March 24, 2005 - Four Local Artists to be Presented the Inaugural St. Lucie County Cultural Affairs Council's "Lucie Awards"

Four local cultural activists have been recognized as recipients of the first annual St. Lucie County Cultural Affairs Council's "Lucie Awards." The awards will be presented at the inaugural "Lucie Awards" Luncheon on Sunday, April 17, 2005 at the Pelican Yacht Club on South Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce.

A custom-made trophy, designed by local artist Sara Sweitzer of Shadetree Studios in St. Lucie Village, will honor the lifetime cultural contributions of local residents each year. This year's winners are: Carlos Barrena, co-founder and director of the Treasure Coast Opera Society; Zanobia Jefferson, art educator and sculptor; Joe Holiday, nationally recognized jazz recording artist; and Helen Terry, portraitist, poet, teacher and charter member of the Fort Pierce Art Club.

The "Lucie Award" celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the Pelican Yacht Club's famous Sunday brunch. There will be a silent auction featuring creative treasures donated by local artists and cultural organizations. The main program will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Dr. Ron "Doc" Grober serving as Master of Ceremonies. Percussionist Judah Williams and "Sankofa" will perform during the event after an opening by Fort Pierce's Avenue D Boys Choir.

Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple and can be purchased at the St. Lucie County Cultural Affairs Council's Office, located at 600 North Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce, or by phone at (772) 462-2548.