Members of the Circle, a philanthropic group of the Vero Beach Museum of Art, gathered in the Laura and Bill Buck Atrium to celebrate art, community and philanthropy during its annual Closing Reception.
During the event, they marked their 15th anniversary and cast votes on which of the museum’s educational and outreach programs they would be funding for the upcoming season.
“I’d like first to say a big thank you to all of our founders because, simply put, we would not be here without you. It’s our honor to continue your passion of enhancing lives through art,” said steering committee member Stuart Weismiller, noting that their vision had helped shape the Circle into today’s dynamic force.
The Circle magnifies the power of individual giving by pooling contributions to support outreach programs and advance the museum’s mission to connect the community through creative expression.
Among the initiatives they support are art enrichment for underserved youth, senior citizens, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
“One comment I came across in some earlier literature I thought was interesting was, ‘Hands that give also receive.’ And I know that’s true of many of us who have had the opportunity to volunteer for the museum,” said Weismiller.
This year, thanks to the generosity of members and the support of event sponsors, the Circle saw a notable increase in its philanthropic power.
“Without our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to donate as much as we are today; which, by the way, is 29 percent higher than last year,” Weismiller declared.
Lori Lazorik announced that the group had $58,025 to fund programs with. She and Sara Klein, VBMA director of education, answered questions about the programs and their costs, before the members cast their votes.
Under consideration were 11 programs in the areas of family, adult, and community or school, such as the Children’s Art Festival, the Arts in Medicine program and Summer Art Camp scholarships, among a host of others.
After the ballots were counted, it was announced that some $50,000 would be used to fully fund the Veterans program, Museum Explorations/Museum Explorations on the Go, and Arts and the Medicine Intensive (which partners with organizations such as the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association, and Senior Resource Association), with the remaining amount going toward Holidays at the Museum.
Up next, the Summer 2025 exhibition at the VBMA, A Tangled Plot: Works by Annie Blazejack and Geddes Levenson, will showcase over 30 paintings and mixed media works by the collaborative duo. The exhibit runs July 12 to Oct. 5.
For more information, visit VBMuseum.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
