Seminole County Gets a Taste of the Arts

March 4, 20261 min read

Seminole County Gets a Taste of the Arts

The Seminole Cultural Arts Council’s (SCAC) signature event – the Taste of the Arts Gala – recently brought community leaders and creatives together for a wonderful evening of raising funds to support and promote art and culture in Seminole County.

1. The Seminole Cultural Arts Council board of directors at the 2026 Taste of the Arts Gala 2. Seminole County School Board members Robin Dehlinger, Kristine Kraus, and Abby Sanchez with Amy Pennock, Seminole County supervisor of elections 3. Ceramic artist Jessie Bock gives a demo. 4. Bill and Mary Sue Weinaug, recipients of SCAC’s 2026 heART for the Arts award 5. Alton Williams, the recipient of SCAC’s 2025 Artist of the Year award 6. Dr. John A. Gyllin of Seminole State College and Jean Vansmith of the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools 7. Kitra Weaver, Teri Siciliano, and Sarah Reece of The Ritz Theater 8. Sanford Public Art board members CaSandra D. Williams, Sally Dehler, Virginia Poe, and Kim House with SCAC board member Lisa Holder.

This year’s gala was held at the Longwood Community Building, where attendees enjoyed a curated selection of food and dessert, beer and wine, a silent auction, art demos, photo opportunities, and a variety of performances, from music to dance to martial arts. Dr. John Gyllin of Seminole State College served as the evening’s emcee.

To learn more about the nonprofit SCAC, visit SeminoleCulturalArts.org.

SCAC leaders also presented the 2026 heART for the Arts Award to Bill and Mary Sue Weinaug, who own Wekiva Island and Gallery CERO in Longwood. The heART for the Arts Award acknowledges contributions by an individual or group that has partnered with or supported SCAC or other art and culture organizations in Seminole County. Gallery CERO at Wekiva Island regularly features exhibits of artwork inspired by nature. The Wekiva Paint Out, which recently marked its 20th year, brings plein air artists to Wekiva Island to paint the stunning landscapes there, along the Wekiva River, and at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

“Through vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment, Bill and Mary Sue have profoundly enriched Seminole County’s cultural, artistic, and environmental landscape,” says Anthony Aramendia, SCAC president.

Also recognized at the gala was SCAC’s 2025 Artist of the Year, Alton Williams. An author, historian, and preservationist, Alton spearheaded a community effort to revitalize and preserve Evergreen Cemetery in Casselberry. He has worked for more than three decades to help document and preserve the history and culture of African American communities in Seminole County, with much of that work devoted to restoring Evergreen Cemetery.