Over two decades of Hermitage Fellows came together in Los Angeles on Monday, August 3rd to celebrate the legacy of the Hermitage and connect with Hermitage Fellows across all artistic disciplines. Following the success of previous New York reunions, Hermitage alumni gathered in California to commemorate the impact of this leading national and international arts organization, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“Yes, the Hermitage is a beautiful and inspiring place to create, but the more than 900+ extraordinary Hermitage Fellows are the true heart of the organization. These incredible artists and their experiences at the Hermitage are collectively changing the face of the artistic landscape,” said Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “They are all part of a remarkable tradition that has fostered generative artists, writers, creators, performers, and innovators, many of whom have earned national and international recognition.”
The evening brought together multiple generations of Hermitage alumni – and new Hermitage Fellows – to connect and reconnect as they shared stories of what they accomplished while in residence on Manasota Key, how the Hermitage has impacted their work and careers, and what the organization means to them as both artists and individuals. Sandberg thanked everyone for coming and encouraged all in attendance to take a moment to recognize the collective talent in the room, and to take pride in the shared legacy of what it means to be a Hermitage Fellow.
The Hermitage, through its expanding commitment to alumni engagement, endeavors to build upon what many of the artists in residence share as one of the most meaningful experiences of their careers. In addition to serving as a leading national arts incubator, the Hermitage annually presents two distinguished commissions: the Hermitage Greenfield Prize and also the Hermitage Major Theater Award, which presents workshops and readings in major arts capitals such as New York, London, and Chicago. Hermitage Greenfield Prize winners Aleshea Harris and Sandy Rodriguez were among the distinguished artists in attendance.