Dylan and Jeannine Somberg
LIZA KUE/FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
OUR COMMUNITY
Sensational Soiree in the Sunshine State
Friendship Circle hosted an elegant evening in Palm Beach County, showcasing the talent from the Soul Studio Art Program. CARLA SCHWARTZ SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS | PHOTOS BY LIZA KUE
“T
his was a crazy idea we had a year ago, but our friends helped us” said Rabbi Levi Shemtov of Friendship Circle. The rabbi is referencing “Soiree in the Sunshine State,” an event filled with extraordinary art, food and libations. More than 160 patrons and friends attended the event and auction. The evening began with schmoozing and viewing the exhibition at the Arts Warehouse in Delray Beach, Florida. A
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variety of media, from oil paintings to ceramics to digital art and more by Soul Studio’s participating artists filled the space. Upon entering the gallery, visitors were handed a booklet of the displayed artwork and an explanation of the artist’s inspirations. The auction raised $33,300. Friendship Circle, founded in 1994 by Rabbi Levi and Bassie Shemtov in West Bloomfield, is a nonprofit organization that supports children, teens and adults
with special needs and their families. One of its many projects is the Vera and Joesph Dresner Foundation Soul Studio. The studio is a professional art space and gallery encouraging the creativity of any individual with cognitive or physical disabilities, regardless of artistic talent. Completed artwork is displayed in a curated exhibition at the studio and other venues. “The vision of the Rebbe inspired us to help one person at a time and to see the bigger picture,” said Bassie Shemtov. “We have many friends in Florida, and we needed to bring the artists and the artwork to the next level,” she added. She described the Arts Warehouse space as a new and exciting platform to showcase the talent. Artist Dylan Somberg, 28, of Shelby
