Page 13 - The Jewish Voice - February '24

The Jewish Voice, Page 13

Local Happenings from page 12 really thirsty, more drink tickets can be purchased for $5 go to the center’s
each. Saturday’s event, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., is a free many children and
Benzaiten Center Hosts family day. scholarship programs.
To learn more
Take note, the center is holding its main fundraiser, a casual
Glassblower Paul Swartwood gala that they call On the Veranda. It is a fun-packed evening about these events
Feb. 16 and 17 held at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach with and to register
for them online,
great food, great dancing, and a great silent auction. Proceeds
Plus On the Veranda Casual Gala March 4 visit the center’s
website at www.
Paul Swartwood was first introduced to blown glass in benzaitencenter.org
2000 and was so taken by the process that he began studying or call (561) 508-
glassblowing and sculpture at Salisbury University, where he 7315. Hours are
earned his bachelor of fine arts in 2002. After graduation, he Tuesday through
moved to West Chester, PA, and worked producing crystal ware Saturday, 10 a.m. to
at the renowned Simon Pearce glass company for four years 5 p.m.
before relocating to Maryland, where he now works and resides. Find us at 1105
Over the years, Paul has been influenced mostly by Swedish Second Ave. South, Kids and teens programming
and Italian techniques, admiring the luscious heaviness Lake Worth Beach,
mastered by Swedish artists and the infinite combinations of FL 33460. The GPS does not always get you there so use these
color explored by Italian artists. He has shown his work in simple directions: Exit I-95 at Sixth Avenue and go east. Take a
several galleries along the East Coast and has been invited to left at the blue Kwik Stop store and then a right on Third Avenue
demonstrate his glassblowing techniques in numerous studios, South. Park in our parking lot or anywhere on the street.
conferences, and universities. In January 2009, Paul became a
resident artist in Glen Echo Park, where he teaches all levels of Community Leader
glassblowing classes as well as offers private lessons to those
who wish to refine their style and improve their technique. Beth Wayne Named
On Friday night, Feb. 16, Paul will conduct a three-hour Co-Chair of Premier National
glassblowing demonstration from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. that the
Benzaiten Center likes to call an Artist Blow-Out. The center Jewish Organization
always brings in a great local band to spice things up and
each ticket includes two drink tickets plus nibbles. If you’re One of the most
prominent leaders in Jewish
Palm Beach, Beth Wayne
has been named co-chair of
Jewish Federations of North
America’s National Young
Leadership Cabinet. This
prestigious national program
is widely recognized as
one of the premier Jewish
leadership development
programs in the country.
Wayne is the first person in

Local Happenings Beth Wayne. Photo by
Paul Swartwood’s works On the Veranda casual gala on page 14 Capehart