A Summer Series String Concert by the Youth Orchestra at First Presbyterian Church and opening reception for the Spring into Summer Art Installation at the Galleries at First Pres will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2020. The concert will begin at 3:00pm and the galleries will be open from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. First Presbyterian Church is located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach. Featured local artists include Keith Mills, Suzan Phillips, and Donna Ware. Tours will be available with an opportunity to meet the artists in attendance. Per CD recommendations, social distancing protocols will be in place for seating in the sanctuary (100 maximum), and masks will be required to attend. These events are free to the community, a $10 donation is suggested for the concert.

Formed in 2017 under the direction of Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts, the FPC Youth String Orchestra currently consists of nearly 25 volunteer high school and college-aged string musicians from all around Indian River County. Each week the group has met to rehearse while practicing social distancing. The program for the Summer Series String Concert will include selections from the Mozart Requiem, Waltz by Shostakovich, Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar, the Saint-Saens Havanaise(with featured solo violinist, Sam Bormett), and Triptyque by Akutagawa. The concert will take place in the church sanctuary at 3:00pm.

Additional to the concert, there will be an opening reception for the “Spring into Summer” Art Installment of The Galleries at First Pres. This show will feature local artists Keith Mills, Suzan Phillips, and Donna Ware. The reception will be held after the concert, from 4:00 to 6:00pm. The art galleries are located in the Gietz Music Suite, the Lobby of the Center for Christian Life, and the E. T. Smith Lounge. Bottled water will be provided. Please be aware that CDC recommended social distancing and safety protocols will be in place for the health and safety of all in attendance. Face masks are required to attend the concert and the art reception.

Keith Mills opened his studio in 1972 in Spring Lake, New Jersey, specializing in wedding photography and portraits. As a graduate from Newark School of Fine Art with a major in illustration, his love for painting has never diminished and he has continued to paint throughout his career. The adaptation from canvas to the camera was a natural one. For several years, Mills has worked in digital imaging. His studio now offers full digital services and fine art watercolor prints, as well as original works of art.

Suzan Phillips was born and grew up in New York City. After graduating from New York State University with a degree in Music Education, she obtained a Masters in Voice Performance from Manhattan School of Music. Her performing experience includes two years on Broadway in “My Fair Lady”, an international vocal competition prize, and several opera and musical theater roles.  In spite of her music background, she has been a photographer for over twenty years. She started as a photographer’s assistant and eventually had her own portrait business specializing in head shots for actors and models. On moving to California, she discovered the potential of photography as art and started showing her work in galleries and museums across the country.  She now lives in Florida and her first book, “Miracle of McKee”, was published in 2017. It is the story of the amazing stewardship which led to the rebirth of McKee Jungle Garden, once one of Florida’s most popular attractions.

Donna Ware is a native Pennsylvanian. After completing her Associate’s Degree in Bucks County, she married her high school sweetheart in 1975. Full time employment, two sons, and five years later, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, followed by her MBA from Rider University. In 1985, she was introduced to ceramics, which led her to other art mediums and became fascinated with watercolor. In 1990, she joined a co-op of other artists and hosted her first art show. Donna retired in 2004 and moved to the Eastern Shore of Virginia where she became a member of their Art League. The art community embraced her and her work thrived through paint-outs, and Plein Airs. As a Master Naturalist, she spent seven years working in nature, providing endless subject matter for her painting compositions. Now living full-time in Florida, her two worlds have united. She participates in several environmental organizations, and her involvement with Brevard Watercolor Society, Vice Presidency of Sebastian River Art Club, and the Florida Watercolor Society conventions have supplied many opportunities to expand and enrich her work.