First Coast Cultural Center and 4th Annual Beaches - A Celebration of the Arts event raises $95,000

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - May 16, 2023 - PRLog -- This year's Beaches - A Celebration of the Arts annual fundraising event held on May 7 at Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. has raised $95,000 to support educational programs at First Coast Cultural Center. The nonprofit is a gathering place to learn, experience, and appreciate the arts and culture in its many forms. For more than 28 years, the organization has provided opportunities for adults, children and families through classes, exhibits, programs, music therapy services for children with disabilities, activities, and memberships open to the local community, and beyond.

The Art of Giving Award was presented to Scott A. Grant, President and CEO of Standfast Asset Management, LLC, who is committed to funding and sustaining arts and culture programs in the community. Other nominees  included Connecting Thru Music, Jax BouqCake, and the Russian Imperial Ballet Academy LLC Jax City Ballet.

The Emerging Artist Award was presented to Rocio Bruzos Niubo with Jax BouqCake as an emerging artist who displays great accomplishments with her craft medium and artistry.

The Ron and Hilah Autrey Arts Education and Advocacy Awards were presented to Holly Blanton and Heather Blanton, fine artists and advocates who have advanced the arts and provide education about the value of creativity in the community. Nominees were also Scott A. Grant and Jax BouqCake.

The Community Impact Award was presented to Juliana Koutouzakis, an educator with Panache, an Aveda Store, Salon and Spa of St. Augustine. She has demonstrated a tangible and measurable development of the arts and culture in the community. Koutouzakis is also the creator of the Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show established 15 years ago in St. Augustine, Fla. Other nominees were Beaches Fine Arts Series; Scott A. Grant; Dr. Arun C. Gulani; Jax BouqCake; Sally "FitFit" Reyes, and Antonio Carlos Scott.

The Irene Lazzara's Beaches, A Celebration of the Arts Award was presented to Beaches Fine Arts Series which offers world-class music and dance in an annual season of free performances. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the arts and culture are deeply rooted in the everyday life of the community. Other nominees were Scott A. Grant; Jenny Hager; Jax BouqCake, and Juliana Koutouzakis.

Additionally, The Chair's Award for Promising Artist was awarded to Phili Bland with Panache and the Love Your Mother Eco Fashion Show.

Visit the website at https://firstcoastculturalcenter.org.