Out2News Arts & Entertainment
Celebrating Beauty Earned – A Night of Wisdom, Art, and Honor in Jensen Beach
Presented by JoLee Art & Photography
In Photo: Kenya Reinhardt of 4Kids of the TC
Jensen Beach - On the evening of Friday, May 9, the Jensen Beach Community Center was transformed into a luminous celebration of resilience, grace, and womanhood. Presented by JoLee Art & Photography, the “Women of Wisdom” gallery show honored 42 extraordinary women over the age of 50—each personally photographed by fine art photographer Joanna Lee Kilgore as part of her ongoing “Celebrate Beauty Earned” series.
This third installment in Kilgore’s gallery experience series drew a full house, with crowds gathering well before the doors opened. What unfolded was far more than an art exhibit—it was a heartfelt tribute to a generation of women who too often go unseen.
“This demographic is rarely celebrated in the public eye,” said Kilgore. “I wanted to create something that not only uplifts them, but also changes the way we see aging. Aging is a triumph, not a tragedy.”
The show’s powerful message—“We don’t mourn beauty lost, we celebrate beauty earned”—was felt in every detail. Each portrait was accompanied by a personal message of wisdom from the women featured, offering a glimpse into lives richly lived and lessons deeply learned. Guests moved through the exhibit with reverence and awe, many moved to tears, laughter, and reflection.
Though the event was entirely free to the public, attendees were encouraged to support 4KIDS of the Treasure Coast, a nonprofit dedicated to creating stable, loving homes for children in foster care. Representatives from 4KIDS were present throughout the evening to share their mission and connect with the community.
Attendees were also invited to book a session with JoLee Art & Photography, continuing the spirit of celebration beyond the gallery walls. “Every woman deserves to see herself through the lens of honor,” said Kilgore. “That’s the heart of what I do.”
From the expressive violin music to the steady hum of conversation, the Women of Wisdom gallery experience was alive with energy, connection, and celebration. It was not a quiet reflection in a gallery hall—it was a vibrant, joyful gathering of people coming together to honor beauty, wisdom, and the women who carry it with grace. Rather than fading, beauty was seen in full bloom—earned, embraced, and celebrated.
For more information or to book a session, contact: joannaleekilgore@gmail.com
To support 4KIDS of the Treasure Coast, visit: www.4kids.us
In Photo: Christa Stone
In Photo: Kenya Reinhardt of 4Kids TC, Dawn Cushing and Debbie Greer
In Photo: Joanna Kilgore and Donna DeMarchi
In Photo: Christine Sell, Ildiko Haidacher, Tracy Yodice, Joanna Kilgore, Penny Cooke and Jay Kacprowicz
In Photo: Ellen Contreras
In Photo: Kris Conyers, Amy Hass and April Bekech
In Photo: Kallee Jackson and Joanna Kilgore
In Photo: Georgette Beck
In Photo: Liliana and Joanna Kilgore
Stairway to Heaven/Digital Projector Projects
In Photo: Board Chair Chris Cichorek and Exec. Dir. Marisa Quijano present a plaque dedicating the new handrails
Article by Christopher Cichorek/Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham
Fort Pierce – On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the Sunrise Theatre Foundation, along with the Sunrise Theatre staff and volunteers, City of Fort Pierce officials, and sponsors attended a dedication ceremony for two major projects sponsored and funded by the Sunrise Theatre Foundation.
What started as an idea from volunteer usher and unofficial Sunrise Theatre historian, Tony Lella, has become a reality, thanks to the Sunrise Theatre Foundation and its many friends and donors. The lobby staircase now has additional handrails to assist patrons' entrance into the main theater. He presented his idea of adding additional handrails to both the Sunrise Theatre Advisory Board and the Sunrise Theatre Foundation as a safety measure that was needed. The Foundation listened and responded to the call, deciding to take this on as their first capital project to enhance the Theatre’s infrastructure.
Code named “Stairway to Heaven”, The Foundation wished to honor past Executive Director of the Theatre, John Wilkes. Fundraising activities commenced quickly with the participation of many long-term theatre supporters like Donna Regan and the Wilkes family, the project really took off. In the Fall of 2023, the Foundation had reached its financial goal to complete the project under the direction of the Theatre’s Technical Director, Holland Ryan.
Acting Director of the Theatre, Marisa Quijano said: “The handrails came out great. They look like they’ve been there all along.”
The evolution of technology has profoundly transformed the performing arts landscape, making it crucial for venues like the Sunrise Theatre to stay ahead of the curve. Today's performances are not just about the music or the acting; they are immersive experiences that incorporate stunning visuals, graphics, and videos that elevate the audience's engagement. As artists seek to deliver unforgettable performances, they demand high-definition video projectors to enhance their shows.
Unfortunately, the Sunrise Theatre has been relying on outdated projection technology, which falls short of these expectations. This gap forces the Theatre to incur substantial costs by renting high-definition equipment at $7,000 per show, a financial burden that impacts the Theatre’s ability to provide quality live arts events. By investing in state-of-the-art video projectors, the Theatre can attract top-tier talent, enrich the performing arts experience for our community, and ensure that every show is a memorable event while reducing operating expenses by about $100,000 annually.
Thanks to the incredible support from our community, highlighted by several successful fundraising events and a generous seed donation from the Michael Brown Family, the Foundation was able to procure a state-of-the-art Vivitek Laser Projector for the Theatre's use. This significant upgrade promises to enhance the performing arts experience for the Theatre’s patrons, bringing a new level of vibrancy and clarity to our productions. It represents not only a commitment to improving our facilities but also aligns perfectly with the Foundation's mission to foster accessibility and arts education within the Treasure Coast community.
Our innovative collaboration with Technical Director Holland Ryan, has led to the successful acquisition of a cutting-edge digital projector from Illuminate Production Services, a local gem here in Fort Pierce, FL. This high-tech marvel, first showcased during the unforgettable performance by the legendary Beach Boys, promises to elevate the quality of our productions and enrich the cultural experiences, all while saving tens of thousands of dollars in rental fees each year! These savings will not only help the Theatre to reach its financial goals but also pave the way for our next ambitious project: replacing the outside marquee with stunning high-definition digital screens that will keep our community informed about upcoming events.
For more information on the Foundation please visit their website www.sunrisetheatrefoundation.com.
Contact - Christopher J Cichorek 772-200-4766
In Photo: Technical Director Holland Ryan with the newly installed projector
In Photo: Donna Regan, Darryl Bey and Vickie Colter
In Photo: Chris & Suzie Widing, Julie & Brad Wheler
In Photo: Jeff Janocsko & Kathy Post
In Photo: Marisa Quijano, Shyanne Harnage and Joe Sweat
In Photo: Current Board members at the new handrails- (left) Vickie Colter and Chris Cichorek (right) Wendy Freider, Nancy Archer and Chris Widing
In Photo: Emily & Anthony Lella
In Photo: Ken & Pam Barclay
In Photo: Current and Past Board Members- (Left) Brad Wheler, Vickie Colter, Paul Dasso and Chris Cichorek (right) Wendy Freider, Nancy Archer, Chris Widinga and Kathy Post
