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By CategoryDeltona Art & Historical Center
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Deltona Art & Historical CenterA Small Center With Big Goals
2005-07-24
Article Written by: Cheryl! Tisland
Tucked away in the city of Deltona in West Volusia County, is a wonderful resource for the growing community of artists and musicians. This is the Deltona Art and Historic Center whose mission is "To enrich, Inspire, and unite our community via the arts. Also to collect, chronicle and preserve Deltona's rich history". Lloyd Marcus, who worked in television for 15 years in Baltimore, and has been a singer, song-writer and producer for 25 years, was appointed to the position of President of the center by Mayor John Masiarczyk 3 years ago. Recently, the center underwent an interior face-lift, which was supported by the Mayor.
Upon entering the center, the main lobby holds books and relics from the past of Deltona as well as a beautiful organ. Books of the area's history are available, and Lloyd mentioned that the center is working with the University of Central Florida on a year-long project to document the Deltona Timeline. This is the first time this has been done and 200 seniors will be interviewed during the next year to achieve the time-line. The project is led by Dr. Vilbert L. White, Ph.D., Director & Associate Professor of Public History at the University of Central Florida. This is a million dollar documentary, which will air on the History Channel, Discover Channel and PBS.
The main area of the center features a stage where the Songwriters' Guild Meeting & Showcase is held on the 1st Tuesday of each month and the open mic night, which is held on the first Saturday of each month. The open mic night is open to anyone who wants to perform and snacks are available. On the walls of the main area, art is displayed everywhere. This is art from local artists as well as the art of Lloyd Marcus.
The center also has a nice recording studio which offers affordable recording time to local musicians. Members can use the studio for $25 per hour and the membership is only $20 per year. Non-members pay only $50 per hour (which is still very reasonable). While there, I was able to see the recording studio in action while 13 year old Melissa Danielle Bertini was recording while her parents watched. Recently, Morgan Tarity, who also records and trains at the studio, won a radio contest and her song was featured on 93.1 FM (WKRO).
Melissa Danielle Bertini (age 13) practicing in the studio
The center holds Kids Summer Camps as well, where kids 8 to 12 years old can learn about art, music, drama and public speaking. This is a great opportunity for kids to gain self-confidence and experience in the arts. The Boys & Girls Club and The House Next Door also hold art classes for kids at the center.
It is our hope to bring more recognition and awareness to the center as one of Volusia County's wonderful resources for the art and music community. Be sure to watch the event calendar on WhatsHappeningDaytona.com for open mic nights and other events at the center.
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