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