| January, 2018

HAPPENINGS

Posted on 25 January 2018 by LeslieM

DBICA meeting

Thursday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guest speakers: Deputy Periu, to talk about crime in the area, and Lee Breeblove, from code enforcement.

38th Annual Festival of the Arts

Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

See pg. 1 for more info.

Unity in the Community

Saturday, Jan. 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pompano Community Park and Amphitheater

2001 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 3306

Mayor Lamar Fisher will auction off a ride for two on the Goodyear Blimp, Wingfoot One. Proceeds benefit the Rev. William R. Clark memorial scholarship fund. Activities for children, musical performances and demonstrations by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Pompano Beach Fire Department. Free food and drinks. For more information, call 954-586-1123 or visit www.uicpompano.org.

Author Book Talk

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m.

Lighthouse Point Library

2200 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Book sale/signing also. Lauren Doyle Owens debut novel The Other Side Of Everything has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Sun Sentinel. For more information, call 954-946-6398.

Save the Date: 8th Annual Billfish Tournament

Thursday, Feb. 1 & Saturday, Feb. 3

Two Georges at The Cove

1754 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Proceeds benefit The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (Jim & Jan Moran Unit). Kick-Off Party: Thursday, Feb. 1. Fishing Day: Saturday, Feb. 3 with awards & dinner banquet to follow Saturday night. Thousands in prize winnings, trophies, silent auction, raffle prizes. For registration, sponsorships and more info. contact Denise Buzzelli at 954-427-0353.

Worth the Drive: Delray Beach Fashion Week

Downtown comes alive with style! Celebrate the 5th anniversary of Delray Beach Fashion Week from Jan. 24 to 28. Experience spectacular fashion, local designers, art and beauty at this special event created by the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown merchants. Events include runway shows, hair shows, fashion luncheon, Stiletto Race and boutique shopping events. For more information, visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com.

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CLERGY CORNER: Living on purpose

Posted on 25 January 2018 by LeslieM

One understanding of purpose pertains to a person’s intent or resolve. The start of a new year provides an opportunity for many of us to make resolutions regarding the days ahead. A life of purpose is about more than making simple resolutions, however. It is about demonstrating commitment and dedication to what we hold dear, seek after and earnestly desire.

The biblical story of Daniel provides insight as to how we can fulfill our intentions. In the first chapter of Daniel, the young Hebrew is taken to Babylon and placed in a program of assimilation into the culture and learning of the king’s court. The daily diet, however, violated the strict religious guidelines that he had been taught to observe. Verse eight relates, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Daniel’s purpose was established in his heart and provided a strong foundation for its fulfillment. He had determined to honor his God by refusing to partake of the allotted food, choosing a simple diet of vegetables and water instead. It was a risky proposition since he was a captive. His decision made from the heart positioned him to succeed in keeping his vow. With regards to our own resolutions, if the heart is not in it, we will likely never accomplish it. Your noble pursuits will always face challenges, but you can succeed if you purpose it in your heart.

Daniel appealed to the chief eunuch to exempt him from the required diet to maintain his religious purity. The fact that he verbalized his intent further reveals his determination. He needed to activate his purpose by speaking up about it. There is a vital connection between what the heart feels, and what the mouth utters. Matthew 12:34 teaches, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” As Daniel proclaimed his commitment, so too should we declare our intentions and speak them into existence.

Having purposed and proclaimed his intent, Daniel next had to perform what he had spoken. The dubious chief eunuch agreed to Daniel’s 10-day challenge, after which he would examine and compare Daniel’s fitness with the other young men. It has often been said that actions speak louder than words, and Daniel had to back-up what he had declared by sticking to his regimen. He dutifully ignored the sights and smells of the king’s delicacies while enjoying his simple diet. We should be similarly committed to seeing our intentions through. Confirm your words with action. People of purpose keep their word and do what they say.

Finally, Daniel proved himself with respect to what he had purposed. He was willing to be tested at the end of the period to validate his intent. The findings revealed that he was in far better health than those who had feasted on the king’s food.

The evidence of our commitment is often revealed in the test and we should be prepared to so authenticate our purposes. If your intentions are right, God will support your endeavor. Let us determine to be intentional in our living. Let’s purpose, proclaim, perform and prove ourselves capable of attaining our goals. In 2018, let’s live on purpose!

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

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FDOT Off-Ramp reconstruction on Hillsboro Blvd.–Jan. 22

Posted on 22 January 2018 by JLusk

Hillsboro Boulevard Improvements, Project Update from FDOT

The City of Deerfield Beach would like to let residents know that Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews will begin reconstructing the off-ramp from northbound I-95 to eastbound Hillsboro Boulevard on Monday, January 22. They will install an impact attenuator and temporary barrier walls overnight between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. The alternate date for this work, in the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, is Tuesday, January 23.

Detour signage will be in place to direct motorists to the northbound I-95 off-ramp to westbound Hillsboro Boulevard where they can make a U-turn at SW 12 Avenue / Jim Moran Blvd to eastbound Hillsboro Boulevard. Attached is a graphic showing the detour.

Please feel free to contact Community Outreach Specialist, Dayana Diaz at FDOT Broward Construction if you have any questions or concerns. Contact information is below:

Dayana Diaz

Community Outreach Specialist

FDOT Broward Construction

The Corradino Group

954-290-5989 cell

954-940-7585 office

www.d4fdot.com

www.corradino.com

 

 

 

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Tornadoes show improvement on court

Posted on 18 January 2018 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

The first thing on Pompano Beach High School boys’ basketball coach James Stone’s bucket list was to win a game.

Check!

The Tornadoes were coming off an 0-21 (2016-17) season and lost the final game in the 2015-16 season when they finished 5-16. Pompano Beach dropped their first eight games of the 2017-18 campaign before a 72-65 victory against host Plantation on Dec. 14 snapped a 30-game losing streak. The team was 5-16 and 4-16 the two years prior to that.

My biggest priority was to get a win after they went 0-21 last year,” said Stone, who moved up from the junior varsity team after a year with the Tornadoes and a year at Coral Springs Charter School. It is his first varsity head coaching job.

I told them to act like we won before (after beating Plantation) so we got on the bus and we had one guy, Conrad (Bennett), he’s a sophomore so he was about to cry,” Stone said. “He was on the team last year and he said, ‘coach that was my first win as a Pompano basketball player.’ It was a big moment for me to get him his first win.”

Pompano Beach (4-9) defeated a team from Australia in the Deerfield Beach Holiday Tournament in an exhibition game and that has sparked the team to back-to-back wins over Cardinal Gibbons (60-56) and Coconut Creek (57-55). Pompano Beach travels to play at Hallandale on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

That was a big tournament for us because last year they didn’t win a game,” Stone said. “This was a good confidence builder for them this year. It was a great experience for us to play against a team from Australia.”

Stone said he has a junior oriented team, with eight juniors and three seniors. Senior Andre Francis leads the team with 16 points and 10 rebounds a game and Stone also said he’s received solid play from the following juniors — Cedric Camper, Braxton McMillon, Takobe Clark, Brandon Peets and Tristen Anderson.

Stone said the team is buying into his philosophy.

They keep their composure,” Stone said. “They are a very composed group of guys. They don’t get rattled when they go down.”

There has been little adjustment in becoming head coach.

There really hasn’t been too much of an adjustment since most of these guys came up with me from the JV,” Stone said. “The transitions are easy since they already knew the system. The ones who played on the varsity last year, those are the ones that had to buy into the system.”

Knowing that all but three players will return next year has Stone excited.

Having the core coming back is great,” Stone said. “I wanted this to be a building year and next year I would have had my guys together for three years, so next year I am looking to turn it around. I want to go far in the district and make the (BCAA) Big 8 tournament.

They can be a great team,” Stone continued. “Sometimes they get into the ‘I’ basketball and they want to be the guy to carry the team and I tell them it is a team sport. If I can get them to focus on team and play hard and fight for all 32 minutes, we’ll be alright.”

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FLICKS: President Taft & First Lady to visit Deerfield’s library

Posted on 18 January 2018 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

This Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m., President William H. Taft (with First Lady “Nellie”) will host the annual State of the Union at the Deerfield Beach Percy White multi-purpose room. A transitional figure in American politics, the Taft Administration oversaw the transition from an agriculture economy to the growth of the Industrial Age. A one term president, Taft later served as the 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Having performed as the Nixons in 2015, the Reagans in 2016 and John & Abigail Adams last year, William and Sue Wills return is a welcome event. Since Hurricane Irma, the library switchboard has received phone calls asking, “Are the president people coming?” Fortunately, this annual State of the Union is traditionally booked on or near Jan. 20, which happens to be Presidential Inauguration Day.

Starting in 1991, the Wills began researching, writing and performing a series of presentations they called “Presidents and Their First Ladies, dramatically speaking.” William does the research (using mostly existing books and magazine articles and some original research), writes the first draft of the scripts, then Sue edits the same. Sue either “finds” or creates all of their period costuming. Among Sue’s comedic costume highlight was Nancy Reagan’s rendition of “Second Hand Clothes,” a reworking of the classic “Second Hand Rose” made famous by Franny Brice and Barbra Streisand.

For 15 years, the Wills have performed along the Atlantic coast and Midwest, being away from home nine months of the year. For the last six years, the Wills have limited their traveling to Florida and special events — presidential museums and large organizations all over the USA.

As both the Eisenhowers and the Trumans, William and Sue will perform at the Boynton Beach Civic Center on Feb. 7 in support of their nonprofit foundation, the Presidents Project to support Wounded Warriors. (For tickets, please visit www.presidentsproject.org).

William and Sue Wills first met in 1970 and have performed in almost 9000 shows together since. Their three children — Jennifer Hope, Daniel Parker and Rebecca Anne — were raised on-stage and backstage.

Jennifer Hope has performed on Broadway as a leading lady for Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast.

A Master’s degree graduate from Indiana University, she also teaches vocal performance.

A mother of five, Rebecca Anne served as the business manager for “Presidents and their First Ladies,” and is also a nurse. A Veteran of “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Daniel Parker returned to his hometown in Ocean City, Maryland and works as an EMT dispatcher, while pursuing certification to become a paramedic.

As both history and theater, “Presidents and their First Ladies, Dramatically Speaking” is truly a labor of love. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis with a seating of 150 seat capacity. Thanks to the Friends of the Percy White Public Library, this unique performance is free to the public. Percy White Library is located at 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 18 January 2018 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

Jan. 2: A woman reported that someone stole her iPhone from the counter of a business at 3601 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Jan. 2: Someone stole a business work trailer from the parking lot of Xpress Elevator at 1717 SW 1 Way.

Jan. 2: A woman was seen stealing a Medela freestyle breast pump valued at $380 from Target at 1200 S. Federal Hwy.

Jan. 2: A woman reported that someone broke into her car parked at 5353 N. Dixie Hwy. and stole a purse.

Jan. 3: Someone entered a woman’s vehicle parked at 506 NW 2 Ave. and stole a fanny pack with a Florida Driver’s license and $500.

Lighthouse Point

Dec. 18: Someone stole a laser ornament and a 50-ft. extension cord from in front of a residence at 3215 NE 27 Terr.

Dec. 25: Police spotted a male subject sleeping in front of a business at 2432 N. Federal Hwy. He was found to be in possession of two small bags of marijuana and was taken into custody.

Dec. 25: A loose dog was reported in the neighborhood and was picked up by animal control at 2640 NE 52 Ct. The owner was located and recovered the dog.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 18 January 2018 by LeslieM

Pompano Pier Food Truck Round Up

Friday, Jan. 19, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fishing Pier

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Go and join the City of Pompano Beach for an evening of Food Trucks, music and fun! Bring blankets and folding chairs since seating is limited! For more information, call 954-786-7824.

It’s Only a Play

Friday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Presented by Curtain Call Playhouse. On Broadway, it starred Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Stockard Channing and Megan Mullally. This is a spoof on what it takes to make a show a hit. $20-$40 (student/children/group discounts) To purchase tickets, visit https://tickets.ccpompano.org/.

5th Annual Brandon’s Run

Saturday, Jan. 20, 7 to 10 a.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

This year’s Brandon’s Run for Autism (a 5K) is bigger and better than ever! It’s Brandon’s goal to offer as many young people as possible the career readiness, social skills training, job training and community involvement they need to succeed. They are looking for runners, walkers, sponsors and donations for raffle. To register or get tickets, visit https://events.hakuapp.com/0eb8a21a0f2d6a39e659. For more information, contact Erica Rubin at 305-305-0540.

7th Annual Antique Car Show

Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Join them for an exciting display of antique cars, trucks and motorcycles 20 – 90 years old. There will also be live music and a Cuban food truck. Admission: $5/person, which includes a tour of the museum. Owners wishing to participate: $15 Advance, $20 Day of Show. For more information about registering to include your vehicle, please contact Evelyn Brown at 954-755-1723 or evelynbfl@aol.com.

7th Annual YATC Cool Wheels Car Show

Sunday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park, Bald Eagle Shelter

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Over 500 fantastic show cars, a silent auction, raffles, food trucks and Broward Sheriff’s Office SWAT presentations. A great day for the entire family. Music from DJ’s Eugene, Rockin’ Rich and Scott the Music Man. Across the Universe, The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band, will perform. Meet artist Ben Drag Daddy. Top 100 cars get trophies. Cash prizes! Show cars: $20 pre-entry, $25 day of show. No entry charge for spectators (except for gate fee, $1.50). For more information, call Joe for details at 561-452-3684. To register, visit www.yatc.org.

20th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht Club

2701 NE 42 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Hosted by the Auxiliary of the NE Focal Point CASA, Inc. (now called Center for Active Aging) Fashions are by Sondro at The Cove. $60 (in advance). Limited seating available. Benefits their Children’s, Alzheimer’s, Senior and Adult Services. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 954-480-4460.

Save the Date:

38th Annual Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts

Saturday, Jan. 27 & Sunday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

International Fishing Pier

200 NE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted annually by the Deerfield Beach Cultural Committee. Includes over 125 juried artists from all over the United States along with continuous live music, a variety of food vendors, refreshments, a student art exhibit and a kids’ zone. Event is free. For more information, contact the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429.

Pat Anderson’s Plein Air Painter Classes

Saturday, Jan. 27, Paint all morning and walk the beach – climb the Light. “Sketch with a Brush.” Tour and Boat rides from Alsdorf Park Dock, at 8:15, 9, 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. Hillsboro Lighthouse, 907 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062.

Monday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn to paint a Sportfishing Charter Boat at the Charter Fleet meet. Hillsboro Inlet Park & Museum, SE Bridge location, 2700 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062.

Secrets of digital photography (with iPhone aps and photoshop for beginners). It is a technique she developed for “the next 50 years… using the LEAF BAR table/easel for plein air painting.” Date & Time TBA.

Must register in advance at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center in Pompano. For more information, call 954-786-4111

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CLERGY CORNER: Into the habit of prayer

Posted on 18 January 2018 by LeslieM

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV)

January is a good month to “take inventory” and move forward. The old year is behind us and the new year is in front of us. We learn from the past in order to plan for the future.

Financially, we prepare ourselves for taxes. Painful though it may be, we have to do it. And we look at our past spending and future expenditures and discover where we can change certain behaviors. We look back at some of our bad habits and try to get rid of them. Just as important, we start some new habits that are beneficial.

Physically, we consider our health and well-being. Perhaps, we schedule an annual physical. Perhaps, we join a gym or change some eating habits. January is a month when gym memberships jump. We quit our bad habits and start new ones.

If we take inventory on our finances and our physical health, maybe we should consider our spiritual health. There are any number of questions we can ask ourselves. Certainly, we get into bad habits and can start good ones. I would suggest that we get into the habit of prayer.

It was impressed upon me, as a child, that you pray when you wake up and when you go to bed, that you pray before you eat even if you are at a restaurant and others may see you. Prayer became second nature. As I look at prayer as a habit, I realize that there is a lot of room for improvement not only when it comes to the frequency of prayer, but the prayer itself. So I have two suggestions to take into consideration when it comes to prayer. One is on the quantity of prayer, the other is on the quality.

First, do we pray enough? I am amazed at faith traditions that call their faithful to pray three, five, as much as eight times a day over and above bedtime and meals. What would happen if we challenged ourselves to pray at least once a day over and above our regular prayers?

In a bygone era, church bells could be heard and the faithful were reminded to pray. It is hard to imagine the sound of church bells drowning out the noise of traffic. What can remind us of prayer?

A little feature on my cell phone is the ability to set an alarm. Cell phones can be alarm clocks and remind us of events that happen throughout the day. I set my alarm to go off once a day to remind me to stop and pray. This little reminder has kept me spiritually grounded and added the additional blessing of prayer.

Second, how do we pray? Any prayer is good, including memorized prayers. Perhaps, there is a table blessing that you have used throughout your life. Perhaps, there is a prayer you have prayed each night before you went to bed.

Of course, you can pray without memory. I have noticed some people are pretty eloquent in their public prayers and some are intimidated by the idea of praying out loud. No worries. Talk to God, he knows what you need better than you.

It is easy to get into the habit of “saying prayers.” I always correct people who will invite people to pray by saying: “Let us say the Lord’s Prayer.” I say, better yet, let us “pray” the Lord’s Prayer. Let us slow down, listen, concentrate and focus on each word Jesus taught us to pray. In short, if you want to improve the quality of your prayer, slow down.

These two little points may help you throughout this new year. On behalf of Zion Lutheran Church and me, Pastor Jeff Gross, I want to wish you a very blessed and Happy New Year.

Pastor Gross is a pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, located at 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-421-3146 or visit www.zion-lutheran.org.

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THE THERAPY ROOM: All about New Year’s resolutions

Posted on 18 January 2018 by LeslieM

A New Year’s resolution has become a tradition or even a ritual by which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behavior to accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life beginning the first day of the New Year.

Over half of us make New Year’s resolutions, but less than 20 percent of us succeed at making them a reality. It may reflect a lack of motivation, lack of resources or just losing interest. Isn’t it time we figure out practical ways to actually accomplish bringing our resolutions to fruition?

The most common New Year’s resolutions I have heard as a psychotherapist include the following:

Weight loss and exercising

Learning something new

Investing money rather than just spending it

Being kinder to oneself and others

Searching for a new job

Volunteering

Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption

Acquiring better sleeping habits

Meeting new friends and be a better friend

More than 80 percent of us who make New Year’s resolutions do not accomplish them. Why?

Many of us make New Year’s resolutions that are simply not attainable. Did you commit to something you truly want to commit to or did you think it is something you must commit to? Slow down and stop focusing on what others have suggested for you to accomplish and be mindful of what you want for yourself and plan a strategy to achieve it.

If you are someone who does better and feels better with a support system, get someone to join you or be there for you as you lose weight, eat better, reduce or stop drinking alcohol, or work out at the gym. This is a way for you to be accountable to achieve your goals, and being accountable is essential for your success.

Surrendering can sabotage a New Year’s resolution. You may get discouraged or lose interest, so try journaling to monitor your progress throughout the year. Keeping yourself on track will provide the motivation needed for your ultimate success.

Time management is important. Rather than trying to accomplish all in one day or one week, break your strategic plan into smaller parts. Dedicate five to 10 minutes a day doing crunches or jogging versus an hour daily. Five to 10 manageable minutes will make what you are doing a habit and that will help you to move forward.

If you resolve to lose weight and consider joining a high-end health club, you may wind up anxious from the thought of the expense and avoid joining any health facility. There are more ways to exercise and lose weight than using an expensive health club. Visit your local YMCA/YWCA or place of worship that has group exercise programs that cost less. Consider setting up a home gym or see what your neighborhood recreational park facility may have to offer. Financial burdens will only help you lose interest fast in any of your New Year’s resolutions.

I want you to believe in yourself and the New Year’s resolutions you are striving for in 2018. Be kind to yourself and others and you will achieve your goals. Meaningful change is possible.

Dr. Julia Breur is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private clinical psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.drjuliabreur.com.

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On the Move with Artist Laurence Gartel

Posted on 12 January 2018 by LeslieM

By Rachel Galvin

Figuring out where local artist Laurence Gartel is right now is a little like “Where’s Waldo?” After all, he is not one to sit around Boca Raton; he is more likely jet setting half a world away. Recently, this “Father of Digital Art” was in Italy for an extended stint for his Hyp Pop show showcasing his work next to Andy Warhol’s. But he came back to SoFla with a vengeance.

Gartel explained, “Since my traveling exhibition in Europe, “Warhol vs. Gartel Hyp Pop,” which has gone to several Italian cities, as well as exclusive book signings in Switzerland, I have been working on a new book and preparing for this upcoming exhibition in Pompano. Additionally, I created three new ART CARS for Art Basel and will be displaying them at various venues throughout the New Year, like at Art Ft. Lauderdale (Jan. 24-28). SuperCar Week in West Palm (Jan. 6 –14), Foto Fusion (Jan. 23-27) and other locations. People will get to see one at the Pompano showcase.”

Yes, touring all around Art Basel showing off dynamic art cars and being on the scene wherever he could, Gartel garnered quite a lot of attention. Next, he will be speaking at Art Ft. Lauderdale. And, after that, he is bringing his artistic creations right back here to Pompano Beach for a special exhibition that is going to bring not only a lot of attention to the area and his art, but also will bring in dignitaries from all around. The show is slated to run Feb. 22 – March 8, 2018 (pending approval) at the new Pompano Beach Cultural Center, but the date has already changed once, so it could be shifted again (More details soon).

After visiting all these grand locales around the world, “Why Pompano?” I asked, to which he responded, “Pompano has committed itself to be a new arts region. There will be artist housing, artist studios, the cultural amphitheatre and the new cultural center. There will be an exhibition space, a lecture/multiple use environment (hopefully, having diverse programming and cross cultural events). Included there is going to be a Digital Media Center. This is, of course, my area of interest and I hope to have great input into the direction this area goes in. As a visionary and pioneer of this field, I have clear concepts which I hope to implement. The goal is to further enrich lives through the development of art and technology.”

He added, “When I started, Digital Media did not exist, so the world has come a very long way in 40 years. It has literally taken a lifetime but it is worth the effort to change the shape of our civilization.”

Back in the day, it was Gartel who introduced Andy Warhol to digital art, after meeting him at Studio 54. His work was the official artwork for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, part of an Absolut Vodka campaign…He has created work for the likes of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears… The list goes on and on of what he has accomplished through the years.

His upcoming Pompano exhibition, he said will “include a variety of images, as well as processes that have been explored over time. From electronic images that have been photographed off the video monitor screens with a still camera mounted on a tripod, to black and white orthographic prints, Iris prints, thermal graphic prints, large scale ink-jet prints, as well as 3D ‘sculptural’ works. There will also be works created with a 3D drawing pen, so there will be a variety of images. The other ‘surprise’ will be a wall of media created from the history of my career…This is most unique.”

The title of his exhibit is a name he used 30 years ago as the title of his first book, which was published in 1989: ‘Laurence Gartel: A Cybernetic Romance.

The ‘romance,’” he explained, “is between ‘Artist and Machine,” adding, “Early on, it was questionable how a creative person could use a computer to release aesthetic ideas and concepts, as Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Manet and every other artist through the centuries did. This was a revolution to be sure which the entire world now embraces. It is mind blowing when you think of it — to change an entire culture through an artist’s vision.”

After this, what could be next for this artist who is always on-the-go?

What’s next,” he said, “is to work on several concepts of books. I have so much work. Meeting new people around the world helps stimulate the artistic mind. I have been most fortunate to travel to Australia, India, Spain, Russia, Austria, Japan, Switzerland and Norway, to name a few. Travel is definitely in my future and so are the ART CARS that I love so much.”

For more on the Laurence Gartel, visit https://gartelmuseum.weebly.com/commissions.html.

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