Arts and culture go beyond exhibitions and performances with thoughtful themes and learning experiences that inspire inclusivity

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is pleased to announce its 2021-2022 season of exhibitions and events. The season will showcase works by a diverse group of established and emerging creative professionals, provide thought-provoking educational programs for all ages and inspire the community to safely enjoy local arts and culture — reflecting the Council’s mission to champion, engage and grow the arts in Palm Beach County.

This year, the Council’s programming reflects a new approach. Each event and program will be rooted in the themes of the Council’s three main exhibitions. The fall will highlight bringing the community back together, with programs curated to reflect the theme of the first exhibition, “Gathering.”

After nearly two years of life-changing challenges and isolation for many due to the pandemic, the Council will provide opportunities for guests to connect with the arts through performances, educational programs, tours and talks. The intention is to engage people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, socioeconomic status and ability — encouraging guests to connect with one another, learn together and support the arts in Palm Beach County.

“We are thrilled to welcome back the community and invite everyone to experience our new exhibitions and programs. An inspired and creative year of planning has resulted in the expansion of our programs to include enriching cultural experiences, thought-provoking artist talks, dynamic performances, and exquisite events in our beautiful headquarters in Lake Worth Beach,” said Dave Lawrence, the Council’s president & CEO. “Our new season kicks off with our main gallery exhibition ‘Gathering’ this fall to explore how we come together and the importance of being around others – something we haven’t been able to do during the pandemic. In January, we will present ‘Being Heard, Being Seen,’ a celebration of self-identity and expression in the LGBTQIA+ community. We’ll close the main gallery season in the spring with ‘Art Acquisitions Large and Small,’ a show to provide opportunities for artists and collectors to connect and to promote emerging patrons in the arts.”

Fall programming highlights are below. Details are available here.

  • Main Gallery: From Oct. 29, 2021 through Jan. 15, 2022, visitors are invited to experience an exhibition curated by the Council’s Director of Artist Services Jessica Ransom, focusing on the joy and solace of social activity in all forms—from celebrations to impromptu events with loved ones and strangers—something sorely missed in 2020.
  • Art Talks: This new series of Art Talks will feature in-depth conversations with visual artists participating in the Council’s current exhibitions, including Caren Hackman on Nov. 13, 2021 (2 p.m.), Robert Wolfkill on Dec. 11, 2021 (2 p.m.) and Shakeera Thomas on Jan. 15, 2022 (2 p.m.).
  • Solo Gallery Exhibitions: Celebrate the works of individual artists, starting with Todd Lim’s “Negative Capability in Times of COVID-19” from Oct. 15 through Nov. 27, 2021 and Gregory Dirr’s “The Big Book: A World Created” from Dec. 3, 2021 through Jan. 15, 2022.
  • Exhibitions in the Donald M. Ephraim Family Gallery: This season, visitors can take in “The Spirit of Peru” by Valerie Collins Stanescu from Oct. 1 through Nov. 6, 2021, and “Mastering the Medium,” presented by six women artists across various mediums, from Nov. 12, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2022.
  • Family Saturdays: The popular series for children and their families returns and occurs on the first Saturday of each month (10-11:30 a.m.). Local artist Gillian Kennedy Wright will lead “Collage Art Plate: A Functional Family Keepsake” on Nov. 6, 2021. Resource Depot and artist Abasi Hanif will present “Gather Around: Musical Storytelling and Recyclable Art” on Dec. 4, 2021.
  • Evenings at the Council: Join the Council on the third Thursday of the month (6:30-8:30 p.m.) for exciting performances by some of Palm Beach County’s most talented musical professionals. Performances will take place in the Council’s outdoor Project Space, and guests can enjoy the Council’s galleries, which will be open late during the performances. The events kick off with Low Ground Quintet on Nov. 18, 2021 and Yvette Norwood-Tiger’s Billie Holiday Tribute on Dec. 16, 2021.
  • Emerging Collector Tours: In support of local artists, new Emerging Collector Tours will occur on the first Saturday of the month, allowing collectors at any level to learn more about the works on display from participating artists, curators and professionals in the field. Melanie Werner (Owner, Galerie Werner) will kick off the series with a talk on The Art of Collecting on Nov. 6, 2021 (2-3 p.m.) and the December Collector Tour will feature a special presentation by local artist Jose Mendez and take place on Dec. 4, 2021 (2-3 p.m.).

All programs are free and open to the public. Advance registration is recommended. For more information on upcoming events, please click here.

Media Contact:
Hannah Arnst, Communications Manager
Email: hannah@palmbeachculture.com