Nonprofit of the Year Awarded to Art Armory Center

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – May 28, 2021 – The Armory Art Center was named Nonprofit of the Year for 2021, awarded by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches today. Board members and staff were present as CEO, Tom Pearson accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

During the most challenging year, the Armory Art Center’s team came together and refocused their efforts to offer virtual programming and in-person classes practicing all CDC guidelines and policies. The virtual programming kept the students of all ages engaged with the Armory as well as allowing them to escape the pandemic with their art. Today, the Armory staff is working on a new capital campaign, the Reimagination Campaign for the future.

The Armory Art Center CEO, Tom Pearson said “This honor goes to our outstanding staff, and our 40 adjunct instructors that make a difference in the lives of our community every day “.

Currently at the Armory:

The Virtual in Real Life exhibition is open now through June 5 in the East Gallery featuring the work created from near and far by Armory artists in virtual classes during an unprecedented year.

The Estate of Artist Jane Tracy: Exhibition & Sale exhibition is open to the public featuring a magnificent, diverse collection of paintings on display through June 4-5 in Montgomery Hall. A special 3-day closing sale Thursday, June 3-Saturday, June 5 with new paintings being added to the exhibition for viewing and purchase. All works are for sale and proceeds will benefit the Armory.

The Armory Art Center invites the community to enjoy a luxury group day-trip to Miami’s iconic Ice Palace Studios to experience Beyond Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience on Wednesdays leaving from the Armory at 9:30 am now through July 11. Tickets are $99 per person and to make a reservation visit the Armory’s on-campus Registrar’s Desk, or call 561.832.1776.

Summer Art Experience for ages 6-18 offers weekly themed camps from June 21-August 6.

Week-long sessions offer artists hands-on exploration of various creative, diverse techniques, and opportunities to sharpen skills and tap into new interests. Courses offered in the Armory’s in-person, and virtual studios throughout the summer, include drawing, painting, digital media, and more! Each course was carefully created to facilitate free expression and encourage learning.

Upcoming at the Armory:

The Armory recently announced the return of the 5th Annual West Palm Beach Arts Festival presented by the Armory Art Center (December 4 & 5) featuring local, national, and international artists, live music, demonstrations, food trucks, and activities for all ages. The campus hosts space for up to eighty 10’x10’ tents, socially distanced, throughout the Armory’s campus. Artists are invited to apply by July 2, 2021. This festival has a juried application process, and all artists must apply to a category: 2-D (drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media) or 3-D (ceramics, sculpture, fiber, jewelry, glass, furniture.) The festival brings over 6,000 visitors and 95 artists from across the country.

Recognitions and Accolades:

This year, the Armory Art Center has been recognized with: the Legacy Award at the Muse Awards by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, the Best place to take an art class by the Florida Weeky, finalist for Best Entertainment and Leisure (Art Gallery) by the Palm Beach Post, and nominee for Outstanding Medium Size Nonprofit by Nonprofits First.

About the Armory Art Center:

The Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The Armory has served the community for over 30 years. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from pre-school to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics, and sculpture are held in 12 state-of-the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries.

Exhibitions, lectures, and special events are open to the public. For information, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832.1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.