Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Artists at Palm-Aire open their 23rd season with circus theme, circus legends


Pedro Reis, Helen Martin (Committee chair) and Dolly Jacobs.
Provided photo by Nan Miller

The Art Association of Palm-Aire opened its 32nd season with a champagne luncheon this month at the Palm-Aire Country Club, reports Charleen Gorbet.

Famed aerialist Dolly Jacobs and her husband Pedro Reis spoke to the packed house about their life in the circus, and Dolly added anecdotes about her father Lou Jacobs, renowned as one of the foremost professional clowns in the world.  His star was installed on the Circus Ring of Fame at St. Armand’s Circle in 1988.

If Lou was known as King of the Clowns, Dolly was Queen of the Air.  Her many accolades include her own star on the Circus Ring of Fame, awarded in 1997.  But Dolly did not speak of these; she and Pedro, who met on a circus tour, now share their passion for circus arts as founders of The Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota.

They developed and manage Circus Sarasota and its youth version, Sailor Circus.  Through teaching, outreach into the community, and performance, they promote and help to maintain the love of circus for which Sarasota is famous.

The circus theme was carried out with table decorations made by the members, and a  menu that used champagne in each dish.




Judy Hall with table decoration honoring Lou Jacobs.
Provided photo by Nan Miller

Circus scene became table decoration.
Provided photo by Nan Miller



Thursday, November 6, 2014

Here's a chance to check out the lemurs of Myakka City: annual open house is set for Nov. 8

Lemurs at Myakka City reserve.
Herald file photo


MYAKKA CITY — It's not every day that the public has a chance to see the beautiful and rare lemurs of Myakka City.

But there is an opportunity 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, when the Myakka City Lemur Reserve has its annual open house .

The reserve is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar through captive breeding, scientific research, and education, according to the reserve's website.

Planned at the free family-friendly open house are food and beverages, lemur-themed games and fun.

To RSVP and get directions to the 100-acre reserve, send an email to nhendrickson@lemurreserve.org.

For a gallery of photos, click here:
http://www.bradenton.com/2014/06/10/5197846_lemur-conservation-foundation.html?rh=1

For more about Myakka City Lemur Reserve, visit:

http://www.lemurreserve.org/mission.html