“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
– Calvin Coolidge
Founded in 2010, GENVAS (Generation Venetian Arts Society) is a Florida-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) cultural fine arts and humanitarian organization. Our original programming utilizes a Salon concept and is inspired by current events. All of our productions included powerful messages reinforcing our belief that equality, dignity, and justice are inherent to all people. Our motto, “United We Stand,” refers to using the arts to make visible what needs to be protected by showing up, co-creating & refusing to be silenced.
Our latest series, From South Florida, with Love!, was inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which reaffirms the inherent value of humanity. At a time when religion and identity are often weaponized, GENVAS calls for compassion, unity, and the courage to stand together. At a time when religion and identity are often weaponized, GENVAS calls for compassion, unity, and the courage to stand together.
In addition, in 2025 we debuted Pride in Progress a festival observing the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to society writ large. Through music, art, discussions and readings we celebrate diversity, resilience, and human rights, weaving together multicultural and intergenerational voices.
In collaboration with the Emmy and Telly Award winning Eye On TV Network current and archival short & long reels are broadcast, at no charge, on demand to a cumulative audience exceeding 100million viewers. Films are also available on YouTube and Patreon.
We are proud to have collaborated with the following organizations and venues: Nova Southeastern University, NSU Art Museum, John Knox Village, Stranahan House Museum, Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve, ArtServe, Gallery of Amazing Things, WMODA, African – American Research Library, Dillard Center for the Arts, The Society of the Four Arts, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Norton Museum of Art, Boca Raton Art Museum, Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Miami Dade College, New World School of the Arts, Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Exigence/Sphinx Organization, L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, Stonewall National Museum & Archives, World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, Savor Cinema, Sunshine Cathedral, and Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
“I am only one; but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something.
I will not refuse to do something I can do.” – Helen Keller
William “Willie” Riddle combined his educational and professional experiences to create GENVAS. A native of the North Carolina mountain country, Willie grew up in the family’s hospitality business. He displayed talent for art at a young age and his early life revolved around music and theatre. He earned an undergraduate degree in Music Education, a graduate degree in Vocal Performance, and an Artists’ Diploma in Opera Performance from The Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut.
Mr. Riddle pursued a professional career in opera and musical theatre until he was presented with the opportunity that merged all his interest and talents into one career. In 1993, he was selected to become the general manager of a popular summer resort hotel, restaurant, and dinner theatre located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. His responsibilities included the day-to-day operations of a 500-seat restaurant and 35 guest rooms, as well as oversight of 100 employees. Willie’s background inspired him to begin producing, and directing, the hotel’s nightly dinner shows and under his guidance the theater became all the rage.
In 1993, Willie began spending the winter season in South Florida and by 1998 he transitioned to year-round residency. In the course of a few years, he had built a phenomenally successful interior design and construction firm. His work was in high demand among the area’s high profile and affluent international citizenry. During this period, he began a collaboration with a prominent London native who was also an art dealer and gallery owner. This association led to the development of an art salon series hosted by Willie. The programs became the Fort Lauderdale gallery’s main attraction. The series culminated in the birth of Venetian Arts Society in 2010 and the organization has been warmly embraced by influential local art enthusiasts who steadfastly nurtured its growth.
In 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, Willie envisioned and activated the GENVAS concept of creative expression. The name denotes his visions for 21st century salons and its inclusion of people and performers from all generations. Using state of the art digital media technologies Mr. Riddle will take the beauty of fine artists, and the love of the people who reside in South Florida, to a global audience. In a time, when the world desperately needs messages of love and hope these revolutionary performances exemplify a new way to dream!