OUR COMMUNITY

“T

his was a crazy idea we had 
a year ago, but our friends 
helped us” said Rabbi Levi 
Shemtov of Friendship Circle. The rabbi is 
referencing “Soiree in the Sunshine State,
” 
an event filled with extraordinary art, food 
and libations. More than 160 patrons and 
friends attended the event and auction. 
The evening began with schmoozing 
and viewing the exhibition at the Arts 
Warehouse in Delray Beach, Florida. A 

variety of media, from oil paintings to 
ceramics to digital art and more by Soul 
Studio’s participating artists filled the space. 
Upon entering the gallery, visitors were 
handed a booklet of the displayed artwork 
and an explanation of the artist’s inspira-
tions. The auction raised $33,300. 
Friendship Circle, founded in 1994 by 
Rabbi Levi and Bassie Shemtov in West 
Bloomfield, is a nonprofit organization 
that supports children, teens and adults 

with special needs and their families. One 
of its many projects is the Vera and Joesph 
Dresner Foundation Soul Studio. The stu-
dio is a professional art space and gallery 
encouraging the creativity of any individ-
ual with cognitive or physical disabilities, 
regardless of artistic talent. Completed art-
work is displayed in a curated exhibition at 
the studio and other venues. 
“The vision of the Rebbe inspired us to 
help one person at a time and to see the big-
ger picture,
” said Bassie Shemtov. “We have 
many friends in Florida, and we needed to 
bring the artists and the artwork to the next 
level,
” she added. She described the Arts 
Warehouse space as a new and exciting plat-
form to showcase the talent.
Artist Dylan Somberg, 28, of Shelby 

Friendship Circle hosted an elegant evening in 
Palm Beach County, showcasing the talent from 
the Soul Studio Art Program.

Sensational 
Sensational 
Soiree in the 
Soiree in the 
Sunshine State
Sunshine State

20 | MARCH 31 • 2022 

CARLA SCHWARTZ SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS | PHOTOS BY LIZA KUE

Dylan and Jeannine Somberg

LIZA KUE/FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

