Gil has served the city of Plant City in various capacities for many, many years. He was a professor at HCC, Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Plant City Kiwanis Club, Board Member of the Arts Council, to most recently serving as the Executive Director for the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center since its inception- which is twenty-one years! Gil was recognized by the City of Plant City Commission with a Proclamation for his service. Mayor Rick Lott presented Gil with the Proclamation at the commission meeting on September 27 and again at his retirement celebration on September 30. We celebrated Gil and his service to our community on September 30 at the Photo Archives and History Center. Gil’s official retirement date was October 1, but he will continue to work behind the scenes for awhile to make a smooth transition for the new Executive Director, Samantha Poirier .
Summer Membership Social
We were fortunate to be able to bring back the annual Arts Council Membership Social this year. On Sunday, July 25, we hosted the social event at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center. Food, fun, fellowship and friends was the recipe for a few hours of much needed time spent together.
Tampa History Center Field Trip
Gwen Thomas, Vice President of the Arts Council put together a field trip for the board to visit and dine at the Tampa History Center in downtown Tampa. We all enjoyed an afternoon learning more about Tampa Bay and having a delicious lunch at the Columbia Restaurant. Gwen was very surprised when her son called ahead and had a cake delivered at lunch. It was an eventful and tasty day!
Chocolate & Wine Sculpture Tour
The Art Council enjoyed a February walking tour of the sculptures led by Gil Gott. Gil did an outstanding job as our tour guide and included such interesting facts about each sculpture. The winners of the Snap a Selfie were also invited to join us and pick up their prizes. Thank you Gil Gott, Melanie Knox and the Plant City Photo Archives for this lovely event. We look forward to having the J. Seward Sculptures visit Plant City again.
Donation to Winthrop Arts, Inc.
On December 1st, the Art Council invited Bryant Martinez and Kathy Collins to meet with the Board to discuss their program. Winthrop Arts, Inc. has an art education program in Riverview as well as two mobile art factories(Plant City and Wimauma) They have partnered with the Hispanic Services Council, a non profit the helps Latino families ensure success of their children. Every Thursday, Bryant works with a small group at a local church in Plant City. Their latest art creation can be seen in the courtyard of Krazy Kup.
The Art Council presented Bryant and Kathy a check for $250 to help aid in their Plant City success. Peggy Hyde matched the boards donation because she had worked with Hispanic children in a tutoring program for 13 years.
Donation to Golden Rule Child Care Center
Each year the Art Council donates funds to Golden Rule Child Care to go on an art related field trip with their students. This year due to COVID, they were unable too. Instead, our donation helped the Child Care Center buy supplies to make their own masks:) Even wearing the masks we could see their smiling faces. What incredible little artist!
Thank you Unity in the Community
A huge thank you to Sharon Moody from Unity in the Community, Inc. for presenting the Art Council with a $3,000 donation. We were all so surprised and thankful when Sharon visited us on our August 20 for our board meeting. The board had not been able to meet since February due to COVID-19. This boosted our spirits!
