Creating Art is a Cime in Saint Augustine.

Posted on by Thor

Back in 2009 Saint Augustine city officials wrote an an ordinance that banned the creation of art in public spaces. Painting or sketching city parks became a crime punishable with 60 days in jail and a fine of $500. In the ordinance, artists are grouped together with street performers, and vendors. Performers in the law includes, “acting, singing, playing musical instruments, pantomime, mime, magic, juggling, artistry or the creation of visual art, and wares, which means drawings or paintings applied to paper, cardboard, canvas, cloth or other similar medium when such art is applied to the medium through the use of brush, pastel, crayon, pencil, spray or other similar object, and the creation, display and/or sale of crafts made by hand or otherwise.”

This clearly contradicts our first amendment rights which allows for freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The law bans art on 8 public streets and 4 public parks and green spaces. My first reaction was indignation and then I found out about a protest that was going to be held in front of the Lightner Museum and City Chambers (75 King Street Saint Augustine). The city is celebrating its 450th birthday and this law seems like it was written back before there was a US Constitution.  Sections of King Street are included in the ban on creativity but I couldn’t find out online if it was illegal to sketch on the block where the protest was being staged. My original plan was to do a digital sketch, which would seem to fall outside the laws limited definition of visual art. The protest was at noon however, so I returned to work in an old fashioned sketchbook. Imagine toddlers scribbling with crayons in their sketchbook getting arrested. Illegal or not, it was time for a road trip and a sketch.

I believe this insane law was put in place because the historic parks were being turned into a free for all flea market. Vendors sell all forms of tourist trinkets, including  snacks, sunglasses and clothing. Brick and mortar merchants must have wanted the ban so that they wouldn’t loose a dime in tourist sales. Some performers would attract large crowds of tourists who would sometimes block traffic. If the city would ban the tourists, then there would be no problem.

Saint Augustine City commissioners do not seem to mind having artists creating in public, but artists are still bundled into the law prohibiting performers and vendors. It should be noted that artists are not performers and they seldom attract a crowd. While the flea market continues, police turn a blind eye. The police do however take photos of artists at work in an effort to build a case against them. Artists are being considered a threat to public safety and a visual blight. There are 12 spots in the plaza that are legally available for $75 a month to rent, and these are given out on a lottery based system. Even if an artist were lucky enough to rent a spot in the park, it certainly wouldn’t offer the historic views that beg to be sketched all over the city.

My primary concern as I drove into Saint Augustine was the parking. 450 years ago the city streets were set up with only pedestrian traffic in mind.  The streets are narrow and often one way. Parking meters charge $1.50 an hour with a time limit of 3 hours. Clearly I would have to execute the sketch with that 3 hour window and then get the hell out of Dodge. The museum parking lot was full and I didn’t have enough quarters for a meter, so I got lost on the suburban side streets until miraculously a parking spot appeared. I’m thankful that I didn’t pay the city to document the protest.

I was quite nervous as I began the sketch. Every line was an act of civil disobedience. A musician pulled up behind me on his medical scooter. He had a friendly old Labrador retriever who wore sun glasses, a white beard and a Santa cap. As a musician, he clearly is affected by the law. He was looking forward to giving a speech later in the day. As I sketched the gorgeous architecture several dozen protesters gathered on King Street holding signs that said Art is not Crime, Freedom of Expression, and Spend 60 Days in Jail. Sketching was the perfect way to document this protest. One protester told me that the Mayor would at some point notice the protest when she glanced out her window. She would then likely have the police chase the protesters off. A silly little red tourist trolley stopped in from of the protesters. The driver was annoyed that shouts of “Art is not a crime!” interrupted his endless monotone scripted spiel. One police cruiser passed the protest without incident. Apparently you need to stay in motion when you are protesting. Protesters paced back and forth. As an artist, I was the only one who remained completely still and therefor I might be suspect.

Angel Jones welcomed me and handed me her card in case police gave me trouble for sketching in public. I was told that handing out business cards in Saint Augustine is also illegal. Angel was definitely the protests greatest cheerleader. When cars honked their approval, she would shout and cheer. Her enthusiasm was contagious. From across the street she shouted to me, “Don’t worry, if the police show up we will surround you. I’ll chain myself to your chair if I have to!” She was hilarious.

A Japanese family stopped to watch as I sketched. The little girl almost pressed her nose to the page as she crowded in to watch intently. The last thing I wanted was to draw a crowd because that is what got this insane law started. The trouble is that people love to to watch artists sketch. People kept asking me about the protest, so I got a chance to inform people over and over again as I worked. Limiting artistic expression is an issue that is near to my heart. Winter Park, which is a place I sketch often, is considering a similar ban on artists. Their reasoning is that artists hinder foot traffic on public side walks. This insanity is getting closer to home.

As I was finishing up sketch, some one told me that the area where I was sketching was safe from the ban on artists. Had I sketched one block east, it would have bee a different story. The city needs anti-art signs to let people know where creativity is prohibited. Maybe there should be an anti-art curb color to ward off possible painters or sketchers. It would have be nice to know it was safe to sketch earlier, the sketch might have been less frantic. I posted a picture of my sketch in progress on Instagram and close to 300 people have joined the conversation on the issue. Protests in Saint Augustine will be happening biweekly. When my sketch was done, I got out of that backward city as fast as I could.

The ongoing case to overturn this ordinance is in federal court, and a ruling
is pending. Change comes slowly, and this battle has been going on for too long, but you can help by telling others about this crazy law and of course you can e-mail city commissioners to let them know how you feel about St. Augustine’s current anti-artist laws. As Queen Victoria said, “Beware of artists because they mix with all classes of society and are therefore most dangerous.” The next step could be burning books.

Nancy Shaver, Mayor
NShaver@citystaug.com

Roxanne Horvath, Vice Mayor/Commissioner
RHorvath@citystaug.com

Leanna Freeman, Commissioner
LFreeman@citystaug.com

Todd Neville, Commissioner
TNeville@citystaug.com

Nancy Sikes-Kline, Commissioner
NSikesKline@citystaug.com

Wonderland – The Gift of Creativity.

Posted on by Thor

Anytime you walk into True Serenity (1100 Montana St, Orlando, Florida), you feel the love. Tod Caviness was playing with his son in the front parlor. I had arrived a bit early, so people were still setting up. Tara Chiavetta who owns True Serenity gave me a warm welcome. This quaint bungalow offers gentle yoga, Chakra healing workshops, energy readings, and Reiki Circles. Today however it us a Magical Wonderland. Members of Orlando’s creative local community offered unique arts, crafts and holistic gifts for the holidays. 

I went outside where vendors were lined up in the driveway. Tisse Mallon and Banks Helfrich had a Listening Booth set up. The concept is simple and elegant you sit down and Tisse or Banks will listen intently to what you have to say. Tisse explained that some people get quite emotional since having someone truly listen is becoming a rare commodity today. It reminded me of Marina Abramovie‘s “The Artist is Present” that was staged at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. At that performance you would sit opposite Marina and look into her eyes for as long as you wanted to. Some people would be moved to tears because people seldom take the time to honestly look at one another. I was surprised to find out that Tisse and Bank first met at a party at my house on New Year’s Day. Perhaps that was the birthplace of their Living room Theater concept.

It had gotten cold outside and I didn’t bring a sweatshirt or sweater, so after joking with Tisse and Banks, I went inside hoping to find a cozy and warm spot to sketch. I decided to sketch Maricardia Avila who was offering Astrology readings. Her business is called Odyssey of Light. The paintings in the room all seemed to have planetary themes. The calming shape of a circle could be seen everywhere. Lights danced on the ceiling further heightening the celestial display. Business was slow for the first hour, so I focused on the setting. Cheryl, the owner of the Crystal Healing Spa had her beautiful healing crystals for sale right behind me.


In the living room, Fresh Coffee from Vita Luna Craft Coffee Bar was being ground and brewed. In the back courtyard there was  Live Music with a great track selection played throughout the night by DJ Anthony Bonilla. There are wonderful oriental flavored murals in the hallways of the bungalow. Illuminated by black lights the blossoms glow a vibrant purple and orange. I’ve always wanted to capture that mysterious light and there is just a hint in the doorway. 

Maricardia’s daughter went to the Poetry Vending Machine to have a custom poem created. Her mom read it out loud and it was of course magical. Finally, a couple settled in for their Astrology Reading. The reading was surprisingly high tech. The laptop displayed a circle cutup into slices like a pie and in the center, red lines darted from slice to slice divining the future. I know nothing about the science of Astrology, but the advice Maricardia offered was sound and sincere. The couple have world travel in their future but certain pragmatic financial concerns need to be resolved. One of the patrons is writing a children’s book, and that might be the reason for the travel. One year from now all of the things discussed would find a resolution. The couple is in a period of deep discussion and everything will be put out in the open and shared. When the reading was over, so was my sketch. 

The nurturing conversation sparked by the reading continued as she walked with the couple to the front entry. I saved my sketch and closed the computer. I felt bad that I didn’t have a chance to share the sketch since I had to dart off to a show were I would be meeting Terry. I was also  curious to have my own reading done, but I was out of time.  I showed the sketch to Maricardia’s daughter instead, thinking she could explain the sketch to her mom verbally.

Take A Look, And You Will See Into Your Imagination!

Posted on by Thor

 On Third Thursday, I wandered downtown to see what art exhibits were opening up. On the drive, Terry called me to let me know there was an outdoor concert in front of the Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. I decided that DPAC therefor was my sketch opportunity for the night. I stopped quickly into City Arts Factory to see how the Square exhibit looked hung. I submitted one square print and it was nestled in neatly among many of he talented local artists. My print hung just inches from the incredibly talented Rebecca Rose, also nearby was Boy Kong, Andrew Spear, Jennifer Payne, and Scott White. I made an impulse buy and purchased a print by Plinio Pinto. It is now hanging in my living room. The curator didn’t want me to take it off the wall right a way. He suggested I return at the end of the evening. 


I started hoofing it down to DPAC to sketch the concert. On the way I ran into Joe Rosier who had grown out his white beard and had on a red Santa cap and a red shirt. His plan was to get some fish and chips at the Irish Pub before he started gallery hopping. We walked past two women smoking outside the pub. One shouted out, “Hey Santa, you should come inside, you would be the life of the party.” Joe turned to her and said, “First let check my list, I have to see if you’ve been naughty or nice.” Since I wanted to get to the concert to sketch, I left Santa as he finalized the negotiation. When I got to DPAC, the concert was over and chairs were being folded up and stacked away. Alright, change of plans there had been a trio performing at Avalon Island. That was my new sketch opportunity. 


As soon as I entered The Gallery at Avalon Island (39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL) I bumped into Kathy Blackmore. I had worked with her at Disney Feature Animation and at Full Sail University. [ miss the camaraderie, laughter and insanity of those times. The Gallery was presenting Take A Look, And You Will See Into Your Imagination! an exhibition that features children’s book artists and illustrators. Kathy’s children’s book illustrations were part of the exhibit. After a quick walkabout, I started sketching. At two tables there was brown packing tape acting as a table cloth and canvas. Colorful markers in a cup acted as the center piece. I was delighted when Tori Kelly and her two children started sketching on the brown paper. Kids sketch with such confidence, They still enjoy the simple pleasure of putting lines on a page. Children’s book illustrator, Ethan Longjoined the kids and he showed them how to draw on of his characters. The kids were mesmerized soaking in his every pencil stroke with their hungry eyes.

A gentleman and two women sat across from me. He started drawing an intricately branched tree with a purple bird perched way up high. Earlier in the day, a repairman had told me the he let his Moluccan Cockatoo climb the branches in a large tree in his yard. His bird would climb to the highest branches and then come back down when called. Zorro, our Umbrella Cockatoo had never experienced that freedom. Hawks and falcons can sometimes be seen circling overhead. As protective owners we would never risk allowing Zorro to climb beyond our reach. He might climb to the top and never look down, requiring a call tot fire department to get the hook and ladder.

 It turned out that the sketcher across from me was the husband of  Zebo Ludvicek, one of the artists whose work was on exhibit. She asked to see my sketchbook when I had finished sketching the trio. She took her time flipping through the pages, she seemed to truly like what I do.  Her husband reaffirmed her sincerity saving, ” She means it, she doesn’t usually like anything.” We chatted for quite. a while about art, both digital and traditional before I decide to get a beer with a day of the dead skill on it which was laced with Taquilla. It gave me an immediate headache.

Kathy was in a conversation with artists Anne Jewett, and Janeen Mason. Janeen said she would give me the name of a friend of hers who lives in Saint Augustine. That city has a law that make creating art in public spaces a crime punishable with a fine of $500 and or 60 days in jail. There is a demonstration in Saint Augustine on December 21st against this insanity and I plan to drive over that way to sketch the demonstration. Janeen’s friend is on the Saint Augustine historic preservation committee and she might help get me out of jail if I am caught sketching. Anne told me about a unique crowd funding source for artists called something like Patrion. People pay a small sum, like a dollar to see sketches for a project as it progresses. It is an ingenious idea and I plan to research it more. It could bring what seemed lit an impossible dream to life. I also have I say that Anne’s illustrations were magical with a old world classical glow. If you happen to be walking by Avalon check out her work in the front windows. It will amaze you.

The only other artists that I didn’t meet were, Fred Koehler,  and Loreen Leedy.The Avalon exhibit was clearly my favorite discovery for the evening. The show will be on display at the gallery until January 16th. The children’s books are available at Bookmark It (3201 Corrine Dr #109, Orlando, FL).

Discovering the Milk Stout Float.

Posted on by Thor

On Saturday December 12, there was a house warming potluck at the Kerouac House to welcome the new resident author Sarah Viren.I had spent all day creating invites for workshops and a party to ring in the new year.  I knew Terry wanted to go to the potluck, but she was out getting a pedicure. I hadn’t done a sketch for the day, so I decided to drive over to the Kerouac House to do a nocturnal sketch of the house before people arrived for the potluck. I got in my ca and texted Terry to let her know I was heading over early. She responded, “I thought we would drive over early.”

Time for a change of plans. I decided instead to just walk around our neighborhood and sketch g home with a decent Christmas light display. The sun had just set as I walked the neighborhood. This home which was clearly hosting a holiday party caught my eye. As night settled in, the sketch got darker. I was seated in a yard across the street in the shadow of a hedge. Mosquitoes kept burning in my ears, so l raised the black hoodie to muffle the buzzing. The mosquitoes must have liked the glow of my tablet screen as well, so I kept slapping my chest to try and crush the mosquitoes that became visible silhouetted against the computer’s glow.

Two children were doing somersaults in the yard next door while it was still light. Their mom then took a large black poodle for a walk. They disappeared and then returned about a half an hour later on my side of the street. The large poodle was sniffing around the lawn I as seated on. When it was maybe fire fee away, it froze. It had noticed me. The dog owner however hadn’t noticed me. She tugged at the leash an the leash and then shrieked when she saw me. I guess that I must have looked a bit like a terrorist, or may be the Uni-bomber in my black hoodie being lit from below by the computer’s glow.

At the Kerouac Potluck, Danielle Kessinger introduced me to an amazing drink known as a Milk Stout Ice cream float. Milk Stout is dark beer much like Guinness. When I order a Guinness at an Irish bar, I like I get it with a slice of chocolate cake. Something about a dark beer and sweet is perfect together. The Milk Stout float has the same magical taste combination.  I now confider it a holiday tradition. Whenever you attend a party crowded with authors drinking wine, the conversations become insightful, deep and also hilarious. Though usually a voyeur, I found myself jumping into conversations left and right and laughing until I had to catch my breath. There is nothing quite like the fellowship of artists. I floated off the porch when it was time to go. Thankfully, Terry drove.

Night of Fire lights up Crealdé School of Art.

Posted on by Thor

The fourth annual Night of Fire at Crealdé School of Art, (600 Saint Andrews Boulevard, Winter Park, FL) offered a chance to see artists at work in each of the studios. I settled in to Painting and Drawing Studio 1A where Crealde faculty Robert Ross and Barbara Tiffany were painting a still life with some eggs in a bowl and a letter. Marie Orban was also drawing from a model, although the model as on a break in the time I was sketching.

The whole campus comes alive after dark for  A Night of Fire. There was live music, refreshments and storytelling around the fire. Other workshops and demonstrations including a bronze pour, a gas kiln firing and raku firing. After finishing my sketch I warmed up with a cup of hot spiced wine and walked toward the lake to wait for a light-painting photography display. A dark silhouette of a boat on the lake could faintly be seen. I speculated with another patron to try and figure out what the light painting was all about. Small fireworks and sprinklers began dancing over the water. A camera with it’s shutter open recorded all the action compiling all the light motion into one image. I lost interest and wandered off to a warm fire pit.

The evening also served as the opening reception for the “Director’s Choice V” exhibition of works by Crealde’s youth faculty.

The Alice and William Jenkins Gallery had paintings by Bill Jenkins, the school’s founder in honor of the school’s 40th Anniversary. The Front Office was open to register for classes. All the activities were free.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for December19th and 20th.

Posted on by Thor

Saturday December 19, 2015

3pm to 7pm Free. Cruisin’ Downtown DeLand Car Show! East Indiana Ave Downtown DeLand, FL. Classic cars and rods.  Live DJ, giveaways, shopping & dining. Fun for the family! Every 3rd Saturday night! INFO: & for showing your car 386-738-0649

7pm to 2am Free. Awakening ~ A Star Wars Experience like no other. Red Lion Pub, 3784 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL. A Star Wars inspired: Art show, Cosplay Event, Fire spinning and Light saber extravagance laced with vendors and a few surprises.

The schedule of events is already blowing up minds and inspiring creators all over to bring you a wonderful experience to remember.

Too much to be called just an Art Show.

The List of scheduled events goes as follows.

Some may be moved around and changed but due to so many questions landing in my inbox and so many performers wanting to know all the fun juicy details here you go.

8pm Master of Ceremonies

Jedi Councilwoman and Slave Leia will open up the night with a short introduction and will get your spirits lifted with a taste of Mos Eisley Star Wars Cantina Band performers

830 sign up for Cos-play categories

(absolutely free I want everyone dressed up!!!)

sign up for Light saber showdown ($5 entry fee)

A> Slave Leia Cos-play contest

B> Bounty hunter and Villains of Star Wars Splay contest

9pm first Cos-play contest will take place.

Let the Slave Leia’s begin!

top slaves from separate groups of Leias will be picked for final end of the night showdown.

9:45pm First and Second Fire Spinning performance will take place

Spinners will be in light Costume and perform to either Star Wars original music or to Star Wars mash up, remix of some kind.

10:15pm Inside for Trivia 20-30 minutes of good time friends and family kind of vibe trying to figure out who among you is the biggest and most knowledge Star Wars junkie.

Winner will receive a loaded up prize pack including

Jedi Absinthe sure to get you to the Death star or anywhere in the Galaxy.

11pm Band performance

11:30pm Third and fourth fire spinning performance

12am Light saber showdown

Audience picked winner for making the best Light saber.

One that Yoda and Darth would fight for.

12:30am Bounty Hunter Villains Cos-play contest

Final judging for Slave Leia contest.

Very few selected vendors! so the best!

And Art from Artists from all over Central Florida, Florida and out of state will be available for sale and showing.

1:30 am Final winners picked for Bounty Hunter Villain cos-play and for Fire Spinners.

2am a grand finale Awards and prizes as well as a happy ending just like in the movies.

(minds out of the gutter, the Star Wars movies!)

Through out the night your senses will be entertained with alien creatures walking by and surprising you with alien talents and questions and trivia challenges.

Dancers will be around enjoying the Cantina vibes.

Fantasy characters will inspire you to travel to places in your mind that you have not navigated before.

Cos-player winners will be chosen in both categories

a first and second because lets face it no one remembers 3rd.

Prize packed goodies and small bottles of Jedi Absinthe will be given to those 21 and up. Prize packs minus Absinthe for those 18 and up.

Prizes for second will be small art work and goodies to still leave you smiling.Prizes for Fire Spinners will include discounts/gift cards for gear. Gift cards for shit you use! And large bottle of Jedi Absinthe to take you places.

Trivia question winners will receive bottles of

Wookie Lager

Death star and Imperial Stout

Yoda Ale

EP7 IPA

Prize packs for favorite Artist will be given Male and Female.

Photography opportunities

Dancers and so much more but for now that be your lineup. A Star Wars inspired: Art show, Cosplay Event, Fire spinning and Lightsaber extravagance laced with vendors and a few surprises.

8pm to Midnight. $10 at door. THE SCENE III Alternative Hip Hop Music & Art Festival. Venue 578 578 N Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida. THE LAST AND FINAL EVENT FOR 2015 (HOLIDAY EDITION TOY DRIVE).

Last event brought out more than 900 guests. Together we are building a movement. This is the new wave of Orlando Alternative Hip Hop Culture.

“The Scene” is an Awesome Interactive Art and Music event in Downtown Orlando that celebrates ALL elements of alternative Hip Hop. Featuring local bands – MC’s – Spoken Word Artists – B-Boys/Girls and more, all under one roof with many entertaining surprises in between! Witness LIVE graffiti and art demo’s on the patio from some of Central Florida’s best artists! There will be over two dozen vendors and designers throughout the venue! Our goal for ‘The Scene 2015’ is to create consumer awareness in Orlando’s Alternative Hip Hop scene. By connecting local bands and artists with local businesses, we help merge and familiarize each other’s fan bases. Together we are a Cultural Marketplace.

Free Admission With Comp Ticket or $10 at the door

Get your tickets online:

 Showcasing:

MC’s – BANDS – Spoken Word Artists

Graffiti Art – B-Boys/Girls

Tshirt and Merch Expo

Sunday December 20, 2015 

Noon to 2pm Donation. Community Color Therapy yoga class : 7 chakra series (Heart Chakra) Studio One 5250 International Dr, Ste D6, Orlando, Florida. This 3rd Sunday of December YogART will be hosting a donation based Color Therapy Yoga class for the community at Studio One inside of Artegon Marketplace.

This class is a continuation of our “7 Chakra Series” that focuses each class on an individual chakra: breaking down its color, meaning, location and function. This particular class will revolve around our fourth major energy point known as “The Heart Chakra” (Heart, Thymus Gland, Lungs, Circulatory System, Arms, Hands).

This is an ALL LEVELS class which incorporates stretching, breathing exercises and light yoga poses geared to balance and improve the aspects of your life correlating to the Heart Chakra.

Color Therapy glasses will also be provided for those who wish to experience the healing and restorative effects of color has on the mind and body. Green will be the primary focus for our Heart Chakra class, but you may wear any color you want to work with.

We also have a color wheel on our site that explains the benefit of each color (glasses) Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. http://www.yogartinc.com/color-therapy-chart/

*Please bring a yoga mat*

Check out our lovely YogART instructor’s website for more info on her, amazing recipes, and a variety of health based articles including yoga:

www.jamiecrowell.com

Any children who attend must be able to participate in the session quietly to respect the space of other guests. If your child is unable to partake without disruption we ask that you please refrain from bringing them.

Thank you! Namaste.

For more info contact us at:

info@yogartinc.com

Noon to 5pm. Ten10 Art Market. Ten 10 Brewing Company 1010 Virginia Dr, Orlando, Florida. a regularly scheduled business hosted Art Market. My thoughts were as follows: It would be…Visual Art-Centric like blank space was..(although I am down for whatever)..maybe one Sunday a month…start it in the fall..at the new brewery..next to the trail…big parking lot for market & live local music (old vinyl spinning during day..set or two from local musicians mixed genres)..everybody promotes & pulls heads..permission from Alden Electric Supply (neighbor) enables tons of visitor parking..maybe get some interactive art stuff going..hopefully create a regular place to be outside & get together, surrounded by great: local art, music, food, & drink…so if that sounds like good times then..please join us!

Art..music..food..beer …plus other interesting things…

Every 3rd Sunday

1pm to 3pm Free Yoga. Lake Eola Park, 195 N Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL. Weekly. Near red Japanese pagoda.

Corsets and Cuties ring in the Holidays at The Venue.

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Tonight at 9pm, Corsets and Cuties will be performed their Holiday Show at The Venue
(511 Virginia Dr, Orlando, Florida). I went to the dress rehearsal, or should I say, undress rehearsal to get a sketch. This talented burlesque troop always delivers a unique combination of class and sass. Many of the routines are laugh out loud funny while other performers have golden voices that can belt out Broadway quality tunes.

A unique addition to the show this year was Serafina on the silks. She tested out the violet silks before the run through of the show. The distance from floor to ceiling is a bit shorter than she is used to, so she modified her routine to compensate. She does this death defying drop that caused one of the dancers to scream from the back of the theater. The silks caught her just inches before her skull crashed to the stage.

Every man knows what his woman really wants for Christmas, which is of course his junk in a box. This holiday favorite always delivers laughs. This routine might be followed by a song by a sexy Mrs. Claus, or another routine in which Mrs. Claus strips after having too much to drink. From the opening number to the grand finale this show packs in the surprises while delivering plenty of sexy holiday cheer.

Tickets are $18 at the door and as of the writing, the show isn’t yet sold out so this might be your lucky day. The Venue’s doors open at 9pm and the show starts at 10pm. If you arrive a bit early there are drinks available for purchase in the lobby.

Rehearsal of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

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On January 9th, I went to a rehearsal of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra with Eric Jacobson Conducting. This was back when conductors were being consider to lead the Philharmonic into the future. of the five finalists selected in the international conductor search, this concert turned the most heads because Eric was selected as the Philharmonics new conductor.

The concert which occurred on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 8 pm was entitled SCHEHERAZADE: A FANTASY PROGRAM. Wu Man performed on the pipa which is a a four-stringed Chinese musical folk instrument, Sometimes called the Chinese lute, the instrument has a pear-shaped wooden body with a varying number of frets ranging from 12 to 26.

The program consisted of DEBUSSY  Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun, JIPING  Concerto for Pipa and Orchestra, and RIMSKY-KORSAKOV  Sheherazade. Much of the rehearsal focused on the Concerto for Pipa and Orchestra. Wu Man performed on the pipa with a graceful flair. The sound is distinct and the music felt like an exchange of cultures between East and West, a bit like dueling banjos but with much more culture, style and lyricism.

SquareLando InstaShow Dropoff.

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There’s a NEW gallery in City Arts Factory, and some of Orlando’s Best and Brightest are coming together to welcome its debut.

The new “Pop Up Gallery” will host the “SquareLando InstaShow“, where all pieces must have a square aspect ratio. There will be little square artworks, and BIG square artworks, but all will be available to purchase and take home THAT NIGHT! (December 17) Prices start as low as $5.00!

Jon GlassMan Gardner is curating this show and he asked me to submit a square sketch. This gallery is usually blocked off with a black curtain and the only other times I saw it used was as a greenroom for the dead at Dia de los Muertos and as an open area for some installation art. This past week some of the conduits were removed from a wall to open it up to hang art and track lighting was installed allowing for the spotlights of work soon to be hung on the walls.

Once I dropped off my sketch and filled out the paperwork, I decided to linger and watch the square art arrive. A demonic Mickey Mouse by Boy Kong looked particular appealing since it depicted the corporate Mouse I had on worked for. I noticed a Parker Sketch  painting, and three square print by Plinio Pinto. The prints were mounted on those deep hardboard stretchers and if was hard to pick out that they were prints. There was a strong showing of work by Full Sail instructors.

As I sketched, Jon related the story of how he got the nickname GlassMan. At one point his life was turned upside down when his wife left him. He was blindsided, but realized he hadn’t been living the life he wanted the to live. He made a commitment to discover a new Orlando museum or arts venue every week. He soon realized that Orlando actually has a vibrant arts scene and he began creating once again. I bet Jon’s work is some of the first local art I purchased. He makes wonderful glass magnets that have an intricate paint pattern that reminds me of aerial photography. Jon has recently started his own auto glass business. That keeps a steady paycheck coming in while allowing him plenty of time to create when the shop is slow. 

Rebecca Rose dropped off a piece. I assumed it would be one of her intricate sculpted silver rings, but it turned out to be an early etching that she had done.  In all I would say about six artists dropped off work in the time it took me to get the sketch done. It is kind of fun sitting still an getting a chance to see some of Orlando’s best talent come to you. Rebecca will be exhibiting at the grand opening of the new Snap! Gallery in Downtown Orlando. I’m hoping to get a chance to sketch her at work in he silversmith studio before that opening.

Squarelando InstaShow opens Thursday December 17th from 5pm to 10pm at City Arts Factory (29 S Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida) as part of the Third Thursday gallery hop. Jon plans to put all the artwork on Instagram so if you miss the opening, you can browse the whole show on your phone. My Instagram handle is analogartist, so if to look me up, I’ll share the hashtag , link or whatever.

ODD6 at Falcon Bar and Gallery.

Posted on by Thor

Orlando Drink and Draw (ODD) ventures to a new bar each month to sample beers and sketch. There is no model fee and no instruction. This is just a chance to get out, meet fellow artists and draw. I’m hoping to sketch in Central Florida’s best dive bars, so suggestions are always welcome. Mondays are usually slow event wise in Orlando so ODD usually happens on the First Monday of each Month. In December I changed the date to a Tuesday since Kirt and Maxine Earhard had a wedding ceremony on Monday. In their honor, January’s ODD will be at Maxine’s on Shine.

Melissa Marie was gracious about letting artists descend on The Falcon Bar and Gallery (819 E Tosh-0, Washington St, Orlando, FL) on December 8th. I never know how many artists will show up, I might sketch alone, or there could be up to a dozen artists who stop out. On route to the Falcon bar, I learned that Melissa
Marie’s sister, Anthea, had just died at the tender age of 32 from a pulmonary embolism.The message appeared in my Facebook news feed and then flickered off to show a more recent post. My heart goes out to Melissa and her family.

The bar was empty when I arrived around 6pm except for the bar tender. I ordered a cider and started sketching. An open mic night was scheduled to begin at 8pm so I hoped some of the stools would fill up by then. Brian OHalloran who has attended past ODD events stopped in. I told him the news about Melissa Marie’s sister and then he did a black somber sketch of the Falcon Bar o his iPad. The only color in his sketch was the red candles which to him represented sacred funeral candles. My sketch, has a similar dark feeling. All the art on the walls was by local artists. The theme seemed to be pop culture, super heroes and manga. Perhaps there was no theme.

The bar tender was watching a show called Tosh-O on TV. There was an insanely long clip of a woman tweaking, so I sketched the gyrating butt on the screen. Another sine, sh shouted “gross! and I glanced at the tube to see a weight lifter vomiting as he lifted the dumb bells over his shoulders. I wished I hadn’t looked up It seems a sad commentary on what Americans need to see to be entertained.

Brian and I chatted for a while after our sketches were done. I had missed a sketch opportunity he had given me a tip about. It was a candle light service at an angel statue for women who had lost children in childbirth or at a young age. He and his wife Maggie attended and he said it was one of the most emotional experiences he has ever had.

I had brought in a stack of paper for an ODD sketching concept I wanted to try out. I call it a $ketch Off. Artists face each other on bar stools and are given 5 minutes to sketch each other. Neither artist is posing, so it is a bit hectic and the results can be unexpected especially after a few drinks. Since there were just two artists, it was a chance to try it out. I switched to pence and paper since me tablet battery was low. Brian was game, and he worked on his iPad, although he said he was a bit intimidated at first. He is an architect, so people aren’t his specialty. While doing the sketch, he laughed off his concerns, and the result is far more interesting than a realistic depiction. Asking people to pose for five minute is actually outside my comfort zone as well. I tend to usually keep my distance and watch a seen unfold from afar. At some galas and costumed events I should start asking people to pose so I can capture some quick close up sketches.

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