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