Cultural Council Program Coordinator says goodbye

A Word (or two) of “Farewell” from Joy

I’d like to say “goodbye” to everyone I’ve worked with during my past four and one half years as Program Coordinator with the St. Johns Cultural Council.

When I moved here over 30 years ago, I found a town filled with some of the most amazing creative people I’d ever hope to meet. With square dances, sock hops, wearable art shows, gallery openings, EMMA, Limelight Theatre, the Amphitheatre, St.Augustine Art Association, and other community concerts, the community was filled with people ready to create and fill whatever the arts community felt it needed.

All these events and more were made possible by groups of dedicated volunteers. Through their actions they helped make St. Johns County a haven for artists of all disciplines and a great place to raise my children.

Now, 30 years later, there are even more dedicated artists and volunteers who are continuing to make St. Johns County a vibrant and growing arts community. New festivals and arts organizations are continually being organized and on any given weekend there is an arts related activity for all ages and tastes.

It’s been amazing to watch the county transform from a population of 30,000 people to almost 200,000.

Whether native, new resident, Northerner, or Snow Bird, you have all made living in St. Johns County exciting and enjoyable.

Thanks to everyone for their contributions; whether as a volunteer, or as an art patron, or supporter.

At this time, I’m not moving on to a new job or leaving town. After a two month bout with some minor illnesses, I’ve decided to take some time off to re-group and re-assess what I’m going to to next.

Again, it’s been great fun working with you all.

Goodbye for now!

ArtWorthy: Joy D’Elia

Occupation?
Most recently, Program Coordinator for the St. Johns Cultural Council. (By the time you read this, unemployed.)

Artist or advocate?
Most definitely both. I think any artist, whether conscious of it or not, is advocating for the arts on some level.

Artistic tool of choice?
My voice and someone to harmonize with. Harmony was once described to me as “hillbilly drugs.” I’d have to agree. It’s definitely my favorite thing to do and gives me a natural high!

First artistic memory?
My mom used to play songs to us on the piano to make us fall asleep. We kept yelling downstairs to her, “One more song, ” so I’m not sure how much of a sleep aid it was. I do tend to get drowsy when I hear “The Blue Danube” however.

Defining moment as an artist?
I was standing next to Johnny Cash when a little boy looked up and said, “I know you, you sing.” Johnny smiled and leaned over to the young boy who then said to Mr. Cash as he pointed to me, “Not you! I know her, she sings!”

Inspiration or perspiration?
Inspiration during and before rehearsals, perspiration once on stage.

Favorite art related possession at the moment?
I have three. My ballerina daughter, Rosa; my (in the car) rap singer daughter, Delia; and probably the most musical person I know, my husband, Tommy.

Why St. Johns County?
My first husband and I hit a car full of nuns here over 30 years ago and decided to stay while our truck was being repaired. We both loved the arts and food community we found here and never left.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph