EMMA Concert Association Founded in 1979 by a small group of music lovers, EMMA Concert Association is a volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to producing high-quality music and dance performances with modest admission fees. This year, EMMA hosted its third annual Painted ViolinProject where a local artist donates their time and talent, and Mr. Fre Gordon of 5th Century Music donates the violins. Since 2019, the fundraising project has benefitted EMMA’s Jack Page Project, a school outreach program that brings professional concerts to local schools and supports music departments in St. Johns County schools, especially with the purchase of musical instruments and sheet music. Teri Tompkins is an award-winning artist, instructor, and author from St. Augustine. Her violin was inspired by Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music) and features elements of what she calls “a St. Augustine fairy tale of sorts.” Teri took inspiration from the nocturnal sounds in nature: owls hooting, deer grazing, and frogs singing. The violin is currently on display at Neff Jewelers, 7 Rohde Avenue in Uptown St. Augustine. Click here to learn more about the EMMA Concert Association and Teri Tompkins.
“State of the Arts” Grants
From September 1st through 30th, the St. Johns Cultural Council will accept applications for our annual State of the Arts (SOTA) grant program. The application is open to individual artists, non-profit organizations, arts educators, and public schools to fund new or expanded arts-based programming. Individual artists may also apply for funding to support professional development. Up to five $1,000 grants and one $5,000 grant will be awarded to residents or organizations based in St. Johns County. Proposed activities intended to reach underserved audiences, provide arts education, and create art in public spaces will take priority. Click the link below to see complete guidelines and access the application. Contact grants@historiccoastculture.com with questions or to request assistance completing the application. Guidelines & Application
NEA Announces Emergency Assistance for Homeowners & Renters
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) hasshared information of funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan which provides $21.6 billion to assist homeowners and renters experiencing housing insecurity. The NEA wants to ensure that artists and arts organizations are aware of the existing resources through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, and how they can best be used to keep people in their homes. Arts practitioners and artists who have been experiencing housing instability, or are having trouble making rent or mortgage payments as a result of the coronavirus pandemic should know that they are not alone. Federal, state, and local governments are offering help with housing expenses and avoiding eviction. Click here to find relief options and more resources.
Save the Date
200th Anniversary Book Club Wednesday, November 3
Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, November 3 for a discussion of Crossing the Creek: The Literary Friendship of Zora Neale Hurston and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Author Anna Lillios examines the productive and complex relationship between these two major literary figures whose friendship blossomed in St. Augustine. To register, contact Harold George via email at hgeorge@sjcfl.us.
5th Annual Sing Out Loud Festival Every weekend from September 10-26
Sing Out Loud returns to St. Augustine with more than one hundred live performances at multiple venues each weekend, making September the unofficial Month of Music in St. Johns County. Each year, the festival features free and ticketed concerts, plus artist workshops. The headlining acts of 2021 are TLC & Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Mayday Parade. Additional regional, national, and international acts will be announced soon!
“Wicked St. Augustine” by Ann Colby When Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded St. Augustine in 1565, his New World survival kit included gambling, liquor, and ladies for hire. For the next four hundred years, these three industries were vital in keeping the city financially afloat. Join historian Ann Colby’s tour of spots not on the standard tourist map to discover hidden-in-plain-sight bordellos, speakeasies, casinos, and the occasional opium den. On Thursday, September 9 at 7 PM, the St. Augustine Historical Society presents a virtual and in-person discussion with Ann Colby to talk about her book via Zoom or at the Main School Board Building at 40 Orange Street.
Artist Finances: Building a Portfolio Monday, September 20 at 7 PM In this workshop, CPA Elaine Grogan Luttrull will focus on the portfolio career framework – that is, earning income from a variety of activities – to match your own strengths with opportunities to monetize those strengths. This workshop is for artists of all disciplines who earn or aim to earn income from multiple income streams. It will be conducted via Zoom webinar and include opportunities for individual reflection and group sharing.
Filipino-American Heritage Mural Application Deadline Thursday, September 9, 2021 The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville has released a new Call to Artists for a Filipino-American Heritage Mural project to be created and installed during Filipino American History Month. This is an open call, but preference will be given to Asian American and Pacific Islander artists. Click the link below to learn more and apply.
“Unusual Frida” Juried Art Show Application Deadline Monday, November 1, 2021 Florida artists 18 & over are invited to submit up to two 2D works to be featured in the upcoming “Unusual Frida” art show exhibited at the Leu House Museum in Orlando, Florida. Each year, the juried art show honors the life and work of Frida Kahlo by exploring themes of passion, courage, and pain found in her work. Artists are asked to use their creativity to take those themes beyond the traditional Frida portrait to create a work that could be described as unconventional, remarkable, uncommon, and so on. Chosen works are eligible for Awards of Excellence with prizes up to $2,000. The art show is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, January 13 & 14, 2022. Application fee is $35.
63rd Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Application Deadline Sunday, September 26, 2021 One of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious juried fine art shows is currently seeking applicants for the 2022 Emerging Artist Program. This program is for outstanding new artists who are just beginning their careers in the art world. The Sidewalk Art Festival takes place March 18-20, 2022 in Winter Park. Click the link below for requirements and application details.
Concerts in the Plaza:The DriftwoodsPlaza de la ConstituciónThursday, Sept. 2nd 7-9 PM Wrap up St. Augustine’s free summer concert series at the gazebo with The Driftwoods.
Founders Day Celebration Misson Nombre de DiosSaturday, Sept. 4th 10 AM to 2 PM Celebrate 456 years since the founding of St. Augustine with a reenactment of the Spanish landing.
Soak Up the SummerArt SaleSt. Augustine Art AssociationThrough August 31st Online Only Enjoy bargain buys on original art from talented member artists to benefit programs & exhibits.
Mickler’s Beach Soak up the last few days of summer at Mickler’s Beach in Ponte Vedra Beach. Just two blocks east of A1A, Mickler’s is the first public beach in Ponte Vedra and is a local favorite for its pink coquina sand. It’s also one of the best spots for finding fossilized sharks teeth. Take the wooden platform through unspoiled natural habitats for Florida wildlife and sand dunes measuring 20 feet high. The park features ample parking, outdoor showers, bathrooms, and educational signage about threatened and endangered species in the area. Mickler’s Beach is also dog-friendly. Please remember to keep your pet on a leash and clean up after your furry friend.
