Island Life

Key Happenings for Dec. 12

Briana Gibbs

December 12, 2019

Crowds in front of decorated palm trees at the 2019 Winterfest at the Civic Center, Dec. 8. (Grant Bemis via Key News)

POP ART RABBI LEADS AN EVENING OF JEWISH ART ON THE KEY

At the Key Biscayne Chabad the sound of paintbrushes whispering quietly on canvas filled the air Monday night, as Jewish art took center stage. Over a dozen people attended, eager to learn a special silk-screening technique perfected by artist Yitzchok Moully. The event was arranged by Rabbi Avremel Caroline the Younger of the Chabad.

Moully transitioned from photography to silk-screening over the last 12 years. His focus is expressing Judaism through artwork, a passion which has taken him around the world. His favorite subject for painting? “The spiritual impact of physical actions.” His recent motivation has been to have his audience take an active role in the interpretation of his pieces. Moully’s artwork largely focuses on Jewish symbols including dreidels, menorahs, and the Star of David.

Monday’s participants received a blank canvas “full of potential,” to paint backgrounds for one of three silk screen patterns. During the evening Moully recounted his journey humble roots in the Australian outback to becoming a youth rabbi and finally the “Pop Art Rabbi.” Attendees from both on and off the Key enjoyed the warm conversation and creations.

A welcoming first sight at the Evening of Jewish Art held at the Key Biscayne Chabad on Dec. 9 (Briana Gibbs/Key News)

Participants listening to Yitzchok Moully discuss his inspiration behind his art (Briana Gibbs/Key News)

Midway through the painting process, each piece reflected the artist style of each participant (Briana Gibbs/Key News)

VILLAGE WINTERFEST WELCOMES THE HOLIDAYS

Families gathered at the Civic Center for Key Biscayne’s annual holiday extravaganza this weekend. Residents took pictures with Santa Claus, went on carnival rides and watched performances from local school groups. The atmosphere was festive, with fake snow falling and Christmas lights illuminating the warm evening.

The Village’s Parks and Recreation department put on bungee jumps, zip slides and bounce houses which got lots of use despite the rain earlier in the day. Local restaurants staged pop-up food and drink tents for the grownups.

Everyone gathered for the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. courtesy of Mayor Mike Davey. There were performances on the main stage throughout the night, emceed by Chamber of Commerce member Robert Duzuglou. Audiences were treated to flamenco, ballet, martial arts, choirs and hip hop dancers.

Donna, Denver, and Devon Doscher, who moved down to the Key from New York City about a year ago, said their favorite part of the event was meeting Santa and the Frozen performance.