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Behind the Scenes with COCA

Artist Kathy Wilcox

“Behind the Scenes with COCA” showcases artists at work in their studios. We love to see the creative process and learn more about how our artists of all genres make their artistic magic happen. Enjoy these social media albums below, and submit your own album here.

Tallahassee Bach Parley

A virtual concert features Valerie Prebys Arsenault playing Vilsmayr’s Suite II for scordatura violin, offering unique sonorities. Kim Jones performs a suite by Dall’Abaco for cello. The finale includes Arsenault, Jones, and Charles E. Brewer playing Heinrich Franz Biber’s Sonata X, the Crucifixion, also for scordatura violin. Arsenault will host a pre-concert chat, providing insights into the music. See their feature here.

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

Hear the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jon Kimura Parker in the 20-21 Season Finale online concert! This eclectic program features Mozart, Shostakovich, Scott Joplin, Oscar Peterson, and music from the Wizard of Oz. The performance begins streaming Saturday, March 27, and will be available to view on-demand until Saturday, April 3. See their feature here.

621 Gallery

621 Gallery, a non-profit contemporary art space, hosts monthly exhibitions and diverse programming, including artist talks and workshops. This month, artists Kate Kinder, Susan Hensel, and Kalee Appleton are featured. Attend the closing reception on March 26 for refreshments and music, celebrating their exhibitions. All are welcome in this safe space for creativity and conversation. See their feature here.

Southern Shakespeare Company

The Southern Shakespeare Company provides Tallahassee’s free Shakespeare in the Park at the Southern Shakespeare Festival in Cascades Park every Spring. Their team of theatre technicians and designers are hard at work on their 2021 comedy production: Twelfth Night — set in the Ottoman Empire! See their feature here.

Theater with a Mission

Theater with a Mission (TWAM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to portraying significant moments in Florida’s history through plays. Comprising actors, scholars, and cultural explorers, TWAM aims to highlight Florida’s multicultural roots. Their ongoing project, “Florida for Sale,” explores the state’s 200th anniversary of becoming U.S. territory. Recently, due to COVID-19, the play’s format shifted from an immersive experience in Tallahassee to a film, set to debut at the Loco for Love virtual festival on March 27, 2021. See their feature here.

SAIL High School Chalk Walk 2021

SAIL students took over the sidewalks on the school’s campus to create a two-dimensional gallery that featured Florida artists of all disciplines. Check out how they did it!
The annual Chalk Walk event is produced by COCA and our partners the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and Leon County Schools to showcase arts education advocacy in conjunction with Arts Week at the Florida State Capitol. See their feature here.

Lincoln High School Chalk Walk 2021

Under the guidance of Lincoln High School art teacher Marilyn Proctor Givens, five students completed a chalk artwork in honor of Florida artist Daniel Wynn. Led by student photographer Jaden Story, the team worked diligently over several days. This was part of the annual Chalk Walk event, organized by COCA and partners, to advocate for arts education during Arts Week at the Florida State Capitol. See their feature here.

Shena Kamata, Lincoln High School Chalk Walk

Shena Kamata, a digital student at Lincoln High School, decided to join the 2021 Chalk Walk event by transforming her home’s driveway into a canvas. She opted to recreate an artwork by Florida artist Gary Borse using chalk. The Chalk Walk event, organized by COCA in collaboration with the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and Leon County Schools, aims to promote arts education advocacy during Arts Week at the Florida State Capitol. See here feature here.

Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA)

In the Fall of 2020, MoFA sought proposals from local artists for a new mural project. They were asked one question: What kinds of images do you think are missing from the MoFA campus? Sam McCoy’s and Christopher Rivera’s “Paper Trails” enlivens the museum’s courtyard with its pops of tropical color and collage-like composition. Over two weeks in February, McCoy and Rivera worked together to fashion this lush riff on the traditional landscape. See their feature here.

Tallahassee Downtown

Tallahassee Downtown is an organization aimed at ‘making downtown work better.’ They collaborate with downtown businesses to promote downtown Tallahassee as a growing destination for development – business, entrepreneurship, ongoing education, resources, and entertainment for any individual. See their feature here.

Tallahassee Youth Orchestras

The Tallahassee Youth Orchestras (TYO) and guest artist Avis Berry will present “Justice: From Siberia to Alabama” on February 21 at 3:00 pm. The concert, exploring human history and resilience, will feature TYO Symphony and Chamber Orchestra performing works by Copland and Leyden, along with traditional spirituals. The event will be live-streamed from The Moon in Tallahassee. See their feature here.

Grant Peeples

Tallahassee artist Grant Peeples has stayed busy during lockdown by tending to his garden, raising chickens, and continuing his creative work. He shares poetry on social media, is working on a new album, and ran a personal marathon as a fundraiser. Grant is studying Shakespeare and hosts the online series ‘Clay Tablets,’ with the final episode airing on YouTube Live on February 16th at 8:30 pm EST. See his feature here.

Knight Creative Communities Institute

The Art of the Box Project by KCCI turns traffic control boxes into outdoor art in Tallahassee. Local artists’ works are printed on vinyl wraps, enhancing streetscapes. Launched in September 2020, it revealed six boxes and added three more in January 2021. KCCI, a local nonprofit, focuses on “sense of place” projects for economic mobility. The 2021 Community Catalyst Team continues and expands the initiative to enhance public art in the city. See their feature here.

Southern Shakespeare Company

Katy Fedore, the visionary costume designer for Southern Shakespeare Company, has been bringing whimsy and historical accuracy to productions for two years. Currently, she’s working on costumes for the May production of Twelfth Night set in the Ottoman Empire. See their feature here.

Spring House Benefit Concert

Tallahassee musicians Dr. Samuel Peliska, Natasha Marsalli, Ken Davis, Hunter Sanchez, and Ryan Snapp are teaming up with the Spring House Institute to raise funds for the restoration of Spring House, the only Florida residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The musicians, known for their performances with regional symphony orchestras, aim to contribute to the preservation of this historically significant home by donating all proceeds from their concert to the Spring House Institute. See their feature here.

Eliza Schneider-Green

Eliza Schneider-Green of The Silk and Cotton Shop shifted from making greeting cards to sewing masks full-time since March 2020 due to the pandemic. Working from her studio apartment, she has crafted nearly 10,000 masks and plans to continue until the demand diminishes. Find her masks on Etsy and at Quarter Moon Imports in Tallahassee and The Bookshelf in Thomasville.See her feature here.

Del Suggs & Pierce Pettis

Pierce Pettis and Del Suggs have been touring the world and performing their own songs since they both graduated from Florida State. While they don’t tour together, for over 35 years they’ve returned to Tallahassee to present “The Almost Christmas Concert” this weekend! It’s a chance for the two friends to get caught up with each other and to make music. That’s a gift for them, and for the community. See their feature here.

Camerata South

Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a free live performance by Camerata South at the Thomasville Center for the Arts on December 17 at 6:30 PM. The concert features Beethoven’s unique Septet, with conductor Scott Speck discussing Beethoven’s musical legacy. The talented ensemble includes Jonathan Holden, Robert Alexander, Jonathan Gannon, Edward Charity, Miriam Tellechea, Boyan Bonev, and Christian Marshall. See their feature here.

Once Great Estate

Once Great Estate, a five-piece Americana band formed by Tracy Horenbein in 2018, blends dark Americana and Southern Gothic elements in their music. Tracy leads on vocals and guitar, accompanied by a talented lineup of multi-instrumentalists. They’ve performed at various venues and festivals. Currently, the band is recording a full-length album at Tallahassee’s Indianhead Factory studio. See their feature here.

Cheryl Sattler

Cheryl Sattler makes glass art in her 2400 square foot studio, Imagine That! Glass, in Quincy, Florida. She creates wall hangings, vessels, and tableware featuring Florida’s vibrant colors and textures. See her feature here.

Scott Geraci

Scott Geraci, a Tallahassee artist, transitioned from photography to sculpture and installation during his art studies at FSU. For the past two years, he has been exclusively working with pen and ink on wood. His art has been exhibited at local venues, and on December 12, he is hosting a socially distant open studio and sidewalk sale in Midtown, offering visitors a chance to explore his studio and buy original pieces. See his feature here.

Saylor Dollar

Saylor Dollar is the songwriting team of Dale and Lisa Dollar based in Tallahassee. Together, they have written more than 50 original songs. Their repertoire is an eclectic mix of acoustic music featuring vocals, guitar, and violin. See their feature here.

Music Lessons Express

Music Lessons Express in Tallahassee provides flexible music lessons for all ages and locations, offering private or group lessons in their studio, your home, or a location of your choice. With a staff of thirty professional instructors, they cover a range of instruments seven days a week. See their feature here.

Susan Stelzmann

Tallahassee Clay Arts, led by Sue Stelzmann, has a new location with facilities for ceramic artists. Classes are offered, and a “Handmade Holiclays Potter Sale” is scheduled for December 4-5. Sue Stelzmann will be part of a panel on entrepreneurial artistry at “stART: The Art of Entrepreneurship” on November 17, sharing tips for success during the Covid-19 era with other local artists. See her feature here.

Challenger Learning Center

Join SCIturdays at the Challenger Learning Center for family-friendly STEAM workshops every second and fourth Saturday. On November 14, learn about upcycling and create crafts from recyclable materials at home, including glowing plastic bottle bugs, cork critters, and paper tube koi fish. See their feature here.

Rosemary Jagoe

Discover the artistic brilliance of Rosemary Jagoe at the Autumn Artisans Faire hosted by LeMoyne Arts this Saturday, October 24. Enjoy the open-air setting of the Helen Lind Garden as artisan booths showcase hand-crafted treasures in glass, wood, ceramics, fabrics, and jewelry. Join us for a delightful day of art appreciation and unique finds. See her feature here.

Southern Shakespeare Company

Enjoy the Southern Shakespeare Company’s A Mini-Midsummer Night’s Dream on October 24th under the oak canopy at Thomasville Center for the Arts. This free, one-hour outdoor performance, featuring original music and comedy, is perfect for the whole family. Bring your masks, lawn chairs, and blankets for a magical evening with a talented cast of 12 actors. Don’t miss the fun! See their feature here.

Tallahassee Youth Orchestras

Tune in for the Tallahassee Youth Orchestras’ (TYO) Fall Concert streamed live from The Moon Tallahassee on October 18th at 3:00 PM. Enjoy performances by TYO’s talented ensembles, including a special appearance by Kye Richardson, 2020 Concerto Competition winner, playing Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 with the Symphony Orchestra. Free admission for a musical treat! See their feature here.

Randy Traynor

Randy Traynor is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. His images have been published on magazine covers and are on display at public buildings and art galleries. He has been the Artist-in-Residence for the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. See his feature here.

Mary Jo Spector

Artist Mary Jo Spector will be displaying her works at the Autumn Artisans Faire hosted by LeMoyne Arts. Staged entirely outside in the open air, the Faire will welcome shoppers to artisan booths set up throughout the beautiful Helen Lind Garden. See her feature here.

April Fitzpatrick

As an artist, art therapist, and founder of Pineapples with Purpose, April’s creative expression collides with her cultural exeriences, which have imposed a powerful influence on her art process and professional endeavors. She draws influence from Black psychology, the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and Souls Grown Deep. See her feature here.

Seepersaud Studios

Seepersaud Studios is a multicultural and holistic music education center. They specialize in music lessons, artist development, and studio recording. Owners Chris and Therese Seepersaud are known for their versatility, kindness, and ability to tailor every lesson to individual student needs. See their feature here.

Lee Simmons

Lee retired in 1985, left North Carolina in 1991, and moved to Tallahassee to be near her daughter Terrie Corbett. Although she prefers the quiet of working alone and without deadlines, Lee does like to get together and play with new products and try different processes, often in Terrie’s and Charlie’s studio. See Lee’s feature here.

Elvi Nichols

Elvi took her first painting lessons in 2011 at Lafayette Park and has since loved it. She loves to recreate memories of places and people in her life and be surrounded by these paintings, some of which she wants to pass down to her daughter as a legacy of her past. See Elvi’s feature here.

Quia Atkinson

Quia, artist and owner of QZ Design Gallery, specializes in modern abstract and contemporary art with a focus on resin, mixed media, crystals, and glass. Her work is known for its visually stunning three-dimensional appearance with each piece being custom made and one of a kind. See Quia’s feature here.

Jeff Ripple

Jeff is dedicated to poetic realism in landscape painting. Many of his studio paintings are from imagination, drawing from experiences, contemplation, and a sense of wonder in the landscape. See Jeff’s feature here.

Debbie and Randy Brienen  

Randy and Debby are a husband and wife art team working out of their home studio in Tallahassee, FL. They recently held a front lawn art exhibit in their neighborhood. See their feature here.

Kent Putnam 

Kent is retired from a legal career and now devotes his time and efforts to photography. His favorite subjects include landscapes, architecture, and patterns of light and shadow. See Kent’s feature here.

Jim Russell  

Jim is immersed in painting works inspired by his emotional and experiential drives. Jim says he loves to paint everything but especially enjoys paintings heavy in emotional symbolism. See Jim’s feature here.

Natalia Andreeva    

Natalia is an artist from Novosibirsk, Siberia. During her classical education in the canons of European art, she was greatly influenced by eastern philosophy. See Natalia’s feature here.

Deitra Kemmer

Kemmer Deitra Kemmer is a self-taught artist who specializes in upcycled crafts. She enjoys taking found materials and turning them into something beautiful. See Deitra’s feature here.

Marina Brown

Marina’s studio is modestly located in her home and consists of an art table, four-drawer cloth chest, and easel. She is surrounded by memorabilia from family and travels, as well as award-winning books that she has written. See Marina’s feature here.

Kathy Wilcox

Artist Kathy Wilcox works with enamel, a vitreous powdered glass that is fused to copper by firing in a kiln. Her favorite enamels to work on are wall pieces that often depict plants and animal life, particularly birds and fish. See Kathy’s feature here.

Yoshiko Murdick

Yoshiko’s Art House welcomes all who are interested in art, especially watercolors. Her paintings include a variety of subject matters such as people, landscapes, waterbirds, and abstract images. See Yoshiko’s feature here.

Erica Passage

In her small backyard studio, Erica creates one-of-a-kind handmade pottery inspired by the lush Florida landscape, fleeting moments found in nature with her favorite cat Lil Sheba. See Erica’s feature here.

Diane Dyal

Diane has a number of easels where she paints her large-, medium-, and small-scale acrylic paintings with plenty of room for reference materials. She enjoys painting, creating, making greeting cards, and photographing daily. See Diane’s feature here.

Ken Misner

Ken’s work is primarily about life in Florida and the American South. In his Tallahassee studio, he produces reality-based or abstract works. See Ken’s feature here.

Terrie Corbett

Terrie uses traditional painting and drawing techniques combined with personal mark-making to create abstract and expressive pieces. She enjoys challenging the rules, the materials, and the processes. See Terrie’s feature here.

Lesley Nolan

Lesley loves the ability to make a creative mess and close the door until the next day, cleaning later to clear her head and the studio for the next creation. See Lesley’s feature here.

Miriam Tellechea

Miriam teaches violin and viola at her private studio to students of all ages. In addition to private instruction, she also performs with many orchestras in the region including the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. See Miriam’s feature here.

Ruth Nickens

Ruth’s Glass Creations had its humble beginnings on top of her washing machine. When she outgrew that, she built a bigger house with a huge garage, half of which was transformed into her studio. See Ruth’s feature here.