Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - November 2025

COVER FEATURE W hen Jeni Licata steps into the Lighthouse ArtsCenter each morning, she carries with her more than just administrative responsibility; she brings decades of commitment to art, community, and a holistic vision. As Executive Director, she sees the center not just as an art school, exhibition, or event venue, but as a civic and cultural anchor in Palm Beach County that must reflect, challenge, and uplift its community. “Art is a universal language,” Licata said. “It has the power to open minds, spark conversations, and connect people across generations and backgrounds. If we can help someone see the world—or themselves—a little differently, then we’ve done our job.” Jeni’s path into arts leadership reflects both personal passion and professional growth. She began her career at Lighthouse ArtsCenter in programming and operations, where she quickly developed a reputation for being approachable, collaborative, and creative. For Licata, though, the ArtsCenter is more than a gallery, it’s a gathering place where creativity and community meet. “We’ve been around for 60 years now. We just celebrated the 60th anniversary in 2024. Art has always been the main goal and providing art for everyone.” Lighthouse ArtCenter is not only a hub for year-round art education, but also a vibrant community gathering place. Its calendar includes exhibitions and events—like the popular Plein Air Festival, where 30 award- winning artists paint iconic scenes from Palm Beach and Martin counties. With free live demos, events, and original art for sale, the festival connects the community to the arts while supporting LAC’s mission. “We offer anything from drawing, painting, ceramics, glass, jewelry, textiles, all the mediums you can think of.” Beyond technical training, there are also the relationships that emerge in the studio. "It's about art, but it's also about the community and the friendships made when you're here," Jeni added. Then there are the specialized outreach programs that provide free art instruction to veterans, seniors, children, and individuals Jeni Licata EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LIGHTHOUSE ARTSCENTER – By Dan Hauser – - Photos by Neil Cohen Photography - PROFILES OF LEADERSHIP 8 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 5