Weekend Top 6 Picks for August 22nd an 23rd.

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Saturday August 22, 2015

11am to 6pm Free. Big Bang Bazaar. Central Florida Fairgrounds & Expositions Park 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, Florida. We are pleased to announce that Big Bang Bazaar (Indie Art, Crafts and Vintage Bazaar) will take place at a new indoor venue this year! The event is family friendly and appropriate for all ages!

Big Bang Bazaar will feature a curated selection of over 200 local Indie artists and crafters, along with a free photo booth, Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls and movies playing all day! Shoppers will find a wide variety of goods, all handmade by local artisans! Products such as clothing, accessories, jewelry, original art, art prints, housewares and much more will be available for purchase!

For more information about this event, please visit the website, or on Facebook.

Noon to 4pm Free. Homegrown Rummage Sale!! (to benefit the Co-op). Homegrown Local Food Cooperative 2310 N Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida. ONE DAY ONLY! Come and find great deals on clothing, shoes, housewares, art, vintage, small furniture items, etc., at the Homegrown Local Food Cooperative. All proceeds will benefit Homegrown.

7:30pm to 10:30pm Free. Michele Roldan-Shaw’s Farewell Reading. Kerouac House 1418 Clouser Ave, Orlando, Florida. Please join us for Michele’s farewell reading. Doors will open at 7:30, and light refreshments will be available. You are welcome to bring something you’d like to drink.

Sunday August 23, 2015

10am to 6pm Free. Moving and Yart Sale. 10313 Brownwood Ave. Orlando Fl.  The Migas are moving, that means we will have some unique items we are parting with. Please come and help give our stuff a new home. We will post pics of most items as we set them aside.

Noon to 2pm Free but grab some grub. Florida Gospel Jam. Fish on Fire 7937 Daetwyler Drive Belle Isle FL. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday.

1pm to 3pm Free.  Yoga. Lake Eola Park, 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL East lawn near the red Pagoda. Every week.

Tribes by Nina Raine opens at Mad Cow.

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Winner of the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, Tribes tells the story of Billy, a young man with a comically dysfunctional family. Having been born deaf in a hearing family, Billy struggles to find his place in his own home. But when he meets a young woman who is going deaf herself, she begins to teach Billy about a whole different type of family he never knew he had. With dark humor and heartwarming sincerity, Nina Raine’s exquisite new play explores what it means to belong.

I had to find my way into the dress rehearsal by entering the back door. I took a wrong turn and found myself at a dead end at the actors dressing rooms. In the green room several people were signing to each other. It seemed awkward to ask them for directions to the stage since they might be deaf. I finally asked the woman working at a sewing machine, which way to go. I literally had to walk on the stage to get into the theater. Thankfully no actors were rehearsing at the time. I arrived just as a run through of the show was about to start. The rehearsal had two signers on house right who signed all of the dialogue. I glanced over periodically to watch their graceful interpretations.

The play started with individual family members entering the stage in the dark. When they reached their mark, a stage light flooded them in a pool of light. Light patterns moved on the back wall in sync with classical music much like the abstract animated sequence in Fantasia. Ruth (Hannah Benitez) and Daniel (Peter Travis) had just returned home to live with their parents. Billy (Michael Gordon) sat silent at the end of the table as the family argued. There were lighting tech issues to be ironed out, so I got to sketch this opening scene quite a few times.

When Billy met Sylvia (Lexi Langs) they stood face to face. Billy had
been deaf since birth and Sylvia was slowly becoming deaf. There was a
palpable chemistry between them and finally Billy leaned forward to kiss
her. After their exchange a small ball of light rose against the back
wall and it exploded into an expanding universe of stars filling the
whole stage with dancing points of light.  It was a beautiful visual
analogy about how the heart expands when it finds love.

Billy’s family, especially Daniel feels like Sylvia is taking away to join the tribe of the deaf. When she comes to dinner, the patriarch, Christopher (Mark Edward Smith) confronts her by insisting that signing is an inferior form of communication. Christopher and his wife Beth (Marty Stonerock) are both authors so they believe in the power of words. When Sylvia signs poetry, there is no denying that her graceful movements are poetic and beautiful. The direction by Aradhana Tiwari heightens the shows heart felt theme. During a family argument the sound cuts out entirely giving the audience an insight into Billy’s experience. When Sylvia performs at the piano, abstract forms and notes dance in a rhythmic projection. Sight takes place of sound to experience the music. There are subtitles as Billy and Sylvia sign to each other. This is s show about love and wanting to belong. Experience the magic for yourself at the Mad Cow.

Mad Cow Theatre 54 W Church St, Orlando, Florida

Tickets are $11

Aug 21 at 8:00pm to Sep 20 at 3:00pm

ASL-interpreted performances will be held on August 23 at 3:00pm and on September 4 and 17 at 8:00pm.

Mystery Sketch Theater at Falcon Bar is always a great sketch opportunity.

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Every month, Mystery Sketch Theater offers clothed models for artists to draw at The Falcon (819 E Washington Street, Suite 2, Orlando, Florida). The model in March was Brooke White. She started the evening dressed as a bear and came out of hibernation during the course of the evening. She must have been hot under all those layers but that didn’t keep her from taking killer poses all evening long. Standing on one foot in an action pose is almost masochistic. All artists are a bit sadistic when they insist that people stand still. Plinio Pinto now runs Mystery Sketch Theater after Kristen Pauline had to abandon the post because of work conflicts. It makes me happy that so many artists come together each month to sketch. I’m surprised that I only knew a couple of them. Perhaps Orlando isn’t such a small town after all.

By the end of the night, Brooke was posing in just her stripped PJs. Several Angry Orchards meant my line work was nice and loose by the end of the night. Art on display was by local artists all depicting their version of actor, comedian Bill Murray.  I believe the tooth shaped painting I included in the sketch was based on Little Shop of Horrors in which Bill played the part of masochistic dentist patient.

Mark your calendar! The next Mystery Sketch Theater is on September 3, 2015 at The Falcon (819 E Washington Street, Suite 2, Orlando, Florida). The sketching begins at 8pm. Be sure to get a drink or two to thank Falcon Bar for being the new home base for artists who love to draw.

Star Child’s Odyssey: A Retrospective View Into the Imaginative World of Toni Taylor

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Star Child’s Odyssey: A Retrospective View Into the Imaginative World of Toni Taylor opened on August 15th at Gods and Monsters, inside Artegon, (5250 International Drive; Suite E8, Orlando, Florida). I held a free ticket give away last week on AADW and Toni won the ticket to “The Visit” by M. Night Shamalan. I decided to visit her opening to present her with the ticket and to sketch. Toni was one of the first artists I met when I started doing one sketch a day. She was kind enough to let me visit her studio to watch as she painted.

Toni Taylor began her professional illustration career in 1985 as a
cover artist for Heavy Metal Magazine. She is a visionary artist whose
work travels through the realms of fantasy and mysticism. She feels a
special kinship with the mysteries of Ancient Egypt as well as the
spirit of Native America. Goddess imagery is represented powerfully in
her collection and as a lover of all things celestial, the beauty and
limitlessness of the Cosmos often finds its way into her paintings. Mark Your Calendar! Toni’s paintings will be on display for one month.

Toni has begun creating three dimensional tree sculptures using wire, driftwood and moss. They were quite beautiful and amazingly affordable. Dale Bartlett, the Tree Mon, helped inspire Toni to explore these mysterious miniature creations. Dale had tears in his eyes as he told me that Toni would certainly surpass her master. He was so proud of her. The retrospective showcased work from all facets of her career over the years. In the realm of her imagination anything is possible.

Anna Maiya Young and Todd Fisher the owners of Gods and Monsters had the foresight to include the Transmetropolitan Gallery inside the huge comic store. Anna told me about her bucket list of talented artists that she wanted to showcase. Those artists include, Clive Barker, David Mack, Ben Templesmith, Menton 3, David Stoupakis, Chet Zar, Damien Echols and Vaughn Belak, so her bucket list is almost complete. Needless to say there will be amazing art showcased in this venue all year.

A falconer and a knight from Medieval Times stopped in to the opening. Also some of the cast from Phantasmagoria mingled in the crowd adding to the color of the evening.  Later  performers danced with fire outside. I could feel the heat on my skin as they gracefully performed with five pronged torches. A butler offered a mistress a drink and then she became a human flame thrower spitting flames six feet in the air.

Drip Art Night adds a splash of color to Orlando’s art scene.

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On February 26th, I went to the Drip Local Art Night to sketch. Drip is located at 8747 International Dr. Ste 102, Orlando, Fl right behind Denny’s and Senor Frogs. Brit Lytle was body Painting an attractive model whose breast became the eyes of an owl. Artist Janae Corrado was exhibiting her mysterious and dark fanciful paintings. She seems to exhibit her art at every event that I sketch. She sets up early and breaks down her exhibit with an enviable ease. At this event she worked on one of her paintings when she wasn’t talking to prospective clients. Kristen Lockhart who organized the event set up a Drip community art project which allowed anyone to channel their inner Jackson Pollack by pouring paint onto a large panel.

BalaChandra Belly Dance performed several acts during the evening, along with Corsets and Cuties, a Burlesque Cabaret. The burlesque was staged near the bar with sly smiles becoming the drinkers to loosen up and have more fun. Staging a strip tease in the round must present intimidating challenges since it becomes hard to discreetly cover private parts that are only meant to be unveiled for the final climax. Music was supplied by Frank Asaurus Fresh who was the DJ from 8:00-10:00. Artist could keep 90% of all art sales while DRIP got 10%. This is a great way to meet some of Orlando’s best visual artist while experiencing lively and fun dance and burlesque. Many artists who said they wanted to participate ended up being no-shows. I can’t believe any artist would pass on this fun way to showcase their work. One of my DRIP sketchbooks was sold which justified the time spent designing that print on demand book.

My Urban Sketching students tackle new architecture.

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With my Urban Sketching class at Elite Animation Academy, (8933 Conroy Windermere Rd, Orlando, FL) I seek out unique sketching opportunities in the Conroy Windermere neighborhood. The Tavistock Financial Center (4705 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL) on the corner of Apopka Vineland and Conroy road was erected a few years ago. It houses a brokerage firm and several other businesses I’m sure. It was built in an Italian, Mediterranean style with the two functionless bell towers. On the weekend, which is when we had the class, there is no traffic at this front door round about. One of my students peeked in the front doors, but the building was locked.

My two students sat on the sidewalk and curb and they worked hard to get the immense building on the page. It was a good exercise in two point perspective. These students had already proven themselves as competent sketchers, so I let them block in their sketches uninterrupted.  I sketched along with them and I showed them my process each time I completed a phase. They saw the rough pencil pass, the pen and ink work and then the watercolor. As we worked, dark thunder clouds rolled in from the North West. The sky darkened to a threatening steel grey. Thankfully we all finished our sketches and got back to the classroom before the deluge.

The Travistock Financial Center combines the best of classic columns
and arches of the Mediterranean architectural style with modern
international design detail. Hand selected slate floors, exotic
hardwood panels and marble are used throughout the atrium lobby and
common areas. Dramatic artwork and plasma monitors adorn the wood
veneer paneled walls. Glass and metal will are combined
to create inviting and productive well lit interior spaces. Built over
secured parking and surrounded by lush, beautifully landscaped grounds,
the office building is both dramatic and functional. A full time
concierge provides an unparalleled level of service for tenants. The
concierge will be focused on making your life easier so that you can
focus on your business.The Financial Center also has
state-of-the-art security features that provide true peace of mind
for all tenant and guests.Ample on site parking is available. It looks like there are still office spaces for lease.

Heathers The Musical presents ruthless teens at the Dr Philips Center for the Performing Arts.

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Heathers The Musical will run from August 13 to August 23 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
(445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida). The play is based on the classic 1989 film. Westerberg High is
ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing trio of Heathers, (Lindsey Wells, Jillian
Gizzi, and Caroline Drage ) the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit
Veronica Sawyer (Nicole Visco) rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark
and sexy stranger J.D., (Thomas Sanders) who plans to put the Heathers in their place.
 

 The dress rehearsal I attended was delayed by about an hour as microphone headsets were adjusted and other tech issues were resolved. All the actors sat on stage waiting to rehearse the one large group number in the show. I recognized actress Ally Gursky who performed as Veronica’s childhood friend, Martha Dunnstock who became the butt of the Heathers ruthless jokes. Although not popular, Martha breathed hope into the otherwise sinister student body.

The musical numbers were fun and lively although not particularly memorable. During a sound check, Nicole was asked to sing and someone on the crew shouted out, “Little Mermaid”! She began singing as Ariel and I wondered if she played the Disney Character by day. The Heathers were as ruthless as their fashion tastes. When they first entered the entire student body moved in slow motion to watch their bold strutting. The set was painted in colors that were as bright as the Heathers red, yellow and green suits and skirts. Murdered students would return to haunt Veronica bathed in a green spotlight.

High school students might do anything for their first love but Veronica’s boyfriend goes too far for an all consuming love. Veronica finally regains her morals after becoming as ruthless and mean as the Heathers.

Show runs August 13 to August 23 at various times.

Tickets start at $15.73
Ticket prices include 6.5% sales tax
Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater in The Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida

Weekend Top 6 Picks for August 15th and 16th.

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Saturday August 15, 2015

5pm to 9pm Free. End of Summer Bash. Center Lake Park Oviedo, Florida. Helpful Hands, Inc. in Partnership with the City of Oviedo is pleased to announce a Free Concert at Center Lake Park featuring The 13th Floor Band!

Food, Beer, & Wine for sale!

All proceeds help fund the Athletic Program administered by Helpful Hands, Inc. which provides scholarships to the City of Oviedo Department of Parks and Recreation Youth Programs.

6pm to 10pm Free. Starchild’s Odyssey: A Retrospective View Into the Imaginative World of Toni Taylor. Gods and Monsters 5250 International Drive; Suite E8, Orlando, Florida. Join us for a reception for artist, Toni L Taylor at the Transmetropolitan Gallery inside Gods and Monsters.

Toni Taylor began her professional illustration career in 1985 as a cover artist for Heavy Metal Magazine. She is a visionary artist whose work travels through the realms of fantasy and mysticism. She feels a special kinship with the mysteries of Ancient Egypt as well as the spirit of Native America. Goddess imagery is represented powerfully in her collection and as a lover of all things celestial, the beauty and limitlessness of the Cosmos often finds its way into her paintings…

Read this interview to learn more about Toni and see examples of her work.

7pm to 9pm Free.  The Orlando Shuffle. Beardall Senior Center, 800 Delaney Avenue, Orlando, FL. The Orlando Shuffle is always free, family-friendly, and fun. It takes place the 1st and 3rd Saturdays every month. Come play, learn, or just hangout. Retro attire is encouraged.



Sunday August 16, 2015

10am to 12:30pm $10. $10 Crealde Sketch Class. Crealdé School of Art, 600 St Andrews Blvd, Winter Park, FL. Life drawing from nude model. No instruction.

4pm to 6pm Free. Rodrigo Garcia- US Premier Concert Performance. Audubon Park Covenant Church 3219 Chelsea St, Orlando, Florida. 17 year old Rodrigo Garcia is a classical pianist prodigy from Cuba making his U.S. premier in concert this August in Orlando, FL at Audubon Park Covenant Church. You will not want to miss this special concert with Rodrigo! Check out this video of him performing.

9pm to 11pm Free. Comedy Open Mic. Austin’s Coffee, 929 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL. Free comedy show! Come out & laugh, or give it a try yourself.

Free Ticket giveaway. I have one FREE ticket to see an advance screening of M. Night Shamalan’s “The Visit” at 7:30pm August 17th 2015, at Cinemark Artegon Marketplace 5150 International Drive Orlando FL 32819.  The ticket admits two for the screening. Just answer the following question and the ticket is yours. At what age did M. Night Shamalan first start making films?

The Art Mobile takes art to the streets of Orlando.

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It was a cold February night as the Art Mobile parked in front of St. Matthew’s Tavern at the Orlando Beer Garden, on North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL starting at 10 pm. The truck was full of killer art by Franklin Reyes. Matt Boss (Producer/DJ) will be layed down the beats and Boy Kong. was painting a mural on the side of the building! I sketched as the U-Haul truck was decorated with a white sheet. The DJ had a projector that showed the Art Mobile logo and then a black and white film whose plot I couldn’t follow.

Franklin’s paintings were representational with a touch of mysticism. Colors were rich and vibrant with bold use of pattern. As I finished my sketch, drag queens began arriving at Mathew’s pub. This was clearly another great sketch opportunity, but I was cold, tired and satisfied with my one sketch. Boy Kong was just beginning his mural as I got ready to leave. He finish the mural very late that night, or very early the next day depending on how you look at it. The mural was up for maybe a month or so and then it was painted over with an image for a show called “Joe’s NYC Bar” that had actors interacting with other patrons in the bar as the story unfolded. I was curious about this interactive theatrical production but it didn’t cross my radar in time.

The Inbetween Series at Avalon Gallery is a hidden gem of the Orlando Music scene.

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On February 15th I went to the Gallery at Avalon Island (39 South Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida) for the salon style in-between series. Patrick Greene, Avalon’s curator host this music series between art exhibits on the week before Third Thursday when all the downtown galleries have opening for their new exhibits. This group featured a bass guitar, drums, a xylophone and a cello. There was no cost to attend, but donations are always welcome. I set up to sketch behind the drummer and sketched with vigor through the performance. The group was known as “Attached Hands“. The experimental music felt new age and melodic. It soothed and felt improvised.

The hippest folks in Orlando can be found at Avalon once a month.The In-between Series just won the “Best New Imaginative Music Series” by voters of The Orlando Weekly.  The series is cultured, it’s progressive and it’s free. The next performance will likely be August 17th but that is unconfirmed since the invitation isn’t out yet. It is a relaxing way to start out a Monday evening once a month.