GENVASTV

Board

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
– Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

GENVAS wishes to thank the individuals listed below for their contribution to our organization.

GENVAS Officers

William Riddle, Artistic and Executive Director

John Riddle, Vice President

Richard Mizak, Secretary/Treasurer

Jill Kaplan, Director of Administration and Public Relations

Catherine Riley, Creative Director

Alexander Diaz-Rivera, Community Ambassador

Dr. Jacqueline Hayward, Community Ambassador

GENVAS Advisory Board

Nilda Comas, master sculptor, VAS Art Curator
Dr. Denise St. Patrick Bell, philanthropist  
Sherrill Milnes, baritone
Edward Villella, dancer/choreographer
Jodi Peck, philanthropist
Jeffrey Kranzel, CPA
James Judd, conductor
Jacques-Pierre Malan, cellist
Mario Hamlet -Metz opera scholar/author/critic
Jacqueline Niehaus, philanthropist

 

GENVAS, a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded in 2011. Our goal was to create productions using music, visual art, storytelling, exhibitions, and community dialogue to preserve history, amplify diverse voices, and inspire a more just and inclusive future.

Genvas Today, GENVAS, like most small organizations, faces critical and immediate funding challenges. For the past several years significant grant reductions have occurred at the very moment we are expanding our mission to advance human dignity, civil rights, and cultural understanding through the performing and visual arts through our original series including Inherited Stories, Ancestry in Motion, Legacies in Progress and our on-demand video show From South Florida with Love!

The past several years has been pivotal for the LGBTQ+ community. Just as we began to expand our LGBTQ+ series United We Stand!  harsh restrictions on DEI themed projects has caused serious funding challenges

As a result, art is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Earlier this year, our Board decided to present our concerts for free with a limited number of VIP tickets available to donors and  sponsors. We made this decision for numerous reasons; because many in our community can no longer afford concert tickets, because art is a universal language with which we share the human experience, because human dignity matters, because civil rights matter, and because culture, history, and truth must be preserved for future generations. 

We respectfully ask you to consider becoming an annual Renaissance or Unity Circle Member. 

Renaissance Memberships Underwrite All Programming while Unity Circle Memberships Underwrite only our LGBTQ Programming 

Memberships range from $500 – $2,5000.00.

These dollars are urgently needed to help us sustain programs that educate, inspire, and bring people together at a time when these values are more important than ever.

In return for your generous contribution:

1.) Your name will be included on our website

2.) You will receive invitations to patron only events

3.) You will be offered VIP tickets that include post-concert wine receptions with the artists

4.) A tax receipt

Lastly, anyone donating $1,000.00 or more is automatically enrolled in our fall raffle. The winner will receive an original piece of art created by Onica Onassa, master painter. The value of the painting is $25,000.00 and you need not be present to win.

The Board of Directors, and our Staff, thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you very soon!

What an amazing event Venetian Arts Society put on this week at the Stranahan House. As a longtime resident at the Icon Las Olas, what a wonderful surprise it was. People on the Riverwalk are still talking about how much they enjoyed listening from their balconies! It meant so much hearing the spirit of Christmas in these difficult times from someone as accomplished as Levi Kreis. As always, a job perfectly done by William Riddle
Tracy Acton
What a wonderful and special evening that was. Thank you so much for inviting us
Dean J.TrantalisMayor of Ft. Lauderdale
I wanted to say, THANK YOU for an extraordinary evening on Saturday night. What an absolute thrill to be up close and personal with our mayor, Nestor Torres, Jose Angel Navarro, Joel Hernandez, Nilda Comes and you! Music speaks to my soul and during this past year of Covid, it was a welcome event. The finale with Nestor Torres had me speechless!
Meryl KoslowOne Sotherbys
It has been a privilege to be associated with the Venetian Art Society. The quality of art that is brought to our community is at the highest standard. It fills my heart with joy to see this caliber of artistry brought to the young, elderly, and people of all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds!
Jodi PeckThe Peck Foundations
Culture is the lifeblood of a vibrant society, expressed in the many ways we tell our stories, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves, and imagine the future. Our creative expression helps define who we are, and helps us see the world through the eyes of others. In addition to its intrinsic value, GENVAS provides important social benefits, improved learning, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with other cultures and enhance our quality of life and overall well-being
Jacqueline HaywardRetired Washington D.C. News Anchor
One of the many reasons I support this organization is Willie Riddle's seemingly limitless ability to bring our community together by attracting first class artistic talent and combining diverse art forms thereby creating joy and wonder!
Irene Schyberger
As a professional singer and leading artistic developer in both the classical and popular music worlds, knowledge and keen attention to detail is what separates me. This was my impression working with Venetian Arts Society. Professional, focused, and always paying attention to aesthetics and details are just some of the adjectives I'd use to describe both Willie Riddle (VAS' founder and director), and the experience. Without a doubt, "It would be my pleasure." All Willie would have to do is ask and I'm there.
David Lee BrewerBrewer International, Berlin/New York
I’m so happy to read about the exciting course you have plotted for GENVAS. You have overcome every obstacle with creativity, grace and dignity. I applaud all that you do!
Rita Green
Skip to content