Friends of Contemporary Art FOCA

FOCA-Friends of Contemporary Art

The Friends of Contemporary Art (FOCA) is an informal group of people interested in learning about art trends, artists and collecting.

The Friends of Contemporary Art (FOCA) is an informal group of people interested in learning about art trends, artists and collecting.  FOCA schedules 4 programs each season between November through March. Programs include lectures, artist studio visits, art exhibits, panel discussions and private collection tours. Programs are for members only.

MEMBERSHIP:

Dues are $25 per calendar year, which cover a modest honorarium and travel expenses for presenters. Membership is limited to 70 people and is currently open for renewals and new members beginning on September 1st, 2025. An email will be sent to current members with details. We open to new members in October, and Membership closes on 10/31/25, or when we reach 70 members - whichever comes first. Please check this website for updates and information. We appreciate you interest in FOCA.


PLANNING COMMITTEE:

    Sharon Theobald, Chair

    Jill Kerwick, Vice Chair

    Mary Gallatin, Secretary

    Bernadine Speers, Treasurer

    Warren Obluck, Consultant

    Xaque Gruber, Artist

    Tim Sanchez, Artist

                             CONTACT:      focaverobeach@gmail.com

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FOCA Schedule 2025-2026

FOCA 2025-2026 Events - MARK YOUR CALENDAR
*November - December 2025: VIVA! FOCA Members Show (details below)

*January: Artist Salon Jan. 8, 2026:     This program is an extension of what artists do. Thus, non-practicing artists can watch the process of practicing artists speak of what they are doing and hear what their colleagues have to say. Artists will bring a work or two in progress, 10-minute speaking limit per artist. Program Chair Jill Kerwick.

*February: date TBD: VBMA: Construction- from Abstraction to Architecture.     Examining the role of construction and modern and contemporary art, the exhibition traces its influences from early 20th-century geometric abstraction to representations of built environments and facades. Featuring works from the VBMA's collection and select loans, it highlights the lasting impact of structure, materials, and design in art. Guest Speaker Caitlin Swindell, Curator, VBMA

*March: Collector: March 4th (tentative date), 2026:  visit to a collector, details TBA. Program Chair Xaque Gruber 

*April: date TBD      NSU Art Museum, Ft. Lauderdale: a visit to the Goodman Collection of Latin American Art. 
More details will follow via emails and on the website regarding FOCA’s upcoming season. Please make sure our email address is in your safe senders list.
CONTACT:      focaverobeach@gmail.com
                                    (Image at right: Jill Kerwick, One More, 2024, Oil on Canvas)                                      

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VIVA FOCA!  5th Annual Members Exhibition:

A juried exhibition of area

Artists to support The Center for Spiritual Care

FOCA announces their 2025 Members' Show to be held at the Center for Spiritual Care, Vero Beach, Florida, 1550 24th Street, Vero Beach FL 32960.

ELIGIBILITY:  You must be a dues-paid FOCA member for the 2025-2026 season. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Limit: ONE submission per member.

  • Maximum size: 16” x 16” (excluding frame). Please note the work does not have to be square.

  • 2-D and 3-D works in any media are eligible

  • Submission must be made digitally in a JPEG file to the Center for Spiritual Care (centerspiritualcare.org)

  • Each submission must be accompanied by an artist’s statement:  In 50 words or less, describe your creative process, what inspired this artwork, or why you believe that art matters.

SELECTION PROCESS

  • Up to 30 works will be featured in the exhibition 

  • Each submission will be reviewed by a panel of jurors and accepted on the basis of its evaluations

Sat. November 1st, 2025: FOCA member Submission deadline
Tues, November 4th, 2025: FOCA Judging date
Mon. November 10, 2025: FOCA Notification date of acceptance: emails will be sent. Please add 

centerspiritualcare@gmail.com

 to your safe senders or check your spam folder that day.
Mon. Nov. 17: Artists drop off work between 10-12 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 21: Opening reception, 5-7 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 5: First Friday Gallery Stroll reception 5-7 p.m.
Tue. Dec. 9: Artists’ Talk, 3-5 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 24: Show closes, 5 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 26: Artists retrieve work between 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

      As this is also a fundraiser for The Center for Spiritual Care, we ask all artists to donate 40% of any sales to The Center. The Center will provide a letter for your gift and taxes after the show. Thank you.

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FOCA News and Opportunities

Local Season's Picks for FOCA members to view at their own pleasure:

(are you a FOA member with an upcoming Art event? Email focaverobeach@gmail.com to be added to our list of Season's Picks!)

Art Palm Beach 2026: January 28–February 1, 2026 - Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach 

           Join collectors and art enthusiasts during Palm Beach's peak winter season for a carefully curated selection of established galleries and emerging voices. The show offers an intimate setting to view and acquire works that reflect current trends while discovering new perspectives in contemporary art. Palm Beach's growing reputation as an art destination makes this an ideal time to explore the market. For tickets and information, visit: artpalmbeach.com

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FOCA visits the home of Artist, writer and collector Nancilee Wydra

Every generation responds to art in ways representing their generation. This painting (as seen below) was executed by a Hispanic youth from Sebastian, Fl. and was met with thunderous responses when delivered to Youth Guidance last season. Donated by Friends of Contemporary Art, (FOCA), believing this will spark a love for all fine arts. Accompanying the donation of the painting will be a generous check. To further encourage a love of art, Youth’s Guidance class “So You Want to be a Writer” attended The Indian River Clay opening exhibit in March 2025 at Raw Space Gallery, Vero Beach.