Empowering Local Arts and Culture Leaders
Advocating for collaboration and growth in Nassau County arts.
Empowering Local Arts and Culture Leaders
Advocating for collaboration and growth in Nassau County arts.
Our Mission
The Arts Leaders Forum, is dedicated to advocating for the arts and culture nonprofit organizations in Nassau County, Florida. Our mission is to support and educate local art leaders to foster a vibrant community that values artistic expression and events.
THE ORGANIZATIONS
Amelia Community Theatre – ameliacommunitytheatre.org
Amelia Island Book Festival – Literacy | Amelia Island Book Festival | Florida
Amelia Island Jazz Festival – ameliaislandjazzfestival.com
Amelia Island Museum of History – ameliamuseum.org
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival – ameliachambermusic.org
Amelia Musical Playhouse – ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
Friends of the Nassau County Library – fernandinafol.org
Island Art Association – islandart.org
West Nassau Historical Society – wnhsfl.org
Amelia Island Singers – ameliaislandsingers.com
Amelia Island Quilt Guild – ameliaquilters.org
Amelia Island Writers Assoc. – ameliaislandwriters.org
Amelia Island Dance Festival – ameliaislanddancefestival.org
Arts Alive Nassau – artsalivenassau.org
Amelia Island Opera – ameliaislandopera.org
Blue Fire Theatre – bluefiretheatre.org
Country Star Quilters – countrystarquilters.org
Story and Song Center for Arts and Culture – StoryandSongArts.org
Friends of Fort Clinch – fortclinch.org
Friends of American Beach – friendsofamericanbeach.org
Yulee Historic Council – https://www.facebook.com/groups
Pirates Club of Fernandina Beach – fernandinapirates.com
Northeast FL Fair – www.neflfair.org
Nassau Community Band – https://www.facebook.com/NassauCommunityBand/
West Nassau Arts Alliance- facebook.com/@wnaasocial
ABOUT THE ARTS LEADERS FORUM
Forum Members
Vision and Purpose
Vision and Purpose
We have been promoting the arts in our community for over 5 years. Our organization was founded by a group of passionate artists who wanted to make a difference in their community.
2.23.2026 meeting notes:
Vision and Purpose
Vision and Purpose
Vision and Purpose
Our purpose is to provide a forum for the arts and culture organization leaders to Connect the leaders; Confer with county and city leaders; and Collaborate among the organizations. We also provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with other creatives in the community. We aim to promote diversity, creativity, and collaboration in the arts for all in Nassau County, FL
Our Events
Vision and Purpose
Our Events
We host a variety of events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Our events are open to everyone and are a great way to get involved in the arts community.
MAKE MUSIC DAY 2026
JUNE 21. Amelia Island
See 2026 musicians at
www.makemusicday.org/nassaucounty
DIRECTOR'S UPDATE
ARTS DURING THE REVOLUTION
As I have written previously, art is communication in its original purpose. Without art done centuries ago, there would be little history other than written records that would show the place, the people, and the activities of our ancestors. In addition, it emotionally moved viewers to support or push back on a cause or mission, based on the artwork’s power and quality. During the American Revolution, artists played a vital role in shaping public perception, promoting the patriot cause, and preserving the memory of the conflict. Their works ranged from political engravings and portraits to large-scale historical paintings. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of this grand country, let’s look at the artists and the art that was created around 1776.
ARTISTS DURING THE REVOLUTION AND THEIR WORKS
- Paul Revere – A silversmith and engraver, Revere’s The Boston Massacre (1770) was one of the first major visual depictions of the Revolution, portraying British soldiers firing on colonists and fueling anti-British sentiment.
- John Trumbull – A former aide-de-camp to George Washington, Trumbull painted eight iconic scenes of the Revolution, including The Declaration of Independence and The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, which became central to the nation’s visual history.
- Benjamin West – A neoclassical painter in England, West became the king’s historical painter and later painted works like William Penn’s Treaty with the Indians (1772) and Death on a Pale Horse (1817), which reflected the ideals of the Revolution.
- Gilbert Stuart – Known for his portraits of George Washington, Stuart’s works captured the likenesses of revolutionary leaders and helped define their public image.
- Charles Willson Peale – A portraitist who painted numerous Revolutionary War leaders.
- John Singleton Copley – One of the greatest colonial American painters, Copley produced portraits and scenes that reflected the era’s political and social life.
Jean-Antoine Houdon – A French sculptor who created iconic depictions of
revolutionary leaders, including Washington.
Artists and their legacy used their craft to rally support, depict grievances, and immortalize heroes. Political cartoons by figures like Benjamin Edes and engravings by Robert Edge Pine helped spread revolutionary ideas. Some artists, like Prince Demah, Patience Wright, and Robert Edge Pine, worked from enemy territory in London, producing works that reached a wider audience than many political pamphlets.
These artists helped create the visual narrative of the American Revolution, influencing how Americans remember the war. Their works—portraits, battle scenes, and allegorical depictions—continue to shape the nation’s identity today.
Copy and paste these sites for images and more information.
See 10 great American paintings-
Reviews
What Arts & Community Leaders are saying-
Under the leadership of Richard at NCAC, this group deserves all the support that our area's government and private groups can give them. They do indeed make a difference.
- John Hendricks, President, West Nassau Historical Society.
I am writing to endorse Richard Restiano. I have had the privilege of collaborating closely with Richard and observed his unwavering commitment to enhancing the arts and culture landscape of our county.
- Kim Rust, Director, Arts Alive Nassau.
On behalf of the Yulee Historic Council, I would like to express our appreciation for the work and mission of Richard Restiano and NCAC. Through his efforts key people around the county have now been introduced to our project- a living museum depicting life in early Nassau County. His efforts in introducing me to key leaders has been a great start. We are thankful for Richard and The arts council in Nassau.
- Angie McClellan, President, Yulee Historic Council.
One of the most promising and influential events in which I have participated has been the bi-annual Arts Leaders Forum, organized by Richard Restiano. Joining over 25 different arts organizations and their leaders, the commitment and engagement of individuals and their group goals were both powerful and enlightening. I highly support the efforts of Mr. Restiano in his goals and efforts for the arts.
- Ann Freemen, Board Member, Friends of the Library
Richard, you came along and breathed new life in the arts council and it has been my pleasure to participate in the Arts Leaders Forum which you established. It brings together the growing number of organizations together to exchange ideas and foster collaborative events and agendas. I thank you for your leadership.
- Marla J. McDaniel, Amelia Island Writers Festival.
Richard, your work to improve the appreciation, accessibility, and cultural opportunities for the arts makes our community a more vibrant place to live.
- Aaron Bean, Member of Congress
THANK YOU ALL. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS AND CONTINUE TO GROW THEM COUNTY-WIDE. RR.
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