It turns out this Chamber is full of talent! The Poinciana Area Council made a creative pandemic pivot last week by hosting their first ever virtual paint night via Zoom. The Poinciana Area Council has offered a scholarship award to graduating Poinciana-area seniors for over a decade. Since 2017, the scholarship has been largely funded by PAC’s signature event, PoincianaFest. This popular community and vendor festival has been held at the new Valencia College Poinciana Campus each October and drawn crowds of people who come out to meet local businesses, watch area students perform, create take-home crafts, and hear from community leaders. With the pandemic still in full force last October, it was not possible to host this event and benefit from the fundraising it provides.
2021 PAC Chairman Crystal Bethea of Riviera Spa Massage developed the idea of a virtual paint night to help supplement the scholarship fund as PAC prepares to reward two local seniors this spring. Attendees at this virtual event learned the step-by-step process of creating their own artwork from the comfort of their homes. Each attendee received a 12×16 inch canvas, table-top easel, and set of acrylic paints and brushes to complete their masterpiece under the direction of Valencia College art student Marie Scott.
The event, which ran from 8:00 to 10:00 pm, was fun and informative and attendees, many of whom made it a family affair with spouses, parents, and children, enjoyed showing off their works to each other via Zoom. The evening was sponsored by Riviera Spa Massage, Soni Family Practice, Quick Solutions, and Osceola Community Health Services. Check out some photos of the “Drippy Moons” created by our members below.
Christina was raised in St. Cloud and holds degrees from the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida. She joined the Chamber in April 2015. As Director of Administration, she manages the Area Council’s events, sub-committee meetings, projects, and board engagements.
