It’s that time of year again, and if you are the parent of a student here in Hillsborough County, you know what I’m talking about — another school year is coming to a close. For those fortunate enough to have a child graduating this year, and to the students who are, congratulations!
Twenty years ago, one of my favorite authors, Kurt Vonnegut, famously wrote a letter to students at Xavier High School in New York City. At the time, he was 84 years old, a combat veteran and prisoner during the Second World War, and an acclaimed author of 14 novels. In other words, he might have learned a thing or two about life and priorities. In his letter, he encouraged the graduating students to “Practice any art…no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”
Now, most of us, no matter how often we practice, or take classes, or put a brush to canvas, will never be great painters. Or sculptors, or glass blowers, dancers, actors, or the like. We are left to gaze, to admire, to appreciate. We stare in wonder at beautiful things, unable to comprehend how they could be envisioned and created by a human being.
The members of the Plant City Arts Council are no different from you and me in that regard. This is not a group made up of accomplished artists or elite members of the art world. They are simply a collection of local citizens whose special talents lie in their efforts to promote the arts here in Plant City.
Composed of a variety of individuals from incredibly diverse backgrounds, the council is dedicated in their efforts to foster enthusiasm for and provide access to arts in our community. Remember the eye-catching life-sized sculptures placed around the city not so long ago? It was the Arts Council that led that effort, which resulted in a very special outdoor exhibition of Seward Johnson’s famous artwork right in our own backyard. These are the types of touches that really make our special community shine.
The council also focuses on supporting aspiring young artists. Each year, the council provides funding to performing arts programs in Plant City high schools and awards annual scholarships to those pursuing higher education and careers in literary, visual, and performing arts. They also pay for an annual field trip for underprivileged elementary school children, giving them the opportunity to create art at venues they may otherwise not have the opportunity to attend.
After seeing the Plant City Arts Council name behind so many of the great events around town, I wanted to find out more about the people working behind the scenes. They were kind enough to invite me to attend one of their monthly meetings, where I had the opportunity to meet the board members and learn more about this dedicated and very fun group of individuals. They were truly welcoming, and although they take their role seriously, I could tell they really enjoy what they do. This was not some stiff, boring Wall Street board meeting; we were talking about art!
Marsha Passmore, chair of the board, is a proud native of Plant City and a graduate of Plant City High School. She served as a Plant City Commissioner from 1992 until 1998 and was named Plant City Citizen of the Year in 2011. Marsha has been fortunate enough to be involved in many community organizations, including the Board for Unity in the Community, the United Food Bank, and Plant City’s Historic Resources Board. She has been married to her husband, Billy, since 1977.
Long-time board member Dodie White is also a Plant City native. Her passion is the performing arts, especially theatre. She was very involved with Plant City Entertainment, directing, acting, and working backstage on over 50 productions. She has served the Plant City community in various capacities and continues to offer her experience on several boards and committees in addition to her role with the Arts Council.
One of the newest members of the board, Libby Hopkins, is the Director of the Plant City Photo Archives. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Florida as a young teenager. An experienced journalist, Libby has a love for history, and her favorite form of art is photography.
Another Pennsylvania native is US Air Force veteran Gilbert Gott, who brings with him years of educational and public service experience, along with a love for live theatre and dance. Gil is also an accomplished sailor and loves spending time on the water.
Darcy Stottlemyer has lived in Plant City for over 30 years and operates a florist shop downtown. She collects artwork and has a passion for gardening. Darcy is a creative flower arranger whose designs have been photographed and featured in several publications.
Another board member who was born and raised right here in Plant City is Gwen Thomas. She mentioned that she especially enjoys seeing young people appreciating the arts. Her creative outlets include artistic designs of wedding cakes, sewing, and crocheting.
Carol Walker has lived in Plant City since 2006 and has served on the Arts Council board for three years. Her passion for the arts lies in music. She played the clarinet in her high school band and sang in the choir.
As I talked and laughed with these and other board members and watched them interact, I began to understand that they are much more than an eclectic mix of individuals with a common goal. They are more like a family, not always agreeing, but respecting their differences, and understanding the importance of seeing things from other perspectives. The variety of life experiences and talents that each of these individuals brings with them allows the group to serve our community in the broadest way possible.
One thing I noticed was their sincere appreciation for the community. The support that the Arts Council receives when you attend or volunteer at their events year after year does not go unnoticed! They truly seem to be thankful for the unique community which they serve and view themselves as lucky to have the opportunity to do so.
As we approach this historic summer, celebrating 250 years as an independent nation, the Plant City Arts Council is leading an effort to ignite the spirit in our community.
This Saturday, May 16, in honor of Armed Forces Day, they are hosting an event at Veterans’ Memorial Park. Berry Nifty at Two-Fifty is going to kick off America’s 250th, Plant City style! Admission is FREE, and there will be vendors, food, music, activities, and more.
Come out and show your support. The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with opening remarks delivered at 10:15 a.m.
Berry Nifty at Two-Fifty
Saturday May 16th
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Veteran’s Memorial Park
703 N. Wheeler St.