EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY ADDS ART TO “ART”

12 Local Artists Create Art Gallery Showcase Prior to Performance of “Art”

Original Artwork and Broadway Package are Highlights of Art-themed Raffle

Miramar Beach, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2015) — Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC), a not-for-profit professional theater company based in Miramar Beach, Florida, is collaborating with 12 Northwest Florida-based artists to create a dazzling visual art gallery showcase.

The art showcase is free to those who purchase a theater ticket to “Art,” a comedy by French playwright Yasmina Reza, running two consecutive weekends, March 6-8 and March 13-15 in suite 15 at the Market Shops, located at 9375 US Highway 98, near the entrance to Sandestin and Hilton resorts in Miramar Beach.

“It was natural for us to collaborate with these talented artists in our community,” said ECTC producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher. “Why fill our lobby with faux art props, when we can treat our theater patrons to a feast of fantastic original works of art, while giving some visibility to deserving local artists.”

The participating artists are: Melissa Mercer Brown, Heather Clements, Laurens Cotten, Carol Dickson, Lori Drew, Mary Hong, Veila Lala, Susan Lucas, Andy Saczynski, Mary Kay Samouce, Ann Welch and Suzanne LeLoup-West.

The featured artists reflect a range of mediums from repurposed glass art and mixed media folk art to hand-woven baskets and even vintage statement jewelry.

Many of the “Art” artists are award-winning including Mary Hong (South Walton Artist of the Year, 2014) and Andy Saczynski (South Walton Artists of the Year, 2013, and Best Of the Emerald Coast Best Artist, 2012, 2013 and 2014) and Susan Lucas (South Walton Artist of the year, 2004).

The collection of artwork will be on exhibit during the run of the play. Each piece in the exhibit is available for purchase, and if purchased, can be picked up after the close of the show.

One lucky art lover will win an original piece of art donated to ECTC’s Art Raffle by Santa Rosa Beach artist Lori Drew. Inspired by the beauty of the Northwest Florida coast, Drew’s tranquil pieces are crafted at Clay Road Studio and feature cold wax and oils on wood panels.

Theater lovers have reason to dance and sing, too. ECTC will also raffle off an exciting Broadway Bound package featuring a two-night hotel stay at The Benjamin, a luxury boutique hotel in heart of Manhattan’s theater district and tickets for two to “Kinky Boots,” winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical. The award-winning musical score by Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper means you need to enter the raffle “time after time.”

Patrons can donate toward raffle tickets at each performance of “Art,” from ECTC board members, or by calling (850) 687-1637. Individual raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100. Raffle contest winners will be drawn on March 15 after the final performance of “Art.” You do not need to be present to win.

Directed by ECTC artistic producer Nathanael Fisher, “Art” begins at 7:30 p.m. with an art gallery preview featuring 12 local Northwest Florida artists prior to each show starting at 6:30 p.m.

Set in modern day Paris, the story revolves around three friends — Serge, Marc and Yvan — who find their previously solid15-year friendship on shaky ground when Serge buys an expensive abstract painting. Marc is horrified, and their relationship suffers considerable strain as a result of their differing opinions about what constitutes “art.” Yvan is caught in the middle of the conflict and tries to please and mollify both of them.

Tickets are $20 per person; seniors are $15 and students are $12. Due to language, the play is recommended for adult audiences. Seats are limited, advance purchase is recommended. To purchase tickets, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org or call (850) 687-1637.

This production is made possible with generous support from our media sponsor, EC magazine.

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