CULTURAL COUNCIL BIENNIAL 2015 Kicks Off Today in Palm Beach County

Lake Worth, Fla. -- The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County is finding new ways to expand its reach to artists throughout The Palm Beaches with the "Cultural Council Biennial 2015." The goal of this juried show, which runs from today, May 15 through August 29, is to broaden the range of artists on display.

Nearly 130 artists, whose careers range from emerging to professional, submitted more than 400 paintings, photos, sculpture, videos and site-specific installation art for consideration. Cultural Council Manager of Artist Services, Nichole M. Hickey, says "The works of 62 artists were chosen because they represent what is happening in the art scene right now. The diversity of talent in The Palm Beaches is remarkable and the juried process allows the Council to cast a wider net and exhibit artists who have not yet been shown here."

The show was juried by Elizabeth Sobieski, a contributing writer to The Art Economist, a screenwriter and producer, and a writer about the arts for publications like the Huffington Post, New York Magazine and Cosmopolitan. Juried Art Services, located in West Palm Beach, was the online resource utilized for the jurying process.

"By instituting a Biennial juried exhibition, the Council commits to regularly promoting the work of talented local artists and promoting the purchase of their work to collectors to acquire art made here in Palm Beach County. That keeps talented artists in business and in our community," says Cultural Council president and CEO, Rena Blades. "Studies prove that the arts are a major economic driver in The Palm Beaches, so it makes good financial sense to generate opportunities for this kind of growth."

Additionally, the Council is bringing the art to the people of Palm Beach County with a "People's Choice" award. Guests to the Council's gallery in Lake Worth can turn in secret ballots designating their favorite pieces in the exhibition. The "People's Choice" winner will be announced in mid-August.

Awards for "Best of Show," second and third place will be announced at the preview party for the "Cultural Council Biennial 2015" on May 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free for Cultural Council members or $20 for non-members. To RSVP, call (561) 472-3341 or email dcalabria@palmbeachculture.com.

The Biennial show is free and open to the public from May 15 through August 29 during gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Cultural Council is the official support agency for arts and culture for Palm Beach County serving non-profit organizations, individual artists and arts districts. The Council promotes the county's cultural experiences through an integrated program of advertising, public relations and marketing activities to both visitors and residents. Each year, the Council administers more than $3.6 million in grants, supports arts and cultural education, provides capacity building training and advocates for funding and arts-friendly policies. Located in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in downtown Lake Worth, the Council mounts a series of group and solo exhibitions featuring Palm Beach County artists and provides other programming.

Connect with the Council at palmbeachculture.com, or (561) 471-2901. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Photo Credit: Cheryl Maeder

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