Sharon Bevis deftly unlocks the door to the Polk State College Fine Arts Gallery, quickly flipping on light switches while easily juggling an armful of papers. She knows the building so well, she could maneuver through the room in darkness.
After nearly three decades of service to the college, Bevis is nearly as familiar with the campus, especially the Fine Arts Building, as she is her own home. Looking forward to her January retirement - and having more time to spend visiting grandchildren, working in her garden and painting in front of an easel - she beams while reminiscing about her lengthy career.
Known for her quiet, calm demeanor and solid work ethic, Bevis, 66, isn't given to self promotion; she'd rather talk about the college's Performing Arts Series. Colleagues describe her as the ever-present, faithful employee who simply does her job well and tries to make life easier for those around her.
What began as a part-time temporary clerical position grew into an arts-based career that took her beyond the walls of the college and into the local community as well as the world of professional entertainers as the cultural events coordinator.
Choices & Changes
When Bevis joined the college in 1981 as a part-time temporary employee working for a professor who had recently obtained a business grant, she didn't dream it was the beginning of a nearly 30-year career that would have her rubbing elbows with nationally and internationally known entertainers.
Her connection with the college began as a participant in the Choices program, which she entered after staying home to raise her children. Choices was non-degree program offering job skills and career training for women re-entering the workforce.
A graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in interior design, Bevis worked in that field until she began a family with her husband and high school sweetheart, Henry. As her daughters, Heather Bryant and Stephanie Motus, grew, she joined the Choices program.
"We had to stand up and tell people about ourselves. It terrified me," says Bevis, who now speaks to an auditorium full of patrons as she introduces performers in the Fine Arts Series.
When Bevis completed the program, the coordinator called and asked if she'd like a job at the college.
"That's how I started working here - I knew how to type," she says, smiling.
When the temporary position ended, Bevis was promoted to a permanent part-time position she described as "a general go-fer, a support person." Seven years later, she became a full-time employee as a staff assistant.
When then-Cultural Events Coordinator Kelly Johnson left, she assumed his duties but not the title.
"They didn't hire anyone to replace him, so I started doing his job," Bevis says.
The title came just two years ago.
She became a better planner, public speaker and learned how to take responsibility for mistakes. Bevis credits Helen Kerr, former director of development, for much of her professional growth.
"I had some bad habits," she says with amusement. "I had a hard time planning things a year out."
Kerr taught her the ins and outs of planning ahead. And she taught Bevis how to admit to her mistakes.
"She would say, 'It doesn't matter what you did, just don't make excuses for why things didn't get done. Just confess and move forward.' "
"It was hard for me to admit I made a mistake. From Helen I learned it wasn't a character flaw," Bevis says.
Ashlea Yearwood has been friends with Bevis for 17 years since they met on the job. They both worked in the PSC Foundation office before Yearwood moved to the Financial Aid area. Although Yearwood now lives in Winter Springs, the friendship thrives.
"Sharon is loyal, honest and never looking for any kind of negativity," Yearwood says. "She is very even-keeled, level-headed and kind."
Her Special Focus
As cultural arts coordinator, Bevis plans the highly successful Special Performance Series a year in advance, compiles the brochure and supervises ticket sales to 500 season ticket holders.
This is where she shines, said Tom Dowling, the college's coordinator of marketing and public relations.
"Sharon knows her audience and packages the Performance Series for this group. She annually attends showcases and based on the presentation there determines what shows will work best for the patrons of PSC Special Performances Series and develops the lineup of shows for the following year," Dowling says. "She's done such a wonderful job that for the past five years or so, the Special Performance Series has been sold out or nearly sold out."
At the showcase - or Performing Arts Exchange Conference - she talks to agents, negotiates contracts and takes care of all booking arrangements.
During the series season, she runs the "front of the house" and oversees volunteer ushers and ticket collectors and paid cashiers.
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Sharon Bevis has earned the appreciation and respect of countless PSC colleagues for her organizational and personal skills.
Paul Crate / News Chief |
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Bevis also provides refreshments to artists and performers, books their accommodations and takes care of presenting payment to them.
She's met the likes of actress and operatic singer Anna Maria Alberghetti; singer, actor and game show host John Davidson; pianist Mac Frampton; and folk singer Glenn Yarbrough.
And on performance night, she is on hand to greet patrons as they arrive.
"One of the most satisfying things about my job is getting to know the patrons here. There are so many nice patrons who come to see our events and they are like family to me," Bevis says.
Theater technician James Sharp, who has known Bevis for 22 years, describes her as unflappable.
"I've never seen anything faze her. She's always calm," Sharp says, remembering when the lights went out during a performance by Flamenco dancers.
Bevis, who remained calm through the situation, and the theater ushers stood by the stage and illuminated the dancers with flashlights so the performance could continue.
"She is always looking out for the college," Sharp says. "She has the college's best interest at heart."
For Bevis, the job has always been about the people.
"For almost 30 years, I have been blessed with a job that I love, wonderful co-workers, a pleasant environment as well as relationships with patrons of the arts; therefore, retirement has not been my ultimate goal in life. My job challenges me, rewards me, keeps me involved with the world and excites me. I shall miss all of that terribly," she says.
Arts Advocate
As Bevis became more involved in cultural events at the college in both the performing and visual arts, her role in the local arts community increased.
An early member of the Cultural Arts Board - she served as president for one term three years ago - she was instrumental in the formation of Polk Arts Alliance, the promotional arm of the countys arts community, and served on its executive board.
Daniel Stetson, a founding member of the Cultural Arts Board and executive director of the Polk Museum of Art, says Bevis' contributions are many.
"Sharon has been one of the founding forces that created the Cultural Arts Board here in Polk County," he said. "She represented Polk Community College with great honor and rose to be the president of the Cultural Arts Board and help to shape it through continued hard work.
"She was part of it when we adopted Art-i-facts Magazine and helped create Polk Arts Alliance," Stetson adds.
Bevis also served on the executive board of Polk Arts Alliance and the Gallery Selection Committee for Polk State College.
An avid painter who studied under former PSC art professor Bob Morrissey, Bevis doesn't plan to fade from the art scene.
"I hope to be involved with the arts in some capacity," she says.
And if she's not found sitting, paintbrush in hand, in front of an easel, Bevis may be creating with needles - quilting, sewing, needle point - or perhaps planting a masterpiece garden.
"I'm not worried about being bored. What is that saying - 'When a door closes, a window opens?' I'm hopeful and optimistic that a wonderful window will open for me that I had not even thought of that will carry me forward in a useful and productive manner," Bevis says.
