Old School Square Thrives with Art and Music Events

During a recent government meeting, the focus was on the vibrant activities and upcoming events at Old School Square, spearheaded by Marisca Gatto, the cultural arts director for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Gatto highlighted the success of various initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and promoting the arts.

In June, Old School Square hosted an art exhibition titled \"Oceana Phenomena,\" which featured a sea captain artist dedicated to ocean conservation. The event attracted 175 guests and included a collaborative art talk with the city’s sustainability office, addressing the pressing issue of rising sea levels. Gatto reported that attendance for the monthly First Friday art walks has remained strong, averaging around 1,000 visitors, contributing to over 6,000 attendees in the past six months.

Looking ahead, Gatto announced several exciting projects, including the \"Wings Over the Square\" butterfly art installation, set to coincide with the Delray Mural Fest at the end of July. Additionally, a new exhibition titled \"Nature's Palette,\" featuring local and regional artists, is scheduled for September, followed by a hot glass exhibition in October, showcasing artists from the Ben Zayton Center and Hollywood Hot Glass.

The meeting also celebrated the success of the inaugural \"Make Music Day,\" which took place on the summer solstice, featuring various musical performances and activities that drew a crowd of approximately 1,000 attendees. The positive reception of these events has led to increased revenue from ticket sales and concessions, with estimates of $4,000 to $5,000 generated from recent concerts.

Furthermore, the upcoming \"Art and Jazz on the Avenue\" event is set for July 24, aiming to revitalize local neighborhoods and promote economic development through cultural engagement. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the team and the community's ongoing support for the arts in Delray Beach.