Photo Flash: Cultural Council of Palm Beach County Holds Special Spotlight Luncheon Featuring Bernie Taupin

Rena Blades, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, today announced that more than 230 supporters attended this year's first Spotlight Luncheon: Evolution of an Artist, featuring Bernie Taupin

This year is the 50th anniversary of Taupin's song-writing partnership with Sir Elton John, which was the start of many recognized artistic accomplishments. In fact, as a life-long creative, Bernie Taupin is also an author, writer, poet, painter, sculptor, performer and composer.

At the Cultural Council's Spotlight Luncheon on January 10, held at the Kravis Center's Cohen Pavilion, 18 of Taupin's visually arresting artworks were on display, and five of them were actually purchased by attendees.

"For the last half-century, Bernie Taupin has been an amazing artist, musically and visually, and we are honored that he was willing to share both his insights and artwork at the Cultural Council's first Spotlight Luncheon of 2017," says Blades.

Following a fascinating chat about his evolution as a lifelong, multidisciplinary artist, Blades presented Taupin with an Honorary Muse Award from the Cultural Council.

In addition, luncheon guests were serenaded with a medley of hits written by the songwriter and performed by the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches.

The Event Chair for this Spotlight Luncheon was Suzanne L. Niedland, managing director of BusEyeFilms, LLC, a member of the Cultural Council's board of directors, on the board of the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission, and is a current appointee, by Governor Rick Scott, to the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council (FFEAC).

Ms. Niedland also served as Luncheon Sponsor along with JPMorgan Chase & Co., Mr. & Mrs. Frank Walsh, Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, An International Fair Presented by Art Miami and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation.

Patron Sponsors included Bruce A. Beal and Francis V. Cunningham, The Breakers Palm Beach, Mr. & Mrs. James S. Karp, Mr. & Mrs. Berton E. Korman, Herme de Wyman Miro (president of The International Society of Palm Beach), PNC Bank, Mr. & Mrs. Frederic A. Sharf and Mr. & Mrs. Bob Stiller.

Dina Gustin Baker and Mr. & Mrs. William D. Parmelee served as Supporter Sponsors of the Spotlight Luncheon with Bernie Taupin, while Donor Sponsors included Irene G. Athens, Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Katz Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Dom A. Telesco, Palm Beach Illustrated and Kathryn & Leo Vecellio.

About the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County:
The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, serving non-profit organizations, artists and arts districts. The Cultural Council administers $4.5 million in grants annually, supports arts and cultural education, provides capacity-building training, and advocates for arts funding and arts-friendly policies. The Council promotes Palm Beach County's cultural experiences to visitors and residents through multi-platform marketing and public information programs, including its one-of-a-kind Cultural Concierge service.

The Cultural Council presents exhibitions featuring Palm Beach County artists and provides additional programming at its headquarters in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building, an iconic Streamline Moderne former movie theater in Downtown Lake Worth. Also at the Cultural Council headquarters are the Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store featuring products by Palm Beach County artists and the Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center, a VISIT FLORIDA designated Florida Certified Tourism Information Center.

The Cultural Council galleries, visitor information center and store are open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For a complete calendar of cultural activities in The Palm Beaches, connect with the Council at www.palmbeachculture.com or (561) 471-2901. To plan a personalized cultural itinerary, connect with the Cultural Concierge at www.palmbeachculture.com/concierge.

Photo Credit: Jacek Gancarz