Sensational Soiree in the Sunshine State

LIZA KUE/FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

CARLA SCHWARTZ SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS | PHOTOS BY LIZA KUE

“This was a crazy idea we had a year ago, but our friends helped us” said Rabbi Levi Shemtov of Friendship Circle. The rabbi is referencing “Soiree in the Sunshine State,” an event filled with extraordinary art, food and libations. More than 160 patrons and friends attended the event and auction.

The evening began with schmoozing and viewing the exhibition at the Arts Warehouse in Delray Beach, Florida. A variety of media, from oil paintings to ceramics to digital art and more by Soul Studio’s participating artists filled the space. Upon entering the gallery, visitors were handed a booklet of the displayed artwork and an explanation of the artist’s inspirations. The auction raised $33,300.

Friendship Circle, founded in 1994 by Rabbi Levi and Bassie Shemtov in West Bloomfield, is a nonprofit organization that supports children, teens and adults with special needs and their families. One of its many projects is the Vera and Joesph Dresner Foundation Soul Studio. The studio is a professional art space and gallery encouraging the creativity of any individual with cognitive or physical disabilities, regardless of artistic talent. Completed artwork is displayed in a curated exhibition at the studio and other venues.

“The vision of the Rebbe inspired us to help one person at a time and to see the bigger picture,” said Bassie Shemtov. “We have many friends in Florida, and we needed to bring the artists and the artwork to the next level,” she added. She described the Arts Warehouse space as a new and exciting platform to showcase the talent.

Artist Dylan Somberg, 28, of Shelby

Township, who has autism, had three artworks on display. One was a ceramic clam with a pearl inside and the others were multimedia paintings. “I just love animals, and I’m very passionate,” Somberg said. One animal painting had a three-dimensional look with turtles, fishes and birds suspended. His fascination with nature and geometric shapes combines many processes and techniques.

Dylan’s mom, Jeannine Somberg, praised Friendship Circle and the Soul Studio. “This is a special place, because my son is safe there, and his self-esteem soared,” she said. “I know they don’t see a disability; they see an ability,” she added.

Proud supporters Estelle and Philip Elkus, of Bloomfield Hills and Boca Raton, were part of the host committee and have been involved with Friendship Circle since the beginning. They introduced others to the programs.

“My friends, Estelle and Philip Elkus, took me on a tour of Friendship Circle, and I was amazed,” said Rhoda Tobin, of Orchard Lake.

Friendship Circle is a family affair for Gail Danto and her husband, Art Roffey, of Palm Beach Gardens. “We were involved with the Soul Studio when it was just an idea,” Danto said. Her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Sandy Danto, were also on the host committee.

Dana and Rick Loewenstein, of West Bloomfield, came to support their friend Ron Hodess, who is chairman of the board. The Loewensteins are longtime supporters of people with disabilities and are also supportive of the inclusive environment of the Soul Studio. Rick Loewenstein is the former CEO of JARC.

With the artists, the artwork and all the supportive friends, it’s evident the magic of the Soul Studio came to the Sunshine State. Bassie Shemtov summed up the vision: “Miracles do happen.”

Carla Schwartz is the former editor of Style magazine, a former Jewish News columnist, community relations consultant and blogger. Visit her blog at motownsavvy.com.

It’s back! The community-wide Mega Matzah Factory event from the JCC’s JFamily will be outdoors and in-person after two years of Passover pivoting because of the pandemic. This family celebration is free and open to all families in the Metro Detroit Jewish community — bring your kids, parents, grandparents and friends! The fun takes place from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at the JCC in West Bloomfield. The holiday celebration will be full of hands-on experiences, including matzah making and baking; candy matzah pizza decorating with Party Sistas; splatter paint box art with Brooke Leiberman; petting farm with Chamberlin Pony Rides; spring sensory stations with JCC’s Pitt Child Development Center; inflatable bounce slide and outdoor games with JCC Day Camps; photomosaic art with JCC’s Janice Charach Gallery; LEGO building and robotics with Snapology of Troy; Passover play with Rabbi Shneur Silberberg of Bais Chabad and more.

The JCC building will be open, and indoor offerings will include kosher pizza available for purchase at the JCC’s new Porch Café, Quiet Zone in Shalom Street seating areas and restrooms.

If you plan to come, register in advance as crowd size is limited because of COVID protocols and safety standards.

Register at https://jlive.app/ events/1820/tickets.