As the Covid crisis begins to wind down, artists are starting to crawl out of their cocoons, myself included, although I emerged sooner than many. In November 2020, and against all odds, me and my dear friend Camy DeMario developed a show, "Keeping the Arts Alive," at Raw Space Gallery in Vero Beach. We curated a month-long fine art show featuring over 200 works of art by over 100 artists, and the show included 17 different themes and events throughout the month. The agenda included honoring our civic leaders, fire, police, military and medical heroes, and I presented portraits to several of our Leaders and Heroes. Other nights were dedicated to Jazz, Ghosts & Hauntings, book signings, Music, poetry, graffiti, and more. Ribbons were awarded, wine and refreshments were served, and a good time was had by all. However, as Covid loomed throughout the month we decided to slow down some of the other events we had planned. In spite of all the odds against us, we were able to make a generous donation to Little Birthday Angels, our chosen charity. Below are the portraits that were presented:
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| "Amelia Earhart" Pastel, 11x14 by Judy Burgarella |
Amelia Earhart, famous American aviator - presented to the City's Vero Beach Municipal Airport
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| "Portrait of a Hero," oil on linen by Judy Burgarella |
"Portrait of a Hero," presented to Dr. Marcelin of Cleveland Clinic, Vero Beach
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| "Alma Lee Loy" Acrylic, 11"x14" by Judy Burgarella |
"Alma Lee Loy," presented to the Mayor of Vero Beach. Alma Lee, who passed away in April of 2020, was a tireless promotor and philanthropist of Vero Beach and beyond, beloved by all who knew her.
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| "Sheriff Daryl Loar" Acrylic, 11"x14" by Judy Burgarella |
Symbolic to our Police, and in recognition of Sheriff Loar's service.
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| "Fire!" Acrylic by Judy Burgarella |
Presented to Indian River County Fire and Rescue.
We created a wonderful show featuring many wonderful works, helped a charity, and honored those who helped bring us through this awful pandemic--God bless them all. The show closed, and that was the end of "Keeping the Arts Alive," for us.
When time permits, I will post more of the artwork I created just before the Pandemic, during, and after. But for now, new art shows and art projects loom on the horizon which I must attend to ... so, more to come!
Judy Burgarella
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