Throughout time the relevance of writing and the visual arts stands on its own merits as necessary and important. Writers have chronicled in the moment annals with emotion and insightful viewpoints. Historically, when the masses could not be present at events, rallies, protests, wars, political gatherings etc… we relied on these writers accounts for news, entertainment, (as with prose) and to document, chart and graph music, inventions, oceans, exploration, cultures, and travels, as well as the human experience, from triumph to tragedy. These are the testimonials that chart our existence. With sketchbook and pencil in hand, artists were hired to chronicle the terror of man’s inhumanity to man as well as the signing of truces. Ancient walls were adorned with the universal language of pictures that immortalized the culture of the time.
One of our most famous Lake City artists was Aunt Aggie. In 1883, she and her husband created a wondrous garden with bone sculptures and archways. This vast “Boneyard” served as a local lover’s lane, while the bones shed their nutrients giving the soil all the sustenance it needed for the most luscious garden in town for decades.
It is the MADDFEST's intention to keep alive the dream that Alfonso Levy brought to fruition 50 years ago. One of Alfonso’s major contributions to Lake City was as a Civil Rights Leader who walked and talked door to door with local residents throughout Lake City during the time of segregation. He transcended race and brought this community together by integrating EVERY school in this county with art and music programs that are still in existence today. His efforts unified Columbia County and Lake City as a multi-cultural hub of talent.
Our students deserve an outlet to create what is in their souls and hearts openly and honestly, without boundaries. As we pass the torch, all too soon, it is the next generation we must enlighten and engage them to personify the future of Lake City. It is because of the Arts in our schools that we have this broad pool of talented students and graduates. They need a continuation of the arts in this town, their town, or they will migrate to other areas to fulfill their cultural appetites. This is a unique opportunity to make this town attractive to the next generation. We have a rich history and have earned our place in the human timeline with our relevant tapestry from Civil War reenactments, historical artists, (Florida Highwaymen), our natural springs and beautiful landscape to the down home folks that welcome tourists as they search for a simpler moment in time, here. We must rise to the occasion.
It is the dream of Alfonso Levy and the hope of the MADDFEST to preserve the arts in the community. Furthermore, it is a fitting tribute to Mr. Levy. To honor his hard work and dedication at this critical juncture of his life, is mandatory and really, just the right thing to do. We are here to encourage that the history of MADDFEST be told and to support the growth of this festival in our community in order to keep the Historical and Educational culture of the Arts alive and prosperous. Alfonso’s seeds have been sown. We, as a community and as individuals, are obliged to continue producing nourishment for his imaginative and fertile landscape.