year down to 12, opting not to consider previous grant recipients. Eligible School Programs include Fellsmere Adopt-a-School, Gifford Middle School Special Needs, Teacher Workshops (educator development), and Transportation Grants. Eligible Community Engagement Partnerships include Afternoon at the Museum (Alzheimer & Parkinson’s Association), Children’s Home Society, Dasie Bridgewater Hope Center, Gifford Youth Activity Center and Intergenerational Art Program. Eligible Family Programs include FunShops, Community Celebration, and Children’s Art Festival.
The site visit process has already begun, but Susan Smith, site visit coordinator, noted she is looking for more volunteers to help observe and write reports which will be presented at the final meeting.
“It makes it that much more meaningful when you see what they are doing,” said Von Hagen.
She told the group how devastated her mother was when her father abruptly died, but that a wood carving class helped to turn her life around.
“Art saved my mother’s life,” said Von Hagen. “Art affects all ages of people. Tell your friends and your neighbors about Circle of Friends. It’s not a huge commitment of time or money.”
“The Museum is very grateful for Circle of Friends and for all you do,” added Lucinda Gedeon, Museum CEO. “What art can do is magical; but then you know that or you wouldn’t be here.”