CORAL SPRINGS, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A pair of public events scheduled for May 7 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts will bring residents together to reflect, connect, and honor the life of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer, whose recent passing continues to shape the city’s tone heading into May.
The evening begins with the opening reception for Continuum: Heritage & Expression, an exhibition presented by the Coral Springs Museum of Art featuring the Haitian Women Fine Art Collective. The reception runs from 5 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Center for the Arts, located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive. Immediately afterward, the city will host its annual National Day of Prayer ceremony in the theater.
City leadership is framing both events as more than routine calendar entries. They are tied directly to Metayer’s legacy.
Joshua Simmons, Coral Springs City Commissioner and chair of the museum board, said the overlap carries added meaning this year.
“Vice Mayor Metayer had a special place in her heart for both of these events because they reflect her passion for celebrating culture and community togetherness,” Simmons said. “It is a meaningful coincidence that they fall on the same day this year, giving us the opportunity to celebrate local artists and faith leaders while further honoring the Vice Mayor’s legacy.”
Metayer, who served as vice mayor, is being remembered by colleagues as a central figure in efforts to build community connections across Coral Springs. City messaging released for May describes her as a leader focused on inclusion, public service, and elevating local voices. Her death has prompted a broader reflection period across the city, particularly as May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month.
The city is encouraging residents to support one another during that process and to access available resources if needed. Officials pointed to 2-1-1, text line 898211, and the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as available support options.
The May 7 exhibition will include remarks from city leaders and participating artists, along with a memory ribbon art activity tied to Metayer’s legacy. Organizers say the exhibit represents the inaugural showcase for the Haitian Women Fine Art Collective, highlighting cultural identity and artistic expression through a range of works.
Following the reception, the National Day of Prayer ceremony will shift the focus to reflection and unity. The event is coordinated by the City of Coral Springs in partnership with the Clergy Coalition of Coral Springs and Parkland and the Coral Springs Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee.
Programming is expected to include a formal proclamation reading, remarks from local faith leaders, and performances by music and dance groups. A moment of silence is planned to recognize Metayer.
The National Day of Prayer is observed nationwide on the first Thursday of May and is intended as an opportunity for collective reflection across communities. In Coral Springs, the event typically draws a cross-section of residents representing different faiths and backgrounds.
Both events are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided during the exhibition reception, with additional beverages available for purchase inside the museum gallery.
The May 7 gathering is part of a broader slate of city programming throughout the month, including community events, educational outreach, and a Memorial Day ceremony scheduled for May 25 at Veterans Park.
For Coral Springs officials, the throughline this year is clear. Public events are continuing, but they are being shaped by the loss of a sitting elected leader whose work centered on connection.
Residents attending the May 7 events should expect a tone that blends celebration with remembrance — art and performance alongside reflection, all under one roof.
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