National Society of Arts and Letters Hosts Afternoon Tea

Story, photo By: Barbara McCormick

BOCA RATON — National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Boca Raton South Florida Chapter President Judi Asselta recently welcomed benefactors, patrons, members and guests to Afternoon Tea, hosted by Jay & Marilyn Nelson in their Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club residence.

The philanthropic organization’s members are dedicated to identifying, encouraging and assisting young talent by hosting competitions, creating opportunities for them to perform and promoting a greater interest and knowledge of the arts. Matthew Asselta provided background music with classical guitar selections.

Featured speaker Steven Maklanski, director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art, gave an overview of the changes and additions being made since he assumed his position as director July 1, 2011. “It is very important to me, that the Boca Raton Museum of Art is perceived as a magical place… for children of all ages.”

Alyce Erickson introduced the NSAL”Adopt an Artist” program which featured McKinley Wallace, III. Some of his art was auctioned and money will be applied for his college tuition.

Next on the program was pianist Stephen Seto, a master’s student majoring in piano performance at Lynn University Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of Roberta Rusk. Stephen was born in Miami and began playing the piano at age 5.  He completed his Bachelor in Music degree at the University of Miami and has won numerous awards in Piano Competitions.

At the conclusion of the performance, host Marilyn Nelson thanked Stephen and commented: “Our Steinway has never been played so beautifully.”

For more information about NSAL programs and activities, please visit:
www.arts-nsal.org.