Arts tourism and those dreaded (and often hilarious) Americanisms

Summer arts were in the air with Nancy Turrell, executive director of The Arts Council, this week in the studio. As always, she was not at a loss for words in describing what's happening in the local and regional arts world.

Kicking off the hour, in addition to Nancy describing a sizzling summer Bahamian themed arts event coming up in a couple of weeks at Harbour Bay Plaza, she also brought listeners up to date on the latest news from The Arts Council and all the other arts events slated from mid-summer through autumn.

The real fascination for Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors was exploring the huge economic impact arts and cultural tourism have on the economy. Whether a small town, regional destination, state or country, arts tourism is certainly an economic engine.  As a matter of fact, it has been demonstrated that everyone in a community benefits from a strong arts and cultural commitment, resident and visitor alike.

After "arts and economics class," Robin and Gary ran down a list of money saving tips for those who fly, as well as suggestions (from a Brit’s point-of-view) on Americanisms and why they are potentially irritating. Here are a few samples: use of the word deplane rather than disembark; fanny pack; I’m good for I’m well; takeout rather than takeaway; and having an issue instead of a problem. You get the idea. Some of the Americanisms were downright funny, and others a little scary!

And, as always Gary and Robin ran down a list of events you might want to place on your calendar and Robin's standing "This Week in History" segment.

Here's the audio file for downloading. Enjoy and as always, we're interested in your comments, show topics, and suggestions for remote broadcasts!

Show Three: Art, ArtsFest, The Beach Boys, and Nude Beaches

The third 'Talkin' Tourism' show took listeners from the new Faculty Student Art Program at the Elliott Museum, the Arts Council and ArtsFest, and whales off of Baja, to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, VISIT FLORIDA funding being restored by Governor Crist, and why some folks in Broward County claim nude beaches are good for Florida's economy.

Host Gary Guertin of Harborage Yacht Club & Marina was joined again this week by co-host Robin Hicks-Connors, president and CEO of the Historical Society of Martin County. Guests included Nancy Turrel, executive director of the Arts Council; artist Dan Mackin, who is the 2009 featured artist of ArtsFest; and Rozeta Mahboubi, executive director of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Interesting tidbits from the show:

• This weekend marks the 22 ArtsFest, which will feature 123 artists. Visit the Arts Council Web site for more information.

• Dan Mackin began sketching and painting tropical islands and marine life in 1971 when his camera fell overboard during a sailboat trip. He and a friend traveled in a 24-foot sailboat and he kept a journal of the day’s events and recorded what they saw with his illustrations. And he has helped raise over $1 million dollars for the National Kidney Foundation through his art donations.

• Brian Wilson and Dan Mackin have collaborated on four pieces of art, which are interpretations of four of the songwriter's lyrics, entitled "Surfing USA," "Surfer Girl," "In My Room," and "God Only Knows," all big hits and synonymous with the beach lifestyle. To learn more visit Dan's Web site.

• Rozeta Mahboubi loves tourism and the friendliness of Martin County is what kept her from taking another post she was offered, which was out of state. She and host Gary Guertin discussed Governor Crist for re-instating VISIT FLORIDA's budget this week. Check out http://www.martincountyfla.comto see first hand how the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau markets the destination.

• According to an article on TCPalm, Richard Mason of the South Florida Free Beaches and the Florida Naturist Association, asked Broward's state lawmakers this week to oppose any legislation that would force nude beaches to close. Mason termed Haulover "the most successful beach in the state of Florida." He said it outdraws the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins combined. Read the story here.

To learn more, listen the show by clicking HERE or selecting the January 30 show link under LISTEN TO THE SHOW to the right.

Guest update for January 30 show

"Which Way to Stuart" by Dan Mackin.

A couple of guest changes for tomorrow's Talkin' Tourism. Robin Hicks-Connors returns to co-host the show with Gary Guertin. Guests include: Rozeta Mahboubi, the executive director of the Martin County Convention & Visitors Bureau; artist Dan Mackin, who is the 2009 featured artist for ArtsFest; and Nancy Turrell, the executive director of the Arts Council. Topics to include: ArtsFest 2009, how Dan Mackin became an artist and his involvement with the Beach Boys, and Governor Crist's move this week to restore VISIT FLORIDA's funding for tourism marketing.