TALLAHASSEE, FL – LeMoyne Arts is proud to announce Southern Exposure, a captivating and groundbreaking solo exhibition by celebrated artist Joe Roache, running from Thursday, January 23, to Saturday, February 22, 2025. This dynamic collection celebrates the soul of the South through Roache’s stunning and evocative paintings, brought to life in an extraordinary fusion of art and technology.
The exhibition will span four gallery rooms: three filled with Joe Roache’s traditional artwork, showcasing his vibrant portrayals of Southern culture and landscapes, and one featuring an immersive experience. In collaboration with visionary artists Keith Roberson and Will Hill, the Albrecht Gallery will come alive with generative animation projections inspired by Roache’s paintings. These projections extend beyond the frames, transforming the space into an interactive environment where art interacts with itself and the viewer. About Joe Roache Joe Roache is renowned for his vivid portrayals of Southern life, seamlessly blending intricate details with bold colors to capture the beauty and complexity of the region. A Tallahassee resident, Roache completed his undergraduate studies in art at Florida A&M University and earned his MFA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition to his thriving career as an artist, Roache teaches painting and drawing at LeMoyne Arts. His work has been widely exhibited across the Southeast, resonating with audiences seeking authentic and compelling narratives. “Art is what makes people human to me, and it’s always been important. It’s important now because we really need to keep working at that humanity,” says Roache. Exhibition Highlights
About LeMoyne Arts LeMoyne Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been at the heart of Tallahassee’s cultural community for over 60 years. Through exhibitions, education, and events, LeMoyne celebrates local and regional artistic excellence and fosters creativity. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistry of Joe Roache. Experience his traditional works and step into a realm of creativity where art breathes, moves, and redefines storytelling in Southern Exposure. Media Contact: Isabella Al-Sharif Programming Coordinator LeMoyne Arts [email protected] (850) 222-8800 ext. 808 TALLAHASSEE, FL— In preparation for the likelihood of extreme weather, LeMoyne Arts is rescheduling the exhibit opening of Halcyon Days: W. Stanley ‘Sandy’ Proctor Retrospective. Now scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., the exhibit will kick-off with a Bourbon and Cigar Tasting, including live music in the garden and gallery, delicious bites by Ben Baldwin and Lagran Saunders, a bourbon, tequila and whiskey tasting experience by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, and cigar tasting provided by Stephanie Whitfield and Paul Craft.
The Pastries, Prints & Prosecco event is also rescheduled to Saturday, October 5th from 11:00 a.m. to12:30 p.m. where you will be able view exclusive limited edition prints by Stanley Proctor! Delicious treats provided by Uptown Cafe & Argonaut Coffee. The Artist Talk with Sandy Proctor remains scheduled for Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m. This retrospective showcases the multidimensional collection of works from the nationally acclaimed artist Sandy Proctor. The exhibition celebrates his distinct realist style, covering works in bronze and alabaster, and even his exceptional painting skills with works of watercolor. The exhibit is presented by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management DWFDA and Rupert & Associates, with Gallery Sponsorship by Laurie and Kelly Dozier. Please contact Arielle Raff at 850.222.8800 or [email protected] or Isabella Al-Sharif at [email protected] with any questions regarding these events. Contributions by check may be mailed to: LeMoyne Arts, 125 North Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Please make checks payable to LeMoyne Arts. Or, to make a secure online donation, please visit https://www.lemoyne.org In keeping with its long history of inclusion, LeMoyne Arts has launched its participation in the City of Tallahassee’s 200th Anniversary Celebration by dedicating its newly created “African American Tribute Garden” to those who were at the forefront of desegregation and the exercise of civil rights in Tallahassee. In announcing the African American Tribute Garden, Stephanie Whitfield, LeMoyne Board President, said, "Being the first organization in the region to practice non-discrimination and celebrate inclusiveness, LeMoyne has a proud legacy of supporting civil rights. Through dynamic partnerships with community advocates, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on this important work." Located within LeMoyne’s recently revitalized and expanded gardens and grounds, the African American Tribute Garden sits at the apex of the Unity Footbridge and the Lee and Ann D. Williams Pathway that runs between the Kathy and Ray Bye Grand Plaza and the Tommy Guilday Celebration Gazebo. It will be highly visible to the thousands of individuals and families who visit LeMoyne each year. "The African American Tribute Garden's theme is 'Together in the Struggle for Social Justice’ and the garden itself is foundational and essential to the full realization of LeMoyne's Art for Always master plan and its associated capital campaign," said Paula Fortunas, LeMoyne Board member and campaign chair. “This theme will be repeated in the recognition plaque to be installed in the garden and will carry the names of the people and families who engaged in the early days of the struggle and those who, in present day, have contributed to the garden project.” The fundraising goal is $20,000. The centerpiece of the African American Tribute Garden is the sculpture PLUS — created in 1969 by Florida State University professor and internationally renowned sculptor Fred Holschuh to honor and memorialize Irene Olivia Colbert Edmonds (1908-1968), a prominent Florida A&M University humanities and theatre professor. PLUS was donated to LeMoyne by Edmonds' family and friends. “Historically speaking, this may be the first instance of a sculptural installation dedicated to publicly recognize an African American hero in the Tallahassee Community," said Arielle Raff, LeMoyne’s Executive Director. Irene Edmonds was a pioneer in children's educational theatre. Among her many accomplishments in this field, she organized and directed Florida A&M University's Creative Children's Theatre, along with the University’s Playmakers Verse Choir. Under her guidance, the Creative Children’s Theatre reached national prominence, and in honor of Edmonds' work, the children's theatre is named the Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre. The Irene C. Edmonds Youth Camp (ICE Camp) also continues to this day with performances by the campers on July 11-13 on the Edmonds Stage in the Charle Winter Wood Theatre at Florida A&M University. Both Edmonds and her husband Randolph Edmonds were members of LeMoyne's Board of Directors. Their names will be among those inscribed on the African American Tribute Garden plaque. Special Fundraising Initiative LeMoyne's African American Tribute Garden fundraising initiative is chaired by Carol Neyland. A native Tallahassean, Neyland's parents were Dr. Joseph Awkard and Dr. Julita Awkard — both of whom were highly regarded members of the Florida A&M University faculty. Recently retired, Neyland’s career makes her highly qualified to lead this effort. She and her husband Franklin McMillion recently relocated to Tallahassee from Pittsburgh, PA, where Neyland had a distinguished career in the finance and banking industry specializing in community development, marketing, and financial planning. As a former participant in the children’s theater, Neyland remembers Irene Edmonds very well. "Once in our seats, you could hear a pin drop. She transported us into the world of theatre. We learned about what goes on behind the curtain: stage positions, how to read a play, the discipline to learn lines, and how to project not just our voices, but our self-worth.” Commenting on the fitting location of the Tribute Garden—which is adjacent to the Unity Footbridge—Neyland reflects: "Behind the scenes, the Edmondses built bridges for our community so that we could live in a fair and equal world, not just one located on the south side of town. Our parents were also building bridges in this quest for equal rights. It wasn't until 1963 when, at the age of 10, I was called upon to help desegregate Blessed Sacrament School, that I realized that the Edmondses and our parents tried to provide us with all the opportunities that were withheld from us,” continued Neyland, "and it seems it really does take a village to raise a child. With this in mind, it is fitting that, as we dedicate the African American Tribute Garden at LeMoyne and re-dedicate the PLUS sculpture to Mrs. Edmonds, we honor our parents, too." LeMoyne’s History of Inclusiveness "Those who founded LeMoyne in 1963 were determined to make it a fine arts gallery and venue for art education that was inclusive — welcoming all to participate and enjoy community through the arts," said Kelly Dozier, LeMoyne Board Lead Director. To underscore that determination, LeMoyne codified a non-discrimination clause in its original bylaws — the first private organization to do so. Clifton Lewis, one of LeMoyne’s founders, was recognized in 2014 by the City of Tallahassee as a Foot Soldier in the Footsteps to Freedom, thus acknowledging her participation in the local struggle to end racial inequality. Her name will be among those inscribed on the African American Tribute Garden plaque. Today, LeMoyne seeks to continue developing a diverse community around art experiences by having at least three exhibits each year that incorporate social issues addressed in art, by creating events that welcome all members of the community, and by pursuing diversity in hiring staff. LeMoyne is working to build more relationships with artists of color and to represent more artists of color. In furtherance of this objective, LeMoyne is launching the Studios of LeMoyne to build a community of working artists. LeMoyne is expanding its art camp scholarship fund and improving its art camp scholarship award process — including needs-based identification within the application. How to Support the Tribute Garden Project “The continued support and participation of the Tallahassee community is the key to making this African American Tribute Garden successful,” stated Neyland. “Their continued involvement and patronage are critical as LeMoyne Arts continues to grow, to increase in its diversity and outreach, and to move forward, creating community through art.” To learn more about contributing to the African American Tribute Garden project, please contact Arielle Raff at 850.222.8800 or [email protected] or Paula Fortunas at 850.933.2770 or [email protected]. Contributions by check may be mailed to: LeMoyne Arts, 125 North Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Please make checks payable to LeMoyne Arts and enter “African American Tribute Garden'' on the check's memo line. Or, to make a secure online donation, please visit www.lemoyne.org/ArtforAlwaysMasterPlan/DonateNow.
On a warm day in March local artist Dan Taylor arrives at the new gardens at LeMoyne Arts in downtown Tallahassee. In his hands are a large roll of commercial aluminum foil and foil tape. Soon the sculpted trunk remains of a beautiful Japanese Red Maple which died after the freeze of 2022 is wrapped in foil and shimmering in the sunlight. Another trip brings rainbow-colored wooden discs which Taylor attaches to the ends of the remaining trunk branches transforming the trunk into an intriguing sculpture. For Dan Taylor, this was an inspiration. “It all started with the stump. A glorious maple tree did not survive but was not cut down completely by volunteer Laurie Dozier. What was left is this amazingly beautiful, and quite sculptural, stump. I’ve been thinking about what I might do with it for more than a year and the Chain of Parks Art Festival and Tallahassee Pridefest happening on the same weekend presented an opportunity for me to mash the two together,” said Taylor. Dan’s vision for the popup sculpture had many through lines: LeMoyne’s founding in 1963, Taylor’s birth year is 1963, and Martin Luther King’s historic march on Washington in 1963. The artist also wanted to recognize that the historic march was largely organized, by an openly gay black man Bayard Rustin, who was on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as MLK delivered his iconic speech. Dan explained, “It just seems fitting that we would have a Pride sculpture steps from LeMoyne’s new African American Tribute Garden. I call it Rainbow Renaissance: Thriving Through Tribulations. Quite a mouthful, but I wanted to acknowledge the many challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in the past with a look ahead to a bright future. Dan Taylor is a Tallahassee artist best known for his paintings featuring bold, striking color palettes. His paintings have become highly sought-after and have been featured regionally at the Tampa Museum of Art, the Oak Hammock Gallery in Gainesville and locally with the Council on Culture & Arts, LeMoyne Arts where he is currently the board vice president, Venvi Art Gallery, Gadsden Art Center, Hotel Duval, 621 Gallery and FSU's Oglesby Art Gallery. He has volunteered countless hours of his time and been generous with his talents to raise funds for organizations and causes he cares about. Taylor also works in precious metal clay to create unique jewelry designs and he produces large scale garden sculpture in steel, wood, and various other materials. “My paintings appeared in a gallery for the very first time at LeMoyne Arts!” Taylor shared. I have since had paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics (which I learned at LeMoyne) in various exhibits in the gallery. I’m so fortunate to have an artistic home with a rich history of including all people. In the past two years LeMoyne Arts has transformed its lush small garden, originally designed and tended by volunteer Helen Lind in the 1960’s and 70’s, into a beautiful spacious sculpture and botanical garden for the community celebrations. The gardens have now seen four seasons pass since they were opened to the public and already thousands have enjoyed visiting and celebrating life’s milestones in the new gardens. The vision and design of the new gardens is that of long time LeMoyne Arts volunteer and board member, Kelly Dozier. You can find Kelly and her husband Laurie most weekends tending to the plants and adding more as the garden grows. Dan waters on Wednesdays.
Family, friends and nearly 300 members of the community gathered at LeMoyne for the 37th Mahaska Whitley Student Exhibition: High School Art and Senior Portfolio Competition on Thursday evening, March 7. This celebrated annual event gives high school students the opportunity to display their best work in an art gallery. 137 young artists participated this year in an eclectic display of artwork that included ceramics, paintings, sculpture, drawings, costuming, fiber arts, digital art, and photography. This year, 24 Leon County High School students are receiving a total of $10,600 in awards and college scholarships. The total award value is determined by generous community support.
Parents and friends captured pictures of the artists, celebrating their remarkable achievements. This annual event provides an opportunity for high school students from across Leon County to gain recognition for their hard work and talent. Entering this exhibition introduces students to the process of professional presentation and gives them an opportunity to have their art portfolios reviewed by art industry professionals. In awarding scholarships and other prizes to competition winners, LeMoyne Arts’ annual Mahaska Whitley Student Exhibition supports and encourages local young artists to continue to develop their talents and to pursue a life-long interest in art. Founder Mahaska Whitley, esteemed former Leon High School art teacher and art department director, together with LeMoyne Arts’ founding Executive Director Dick L. Puckett, envisioned this exhibit and competition as a way to inspire local young artists to further their arts education. LeMoyne works closely with high school art teachers to coordinate this annual show, and recruits local arts professionals to serve as judges. Works are judged on originality, professional quality, and aesthetic quality. Entire senior portfolios were also evaluated for scholarship consideration. In this fair and equal process, judges do not know the name of the student, their school, or any identifying Information. LeMoyne is thankful to this year’s panel of judges; Carrie Ann Baade from Florida State University, Dr. Nan Liu from Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University, and Barbara Cohenour from Tallahassee Community College. Over 250 parents, teachers and students gathered in the beautifully renovated garden and gazebo to attend the awards ceremony, surrounded by the fountains and sculptures from LeMoyne’s permanent collection. As dusk settled, lanterns throughout the landscaping illuminated the garden, sculptures, gazebo and paths. Mahaska Whitley, exhibition founder; Rocky Hanna, Superintendent of schools for Leon County; Roseanne Wood, Leon County School Board Member, Michael T. “Mick” Callahan, prominent St. Petersburg attorney and founder of the Matt Callahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; and Scott McLuckie, LeMoyne Arts Board Member, President of Presenting Sponsor WestScott Construction, and founder of the WestScott Construction Scholarship Award, presented the awards to the excited young artists. There are a total of four awards categories, with multiple winners in each category except for the Founder’s Award, which has only one winner personally selected by Founder Mahaska Whitley. Senior Portfolio Artist Award winners receive scholarship money for college. Winners in the other categories earn gift cards for art supplies. The 2024 Mahaska Whitley Student Exhibition Winners and their artwork are as follows. Founder’s Award Paige Guarraia (Leon) "Chicken of the Woods" Senior Portfolio Artist Scholarship Awards Desiree Scorsone (Lincoln) Matt Callahan Memorial $1000 “Black Beauty” Amelie Pelham (FSUS) Ann Kirn Memorial $1000 “Welcome” Katherine Gorkov (Maclay) WestScott Construction $1000 “Coming Down” Serendipity Thompson (SAIL) Leon County Schools $1000 “*Honk Honk* Please Stop Clowning!” Samantha Cheatham (Leon) Leon County Schools $1000 “Same Old Thing” Nabrea Hardy (Lincoln) Leon County Schools $1000 “Divine Comedy” Blake Simmons (Lincoln) Leon County Schools $1000 “Balthazar” Mary Allen (SAIL) Founder’s Scholarship $1000 "Starry Eyed" Mark Roberts (SAIL) Mad Dog Construction $500 “Saint Guinefort & The Infant” Citrus Thomas (SAIL) Prime Meridian Bank $500 "What You See (Is What You Get)" Lexi Fairbanks (Lincoln) Apalachee Center $500 "Scrump Bonnie" Liana Rieger (Leon) Capital City Bank $500 "The Great Migration" Emerging Artists-Awards Andrew Cox (SAIL) "W.B.B." Rithmika Machery (Lincoln) "Places of Meaning - Past, Present, Future” Naijah Zimmerman (FSUS) “Fourteen” General Artist Awards Yohan Hopgood (Lincoln) “Eczemice” EmmaLin Starnes (Leon) “A Lazy Afternoon” Srivani Sankuratri (FSUS) “Untitled” Ivy Carlson (FSUS) “Untitled” Laila Alexander (Chiles) “Emerging” Brandon Greenwalt (SAIL) “Page 1” Emily Hawkins (Maclay) “Walk in the Woods” Jackson Brann (SAIL) “The Pale Flame Beast Emerges” The 2024 Mahaska Whitley Student Exhibition was made possible by support from: Matt Callahan Family & friends, Laurie & Kelly Dozier, Leon County School District, WestScott Construction, Mad Dog Construction, Ann Kirn Memorial Fund, Capital City Bank, Apalachee Center, Target Print & Mail, Uptown Café, BLICK Art Materials, and many others. A list of all the donors and sponsors that made this exhibit possible can be found on LeMoyne’s website, at lemoyne.org/mwse. The exhibit is open to the community until March 30th, so please come out to support the amazing talents of our local young artists. The LeMoyne Arts Gallery is open to the public from 11 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. For exhibits, events, classes and more, visit www.LeMoyne.org. To get regular updates, subscribe to LeMoyne’s email newsletter and “like” its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lemoynearts/ or connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lemoynearts/ About LeMoyne Arts: LeMoyne Arts has been at the heart of Tallahassee’s cultural and visual arts for over 60 years. Its signature events are an important part of our community’s cultural life. LeMoyne has made the arts more accessible to people of all ages and economic levels, promoted and supported the work of local artists, and generated millions of dollars for our local economy. LeMoyne’s education programs have nurtured the artistic talent of four generations of Tallahassee families. LeMoyne Arts is thankful for programming support from COCA, Leon County, Visit Tallahassee, Florida Arts & Culture, and the City of Tallahassee. Celebrate 60 years of holiday season magic as LeMoyne Arts marks its 60th anniversary with a 5-week Diamond Jubilee-themed Holiday Show, presented by Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation. Expect exciting new events offering something to capture everyone’s imagination and inspire excitement for the holidays.
It all begins with an early show opening on Saturday, November 18. LeMoyne Arts members will have the first peek at the festooned gallery showcasing giftable items by 50 local and regional artists at the Member’s Only Mimosa Mixer & Preview from 9am-10am, followed by the Grand Public Opening, and new this year, a Garden Galleria with 27 artists in the garden from 10am-6pm. The day will be filled with holiday spirit through live performances by groups like Hot Tamale, Elsinore Sewing Club, Tallahassee Ballet, and Young Actors Theater Troupe, local food offerings from Street Chefs, LaSalle St Carnival Food and The Juice Bar, light libations and craft beer by DEEP Brewing, Argonaut Coffee, and family-friendly activities by the Retired Art Teachers of Tallahassee. Generations of Tallahassee families have made LeMoyne’s annual Holiday Show their holiday tradition for 60 years. Wowed by the lights in the garden and delighted by the holiday-themed decorations, visitors walk through a winter wonderland of locally crafted gifts, art, and ornaments. A respite from the crowds on Black Friday and offering a local, homegrown holiday experience, Cookies & Cocoa on the Front Porch will delight folks on Friday, November 24, 11am-1pm. The gallery will welcome visitors with a warm cup of cocoa (and a splash of spirits for adults only), delicious baked goods from local icon, Uptown Café and Catering, cinnamon roasted nuts for purchase by the Tallahassee Nutty Bavarian, and music by Elsinore Sewing Club. For a casual, southern holiday garden party vibe, put on your denim and diamonds on December 2, from 11am-1pm for Hoppy Holidays, a local craft beer and cocktail tasting experience with PROOF Brewing and delicious bites by Chicken Salad Chick. Listen to local folk music in LeMoyne’s celebration gazebo and enjoy the casual glitz while browsing the holiday gift selections and enjoying a genuine Florida winter holiday experience. If you’re looking to pump up the glam, the Dazzling Diamonds Cocktail Party on Tuesday, December 7, 5:30-7pm is your chance to dress up in your festival cocktail attire and raise a toast as we say, “Cheers to 60 Years!” with signature cocktails, dance to swing music by the Rachelle Hillman Quartet, taste delights by downtown favorite, Il Lusso Restaurant, and enjoy oysters-on-the-half-shell by local sea farmer, Oyster Mom. The finale of delightful holiday fetes is Festive Family Fun Day, Saturday, December 16, 11am-2pm. With live performances by Hot Tamale, Elsinore Sewing Club, and Young Actors Theater Troupe, face painting, children’s crafts by the Retired Art Teachers of Tallahassee, holiday photo ops with Santa, baked goods by Uptown Café and Catering, and delicious bites by Chicken Salad Chick, with loads of fun for the entire family. A reluctant husband, accompanying his wife on a holiday shopping trip, had planned to sit this one out on one of the rocking chairs on the front porch. When invited to peek inside, he was delighted by the variety of handmade art and the welcoming holiday décor, exclaiming, “This isn’t what I was expecting. I love the variety of art and how well it is presented for the holidays. There is so much to see!” LeMoyne Art Foundation, now called LeMoyne Arts, was founded by a group of community art lovers in 1963. This year LeMoyne is celebrating its 60th anniversary of bringing enriching art experiences to Tallahassee through art exhibits, studio art classes, community gatherings, and the Chain of Parks Art Festival. The new expanded gardens at LeMoyne where the Holiday Garden Galleria will be held on November 18 is a part of the Art for Always Master Plan project begun by LeMoyne Arts in 2017. Through careful planning, community engagement, and capital campaign support, LeMoyne was poised to apply for rare public funding opportunities which allowed the project to be realized and completely transform the facilities located in the downtown historic district. A new Education Center is fully operational, and the beautiful gardens have been reimagined with a new celebration gazebo and are now ADA accessible. Coming soon are support spaces for events in the garden including a warming kitchen, accessible restrooms, and a pre-event lounge for bands and weddings. LeMoyne’s ceramics program has been expanded and has two new dedicated studios and a new ceramics pavilion for alternative pottery firings. The East Call Street property is being converted to studios for lease to artists planned to be available by Spring 2024. For more information, event tickets, and opportunities to get involved, visit www.LeMoyne.org/holidayshow. LeMoyne Arts at 125 N. Gadsden St., in Tallahassee’s downtown historic district. Learn more at www.lemoyne.org or call 850-222-8800  Tallahassee, Fla --You have probably seen his people throughout Tallahassee and elsewhere without even realizing it. You may have seen his children reading at the Leon County Public Library or playing in the park across from the Governor’s Mansion. You may have been seated next to an older veteran on a bench at the World War II Memorial and talked to him of life, politics, or the weather. FSU’s Bobby Bowden is one of his fellows. So are the Heisman Trophy winners at the University of Florida. And soon, you will find one of his very special people at LeMoyne Arts’ revitalized and enhanced garden.
Who is “he” and who are his “people”? He is W. Stanley "Sandy" Proctor, a native of Tallahassee and renowned American painter and sculptor, who has more than a dozen sculptures on display in and around Tallahassee. His works appear in the British Museum, the Smithsonian, the White House, and in outdoor settings across the US. While Proctor has worked in several media, he is best known for his bronze figures—his “people”. Inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2006, Sandy Proctor has also received many other awards, most notably, the National Sculpture Society's American Artists Professional League Award for a traditional realistic depiction in sculpture. Many art collectors value his figurative and commissioned works as among the finest examples of life–size sculpture available today. LeMoyne Arts is delighted and proud to announce that Sandy Proctor has donated a beautiful bronze sculpture, one of his extraordinary lifelike “people”, for the renovated and expanded gardens at LeMoyne Arts. Because of Proctor’s generous donation, LeMoyne will have a “little gardener” to enchant children and adults alike. The piece, entitled “Lillies”, joins LeMoyne’s impressive permanent collection of works by other illustrious sculptors, including Fred Holschuh, Roland Hockett, and Ralph Hurst. The LeMoyne Arts Garden For decades, LeMoyne’s garden has been one of Tallahassee’s most popular venues for weddings, receptions, and special events. The garden holds thirteen sculptures and fountains designed by seven Florida artists. LeMoyne’s garden is a point of community pride and a beacon to tourists and local visitors alike. But it is more than just a beautiful venue for events. Gardens often play a variety of roles in a community. Foremost, a garden such as LeMoyne’s connects us to nature, and as humans, we need that connection for our minds, our bodies, and our spirits. LeMoyne’s outdoor display gardens and natural areas also serve to inspire the home gardener for what is possible in their own yard. It helps pollinators by creating inviting habitats for them as well as for people. The expansions and enhancement presently underway at LeMoyne’s garden will make it even more engaging than ever. The Perfect Match: Sandy Proctor and LeMoyne Arts LeMoyne Arts offers a myriad of art education classes and has recently focused on bringing more varied, fun, interesting, and educational programs for all ages. Today, Proctor’s career in the arts can serve as an inspiration to the children and amateur artists who participate in LeMoyne’s programs because he is a self-taught artist who turned a hobby into a fulfilling career later in life. As a child and young man, he sketched and painted what he knew and what inspired him. His love of the outdoors, birds, flowers, trees, landscapes and animals provided Proctor with a wealth of subject matter, which helped him perfect his abilities to capture an identifiable essence and realism in his work. Initially working in the family business and raising his family here in Tallahassee, his painting “hobby” began to take more and more of his time. As he honed his talents, people became increasingly interested in his artwork until, at the age of 40, he began to devote his efforts full–time to his art. Proctor started as a painter, working in watercolor, oils, and acrylics. From painting, he began pursuing more three-dimensional mediums, eventually specializing in bronze sculpture. Proctor has completed numerous public and private commissions, providing both life–size and monumental bronzes. He notes, “The human form, from the freedom of childhood to distinguished seniority, has always moved me. I strive to capture the emotion, personality, grace, and honor of all my subject matter and have been fortunate to be chosen to sculpt many private and public monuments. Creating a sculpture for LeMoyne has allowed me to combine my love of the outdoors with my love of the human form.” Creating Community Through Art LeMoyne Arts has been at the heart of Tallahassee’s cultural and visual arts for nearly 60 years. Its signature events are an important part of our community’s cultural life. LeMoyne has made the arts more available and understandable to people of all ages and economic levels, promoted and supported the work of local artists, and generated millions of dollars for our local economy through events such as its annual holiday show and the Chain of Parks Art Festival. LeMoyne’s education programs have nurtured the artistic talent of four generations of Tallahassee families. To preserve its mission of service to our community for generations to come, LeMoyne Arts developed and adopted its Art for Always master plan and associated capital campaign to fund a new education center, ceramics firing pavilion, artists' studios, other facilities improvements and additions, along with the expansions and enhancements presently underway in LeMoyne’s gardens -- a new gazebo, significantly improved accessibility for all, refurbished fountains and sculptures, new plantings, a Japanese–style garden, an African American Tribute Garden, a Jewish Community Tribute Garden, and now a beautiful new sculpture by Tallahassee’s own Sandy Proctor. The Art for Always capital campaign goal is $3,700,000 -- $3,200,000 for capital improvements and $500,000 for facilities endowment. LeMoyne has experienced amazing success by raising $3,000,000 from June 2021 to the present. However, its work is not done, and your help is needed to fully realize the vision and objectives of the Art for Always master plan and to achieve the capital campaign goal. Please join in supporting Art for Always by making your personal contribution. If you wish to give by check, please make it payable to LeMoyne Arts and mail it to 125 North Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 or please donate online at lemoyne.org/art-for-always.html. For gifts other than check or credit card, please contact Arielle Raff, LeMoyne Executive Director, [email protected]. For Media Inquiries Contact: Arielle Raff, Executive Director, LeMoyne Arts, at [email protected], 850/222-8800, 125 N. Gadsden Street Tallahassee, FL 32301. LeMoyne Arts features celebrated local artist, Linda Hall, in addition to Dimelza Broche and other supporting local and regional artists in their upcoming ‘Eden Altered’ exhibit, opening on April 6 from 5-7:30pm, sponsored by Rachel Borntreger Law. Hall is a mixed-media artist whose work has been featured at several national galleries. Hall received an MFA at the University of North Carolina and works with materials such as watercolor, fabrics, and paper Mâché. Years of experience have resulted in fantastical works of art that transform the viewer's perception, leaving them in a state of wonder and self-reflection.
“I find it hard to look away from Hall’s work, which reminds me of Kiki Smith’s, but with a keener eye toward the comically sublime. And Hall’s work radiates friendliness, even when it also reflects loneliness; her sculptures would show as well in an overgrown yard as on a museum wall,” said Jullianne Ballou, in a 2013 article published by Oxford America. In one of her collections titled ‘Anxiety Masks’, Hall sculpts the complex political and social unrest that arose in the country during the 2020 Pandemic. Hall began to create this series to represent the uncertainty and anxiety the community was experiencing. “I make these as a blessing and a protest,” said Hall, standing in solidarity with issues such as race and gender equality. “Obsessively keeping my hands busy has helped tame my own anxiety but I also find that making these masks has given me the opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement, with women who are running for office, and with those who are in the forefront of changing the status quo.” Hall continues to impress with her otherworldly textures in her ‘Fecundity Patches’ collection, which displays anthropomorphized sculptures of repurposed antique quilts, fish scales, and pistachio shells. The pieces are full of life and the tenacity of nature; the merger between humans, plants, and animals is captivating and surreal. Hall states, “This land is a hybrid that is constantly regenerating itself as it integrates human and natural forces.” LeMoyne Arts invites the community to support and enjoy Hall’s work in the ‘Eden Altered’ exhibit, on display from April 6 - May 13. This whimsical, surreal, imaginative exhibit focuses on the chaos of nature. On Wednesday, April 26, from 5:30-6:30pm, Hall will put on a procession performance titled "The Procession of Holding and Letting Go", followed by an artist talk with a Q&A. Hall will talk about her background and how she explores the beautiful and the macabre with elegance, texture, and magic. Get inspired while learning about her innovative techniques and creative process. About LeMoyne Arts: Since 1963, LeMoyne Arts has been true to its founding principles: promote the work of local artists and preserve Florida’s art heritage. Through regularly changing exhibitions, LeMoyne offers inclusive and varied programs that appeal to a large constituency. LeMoyne fosters active collaborations with artists and partners with a wide range of institutions including local public and private schools, the Council on Culture and Arts, the FSU Museum of Fine Arts, the FAMU Foster Tanner Gallery, local businesses, and nonprofits. Learn more about LeMoyne Arts at lemoyne.org. Family, friends and nearly 300 members of the community gathered at LeMoyne for the 36th Mahaska Whitley Student Exhibition: High School Art and Senior Portfolio Competition on Thursday evening, March 9. This celebrated annual event gives high school students the opportunity to display their best work in an art gallery. 160 young artists participated this year in an eclectic display that included everything from photography and ceramics to paintings and digital art. This year, 21 Leon County High School students are receiving a total of $7,600 in awards and college scholarships. The total award value is determined by generous community support. Parents snapped pictures of their children, congratulating them on their proud achievements. This annual event gives high school students from across Leon County the chance to gain recognition for their hard work and talent. Entering this exhibition introduces students to the process of professional presentation and gives them an opportunity to have their art portfolios reviewed by art industry professionals. In awarding scholarships and other prizes to competition winners, LeMoyne Arts’ annual Mahaska Whitley Student Exhibition supports and encourages local young artists to continue to develop their talents and to pursue a life-long interest in art. Founder Mahaska Whitley, esteemed former Leon High School art teacher and art department director, together with LeMoyne Arts’ founding Executive Director Dick L. Puckett, envisioned this exhibit and competition as a way to inspire local young artists to further their arts education. “I was in this show 22 years ago,” said one attendee, reminiscing as she viewed the budding talent on display. LeMoyne works closely with high school art teachers to coordinate this annual show, and recruits local arts professionals to serve as judges. Works are judged on originality, professional quality, and aesthetic quality. Entire senior portfolios were also evaluated for scholarship consideration. In this fair and equal process, judges do not know the name of the student, their school, or any identifying Information. This year’s panel of judges included: Dr. Nan Lui from Florida A&M University, Julie Baroody from Tallahassee Community College, and Dr. Susan Davis Baldino from Florida State University. The awards ceremony took place in LeMoyne’s newly renovated gardens. “Oh my, this looks amazing!” said one attendee as she walked down the cobblestone path, admiring the water fountains and garden sculptures from LeMoyne’s permanent collection. As dusk settled, lanterns throughout the landscaping illuminated the garden, sculptures, and paths. Mahaska Whitley, exhibition founder; Rocky Hanna, Superintendent of schools for Leon County; Michael T. “Mick” Callahan, prominent St. Petersburg attorney and founder of the Matt Callahan Memorial Scholarship Fund; and Roseanne Wood, member of the Leon County School Board presented the awards to the excited young artists. “Even if you don’t win tonight, just having your art hanging in a gallery, a gallery like LeMoyne, is huge. This is art in the community,” said Roseanne Wood to the audience. “The art this year is amazing. The talent we have here in Leon County is incredible.” There are a total of four awards categories, with multiple winners in each category except for the Founder’s Award, which has only one winner personally selected by Founder Mahaska Whitley. Senior Portfolio Artist Award winners receive scholarship money for college. Winners in the other categories earn gift cards for art supplies. The 2023 Mahaska Whitley Student Exhibition Winners and their artwork are as follows. Founder’s Award Khawla Ezzagaghi (Chiles) "It’s a Guy" Senior Portfolio Artist Scholarship Awards Jessie Powell (Chiles) Matt Callahan Memorial $1000.00 “Reclamation” Charlotte Spinks (Lincoln) Ann Kirn Memoria $1000.00 “Itch” Sean Collins (Leon) Steve Uhlfelder Memorial $1000.00 “Consecration Rot” Kendall Sampson (Leon) Leon County Schools $1000.00 “Hypochondriac” Genesis Barrios (Lincoln) Mad Dog Construction $1000.00 “Error: In Love” Amelia Jones (Lincoln) Contemporary $500.00 "Differing Perspectives" Anabelle Goddard (Leon) Aesthete $500.00 "Andromeda" Madi St. John (SAIL) Apalachee Center $500.00 "Cecropia" Siena Bond (Leon) Capital City Bank $500.00 "The Stray" Emerging Artists-Awards Jazlyn Howell (Chiles) "Which One" Laila Alexander(Chiles) "Dysmorphia” Emmalina Starnes (Leon) “Yara” General Artist Awards Sydney Gibson (Rickards) "Billie Eilish" Ava Jones (Lincoln) "Time Out" Kalyn Harrison (FSUS) "Dragonfly Diptych" Irene Wolf (SAIL) "Metallic" Marina Stolley Villanueva (SAIL) "Cambur Colorida" Sara Johnsen (SAIL) "Mountain Moonfall" Katherine Gorkov (Maclay) "Darling Madeline" Cam Fudge (FSUS) "Seasons" The 2023 Mahaska Whitley Student Exhibition was made possible by support from: Matt Callahan Family & friends, Laurie & Kelly Dozier, Leon County School District, Mad Dog Construction, Ann Kim Memorial Fund, Capital City Bank, Apalachee Center, Susan Frisbee & Kirk Zinkowski, and others. A list of all the donors and sponsors that made this exhibit possible can be found on LeMoyne’s website, at lemoyne.org/mwse. The exhibit is open to the community until March 30th, so please come out to support the amazing talents of our local young artists. The LeMoyne Arts Gallery is open to the public from 11 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. For exhibits, events, classes and more, visit www.LeMoyne.org. To get regular updates, subscribe to LeMoyne’s email newsletter and “like” its Facebook page at facebook.com/LeMoyneArts About LeMoyne Arts: LeMoyne Arts has been at the heart of Tallahassee’s cultural and visual arts for 60 years. Its signature events are an important part of our community’s cultural life. LeMoyne has made the arts more accessible to people of all ages and economic levels, promoted and supported the work of local artists, and generated millions of dollars for our local economy. LeMoyne’s education programs have nurtured the artistic talent of four generations of Tallahassee families. For Media Inquiries Contact: Arielle Raff, Executive Director, LeMoyne Arts, at [email protected], 850/222-8800, 125 N. Gadsden Street Tallahassee, FL 32301. LeMoyne is very excited to announce that its new rain garden is complete and helping to manage the rainwater as intended! LeMoyne is grateful to the City of Tallahassee’s TAPP program for providing design guidelines and a grant for the purchase of the plantings. Our friends Donna Lagare, Jody Walthall and Jackson Strauss from Native Nurseries specified and delivered the plants, soil amendments and pine straw, and helped to plant the three River Birch trees which will also offer shade in the summer months. As LeMoyne developed its Art for Always Master Plan, a major goal was to better manage the stormwater on the property. For decades, unmanaged rainwater flowed off the building roofs and down the sloped property causing erosion in the landscape and splash on the buildings causing wood rot. When dear friend Dr. Charlie Rockwood came for a tour of LeMoyne and saw the water issues at LeMoyne he commented that he had to help get this fixed so that the beautiful sculptures in the garden did not have to suffer in the “swamp jungle” anymore. With a generous donation from Dr. Rockwood, new gutters, downspouts and strategically placed underground piping, was installed around the Meginnis-Munroe House protecting the building and making the new gardens much less susceptible to erosion. So where does all the collected water go? To slow down the water flow and help keep most of it on site, LeMoyne designed and installed a beautiful rain garden integrated into its landscaping. The design adds landscape interest to the gardens and serves as an educational component demonstrating how functional and beautiful rain gardens are while helping to reduce stormwater runoff and improve ground water quality.
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