Pensacola Magazine January/February 2014

Pensacola • Your City • Your Magazine January/February 2014

w w w .p e n sa c o la ma g a zin e .c o m

editor’s note > my two cents on the subject

I’ve always been fascinated by peoples’ workspaces and by the language they use to do their work. Be it artists or engineers, writers or factory workers, the way people organize, catalogue and define their work is worthy of much investigation. Of these, I think the artist’s studio is of extreme interest because, well, they are artists and what they create in their respective spaces is at best a reflection of their own hearts and minds and often of the human condition itself. In the spirit of exploring the work and workspaces of local artists, our feature for this year’s art issue is a series of portraits of artists in their studios— their work, their process and their tools. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of these local talents and catching a glimpse of what it takes to create their respective forms of art. We hope you enjoy it too.

This year our community is also celebrating 60 years of the Pensacola Museum of Art. The PMA is the only accredited visual art museum between Mobile, Ala. and Tallahassee. The museum brings in high quality work from world-renowned artists as well as exceptional local and regional art, the museum also houses an impressive permanent collection filled with many works from great masters. Be sure to read all about its history and future in Josh Newby’s story on page 26.

We also bring you the scoop on Pensacon, the upcoming convention for scifi fans, gamers, comic book collectors, anime lovers and more. The convention promises to be quite the good time for fans and newbies alike. Expect to see your favorite characters taking over the streets of Downtown and be sure to look for the special themed parties being held in conjunction with the convention. Read more from Emily Lullo on page 24.

All this and more—stories on the upcoming Mardi Gras season, Cirque du Soleil, sightseeing in Mobile, the newest downtown retail shop, So Gourmet and much more in this Arts edition of Pensacola Magazine. Enjoy and laissez les bon temps rouler!

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

Pick up any of our magazines at one of these fine locations: Barnes and Noble Ever’man Natural Foods Bookseller 315 W. Garden St. 1200 Airport Blvd.

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CONTENTS FEATURES

28.

24. Pensacon 2014 26. Pensacola Museum of Art Turns 60 28. Inside the Artist’s Studio

DEPARTMENTS 8. PLAY Events & Adventures

14. GIVE Nonprofit News

16. SHOP Local Style

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10.

20. LIVE Art, Music & Culture

40. REPEATS Pensacola Scene

Cover photo by Guy Stevens II

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20.

January/February 2014 PUBLISHER

MALCOLM BALLINGER malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com PM EDITOR

KELLY ODEN kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR

RITA LAYMON rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

GUY STEVENS, II guy@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR

EMILY LULLO emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR

JOSH NEWBY josh@ballingerpublishing.com EDITORIAL INTERN HANNAH LEYVA • JEANESSA GANTT • LARSEN LIEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

JODI BROWN SALES & MARKETING

SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com BECKY HILDEBRAND, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 31 becky@ballingerpublishing.com

OWNERS

MALCOLM & GLENYS BALLINGER PUBLISHER

MALCOLM BALLINGER • malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR

KELLY ODEN •kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR

RITA LAYMON • rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

GUY STEVENS II • guy@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR

EMILY LULLO •emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR

JOSH NEWBY •josh@ballingerpublishing.com SALES & MARKETING SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com SIMONE SANDS, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 21 simone@ballingerpublishing.com BECKY HILDEBRAND, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 31 becky@ballingerpublishing.com WEBSITE:

WWW.BALLINGERPUBLISHING.COM

EDITORIAL OFFICES 41 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 402 PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 32502 850-433-1166 • FAX 850-435-9174

PUBLISHED BY BALLINGER PUBLISHING:

Member of:

NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine and Pensacola Magazine is locally owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2013

January/February 2014

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PLAY

Weekend in Mobile

Although we all adore our fine city and all the fun to be had here, sometimes it’s nice to just get away, if even for a day or two. But where to go? How about our friendly neighbor to the north—Mobile, Ala.?

That’s right. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend or a family fun trip, Mobile has a lot to offer Gulf Coast travelers. And at a quick one-hour drive, it’s as easy a get-away as Pensacolians can get. My recent trip was a real eye opener in terms of what the city has to offer. And, I learned more than a thing or two about its illustrious history as well. Here are a few of my favorites.

By Kelly Oden

Centre for the Living Arts Founded in 1999, Centre for the Living Arts (CLA) is a non-profit contemporary arts center located on Cathedral Square in the heart of Mobile’s historic downtown district. This one of a kind center offers performances, exhibitions, talks, lectures, films and more. With a mission to reinvent the contemporary arts center, CLA investigates themes and topics of particular relevance to the Gulf Coast, functions as a public forum, convener, and cultural broker, forming strategic alliances with other cultural, social, educational and civic institutions. The current exhibit, Futures Project, examines future possibilities for the Gulf Coast, with focus areas that are both expected and unexpected, all within a stunning 16,000 foot gallery.

Maritime Museum Opening this year, the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico will provide hands-on experiences that inspire visitors to understand and appreciate the maritime heritage of the Gulf of Mexico.

Visitors will be able to explore the Gulf of Mexico by stepping on board a full-size replica of a container ship, docked inside the building, ready to leave port. Visitors will also discover an array of topics including early settlements and trade routes, marine archeology and shipwrecks, Gulf animal and plant life, weather and hurricanes, marine and coastal environments, maritime commerce and shipbuilding, ship navigation and communication, offshore oil/gas platforms, and much more.

Mardi Gras Museum Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival at this decadent museum featuring the artistry and intricacy of Mardi Gras design. From majestic crowns, scepters and robes to float construction, costume design and historical photographs, this little museum perfectly encapsulates the pomp and circumstance that is the Mardi Gras season. Be sure to take a good look at the gorgeous vintage costume and float sketches that line the hallway walls.

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Histor y Museum of Mobile Explore 300 years of Mobile history and material culture in the 1857 National Landmark building, the Southern Market/Old City Hall. Visit the museum and learn about the life and times of a great Gulf Coast City. Be sure to cross the street for a visit to Fort Conde, a reproduction of the 1777 fort built at one-third of the original fort recreated in 4/5-scale. In this interactive exhibit in the heart of Historic Fort Conde, visitors can learn about the people who colonized early Mobile. See historic artifacts of Native Americans and Europeans who played large roles in the evolution of the Port City in a time shaped by innovation, conquest, plunder, piracy, and war. Be sure to visit the tattooed statue of Mobile’s founding father, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, and the larger than life Goddess of Liberty statue, affectionately named Marianne.

Architecture Tour Do not miss Mobile architect and historian L Craig Roberts’ architectural history tours. Roberts combines his in-depth knowledge of architecture and a detailed understanding of Mobile’s rich history with his sharp and insightful wit for a superb tour that is both educational and hysterical.

Roberts is a local gem and a truly entertaining tour guide.

By Emily Lullo

Good Times Roll On with

Pensacola Mardi Gras

The Mardi Gras season is well underway in Pensacola, having kicked off with a street party that took over Downtown on Jan. 4.

This year’s season is even longer than usual so there’s plenty of time to fit in all the parties, balls, parades and unique events that will fill the weeks between now and Fat Tuesday on March 4. As usual, the event has grown this year in the number of events and participation.

“We have about six new krewes that all have floats, which is sort of a record because it’s usually one or two. We anticipate the parade to be bigger than ever,” says Pensacola Mardi Gras president Danny Zimmern. “When the season is shorter you have to pick and choose which events to go to, but when it’s alonger season you get to attend them all, and it makes a terrific long season.”

Last year’s Jubilee Run With Color will return Jan. 18 and this time it will honor the centennial celebration of Naval Air Station Pensacola by taking place onboard the station. The run will take joggers along the picturesque Pensacola Pass as they’re doused in green, purple and gold. There will also be a surprise additional color thrown on participants at a party afterward where guests can celebrate with beverages or bring a picnic for the day to enjoy the festivities.

Krewe balls and parties dot the calendar throughout February, and there are other ways for everyone in Pensacola to celebrate the season. Oh Snap! Cupcakes is the official bakery for getting King Cakes, and a variety of fillings are offered to suit the taste buds of any reveler. Pensacola Parade People is a local company that supplies beads and items for throwing to krewes or anyone planning their own Mardi Gras celebration.

On Feb. 28, the Krewe of Lafitte Parade will take to the streets of Downtown at 6 pm, lighting up the city and delighting revelers with its illuminated floats and tons of throws. The Grand Mardi Gras Parade will come the following day on March

1 starting at 2 pm. The biggest parade of the season brings family friendly entertainment in a showcase of all the extravagant costumes, colorful floats and more festive fun that will last into the evening. On Sunday, March 2, head to the beach for the the Krewe of Wrecks Parade at noon, and on Monday, March 3, come back for a traditional lunch of red beans and rice in the Casino Beach parking lot.

The final event of the season will be a Fat Tuesday Street Party that will take over Downtown Pensacola one last time on March 4 at 8 pm before the season ends. Much like the kickoff party, the end cap of Mardi Gras will include stationary floats lining the streets with krewes mingling with crowds for one last hurrah before Ash Wednesday.

For the full slate of events and Pensacola Mardi Gras fun, visit pensacolamardigras.com.

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PLAY

Art Party XI

By Emily Lullo

While Pensacola’s art event scene is overflowing with a wide variety of receptions, openings, and Gallery Nights, there is one unique event that stands out.

Art Party is now in its 11th incarnation, and the last ten have each had their own eclectic twists and surprises in a different venue each year, scattered throughout the city and showcasing art in all forms from local artists.

Art Party XI will be no exception, continuing its legacy of unapologetic avantgarde style and edgy artistic interpretations. The extravaganza of art, music, interactive displays and more will take place this year on Saturday, March 29, and founder Jef Bond and his team aren’t running out of ideas to keep the party fresh any time soon.

“With the help of my creative staff and volunteers, I am fortunate and thankful to have the most creative team to date and the ideas are flowing and coming together,” Bond says.

Bond is a local photographer that started Art Party after feeling there was more to the local art scene than what was being exhibited at mainstream galleries, so he provided a place for artists and patrons to let loose. Expect to see art that is eye-

past, and Bond likes to keep even the most seasoned attendees guessing.

“This go-around we are designing interactive areas that will encourage you to play our ‘games,’ which in turn will lead to free stuff,” Bond says. “There are a lot more things happening but you will have to be there to see and feel the passion of APXI.” In keeping with the mystery, the location and theme of this year are staying under wraps for a while. The location will be

Art Created by A.Youngblood photography by Michelle Baldwin released close to the event, but the theme will be a secret until guests arrive, at which point they can enter a contest to guess what exactly it is.

Another important facet to the fun is the underlying cause. Each Art Party benefits a nonprofit organization and this year it will raise funds for the grassroots organization AHERO, a wounded veterans foundation whose purpose is to serve America’s wounded

Dress the Art and Ballerinas of APX: Left to Right: Maia Jones, Jessica Wells, Amanda Clayton, and Marissa Frangione Looks created by: -Maia & Amanda's make up by Sarah Peake -Jessica & Marissa's Make-Up by Tiffanie Hudson -Maia & Jessica's Hair by MaddMaxx -Amanda & Marissa's Hair by Cathy Sheldon -Photography by Michelle Baldwin catching, diverse and uncensored. Guests of the event are also encouraged to step outside the box and style themselves as a work of art, and that direction can have endless interpretations. There will be a costume contest, but traditional or Halloween-type costumes are not the way to go to win the prize at Art Party.

The playful nature of this event is evident to anyone who has attended in the

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veterans by providing fellowship and mentoring opportunities through recreational activities.

As a vehicle for local artists to express themselves as well as a benefit for a worthy cause, this ever growing event offers something

January/February 2014

very unique to local entertainment offerings. With a huge array of art, live music from bands hailing from New Orleans, Destin, Chicago and here, games, contests, and some of the best peoplewatching of the year, Art Party XI will deliver a night you won’t soon forget.

“Art Party is a vehicle for creatives to create from deep within themselves,” Bond says. “Many of our local creatives believe that they have to create pieces that are marketable or popular instead of creating an original expression of themselves. True originality is APXI.” For ticket purchases, photos, videos, artists and more visit artpartypensacola.com.

Drop the Dogma

By Jodi Brown, the Ultimate Kitchen Commando

The January “diet,” much like the Monday diet, is a sure way to disappoint yourself again on your quest to better health. Unless you are experiencing some sort of health crisis that requires you to immediately adjust the foods you currently ingest, all or nothing is a recipe for disaster. Break the cycle. Start with just one thing but do that one thing every day.

Consistency is key. As adults we want to feel as if we are succeeding quickly in order to continue towards our goals. Here are three things you can add to your routine over the next several months that will quickly garner you some positive changes in your overall health.

Green Smoothies – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and hydrating water, this is the mother load of super nutrition and sets the body up early in the day with the nutrition it needs to carry you forward and perform. The key word here is green. We aren’t making fruit drinks, but green, nutrient-dense beverages.

If you must, start with less green and add more as your palate adjusts, but you want to continue to add more green as you go along in order to obtain the benefits of their super-alkalizing gift.

The fruit is there mostly to make it palatable. In your blender combine 2/3 greens (like spinach, kale or chard) to 1/3 ripe fruit (tropicals have more sugar) with some water and blend. There are tons of recipes for green smoothies on the Internet. Make a blender full and drink half for breakfast and bring the other half for an afternoon snack. Once you get in the routine of the smoothie you can consider adding food based supplements to make it even more nutritious – chia seeds, maca powder, goji berries, pea protein, spirulina and green powders are great places to start.

Salad – I love that I can have an enormous bowl of guilt-free food every day. If you are inclined to add some lean animal protein you can – fish, chicken, beef, etc. Or you can add avocado, nuts and seeds to increase the plant-based fats to give you a feeling of satiety. Instead of dumping on often not-sonutritious store-bought dressing, try sprinkling on a little olive oil with a dash of balsamic or red wine vinegar or a squeeze of citrus. Don’t forget to chew, chew, chew.

Whole Foods – This is the real test. Can you eliminate processed foods from your diet? Have you ever tried? Research is showing over and over again that our modern diet filled with processed “foods” is wreaking havoc on our bodies. Many of us have physical issues related to food that we are completely unaware of. The only sure way of knowing whether they are problematic is to eliminate them completely for a period of three to four weeks to see if you feel differently. Do you have to give them up forever? Maybe not, but you won’t know until you try. I recommend you commit to eliminating foods, one at a time that you think might be problematic for three weeks. You’ll know by then whether you should continue to eat the item or not.

Here’s my recipe for success. Start with just one green smoothie but do it every day until you feel confident that it has become part of your daily routine. No excuses. Then add a daily salad to your repertoire but also do that every day. I can guarantee you that if you can get to a place where you are drinking a green smoothie and eating a big beautiful salad every day your life will change for the better. Guaranteed. Then add the elimination of a processed food you think might be problematic for you – gluten, dairy, soy, eggs or corn. Remember, many small successes add up to bigger ones. Bite off only what you can chew.

You can find valuable food information on my website www.ultimatekitchencommando.com. Happy New YOU!

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PLAY

Japanese New Year Celebration Jan. 25 Join the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida on Saturday, Jan. 25 as they usher in the Year of the Horse with their 21st Annual Japanese New Year Celebration. Festivities will run from 12 – 4 pm at the Bayview Community Center in Pensacola and will include a martial arts performance, traditional Japanese dancing and taiko drummers. There will also be music, food, and other cultural displays. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students, and $4 for JAS members. For more information visit www.jasnwfl.org.

Pensacola Camellia Club January Meeting Jan. 21 The Pensacola Camellia Club will be holding its regular meeting, which is always held on the third Tuesday of each month, on Jan. 21 at the Garden Center, located at 1850 N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola. The meeting, which will start at 7 pm following refreshments at 6:30 pm, is open to members as well as guests. A review of the National Camellia Show, held here in December, will be given as well as a report on the American Camellia Society convention.

Other program items include the election of new officers and a discussion on the use of camellias in home floral arrangements. The PCC’s upcoming schedule will also be distributed. Visit www.pensacolacamelliaclub.com or call PCC Secretary Norman Vickers at (850) 484 – 9183 for more information.

Newcomers Club of Greater Pensacola is Welcoming New Members All women who have lived in Pensacola for two years or less are invited to join the Newcomers Club of Greater Pensacola.

The organization meets at the Pensacola Yacht Club at 9 am every second Wednesday of the month for games and a lunch meeting. The luncheons cost $14 per person.

Newcomers Club has over 300 local members, and monthly events include a book club, bridge, bowling, movie afternoon, Chef’s Night Out, and other activities. For more information visit www.pensacolanewcomers.com or call Ann Martin at (850) 432–1826.

UWF Hosts Guest Speaker Lt. General Russel Honoré Jan. 16 Retired Army Lt. General Russel Honoré will be speaking on “The Price of Leadership” in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the UWF Conference Center on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 pm. Honoré is currently a senior scientist with the Gallup Organization, a CNN contributor and author of several articles and books, including his latest, titled, Leadership in the New Normal. The Honoré Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. is also named after him. The event is free and open to the public.

57th Annual Christ Church Antiques Show Jan. 31 – Feb. 2 Christ Church Pensacola will host their annual three-day antiques show from Friday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 2 in their Currin Center.

The show’s preview party, “Jubilee of Antiques,” will be held Thursday, Jan. 30 from 6–8 pm. Tickets cost $20 and include wine, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. This year’s main event will offer a new service: appraisal of antiques you already own. Elodie and David Cardon from “On the Avenue” will be on hand to evaluate items on Friday from 10 am–3:30 pm in the parish hall. A fee of $5 will be charged for each item examined with a three-item limit per person for this first-come, first-served special event. A hot lunch will also be offered on Friday and Saturday for $10 per meal. General admission costs $7 and will cover all three days. Tickets for all events can be purchased at the door or by calling the church office at (850) 432-5115. More information can be found at www.christchurch.net.

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GIVE

Beré Jewelers Donates Gifts to Local Children and Families With the help of their customers, friends, and employees, Beré Jewelers bought and wrapped Christmas gifts for local residents. Seventeen students at Oakcrest Elementary and 15 families at Global Learning Academy received the presents. The company also “adopted” a family who recently lost their home in a fire, helping them collect clothes and donations for their immediate needs as well as Christmas presents for their four children.

Fill a Bowl for MANNA Jan. 18 At this annual event, attendees are invited to select a handmade bowl crafted by local artists and Pensacola State College Visual Arts faculty and staff. After the bowls are chosen, they will be filled with soups prepared by various Pensacola chefs and eateries, a symbol of the thousands of empty bowls filled each year by MANNA Food Pantries. The $30 entrance fee covers the cost of the bowl and soup and benefits MANNA directly. The event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 1–3 pm at the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio on PSC’s campus. For more information call MANNA at (850) 432-2053 or Pensacola State College at (850) 484-1428.

Partnership for a Healthy Community Gets New Coach twelve groups across the country have been chosen to receive help from a “community coach,” and Partnership for a Healthy Community’s Live Well Northwest Florida is one of them. Jan O’Neill, who comes from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program at the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, will be guiding Partnership leaders. Their focus will be battling obesity, as weight management is one of the biggest problems in both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

O’Neill’s coaching will be free thanks to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest health- and healthcare-focused philanthropy organization.

2014 Heroes with Heart Gala Feb. 22 Paramedics, firefighters, police officers and other first responders from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties will be honored at this gala event. It will be held from 5 – 9 pm on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Hurlburt Soundside Club near Fort Walton Beach and will include dinner, an awards ceremony and a silent auction. The Northwest Florida Chapter of the Trauma Intervention Program is sponsoring the event. Tickets can be purchased at www.tip-ser.org or by calling (850) 554-8417.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is Looking for Mentors Over 200 children are on the waiting list for mentors at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, 74percent of whom are boys. The volunteer opportunities offered by the organization vary, ranging from school- and community-based programs to sports ones. Though time is an issue for many would-be volunteers, it can take as little as an hour a week or an activity twice a month to make a difference in a young person’s life. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has helped over 556 children in the area in its 24 years of existence.

Cox Customers Donate Toys to Local Youth From Nov. 18 – Dec. 13, Cox Communications hosted toy drives in Escambia and Okaloosa counties as part of their second Annual Days of Giving event. The more than 160 toys that were donated by customers and employees at local Cox retail stores were given to the Children’s Home Society on Dec. 16, 2013.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Awarded $50,000 Grant On Dec. 17, 2013, a $50,000 grant from Wells Fargo’s Priority Markets Initiative was given to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, one of 32 grants awarded by the company nationwide. The money will help create more affordable housing as well as help rebuild neighborhoods. The grant was presented at a build site, where 10 volunteers from Ohio State University were participating in the 25th Collegiate Challenge, a program where university students spend a week at a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the United States. Other volunteers, homeowners, and outgoing Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Chairman Gerald Adcox were also on hand for the event.

Blue Marlin Realty Group Donates Hundreds of Toys to Hospital Emergency Room For the third year in a row, Blue Marlin Realty Group of Destin teamed up with the Destin Porsche Club and local community members to collect toys and deliver them to the emergency room at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Two months of collecting garnered over 150 items, including books, bikes and stuffed animals for children who visited the emergency room during the holiday season. Carloads of toys were driven to the hospital on Dec. 21, 2013, where they were received by hospital staff and distributed to children who were ill or injured or just waiting for a sick relative. Blue Marlin Realty Group and their community partners hope to continue the tradition in years to come, hopefully always bigger and better than the year before.

Red Cross Volunteers Celebrate MLK Day by Leaving Fire Safety Tips Jan. 20 As part of the national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, American Red Cross and community volunteers will be canvassing neighborhoods and sharing fire safety and prevention tips. The neighborhoods that will be visited have recently experienced several house fires.

Volunteers will talk to residents who are available and will be leaving door hangers for those who aren’t home. The hangers, which will be in both English and Spanish, list cooking and heating tips and emphasize the importance of smoke alarms and fire escape plans. People and organizations who would like more information about getting involved with this event can contact Trevor Sikes at (850) 432-7601.

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SHOP

So Gourmet Invites Pensacola Into Their Kitchen

By Hannah Leyva

There’s a new addition to the Bodacious family of businesses on the corner of Palafox and Main. Unlike its partner businesses, it doesn’t share the surfer-slang name, but when you enter So Gourmet Kitchenry, located above The Bodacious Olive and The Bodacious Brew, it seems like a natural complement to the downstairs stores.

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SoGo, as it’s called by owner Rishy Studer, (she said it also stands for “South of Government Street,” the area they’re located in) is a combination kitchenware store and culinary education space.

The idea for the business was inspired in part by downtown Pensacola’s Distinctive Kitchens, a favorite store of Studer’s that shut its doors a little over a year ago.

“I never would have considered [a kitchenware store] if Distinctive Kitchens hadn’t closed down,” said Studer.

Studer started offering some cooking classes in the small kitchen area of The Bodacious Olive, much like Distinctive Kitchens used to do in their store. The space quickly got too crowded, and the decision to utilize the upstairs, which was empty, was made.

“It was a natural progression,” Studer said. “There’s a real need for a store like this. People really love our gadgets.”

Before opening in December, just in time for the holidays, it took five months of work to get the upstairs ready. Light colored hardwood floors and large windows make the rooms bright and airy, and the exposed brick walls add to the loft feel of the space.

Construction is still ongoing, as two outdoor spaces (the front balcony and the back rooftop patio) are being readied for the warmer months.

In the short time it’s been open, So Gourmet has already hosted a few cooking classes and a couple of private events.

They’re also planning to hold cookware demonstrations on Saturdays at the shiny demo bar in the middle of the retail area to highlight the different products they offer, which range from food processors and dinnerware to chopping boards and aprons.

The star of the enterprise, however, is the array of cooking classes that are offered. SoGo employs two full-time chefs, Sue Shattuck and Betsy LeGallais, who develop the recipes for and

teach the regular series of classes as well as put together the menus for the private parties.

Shattuck, a certified personal chef with nine years of culinary instruction on her resumé, and LeGallais, a certified health food coach and raw foods instructor, have been working together for almost a year. They developed the breakfast menu at The Bodacious Brew and taught the downstairs cooking classes.

Their new digs, which features a state-of-the art kitchen and seats for 36 students, give Shattuck and LeGallais much more room to move around. Currently, the chefs are teaching a series on raw and healthy foods, a popular choice for people looking to improve their lifestyles for the new year. February’s schedule will feature a lot of “Cooking 101” classes, teaching the basics first and then increasing the difficulty as the series moves along. Onehour classes featuring two courses are offered during the lunch hour, while the longer dinner classes offer three or four courses.

For private events, the pair work with clients to give them what they want, whether it’s developing recipes for specific dishes or creating a menu based on a theme. All the food they make focuses on healthy and high-quality ingredients, starting with their own in-house products.

“We like to incorporate our products into our classes as much as possible,” said Studer.

Shattuck agreed, noting that the oils, vinegars, sea salts and even homemade pasta from downstairs are used to help create twists on the recipes.

“We create healthy gourmet,” said Shattuck, giving an example of how they stand out from other chefs. “We’re practically a butterless kitchen. We use our butter-infused olive oil instead, even for baking,” she added.

So Gourmet also brings in local chefs to teach courses. Guest chefs in January include Dan Dunn from Pensacola Beach’s Hilton Gulf Front Hotel and Jerry Mistretta from Jerry’s Cajun Café. They will be teaching seafood and Mardi Gras menus, respectively.

Though the kitchenry is new, it seems to be doing well so far, thanks in part to the loyal following the Bodacious businesses have.

Studer is enthusiastic about her newest venture, which she believes helps to round out all the businesses in the building.

“You could spend most of a day here,” she said. “It’s a fun place with a real relaxed atmosphere.”

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Pensacola is bursting at the seams with unique local art offerings. Whether you ’d likke to add to your home collection or spruce up a room with an eye-catching conversation piece, local shops and galleries have ever ything you need. You o can even wear the unique designs made by talented local and regional artisans. Or unleash your own inner artist and create your per fect piece in a class or workshop.

Icons for Today o II: an icon writing workshop

Lou Mitchell

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L IV E

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL March 19-23

By Jeanessa Gantt

The celebrated performance group Cirque du Soleil will be in Pensacola at the Pensacola Bay Center on March 19-23 to present their newest arena show Varekai. Varekai’s seven performances at the Bay Center will give locals the opportunity to experience the spectacle that has made Cirque du Soleil a must-see attraction in places like Downtown Disney in Orlando and the Las Vegas strip.

Originating from the Romany language of the gypsies, the word Varekai means “wherever.” The performance celebrates the spirit of the wanderer and the power of possibility as the young and innocent Icarus embarks on a journey to the mysterious world of Varekai. In a place described as a captivating forest inhabited by enchanted and whimsical creatures, Icarus will face experiences that are both astonishing and bizarre throughout his travels.

Although audiences may find themselves absorbed by the young traveler’s tale, the story is only part of the experience.

Varekai will feature a circular stage, complete with trap doors, turntables and an elevating platform, 300 “trees” to simulate a forest environment, and a nearly 100-foot-long staircase for artists to travel from one side of the stage to the other. The set will provide a fanciful backdrop for the over 600 costumes, shoes, wigs, hats and accessories that took artisan costume makers over 33,000 hours to create.

In addition to striking visuals, the music for Varekai is an eclectic mix of Hawaiian ritual chants, French troubadour songs, Armenian folk songs and gospel music composed for and performed by a live band. Each performance will be unique, as the musicians must adapt the movement of the score to coordinate with the actions happening on stage.

Like all Cirque du Soleli presentations, Varekai tempers the show’s avant-garde surrealism with traditional circus acts that audiences know and love. Among the offerings of big top favorites are an aerial hoop artist who demonstrates extraordinary feats of strength and flexibility, a juggler who manipulates items ranging from bowling pins to soccer balls, and even a pair of clowns who provide the audience with a dose of absurdity.

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This will not be the first time the iconic performance troupe has visited the area. In 2012, Cirque du Soleil presented Saltimbanco at the Bay Center as one of the last tour venues before the classic show was retired. Despite competing with the US presidential election for media coverage, the show was still overwhelmingly successful. Even after allowing for additional temporary seating to accommodate ticket demand, both performances of Saltimbanco sold out.

Such a response should come as no surprise; inspiring excitement is what Cirque du Soleil is all about. Since the group’s creation in 1984, their mission has been to invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world.

“Cirque du Soleil began with a very simple dream,” said Guy Laliberté, guide and founder of the performance troupe. “A group of young entertainers got together to amuse audiences, see the world, and have fun doing it.”

Laliberté’s vision to elevate the circus arts to the level of the great artistic disciplines like orchestra, ballet, and theater has led to what is now Quebec’s first internationally renowned circus. With a reputation for delivering wonder and delight through artistic entertainment, Cirque du Soleil’s critically acclaimed performances have reached over 100 million spectators in 300 cites, 40 countries and on six continents.

After such a positive response for Saltimbanco, locals can expect an even bigger turn out for Varekai. The show has toured over 72 cities in 20 countries since it premiered in 2002, and was even featured in an Emmywinning TV documentary.

Tickets are available online through cirquedusoleil.com/varekai or Ticketmaster.com, at the Bay Center Box Office, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Cirque du Soleil’s upcoming Pensacola tour dates are sure to excite existing fans and dazzle new ones by exposing them to the artistry that has awarded the troupe global recognition. With imaginative costuming, stunning acrobatics, innovative music and otherworldly sets, Varekai is an electrifying fusion of drama and acrobatics that promises to provide audiences of all ages with an experience they will remember for years to come.

“Year of Shakespeare” Monologue Showcase Jan. 23 2014 marks the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth, and the West Florida Library is celebrating with their “Year of Shakespeare” series, during which they will offer one program honoring the bard per month. To help kick it off, the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company will be presenting a monologue showcase on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 pm in the West Florida Library downtown branch’s atrium. Members of the company, who range in age from 13 – 19 and hail from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, will be performing from works such as The Comedy of Errors and Hamlet as well as some sonnets. The event is free and open to the public.

Barry Manilow at the Pensacola Bay Center

UWF’s 15th Our Voices Are Many Production – “The Sons of Africa” Jan. 26 University of West Florida Assistant Professor of English Mamie Webb Hixon is the writer, producer and artistic director of this year’s Our Voices Are Many production, which has the theme “The Sons of Africa.” Local talent will be giving performances that will include dramatic readings, music, dance, and reenactments that depict black men from all walks of life.

Black women and servicemen will also be honored during the production. The event, which is sponsored by UWF’s Office of the President, Office of the Provost and the Department of English and World Languages, will be held in the Mainstage Theatre of UWF’s Center of Fine and Performing Arts.

Admission is free, but tickets are needed and can be acquired at the CFPA Box Office. Doors open at 3 pm for the 4 pm show.

PSC Presents Cashore Marionettes Jan. 17 The internationally acclaimed Cashore Marionettes will be performing on Friday, Jan. 17 as part of the Pensacola State College Lyceum Series. In “Life in Motion,” Joseph Cashore combines skilled puppetry with music, humor and poetry to delight and entertain audiences. Showtime is 7:30 pm in the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium (Building 8) on the Pensacola campus. Tickets can be purchased online at www.pensacolastate.edu/lyceum or in person at the Lyceum Box Office. Call (850) 484 – 1847 for more information.

Jan. 30 Musical superstar Barry Manilow will be serenading Gulf Coast residents on Jan. 30 at the Pensacola Bay Center. The legendary singer, who has released more than 40 albums and sold more than 80 million records worldwide throughout his long career, will be performing many of his classic hit songs. Tickets can be purchased at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office or through Ticketmaster.

More information can be found at www.pensacolabaycenter.com.

Blue Man Group at the Saenger Theatre Feb. 4 – 6 World famous Blue Man Group will be coming to Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre. Known for their unique, highly theatrical brand of entertainment, Blue Man Group shows have dazzled and delighted audiences of all ages around the globe. Show times and ticket information can be found online at www.pensacolasaenger.com.

Celtic Woman’s “The Emerald Tour” Feb. 21 Irish music ensemble Celtic Woman is bringing “The Emerald Tour” to Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre. The world-renowned all female group will be bringing the magic of Ireland to the stage through both traditional songs and original work. For more information visit www.pensacolasaenger.com.

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Quayside Art Gallery’s “New in the Q – 2014” Through Feb. 10 Each January, Quayside Art Gallery honors artists who featured during the last year. The 12 artists celebrated in this show have created work in various forms such as photography, oil, pencil and watercolor, among others, ensuring that there is something for all tastes. Visit www.quaysidegallery.com for more information.

The Choral Society of Pensacola Presents “To Pensacola with Love” Feb. 14 Let The Choral Society of Pensacola and other local performers serenade you and your special someone this Valentine’s Day with their new event, “To Pensacola with Love.” The gala event will take place at the Pensacola Museum of Art from 7 – 9 pm on Friday, Feb. 14. Guests will enjoy instrumental and vocal music in the PMA’s various galleries as well as chocolate, champagne and other desserts and beverages.

Reservations cost $25 per person. Call (850) 484 – 1806 or visit www.choralsocietyofpensacola.com for more information.

The PMA Presents the 60th Annual Youth Art Focus Through Feb. 15 The Pensacola Museum of Art has once again partnered with the Escambia County School District to highlight the work of art students and educators with the 60th Annual Youth Art Focus exhibition. Put on in conjuction with National Youth Art Month, the exhibit showcases more than 500 works of art from some of the best young local artists.

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Pensacola Opera Hosts “An Evening of Art Song” Feb. 7 The Pensacola Opera Center will be the site of Pensacola Opera’s “An Evening of Art Song” on Friday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 pm.

The 2013 – 2014 Artists in Residence will be performing art songs and lieder by composers such as Schumann, Ravel and Debussy, among others. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling (850) 433 – 6737.

Tommy Emmanuel in Concert Feb. 19 Australian Tommy Emmanuel and special guest Martin Taylor will be performing at the Saenger Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Named the CMA’s Global Country Artist of the Year for 2011, Emmanuel is a veteran performer, with a professional career that spans five decades. Showtime is at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, over the phone at 800 – 745 – 3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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Pensacon

2014

By Emily Lullo

Just a few decades ago sci-fi fans, gamers, comic book collectors, anime lovers and many other devotees of genres and hobbies considered in the domain of geek culture were shunted to the sidelines of the mainstream. Those days are officially over, and the latest addition to Pensacola’s entertainment lineup, Pensacon, is proof of that fact.

The inaugural convention that will take place over Feb. 21-23 at the Pensacola Bay Center and Crowne Plaza Hotel will cater to a huge range of interests, including those named above as well as costuming, horror, fantasy and countless others.

Photos courtesy of Pensacon

“Look at the top movies in the country at any given time and you’ll see there’s a superhero movie in there or a sci-fi movie in the mix,” says Pensacon chairman Mike Ensley. “Pop culture is now nerd culture.”

The convention is modeled after the many other successful convention franchises across the country, like the largest and most well-known Comi-Con held in San Francisco or the closerto-home Dragoncon held yearly in Atlanta. These events typically feature a weekend packed with events like panel discussions,

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meet and greets and photo opportunities with celebrities, costume contests, gaming tournaments, artist booths and demonstrations, and a slew of vendors selling wares related to the different represented genres. Pensacon will be no exception, with events at both venues spanning the weekend as well as coordinated events hosted by local businesses that will draw guests into the heart of the Downtown, including collaborations at the February Gallery Night that will show visitors Pensacola at its most dynamic.

Many conventions start out small, and Ensley says that was his initial intention when he decided to follow through on the plan for a local convention he’d had in the back of his mind for many years.

After meeting with a business associate named Ben Galecki, owner of Kinematic Entertainment, the pair decided to go big for the inaugural event.

“We saw what was happening in the rest of the country,” Ensley says. “Salt Lake City Comic Con this year was their first year. They anticipated 10,000 people would come. Over 30,000 showed up.

Comic conventions and sci-fi conventions all over the country are doing really well right now.”

The first guest the Pensacon team booked was Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and in the 1978 TV movie Star Wars Holiday Special. Next they confirmed Kane Hodder, who cemented his legacy in the horror genre by playing Jason Voorhees in several of the Friday the 13th films and appearing in all three Hatchet films. Since then the event has racked up dozens more guests that hail from almost every genre imaginable.

“It grew from there and we started booking guests and it just kind of got out of hand,” he says. “Now we have almost 90 guests booked for the convention from a huge variety of fields.”

That guest list features actors from such popular franchises as

costume contest on Saturday night judged by celebrities from hit SyFy Channel shows Face Off and Heroes of Cosplay. Horror fans can view the first physical ceremony of the online Fright Meter Awards. For the romantic, there will even be several sessions of nerd speed dating, as well as the ultimate culmination of such a pairing: a Star Wars themed wedding.

Even with so much to do and events overflowing from both the Crowne Plaza and the Bay Center, Ensley says some people will come just to see the diverse crowd this event is sure to attract from around the region.

“If you’re not interested in any of the celebrities, any of the artists, or any of that stuff, just go to people watch. You will have the best time,” Ensley says. “I know people that go to Dragoncon and don’t do anything else except go and sit in the bar and watch people because the people put so much effort into their costumes and it’s just amazing stuff you’ll see.”

The event will also spill out onto the streets of downtown once the convention areas shut down for the day. With the support of the Downtown Improvement Board, many bars and restaurants have come onboard to host events that will be done in coordination with Pensacon, like themed parties and special events.

“The thing about Dragoncon in Atlanta is you go to the convention, and it’s a huge nerd party. Everyone’s dressed up and they have themed parties everywhere. Everyone’s so welcoming,”

Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Dr. Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, and many others. There will be a large array of comic book artists and writers, like David Michelinie who wrote for both DC and Marvel Comics and is well known for introducing many aspects of the Iron Man character Tony Stark’s persona, as well as writing for The Amazing Spider Man comics later. Mike Grell is another comic book artist and writer best known for his work with the Green Arrow/Green Lantern comic book series.

The breadth of areas of interest available to fans at Pensacon cannot be overstated. The convention will host original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, representatives from the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition doing robotics demonstrations, and scholars like Nicky Wheeler Nicholson, a historian whose grandfather started the company that would become DC Comics. A local youth pastor will host a panel on how to balance being a Christian with a passion for sci-fi and horror. Ensley says he wanted the lineup to be varied and inclusive.

Besides the many guests, celebrities, artists and vendors, which are too numerous to name, the event will feature a bevy of geekcentric events that are open to all attendees. Fans of tabletop games like Magic, Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder can make their way to the second floor of the Grand for a weekend of gaming, and SuperCon 2K will host ongoing videogame tournaments throughout the weekend at the Bay Center. There will also be a

says event coordinator Courtney Hagans. “We wanted to create Palafox after that model where they’re supportive and everyone’s hanging out together.”

Pensacon has stepped up to sponsor the Feb. 21 Gallery Night and many participating venues will be hosting coordinating events throughout the weekend. Look out for a Star Wars Cantina party at Hopjacks, a Walking Dead party at Tin Cow, a weeklong slate of events including a Wednesday night Zombie Run at World of Beer and much more. Seville Quarter will host the opening night party on Thursday, and on Saturday, the complex will host Doug Sneyd, an artist celebrating his 50th year as a cartoonist for Playboy with a special Pensacola-themed print available exclusively at the event.

Stay updated on the growing list of guests and events by finding Pensacon on Facebook and Twitter and get tickets and scheduling information at Pensacon.com. More additions will continue to be added as the Feb. 21 gets closer and the growing buzz around the event will likely draw much more than the 5,000 guests organizers have conservatively estimated.

“This convention’s starting to be recognized as being something that’s unique because most conventions start out very small, which I originally intended,” Ensley says. “Most of them don’t have the resources that we have, but every resource that we have we’ve put into making this special for Pensacola.”

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Pensacola Museum of Art Turns

Photos courtesy of the PMA

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By Josh Newby

The only accredited visual arts museum between Mobile, Ala. and Tallahassee, the Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) consistently delivers top-notch works by acclaimed artisans near and far, living and deceased, to almost 100,000 patrons a year. Originally a City of Pensacola jail, the PMA has now served the community for 60 years, presenting hundreds of exhibitions and thousands of educational opportunities for regional audiences. The works of Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Alex Katz and others find their home on the historic walls of the museum, inspiring a new generation of up-and-coming artists to make their creative dreams a reality.

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Today, the museum has become a destination for all who appreciate the escapism, inspiration and transformative powers of art. From youth and children-focused offerings to adult art classes and partnerships with community organizations, the Pensacola Museum of Art has transformed from a once unaccredited art center in the 1950s to a pristine safe haven for some of the world’s greatest sculptures, paintings and more.

To demonstrate the many changes and diversified offerings the museum has experienced, Looking Back, Moving Forward: PMA Permanent Collection Retrospective will offer patrons a visual timeline of the Permanent Collection’s history, beginning with the very first piece to ever be featured. A multitude of mediums, including etching, photography, glass and more, will be on display and reveal not only the artistic evolution of the community and art world, but also the evolving cultures that inspired their creation. This exhibition will be available to art-lovers Jan. 14 through Feb. 15.

“This exhibition will not only boast the art itself; it will provide a snapshot of the museum’s identity and history,” said Stacy Kendall, director of marketing for the PMA. “The museum’s collection is representative of snapshots in time. The pieces themselves will be examples of prominent mediums of the time.”

Another exhibition, the 60th Annual Youth Art Focus, is a partnership with Escambia County schools and will highlight the best work from more than 500 art students and educators in the local school system. This exhibition will be on display Jan. 11 through Feb. 15.

In May, Art of the Brick, an exhibition by Nathan Sawaya of life-size art made exclusively with LEGO bricks and once showcased in Times Square, will find its temporary home at the PMA. This show, named one of CNN’s ten global must-see exhibitions, is sure to stretch the imaginations of generations of LEGO-builders and allow them to realize how modern and fun art can be.

In August, the work of Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollack, Andy Warhol and other well-known contemporary artists will appear at the PMA as An Adventure in the Arts.

“Both of these exhibitions have wide appeal and we’re very excited to feature them,” said Jodi Gup, the PMA’s executive director.

The museum’s cultural impact extends far beyond its walls. Local partnerships, educational outreaches, free exhibits and communitybased art projects all create an atmosphere for cultural expression in the community.

“We are working actively with Visit Pensacola and other groups to promote the arts outside the region,” said Gup. “When they’re promoting Pensacola, we want people to know that we have a strong artisan community and a variety of enriching options. Art can be economic development and job creation just as it can be escapism and ingenuity.”

By featuring the works of young local artists and even creating an internship program for students of Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida where they can translate what they learn

in the classroom to experiential learning, the PMA invests in the lives and fosters the creativity of young innovators.

“Art plays a significant role in a city’s education,” said Gup. “I believe it is absolutely vital to any modern civilization. If a city doesn’t have an art museum, that city is lacking. That’s why we offer a wide array of educational art programs including after school and home school classes, art camp, and classes tailored to individuals in the autism spectrum.”

“We have also started PMA Contemporaries, which is a way to reach that young adult and young professional demographic that is often overlooked,” said Kendall. “Through networking events, fundraising, and art appreciation, 21- to 45-year-olds can play an integral part in the museum’s growth.”

Recently, the Design of War exhibition was made free to service members and their families, as the PMA staff wished to thank them for their contributions to the country and recognize the military’s importance to Pensacola.

The 24 Hours in Downtown Pensacola exhibit provided an opportunity for amateur and aspiring photographers in the area to provide a 24-hour snapshot of life in downtown and have their work featured in the museum.

The museum also recently won the much-coveted Impact 100 grant, which will provide more than $100,000 for the PMA’s Jail for Art project. The project includes two vital replacements and upgrades to the visual arts destination in downtown Pensacola.

The replacement includes the installation of new floors with longlife, high quality oak flooring throughout the facility. There is currently no subfloor and the existing wood has worn thin over the years since 1909. The upgrade entails a new boiler for the HVAC system, which will help efficiently and effectively regulate the temperatures necessary to the preservation of the building and the art inside. All renovations should be complete by May 2014.

“Both of the projects made possible by this grant will elevate all visitors’ experiences at the museum, cementing the PMA as one of the greatest gems of downtown Pensacola,” said Gup. As for the future of the museum, Gup and Kendall hope to continue growing the organization alongside downtown’s recent renaissance by attracting and procuring the big-name exhibitions that artlovers in the city have come to expect. They will also introduce new opportunities for philanthropic support, and promote the children’s classroom and library, and the museum store where patrons can purchase the work of local artists.

“A lot has changed for the museum over the past several years,” said Gup. “But with a consistent vision and strategic plan, we have systems in place to grow the museum and get the word out about that growth. We will continue to provide top-tier exhibits to our patrons and even attract the interest of art-lovers near and far.”

January/February 2014

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An artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio is the personal space where the proverbial magic happens. It can be loosely ordered chaos or a methodically organized workplace. It can be little more than a home for the creative process or a source of inspiration in its own right.

The local arts community is ripe with makers of all mediums from paint and clay to glass and cloth, and even more unexpected materials.

These portraits of local artists in their own studios offer an intimate look into the space that houses and often spurs the creativity that fuels their work.

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Quenby Tyler

By Josh Newby

studio is at its best when it’s messy: “ My it means that something is getting done. ”

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January/February 2014

Quenby Tyler likes to defy convention. Her workspace, her paintings, even her methods, go against the grain to create completely unique and highly sought-after pieces of art.

Born to a British mother and American father, Tyler admits that she has no formal education in art and that the idea of being a painter did not really even occur to her until her early 20s.

Under the tutelage of a no-nonsense painting instructor at Pensacola State College, however, Tyler discovered that her loose and lively style is just as appreciated as more traditional methods of art.

Shortly thereafter, she entered regional shows and even won Best in Show at the Grayton Beach Art Festival. After flooding from Hurricane Ivan destroyed her vintage clothing shop in 2004, Tyler took the leap into painting fulltime.

For almost a decade now, demand for her work has continually increased. Collectors appreciate her candid and engaging style that trades cerebral exploration for emotional and instinctive portrayals of life.

“I gravitate towards scenes that involve people, nostalgia, human mannerisms and scenes with lots of movement,” Tyler said of her style.

Although her studio is one of the most impressive in the area, Tyler said that she believes the will to create is more important than the actual creation space.

“When I first started painting, I worked on a makeshift easel comprised of a table and a wall in my bedroom,” said Tyler. “I even won awards with some of the paintings I did there— although I will say, I feel very, very blessed to be in the studio I have now.”

Tyler prefers to work with acrylics, rather than oils, finding the latter too deliberate and final.

“My studio is at its best when it’s messy: it means that something is getting done,” said Tyler. “Sometimes after an especially creative spell, you could walk into my studio and the disarray will make your eyes bulge. It really defies physics. The freedom to make mistakes and make a mess fosters creativity, at least it does for me.”

Art aficionados and everyday decorators give Tyler’s work an international demand, and her variety of pieces can be found in the collections of corporate and private businesses the world over. Today, the Global Grill in downtown Pensacola and Audrey’s in Naples proudly display her works of art. Her paintings are also available to admire 24/7 online at quenbyart.com.

Borrowing colloquialisms from her British heritage, Tyler encourages upcoming artists to, “never let a canvas make you nervous, and don’t putz. Get in there and give it some welly.”

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Lou Mitchell Courtney

By Josh Newby

Depending on the nature of the piece, â&#x20AC;&#x153; the creative process can differ greatly.

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â&#x20AC;?

Local award-winning artist Lou Mitchell Courtney explores varied themes in her artwork, ranging from freedom and joy to contrasting themes like strength and fragility.

“Everyone has internal struggles,” said Courtney. “I think art explores those ideas, gets them out, and makes sense of that internal chaos.”

Courtney makes sense of those existential themes with materials and mediums as varied as the struggles themselves.

She manipulates and crafts clay, metal, ceramics and more to create figurative abstracts, functional vessels, wall art, architectural ceramics and even sinks.

A native of North Carolina who has been practicing in Pensacola for more than 20 years, Courtney is classically trained in painting and sculpting, concentrating on landscape and the human figure. She has also spent many years in the furniture industry, designing over 250 pieces.

Locally, the city of Gulf Breeze recently commissioned her to build a 22-foot stainless steel sculpture in celebration of the city’s 50th anniversary. Titled “Starlight,” the piece can be seen in Woodland Park.

Currently, Courtney enjoys working with clay the most.

“Clay is so responsive to the touch,” said Courtney. “It is a sensual and primal experience.”

While much of her work is commissioned, Courtney always makes time for personal artistic expression, as well.

“Depending on the nature of the piece, the creative process can

differ greatly,” said Courtney. “For commissioned pieces, I will meet with the client to realize their vision and make it fit in the physical parameters. For my own personal artistic expression, however, I will often start with a sketch or an idea and then express that through the art. My pieces will change as I create them, much as humans change throughout the course of their lives.”

For multi-faceted works, Courtney will develop each piece individually—often 12 or 13 at a time—before assembling them together.

“You have to often account for the internal structure as well as the external one,” said Courtney.

Courtney’s workspace allows her to explore and create these diverse possibilities. With high ceilings and lots of light, her studio boasts Courtney’s organizational standards.

“I can’t work when there is chaos,” said Courtney. “I will often be working on four or five pieces at a time, but I always try to be organized.

Courtney has had her work displayed at Artel locally and her sinks are available for purchase through Ferguson Plumbing.

For the coming years, Courtney plans to create as much as she can, feeling the increasing need to express many different concepts. In her shop, hanging on a board, are words like “Becoming,” “Hope = living,” “Consciousness,” and “Beauty.”

These different notions will soon take the form of art that will be displayed in regional art festivals and enjoyed by many while helping them make sense of the chaos in their own lives.

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Glenn Avery Breed

By Emily Lullo

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The finished garment is only as successful as the time you put into it.â&#x20AC;?

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If you’re at all involved in the arts and culture side of Pensacola, you’ve likely come across the work of Glenn Avery Breed. The costume designer and technician is the resident costumer of Pensacola Opera and the lavish garments worn by Fiesta of Five Flags royalty, and he’s an associate professor of theatre at the University of West Florida. He’s also the resident designer for the Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company in Brevard, North Carolina.

Until August 2013, Breed worked out of UWF’s costume shop for six years, but with the companies he works with expanding and needing more and more costumes he outgrew that space and relocated to a studio in Ellyson Industrial Park.

“The studio space marks the next expansion for Wardrobe Witchery, my opera costume rental company, founded in 2013,” he says. “I am hoping to become a major rental company in the US and provide costumes for other opera companies.”

Already opera companies around the region and country have used sets created for Pensacola Opera by Breed, and with a huge room in the studio that houses racks after racks of costumes, he’s got plenty of options for companies looking to clothe their players.

A native of Austin, Texas, Breed got into costume design after working at a costume and party rental store then as an assistant shop manager at a costume shop, where he worked while studying costume design and technology at St. Edward’s University. He says he was drawn to the creative process of costuming, and the ability

to see an audience react to a design that came from his head.

“My favorite types of garments to do are the period gowns of the late 1890s-1905. The style and grace is rare and only existed for a short period of time,” he says. “My favorite costume probably still is a silly bird cage hoop skirt design for Papagena from The Magic Flute, the first production we built for Pensacola Opera.”

Those designs come together after a long process starting with a custom design or pattern and then sourcing the materials. The Witchery has its own large stores of fabrics, trims and other accoutrements, and he’s known to frequent local stores like JoAnn Fabrics, A&E Pharmacy, Grant’s Foam and Fabric, and Classy Interior Fabrics. He also often finds materials in Biloxi and Chicago. The materials are cut according to measurements and then the talented staff constructs each piece in layers with many fittings throughout the process to create gorgeous and durable costumes that can be used repeatedly.

“The finished garment is only as successful as the time you put into, we are very proud of the costumes we make,” Breed says.

“They are quality garments that are well made and finished and will last for many years.”

Breed and his staff at the Wardrobe Witchery are currently working on costumes for Pensacola Opera’s productions of Carmen and Cinderella, as well as Floyd Collins for UWF Theatre and Falstaff for Festival Opera of St. Louis.

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Kathleen Nowak Tucci

By Kelly Oden

my studio at home is the only way I can be a part “ Having of the family too, because I don’t work normal hours. ”

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Looking at Kathleen Nowak Tucci’s architectural eco-jewelry, it is at first hard to believe this talented designer and artist lives in the small town of Atmore, Ala. Her work, featured on the cover of the August 2010 issue of Vogue Italia, is at once sculptural and elegant, graceful and cutting edge. Created from recycled inner tubes, Nespresso pods and most recently, metal clay, Tucci’s jewelry is often inspired by shapes, but she admits that nearly everything is an inspiration, saying, “I’m just always open for inspiration. I love going to museums. I almost never keep photographs because I don’t want to be so inspired that I’d be derivative of anybody. I just kind of take it all in and then—I describe it as just this gumbo in my head—and whatever comes out is probably little bits and pieces of everything.”

Tucci first began working with rubber when she had an idea for another necklace. She asked bike stores for their old inner tubes and although that original idea didn’t pan out, Tucci kept playing with the rubber and eventually her unique pieces were born.

Tucci’s inquisitive and creative mind is evident in her work and her studio. The studio takes over about half of her art filled

home’s formal living room. She describes her workspace as “lots of storage and a sheer chaos of tables. I never have enough space to work on. So I tend to work in a space of about 10 inches by 10 inches, usually that happens just by pushing things.

That’s how I work.” A lifelong artist and mother of two, Tucci has always had her studio in her home. “That’s been a decision I’ve made from the very beginning. It’s the only way I can be a part of the family too, because I don’t work normal hours. I’m not a morning person; I get up a little later, and I work very late at night and I work intermittently. So I might cook and then go see what’s happening in the studio or read the paper then go,” she explains.

Tucci’s work has been featured in films, on television and in a number of print publications, including Marie Claire and Metal Clay Artist Magazine. In 2011, she was selected to participate in the Smithsonian Craft Show. This prestigious event showcased 120 artists out of a pool of 1,300. Tucci attends Fashion Market Week in New York City twice per year and her work is sold in some of the most exclusive boutiques in the U.S. and Europe.

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Lyn Gentry

By Emily Lullo

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cut and layer the glass and fire it together in a kiln, â&#x20AC;&#x153; I and I also have several different furnaces that I use to mix my colors and then pull molten glass. â&#x20AC;?

January/February 2014

Local artist Lyn Gentry lives and works in a veritable paradise, and it’s that paradise that often inspires the whimsical glass designs she creates. Along the white sands near Innerarity Point in the Perdido area sits her studio Hot Sands Glass in the lower level of her home.

While she works with glass on items as small as jewelry charms and beads, some of her most well known pieces are huge wall-mounted murals that include jellyfish sculptures with wisps of shimmering hues in the tentacles and even more color as they illuminate in the dark.

One design she created included an entire underwater coral garden scene of multiple sea creatures and plants that took up a wall space that was 18 feet tall and six feet wide and required scaffolding to install. While Gentry says that sea-inspired designs are popular with many of her clients because they live near the ocean, she works closely with clients to come up with something completely unique for each creation.

“As an artist who draws I would be able to design a piece especially for you,” she says. “It’s not like picking something from a catalog. You might want something abstract, or something that is not an image of a jellyfish or a seahorse or a turtle.”

She offers free consultations and says she enjoys coming to her clients’ homes in order to get to know them and come up with a perfect design for their space. At this initial consultation Gentry takes measurements and notes on the client’s desires and the architecture of the place where the piece will be. She can also work within a given budget if a client has a price in mind to start the process.

From there she creates sketches to show and when a design is chosen she begins the glass process. Often using dichroic glass, meaning the glass has two colors depending on the lighting conditions, she works in her studio creating different colors and textures of glass using multiple specialized heating elements.

“I cut and layer the glass and fire it together in a kiln, and I also have several different furnaces that I use to mix my colors and then pull molten glass,” she says.

One large room in the studio features multiple projects in various stages of completion, from completed works in frames and free-hanging to a large rendering of an alligator to a table covered in dozens of long slender pulls of glass in varying shades of greens and blues. The latter is the equivalent of a painter’s palette which Gentry is using to find the perfect shades for a piece.

One aspect of her work that makes it incredibly unique is the use of a process that makes her pieces glow in the dark, evoking the phosphorescence seen in ocean waves at night. The illumination comes from a special process and the finished works require no electricity.

Gentry’s vast array of work can be worn, used functionally for decorating or displaying, hung in frames, or suspended on walls using a special hanging process, and she loves to experiment with new ideas and collaborate with other innovative artists.

“My favorite piece is going to be the next one I get to make,” she says. “I like to be challenged with design.

I want someone that says, ‘I have this really emotional feeling about a time when I was on the water or from a day at the beach or something like that and so I get to listen to how they feel and then try to create that in a glass piece.”

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PENSACOLA SCENE

...at the Pelican Drop Party sponsored by Levin Rinke Realty

Raisa and Roger Webb with Mike Papantonio

Karen Jurkowich and Meg Peltier

...at the Mardi Gras Kickoff Celebration

Sandy and Lou Ray

Clay and Debbie Roesch

Brooke Kostic, Jennifer Beasley, Kira Lindquist

Luke and Marla Courtney

Tony Day, Amy Wasilewski, Mark Hoeft 40

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Jennie Pistole and Robin Weaver

Bonnie Staples and Dusty Wellborn

January/February 2014

A Second Line Procession

Rebecca Barrow and Charles Segrest

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