The Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery and School of Art

The Lighthouse Art Center Gallery and Art School offers a fantastic selection of cultural events and art classes to those in the Palm Beach area.
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Founded in 1964 by a group of eight artists and Christopher Norton, the son of the founders of the West Palm Beach’s Norton Museum of Art, the Lighthouse ArtCenter is a cultural staple in that enriches the lives of visitors and students. The ArtCenter features multiple galleries, a school of art, a gift shop, and an art supply store.

“Art inspires; it’s fun; it’s engaging; it opens up a world of creative possibilities, and more importantly, it’s for everybody,” says Nancy Politsch, executive director of the Lighthouse ArtCenter. “Whether you’re young or old, experienced or not – we welcome everyone. We are a place where people can learn something new, experience unique exhibitions and enjoy our many special events.”

Art Classes and Special Events

Their school of art offers classes and workshops for children and adults, beginner through professional levels in painting, drawing, ceramics, jewelry design, photography, portrait and figure instruction, sculpture, and much more. Classes are taught by outstanding professional artists, and special needs classes are also offered for adults and children.

“Our classes and workshops are great because they allow people to challenge themselves creatively and, at the same time, make new friends, discover a community of artists, and learn from top professional artists,” points out Politsch.

In addition to their gallery and school of art, the ArtCenter hosts a summer ArtCamp. Their ArtCamp, which runs weekly during the summer months, is offered to children ages six through twelve who learn about art history while exploring different art techniques and create their own drawings, paintings, and sculptures. Scholarships for ArtCamp are offered to children in need. Additionally, the ArtCenter’s community outreach program, ArtReach, takes educational art experiences to underserved populations and communities.

Galleries and Exhibitions

With over 3,500 feet of gallery space their ArtCenter Gallery offers an inspiring schedule of exhibitions this season beginning with “Elegant Threads: Wearable Art and surface Design.” The exhibit showcases the beauty and timelessness of unique handcrafted clothing, jewelry, handbags, quilts, and exquisite textile art pieces for the home…just in time for holiday shopping. The centerpiece of this exhibition is the Norma Canelas Roth Collection presenting stunning historical ethnic fiber pieces and jewelry from around the world. Be sure to attend the monthly Third Thursday Reception in November for which the highlight is a fabulous runway show featuring pieces from their Elegant Threads Exhibition.

Up next is the “Jupiter Island Arts Exhibition “which consists of works created by residents of this exclusive island community with names like Ford, Johnson, Bush and Guggenheim. There will also be pieces on loan to the ArtCenter from the residents’ personal collections. On its heels is the impressive exhibit “Arrived: Florida Artists Emerged,” showcasing the art of five internationally acclaimed Florida artists.

The new year ushers in the ArtCenter’s Lunch & Learn series featuring Victoria B. Wyeth, granddaughter of iconic American artist Andrew Wyeth; Helen Zughaib, artist, lecturer and cultural envoy whose work can be found in the collections of the White House, Library of Congress and embassies throughout the world; and Gil Walsh, master colorist, interior designer and author of “Gil Walsh Interiors – A Case for Color.”

The spring season highlight is the 5th annual Plein Air Festival, the largest outdoor painting event in South Florida. “Thirty- Five award- winning Plein air artists will be found painting at outdoor locations throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties. If you are an art lover or collector you don’t want to miss this weeklong event.” says Politsch.

Closing out a busy season of classes, workshops, exhibitions, lectures, and day trips, the ArtCenter’s “Best of the Clubs” exhibit showcases works of artists residing in the area’s many gated communities.

“Those who haven’t visited this lighthouse should definitely come check us out and discover a world that inspires and engages the imagination. The ArtCenter is a place for the whole family to create, have new experiences, make new friends and have fun!” concludes Nancy Politsch.

Be sure to stop by The Lighthouse Art Center Gallery located at 373 Tequesta Drive and the School of Art at 395 Seabrook Road, Tequesta, FL, 33469. Find out more at www.lighthousearts.org.

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