A fusion of artistic creations surrounded the studio, while sounds of eclectic rock pulsed throughout the room.
Fine wines, hors d’oeuvres and many people circled the floor of the World Ballet Inc. last Saturday for Wine Dance and Art.
The event showcased 17 artists from across the state, including some legends. Many visitors were excited about the event some were in complete awe.
“I am so honored to have people like the legendary Isaac Knight of the Highwaymen come all the way from Tampa to show his art,” said Henry Hernandez, a founder and artistic director of WBI.
WBI is relatively new to the city, but Hernandez said the doors are always open for creative collaboration.
“I am really a promoter for the arts,” Hernandez said. “My first love is ballet, but the other forms are great too.”
Some of the dancers performed a piece Hernandez calls “Seven Deadly Sins.” The dancers range in age from elementary school to college. Auditions are held twice a year for company artists and junior artists.
Danielle Faherty, a Florida State student has been dancing for WBI for the past three years. She said that rehearsing for the showcase was really time-consuming but the outcome made it all worth it.
“This event was really important to show the younger girls the diversity of art, so that they can develop appreciation for the forms of it outside of dance,” Faherty said.
However, the resident artist for Riley House Museum, Eluster Richardson, talked about his marketing tools and why his work still sells with the heavy weighted price tags.
“Presentation is everything,” Richardson said. “It is the key to marketing, especially in visual arts. My work is expensive so I give my audiences what they want.”
His work ranges from $300-$12,000. He is best known for his watercolor painting.
“It’s always exciting to come back home,” said Issac Knight of the infamous Highwaymen.
“The value on painting has gone up more because people appreciate my art more now. I think it’s something great for young people to see.”
Proceeds from the silent auction will go to World Ballet’s World of Rock production May 5-6 in Lee Hall Auditorium.