August 9, 2026 | Forging the Future Community Hub and Gallery | Largo, Florida
The Artists for a Better World (AFABW) Florida Chapter celebrated its 5th Anniversary in style on August 9, 2026, at the Forging the Future Community Hub and Gallery in Largo, Florida.
Five years after its official launch on August 8, 2021, at the Clearwater Community Volunteers building, the Florida Chapter brought together artists, musicians, volunteers, and community supporters for an evening of celebration, entertainment, and inspiration.
Five Years of Making a Difference Through the Arts
The celebration featured a special anniversary video highlighting the chapter’s accomplishments and memorable moments over the past five years.
Since its founding, the AFABW Florida Chapter has:
- Organized 25 events and shows celebrating artistic expression.
- Reached thousands of people through social media.
- Hosted career development seminars for artists.
- Offered art classes and creative activities for children.
- Built connections with local artists and arts organizations.
- Promoted social betterment campaigns through the arts.
Watch the AFABW Florida Chapter 5th Anniversary Video
An Evening of Music, Art, and Celebration
The festivities began with a community potluck accompanied by live music from Kirby Jones and Greg Smith, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Barbara Cordova, Founder of AFABW, presented a retrospective of the Florida Chapter’s activities and accomplishments over the years. Richel Lavette Lewis, Florida Chapter Director, also shared highlights of the chapter’s local initiatives.
The evening continued with a lively program featuring musical performances, poetry, and a special presentation by Tony Rockliff introducing the exciting future of the AFABW Virtual Art Park.
Despite having only 12 days to organize the celebration, the event was a tremendous success. It welcomed both longtime supporters and new participants, including musician Andre Cheine, whom Barbara connected with through Facebook and who joined the evening’s performances.
The celebration concluded on a high note with the band Barcode, featuring Steve Cherubino and Katie Nagy, performing We Are the Champions as a special dedication to everyone who helped make the Florida Chapter’s first five years a success.
Special Thanks to Our Volunteers and Supporters
The anniversary celebration was produced by AFABW Founder Barbara Cordova in recognition of the Florida Chapter’s achievements and the dedicated individuals who have contributed to its growth.
Special thanks to the volunteers who helped bring the celebration to life:
Richel Lavette, Tony Rockliff, Joel Morris, Billy Chalmers, Steve Cherubino, Angel Kourkoulou, Katie Nagy, Torsten Keller, Jean Francois-Paris, Rob Oliver, Kirby Jones, Greg Smith, Roger Harrison, Dorthe Bradenborg, and Ken Hall.
We also extend our appreciation to the Forging the Future staff members who contributed to the event:
David Norman, Greg Norman, and Jamie Sarra.
What Attendees Had to Say
The celebration received enthusiastic feedback from attendees who appreciated the creativity, talent, and sense of community throughout the evening.
“Thanks so much for producing a wonderful event last evening. It was pure theta and high aesthetics from end to end. I loved also the variety of music performed. Great talent and showmanship from all. You had the audience in comm and contributing so very well done.”
— Kevin Johnson
“It’s so wonderful to see someone else so dedicated to forwarding the cause of up-and-coming artists in our community. They need our support.”
— Lyle Polyak
“I loved the music, the poetry and the presentation by Tony. It’s a very exciting project.”
— Dorthea Brandenborg
“Great Aesthetics and environment for artists.”
— Dan Eddington
“I liked all the exposure to the visual art, the music and especially the young lady who sang.”
— Brad Hedgecorth
“I Liked all of it – the art, entertainment, news, expansion meeting.”
— Joyce Nicoletti
“I Liked the whole program – great combination of speakers and performers.”
— David Newey
Looking Ahead to the Next Five Years
The AFABW Florida Chapter’s 5th Anniversary was more than a celebration of past achievements. It was a tribute to the artists, volunteers, and supporters who continue to make a difference through creativity and collaboration.
With exciting projects ahead, including the AFABW Virtual Art Park, the chapter looks forward to expanding opportunities for artists, connecting communities, and inspiring positive change through the arts.
Here’s to five wonderful years — and many more to come!
