ECOLOGY
RESTORATION IS THEME OF PAVILION’S GRAND OPENING
The unveiling of the Thomas R.
58
Schidel Pavilion at the Environmental
Learning Center on April 23 will
be a party unlike any seen before on the
Treasure Coast. This unparalleled experience
with live performances by some
of the nation’s most talented musicians
and dancers is presented by the ELC in
partnership with FW Productions.
Even though Chris Foster, president and
creative director of FW Productions, grew
up in Vero Beach, he had never been to
the center; it was love at first sight. When
he learned the center was planning a
grand opening for the new pavilion, he
knew he wanted to be part of it.
“I left feeling inspired by the mission
of the ELC and saw immense potential
on how their newest venue should be
showcased,” he said. “Being a creative,
when I visit a space I sometimes see
it finished and when I start writing a
production all my senses are engaged.
“I saw exactly what this evening
should be and restoration was the
key. I wanted to tell the story of when
the oceans were pure and there was
more wildlife before the devastation of
pollution and development. I wanted to
tell the story in a way that moved people
in a way that they felt compelled to be
part of the solution.”
The inspirational event will be
something that attendees might
never again experience in a lifetime.
Professional dancers will interpret the
scores with fluidity and passion as they
bring the story to life. There will be both
devastation and hope in their dance.
Even the costumes reflect the message
of restoration with elaborate, vibrantly
colored headdresses depicting the purity
An inspiring performance, written and produced
by Chris Foster, president and creative director
of FW Productions, will highlight the opening of
the Thomas R. Schidel Pavilion April 23.
of the ocean cascading to dismal plastic
flotsam boldly illustrating the devastation
of pollution.
“We are committed to telling the story
of restoration and also the amazing work
that the ELC is doing with education and
conservation,” Foster said. “I wanted it to
be something that the youth could also
connect to and something that would
move people. And we want to show
the public what the capabilities of the
pavilion can be.”
In addition to the passionate
performance, attendees will experience
an evening of elegance, exquisite food,
entertainment, dancing and fundraising.
They will leave feeling fully immersed
in the mission of the Environmental
Learning Center. Visit www.discoverelc.
org/restoration for more information or to
purchase tickets.
/www.discoverelc
/www.discoverelc