Reception Marks Opening of 'The Short List'

George Bayer (Premier Photo)

(Press Release) FEBRUARY 2, 2026 (LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla.) - The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County welcomed a full house during The Short List: First Look opening reception on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The Short List, a first-of-its-kind, one-week-only exhibition, marked the Cultural Council’s first exhibition of the year. The exhibition featured 175 works by 140 Palm Beach County–based visual artists.

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The Short List provided an opportunity for emerging artists to have their work displayed alongside established creative professionals, while encouraging community members to begin or grow their art collections as emerging collectors.

With artwork thoughtfully priced, more than 40 original pieces sold during the opening night alone. “Seeing our Main Gallery filled with artists of all ages and backgrounds was incredibly exciting,” said Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council. “What made The Short List even more meaningful was welcoming community members who were attending an exhibition in our gallery for the first time. This unique experience brought together both longtime supporters and new friends of the Council in a truly special way.”

Since joining the Cultural Council in 2018, Lawrence has had the goal of bringing an exhibition like The Short List to Palm Beach County. The exhibition furthers the Council’s commitment to serving and supporting all artists who help the community thrive. “We are proud to provide a revenue stream to artists through our exhibitions, with the majority of each art purchase going directly to the artist,” said Lawrence.

The Cultural Council is grateful to the Tourist Development Council, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Florida Division of Arts & Culture, and Florida Weekly for their sponsorship of The Short List.