On the Third Thursday of each month, the Downtown Arts District, (29 S Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida, comes alive as all the downtown galleries open their art shows with a Gallery Hop, Tech Meetup and Business Networking events.
On a typical Hop, a series of galleries and non-traditional art venues (think restaurants, boutiques, and salons) spotlight the best of established and emerging Orlando-based artists as well as the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
Venues include:
Aloft Orlando Downtown 500 S Orange Ave
Art for all Places 55 West Church St.
City Arts Factory 29 S Orange Ave
The Falcon Bar and Gallery 819 E Washington St.
Gallery at Avalon Island 39 S Magnolia Ave.
Grand Bohemian Gallery 325 S Orange Ave
Loft 55 Gallery 55 West, Breezeway, Church St and Pine
NV Art Bar 27 E Pine Street
It was threatening to rain on this particular Third Thursday, and I got as far as the breezeway at 55 west Church Street when it started to rain. Janae Corrado who is a regular at the art market was set up along with Christian Rivera. There was only other vendor set up. It was a surprisingly small turn out. Usually there are at least a dozen artists set up outside at church street across from the railroad station. I guess local artist know to stay home if there is the threat of rain. Artists in the breezeway at least had a roof over their heads. Christian’s work was playful, seeming to be inspired by modern pop Japanese imagery of mystical pandas and ferocious cats. He worked on his canvas whenever there was a break from potential customers. On this rainy afternoon, he had plenty of time to focus and work.