a small city with big arts

An aria is sung on stage, a splash of paint flows across canvas and a jazz riff is heard—they are all part of the rich cultural fabric that weaves together the Pensacola Bay Area. Any season of the year, any time of the day, there is something listed on the cultural calendar.

These activities offer more than the creative side—they are the heart and soul of the community’s cultural life.

Quick resource guide: One quick source if you’re computer savvy is the Northwest Florida Arts Council’s Web site at www.artsnwfl.org. for links to the symphony, opera, ballet, classes and art exhibitions. Another resource is the online cultural directory maintained by the Arts Council. It includes a comprehensive list of artists, arts organizations, galleries and arts-related businesses and design businesses.

Each artist listed has a description of his work as well as two pictures. The directory is also used for the Arts Council’s Artist Exhibition Program. For up-to-the-minute information on all of the arts and entertainment available in the community, be sure to visit www.pnj.com and look for the Weekender in every Friday’s newspaper.

VISUAL ARTS

The sheer volume and variety available lets locals and newcomers quickly discern how important the visual arts are to the community.

People in Northwest Florida no longer have to travel to Atlanta or New Orleans to find good art. The talents are numerous and range from Sunday painters to artists making a living through their art. Forget the image of gray-haired ladies in sneakers dragging their art around. The scene here is vibrant and some of those gray-haired artists are ranked at the top.

BAYFRONT GALLERY

713 S. Palafox, www.bayfrontgallery.com

This gallery features one of the largest collections of art and contemporary fine craft on the Gulf Coast, including one-of-a-kind art glass, sculptural, ceramics, jewelry, wood, lighting, furniture, metal and mixed media. Experience the work of 400 notable American artists from 49 states in the 1908 building with 18-foot ceilings and pine floors. 438-7556.

QUAYSIDE GALLERY

17 E. Zaragoza, quaysidegallery.com

Known as one of the largest cooperative galleries in the south. Quayside was renovated after Hurricane Ivan and it is an art showcase with all its new additions. 438-2363.

A MEANS OF EXPRESSION

215 E. Zaragoza St., ameansofexpression.com

This fine art and gift gallery is located in the beautiful Historic Village of downtown Pensacola. It features an eclectic mix of paintings, art glass, pottery, jewelry, art furnishings and custom framing. Also featured is fine art by artist/owner Annette Valletto. 434-6300.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY

112 S. Palafox, www.bluemorninggallery.com

This cooperative gallery was founded in April 1997 and created to showcase the work of local artists. Today the members form an eclectic group of every artistic genre. They hold artist receptions and new openings every six weeks. 429-9100.

ARTEL GALLERY

505 S. Adams St., www.artelgallery.org

Artel is a not-for-profit educational gallery dedicated to providing cutting-edge art to the community. Exhibits are juried and invitational, and an annual members’ show is open to all members. 432-3080.

ATELIER ALCANIZ

56 S. Alcaniz

This is a unique art and gift gallery operated by artists. It is known for its contemporary paintings and a large selection of functional and decorative pottery. It also sells pottery supplies. An artist whose hands and clothes are covered with clay or paint may greet you. The back room of the gallery also provides a working space for the artists manning the gallery. 433-7749.

PINK PICASSO

19 S. Palafox, pinkpicasso.net

One of the newest galleries in town, a bright, colorful happy place, is the Pink Picasso. The gallery offers paintings and handcrafts such as jewelry, purses and lamps. 437-4669.

ROCK HARD DESIGNS

16 N. Palafox, rockharddesigns.com

Rock Hard is another internationally known artist who displays his work at this gallery, which features jewelry, artifacts and Peruvian pottery. 438-5119.

IMAGO

914 N. Palafox

Imago is a Latin word for image. There are a lot of images at Imago, including the work of international artists as well as local artists. Ajuried show open to the public is held every three months. Other items on sale include glass and sculpture of alabaster, bronze and steel.

MONTAGE

2030 N. 12th Ave.

Entertaining and quality art can be found in this unusual hair salon. Not only are there four talented stylists; the gallery contains the work of 35 local and international artists and is truly a "gathering place for creative heads." 429-8282.

STONEHAUS POTTERYGALLERY& TILE

2617 N. 12th Ave., peterkingceramics.com

Renowned potter Peter King and his wife Xenia Marin produce clay items including architectural ceramics. Yearly, locals look forward to the second Sunday in December when King holds an open house and a kiln opening. 438-3273.

ZAYSZLYARTZ

2701 N. 12th Ave., zayszlyartz.com

This art gallery is owned by a husband and wife team. Joe Zayszly handles the pottery and his wife Linda works with photography. 470-0101

NINAFRITZ GALLERY

5100 N. Ninth Ave., Cordova Mall, ninafritz.com

Well-known artist Nina Fritz creates her own art, teaches others and does a demonstration of figurative or portrait work on many Saturdays at 10 a.m. 478-3893.

PENSACOLA JUNIOR COLLEGE

Student, faculty and outside shows are featured in the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts on the PJC campus. Classes moving toward an art degree are also offered. Art classes for continuing education are available at the PJC Downtown Center.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

The university offers degree programs in the arts for enrolled students. The art gallery in the Fine and Performing Arts building holds student and faculty shows as well as winners of art competitions and a variety of other shows. The university has another exhibition space, Gallery 88, in the radio station WUWF 88.1 FM on campus. The gallery hosts featured artists, lectures and receptions.

PERFORMING ARTS

A bagpipe, a trumpet solo or a strummed guitar—they are all part of the performing venues in the Pensacola Bay Area.

Famous musicians and performers often appear at the Civic Center where locals wait in line for tickets to hear Kenny Rogers or Cher.

Yet, other local performing groups can be found all over town. Many of the young people who have studied with these performers or groups go on to find a career of their own.

So what’s your favorite? Is it going to be Mozart or country music. The choice is yours. Look what’s available:

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

(850) 435-2533, www.pensacolasymphony.com

Our local symphony is at a defining moment in its 80-year history. Audiences have grown to over 30,000 people each year, including people attending offerings such as Pensacola POPS! or Music in Education and other performances at the Saenger Theatre and around the community. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra serves as a cultural anchor and is Pensacola’s only fully professional arts organization, with 70 musicians and a budget of $830,000. The Symphony also produces an annual Symphony Ball and a semi-annual Designers Showhouse.

PENSACOLA OPERA

(850) 433-6737, www.pensacolaopera.com

Not every city has its own opera company. In fact, Pensacola Opera is the only opera in the state until you reach Orlando. This group brings quality professional opera and operetta to Pensacola audiences and has done so since 1983. The professional company’s annual season includes two fully staged productions in the Saenger Theatre.

PENSACOLA CHILDREN’S CHORUS

(850) 434-7760, www.pensacolachildrenschorus.com

The Children's Chorus is a popular performing group consisting of more than 300 talented young performers, ages 8 to 18, who perform in six different choirs. The chorus draws sellout crowds for its major performances in the Saenger Theatre. Summer tours of the United States, Canada and Europe have brought international recognition to the group.

THE CHORAL SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA

(850) 484-1806, www.choralsocietyofpensacola.org

Established in 1935, the choral society is Northwest Florida’s premier symphonic chorus. Its season includes presentation of choral music embodying exceptional quality and diversity.

MUSIC AT CHRIST CHURCH

(850) 432-5118, www.christ-church.net

The music began in 1975, and each year this concert series features an impressive array of performers—nationally and internationally known artists and talented musicians from the local community. The centerpiece event is the annual ClassicFest held in June.

FIESTA BARBERSHOP CHORUS

(850) 587-4087, www.harmonize.com/pensacola

Barbershop-harmony enthusiasts have an outlet with this chorus, the performing component of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

PENSACOLA SOUND CHORUS

(850) 968-3587, www.pensacolasoundchorus.com

Pensacola Sound Chorus is a ladies’ barbershop group and the local chapter of Sweet Adelines International.

ROLFS PIANO SERIES

(850) 438-5449, www.mcilwain.org/rolfs/rolfs.cfm

Famous classical pianists of various nationalities come together for this series at McIlwain Presbyterian Church, 1220 E. Blount St.

EVENINGS IN OLDE SEVILLE SQUARE

(850) 438-6505

Every Thursday from mid-May to mid-August, various performances are offered under the sponsorship of the Pensacola Heritage Foundation. It’s music under the stars, and don’t forget to bring a chair. Food concession booths are available.

PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE

(850) 434-0267, www.pensacolalittletheatre.com

The Southeast’s longest continuously producing community theater is the Pensacola Little Theatre, which was founded in 1936. PLT offers drama classes and workshops throughout the year. PLT operates out of a 480-seat theater in the Pensacola Cultural Center.

PENSACOLA JUNIOR COLLEGE MUSIC AND THEATER DEPARTMENT

(850) 484-1800, www.pjc.edu

The community is offered a three-production season in the school’s Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium or the Saenger Theatre. Cultural events of the highest quality are part of the PJC Lyceum Series. Theater, music, dance, visual arts and informative lectures are included in this program.

THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA THEATER DEPARTMENT

(850) 474-2541, www.uwf.edu

This department specializes in dramatic presentations. In addition to four shows produced during the regular season, UWF offers the New Voices program, which focuses on new theatrical works. The department stages performances in an intimate studio theater as well the 430-seat Mainstage Theater.

RADIO LIVE

www.wuwf.org

Radio Live is a part of the University of West Florida’s WUWF 88.1 FM radio station. The program can be seen downtown on certain Thursday nights or listened to on the radio. Traveling guest artists are featured as well as local talent. The only cost includes a non-perishable food product that is given to Manna Food Bank.

BETA CHILDREN'S THEATRE

(850) 932-8488, www.betachildrenstheatre.com

Established in 1986 to provide a professional venue for the performing arts for children in acting, singing and dance, BETAstages musicals as the vehicle to bring forth the talents of children ages 6 to 18. The organization offers a summer theater camp, voice, drama and dance lessons.

LOBLOLLY THEATRE COMPANY

(850) 439-3010

This theater company is located in the old Sacred Heart Building on 12th Avenue. Reservations are encouraged and productions are staged every week of the year, Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m.

IMOGENE THEATRE

(850) 626-9830

Inside the Milton Opera House in downtown Milton, the Imogene Theatre has been restored to its 1912 glamour by the Santa Rosa Historical Society. The theater offers live entertainment including dinner theater and dances. The building also houses Milton’s museum of local history.

BALLET PENSACOLA

(850) 432-9546, www.balletpensacola.com

Based in the Pensacola Cultural Center, Kaleidoscope is the dance education center of the K&BPorganization. Classes are offered in ballet, modern dance, jazz, and tap for students ages 3 through adult, beginner through advanced. Ballet Pensacola, the performing company, presents four major performances including Pensacola’s Nutcracker during its season. The Company also performs at many regional events such as the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival in Pensacola and the Florida Dance Festival in Miami.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

One of the Pensacola Bay Area’s many assets is that it is a pretty town that also has white sandy beaches and good weather. The old buildings are another part of its charm. Many of these buildings house the cultural events or museums that preserve that history.

HISTORIC PENSACOLA VILLAGE

(850) 595-5985, or (850) 595-5993, www.historicpensacola.org

The village is a grouping of museums devoted to West Florida history including the Museums of Industry & Commerce, the Julee Cottage Museum of Black History and the Dorr House, Lavalle House, Quina House, Barkley House and Weaver Cottage museums.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NAVAL AVIATION

(850) 452-3604,www.naval-air.org

This museum is one of the largest and most beautiful air and space museums in the world. There are more than 170 restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. You can enjoy a guided tour and soar with the Blue Angels in the dazzling seven- story glass and steel atrium that showcases four A-4 Skyhawks in a diamond formation. The west wing is devoted almost exclusively to World War II carrier aviation and showcases a full-size replica of USS Cabot’s aircraft carrier island and flight deck. The museum also houses an IMAX theater and the interactive, educational Flight Adventure Deck.

PENSACOLA CULTURAL CENTER

(850) 434-0257, 400 Jefferson St.

Located in the heart of Pensacola’s historic district is the Pensacola Cultural Center, home of the Pensacola Little Theatre (www.pensacolalittletheatre.com), West Florida Literary Federation and Kaleidoscope & Ballet Pensacola (www.balletpensacola. com). The center was constructed in 1912 as the county jail and county court of record. Private and public funding transformed the building into a 474- seat, state-of-the-art theater.

PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART

(850) 432-6247, www.pensacolamuseumofart.org

This museum is housed in the old city jail, built in 1906. It became the Pensacola Art Center in 1954 and the Pensacola Museum of Art in 1982. Throughout the museum, jail bars still frame doorways reminding visitors of the building’s historic past. The museum hosts 16 exhibitions a year as well as many educational programs for adults and children. Some highlights from 2005 were an Andy Warhol and Rodin exhibit.

T. T. WENTWORTH JR. FLORIDA STATE MUSEUM

(850) 595-5990, 330 S. Jefferson St., www.historicpensacola.org

The Renaissance Revival-style building was originally constructed as Pensacola’s City Hall in 1907. Today visitors can see galleries and exhibits featuring the collection of T.T. Wentworth, the largest ever given to the State of Florida by an individual. On the third floor is Discovery, a hands-on learning museum for children.

PENSACOLA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

(850) 433-1559, 115 E. Zaragosa St., www.pensacolahistory.org

Celebrating more than 75 years as keeper of Pensacola’s history, the Pensacola Historical Society operates a museum and resource center. The museum, located in the historic Arbona building, features exhibits of the area’s Native American, Colonial and American past.

BELMONT ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER

(850) 439-1222, 401 N. Reus St. in the Window Factory building

Where can you see actual live demonstrations of pottery and glassblowing in progress? The Belmont Arts and Cultural Center is a place for working artists. It is a not-for-profit facility for the creation, manufacturing, exhibition and sale of crafts such as blown glass, life drawing and ceramics. There is an openmike event every Thursday for musicians, writers and poets. Weekly classes are taught.

JAPAN HOUSE

(850) 474-3363, University of West Florida campus, www.uwf.edu/japanhouse

The University of West Florida’s Japan House showcases Japanese art and culture. The House offers many programs to help others gain an understanding and knowledge of the Japanese culture, including traditional tea ceremonies that are open to the public.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE SOCIETY

200 Church St., (850) 469-1299

This society was founded in 1990 to preserve, promote and perpetuate cultural diversity through partnership with public and private organizations. Its vision is to initiate, facilitate and promote the concept and practice of African-American culture and cultural diversity toward the full development of individual, organization and community life. Located in the historic Kate Coulson House, the society has produced a Pensacola African-American Heritage Trail brochure, which highlights more than 22 historically significant sites.

ST. MICHAEL’S CEMETERY

Corner of Alcaniz and Garden Streets www.stmichaelscemetery.org

This cemetery holds a lot of Pensacola history. It includes the graves of Pensacola’s famous and infamous, statesmen and slaves. Although officially established in 1807, the cemetery probably dates back to the 1700s. In recent years it has benefited from the establishment of Friends of St. Michael’s, an organization that has worked to restore the cemetery and develop it into a historical attraction.

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

www.pensacolawallsouth.org

This park at the corner of Ninth Avenue and Bayfront Parkway is home to Wall South, the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is also the site of Pensacola’s World War II memorial and other veterans memorials.

THE ZOO NORTHWEST FLORIDA

5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, (850) 932-2229, www.thezoonorthwestflorida.org

The ZOO is home to more than 600 exotic animals and includes a train ride, camel rides, a restaurant and gift shop. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE

This national park stretches 150 miles along the northeastern Gulf of Mexico from West Ship Island in Mississippi to the east end of Santa Rosa Island in Florida. It also encompasses barrier islands and mainland shoreline. Gulf Islands National Seashore is also home to several historic sites, including Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island and Fort Barrancas at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Hurricane Ivan devastated much of Gulf Islands National Seashore, destroying infrastructure and damaging historic sites. At this writing, Fort Pickens is open to visitors who can hike or boat to the park. A primitive camping site is open. But Fort Barrancas is open to the public. For the latest information about the status of the park and attractions, visit www.nps.gov/guis.

ANYTIME OF THE YEAR IS FESTIVAL TIME OF THE YEAR

Year round, the Pensacola Bay Area plays host to concerts, craft fairs, festivals, parades and other cultural activities. Here are just a few:

MARDI GRAS

Each year Mardi Gras is celebrated in the season leading up to Fat Tuesday, which is always the day before Ash Wednesday. Parades all around the area give children and adults an opportunity to catch beads and Moon Pies. Unlike New Orleans, however, Pensacola doesn’t celebrate Mardi Gras as an official holiday, so most businesses and schools stay open. Check the Pensacola News Journal as the season kicks off for complete information about Mardi Gras events.

GULF BREEZE CELEBRATES THE ARTS

(850) 944-6601

Every March, artists gather in Gulf Breeze for an arts festival that not only features art of adults from other states but also a whole section for children. The city and the local arts organization, Gulf Breeze Arts, sponsor the festival.

DADA GALLERY NIGHT

(850) 432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org

Three times a year, March, July and November, the Downtown Arts District Association holds Gallery Night, an evening of shopping, dining, live entertainment and a profusion of great art from 5 to 9 p.m. Residents hurry downtown as the galleries and businesses host everything from art exhibitions and live demonstrations to musical events and other cultural happenings. The event is free, open to the public and appropriate for the whole family. Trolleys provide free transportation from gallery to gallery, and maps and guides are available.

PENSACOLA BAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

(850) 434-0700, www.pensacolafilmfestival.com

This festival isn’t as well known as Sundance or Cannes, but on the Gulf Coast it’s the place to go for glitz and glamour. Actors, producers and directors show up every year for the March festival, which began in 2003.

The annual event features four days of great films, television series, receptions and awards ceremonies. More than 40 films are shown at various local theaters during the festival.

GULFCOAST RENAISSANCE FAIR

(877) 429-8462, www.gcrf.org

Jousting, music, food and dancing are hallmarks of this colorful event held the first weekend in March. Mobile also has a similar Renaissance fair the first weekend in November.

MILTON'S RIVERWALK FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

(850) 626-3376, or 623-8493

Artists sit along both sides of Riverwalk Park during Milton’s annual arts festival held in March. Riverwalk Park is in the heart of downtown Milton along the Blackwater River.

The festive weekend is filled with art, entertainment and food. Families can bring the younger set to enjoy the arts and participate in artistic projects at the Children’s Creation Station.

PENSACOLA JAZZFEST

(850) 433-8382, www.jazzpensacola.com

Pensacola 23rd annual JazzFest is scheduled for downtown’s historic Seville Square April 1-2. This free festival is administered by the Jazz Society of Pensacola with support from individuals and other organizations.

The mix of music covers a variety of jazz styles. There is a youth stage with programs designed to appeal to school-age children. This music festival attracts about 16,000 visitors over the two-day weekend.

WHITE SANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

(850) 994-6000, www.farmersopry.com

Regional musicians travel to perform in this annual bluegrass festival held in Chumuckla at the Farmers’ Opry. Performers in the April 2005 festival included Gary Waldrep, White Sands Panhandle Band, the Bluegrass Brothers and the Sawmill Band.

PENSACOLA CRAWFISH FIESTA

(850) 433-6512

Held in May at Bartram Park on Pensacola’s waterfront, this festival celebrates crawfish, but there’s plenty of jambalaya and red beans and rice to go around.

GRACEFEST

(850) 474-7223, www.gracefest.org

This annual festival of Christian music is held in September in downtown Pensacola. The festival attracts national performers and also features local acts.

FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN AT UWF

www.uwf.edu/festival

Every year, the University of West Florida hosts an arts festival on the grounds of the university in March or April. The event features arts and crafts, music and plenty of fun family entertainment.

MEMORIAL DAY

Pensacola takes time to honor its veterans on this day on board the Pensacola Naval Air Station and the Barrancas National Cemetery and other military sites around the area. Events are also held at the Wall South, a black granite, half-size replica of the Vietnam veteran’s memorial in Washington. It is located at the All Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of Ninth Avenue and Bayfront Parkway.

FIESTA OF FIVE FLAGS

(850) 433-6512, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org

The Fiesta of Five Flags features the reenactment of the landing of Tristan DeLuna, who founded Pensacola in 1559. Throughout May and June, festival events include reenactments, parades, balls, a sand sculpture contest and a treasure hunt.

PENSACOLA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

(850) 433-6512

Whatever kind of seafood is your favorite, you will find it at this festival. Held the fourth weekend in September, over 200 food venders will be on hand. It has developed into a major arts and crafts fair, which not only includes Seville Square but flows over and down Government Street.

GREEK FESTIVAL

(850) 433-2662

In the fall, residents know they will be able to enjoy some good Greek food and music at this two-day festival on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation at 1720 W. Garden St.

GREAT GULF COAST ARTS FESTIVAL

(850) 432-9906

The first weekend in November is dedicated to the largest arts festival in the Pensacola Bay Area. More than 200 fine-art and fine-craft exhibitors, performing artists and heritage artists exhibit at Seville Square and the surrounding streets. It attracts more than 150,000 people. The festival also features a children’s art and student art exhibits. Excellent food and drink are available throughout Seville Square. This family-oriented festival is consistently ranked in the top 200 fine-art and finecraft shows in the Art Fair Source Book.

FRANK BROWN INTERNATIONALSONGWRITER'S FESTIVAL

(850) 492-6838, www.fbisf.com

Named for the much-beloved Frank Brown, who was the night watchman at the Flora-Bama Lounge for 28 years, this fall festival attracts songwriters from all over the world to the stage at the Flora-Bama and to venues all over Pensacola, Perdido Key, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Ala.