Book Party and Launch: I Will Meet You at the River

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On October 12th, Suzannah Gilman had a book launch party for her first book of poetry titled, “I will Meet You at the River” at Quantum Leap Winery (1312 Wilfred Dr, Orlando, FL.) Suzannah  was born in California and grew up in Florida. She
attended Rollins College while raising four children, graduating with
honors. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida
Levin College of Law and is a licensed attorney. She has published
poetry, essays, fiction, and nonfiction, and has been nominated for a
Pushcart Prize for poetry. ” I Will Meet You at the River” is her first
book. She and Billy Collins, who served as U.S. poet laureate from 2001 to 2003, have been together for years.

I arrived a bit early and began sketching the winery. A huge room out back had large barrels of wine stacked to the ceiling. Suzannah and Billy arrived with cheese platters that they set up on the bar. I had met the couple once at a folk music parking lot pickin’ session behind the Twisty Treat in Ochoe Florida. Suzannah seemed a bit nervous and warm but soon the room was full of friends and supporters. I didn’t attempt to sketch the whole crowd. I got to meet her sons, one of whom is an artist himself.

I particularly liked one poem titled, “How Dinner Got Cold”, that  was about a couple preparing dinner together. There was the intimacy of the enclosed space as they brushed shoulders and he instinctively closed a cabinet for her. It reminded me of a scene in Annie Hall where Woody Allen and Diane Keaton prepared a live lobster. By the time the meal was ready the couple had already satiated something much more than hunger.

Another poem, “On Living With a Famous Poet,” made Billy a bit nervous. “Jocelyn Bartkevicius was there, and she’s the editor of The Florida Review, where it was published, so I HAD to read it!” explained Suzannah. The poem described a young woman who idolized the famous poet and desperately wanted the shared intimacy of having her words read. Later that month I saw Billy on “The Colbert Report” where he joked with the host and they read a poem together. You don’t always get that much culture on prime time TV. Suzannah said,  “I did enjoy that party, oh yes I did.  It was the people, as I said, who just blew me
away by showing up and supporting me.  As good a feeling as finding out I
was going to have a chapbook published.”

 “Passionate, wise, and funny, this lovely debut collection reminds us that the familiar world at any moment can ambush us with ecstasy.”

– George Bilgere, author of THE WHITE MUSEUM

My Way

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Terry and I went to a music street festival in Winter Garden. Three different stages were set up along plant street and there were vendor’s tents set up everywhere. We listened to several groups outside, with one of them looking and  sounding like the Soggy Bottom Boys. For lunch we had some soft tacos from a food truck. The tacos were good, but could have used more sour cream and guacamole. As we walked past Pilar’s Martini Bar, (146 W. Plant) straight next to the Winter Garden Theatre, we heard piano music inside. The air conditioning felt great after walking in the blazing sun all morning.

Kelly DeWayne Richards was at the piano. We know Kelly well, he even came to our home to play during our 20th anniversary vow renewal ceremony. Terry got up to sing several songs and Kelly asked me to sing, but my hands were busy. The owner of Pilar’s knew of my work since I have sketched so often in the Winter Garden Theater. I thought the guy in the green shirt, looking at his smart phone was a costumer, but he was actually a bartender on a break. He left soon after I started sketching him to pour drinks and clean glasses. What I also didn’t realize was that he is an amazing singer. He got up to perform the final solo before Kelly packed up to go. He sang a rousing rendition of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, which had everyone in the bar up on their feet for a standing ovation when he was done.

The Next Round

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On October 9, 2013 I went to the Orlando City Hall Rotunda, (400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL) to attend a fundraiser that aimed to help build awareness and raise the funds necessary to preserve Orlando’s architectural history. There was a raffle, silent auction, refreshments and live entertainment.

Commissioner Patty Sheehan has been instrumental in the mission of the title sponsor of Next Round, Nils M. Schweizer Fellows – Central Florida Modern, to promote awareness and seek the preservation of Florida’s mid-century modern architecture. They are a non-profit corporation composed of design enthusiasts who have united to advance this cause.

With the Construction of the New Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center across the street from city hall, the unique round American Federal Building faces demolition. Although the building can’t be saved, they hope to preserve a unique honey comb shaped cement structure known as the Brise Soleil. They are helping to raise private funds to save the Brise Soleil and use it in other locations, thus saving a part of Downtown Orlando History.

A total of $300,000 needs to be raised to remove and preserve all the panels. The city of Orlando has agreed to match any funds donated up to $70,000. How and where they use the Brise Soleil has yet to be determined. There have been dozens of submissions from architects throughout the world offering creative ideas on how to use the panels. The Brise Soleil may be used in sections in different ways in different locations throughout the City or in one defined locale. For
instance, some or all of it could be use as a sculpture or set into the
ground as a decorative path or even as a sun screen (its originally
intended purpose).While the details are brought into focus, the fund-raising efforts must persist in order to save this piece of history, so it is not lost forever once The Round Building is demolished. Evan Miga prepared a short film that outlines the plans for the Brise Soleil.

Sarah Segal was at the fundraiser. It turns out that her father Bob Murphy had designed the Round Building which was built in 1963. Sarah that morning had been looking through letters and documents of her fathers. The round building had been a milestone for him, a turning point in his carrier and a labor of love. As she explained, “My
mother was born in Narcoossee and met my father during WWII when many
servicemen came thru Orlando. After marrying they stayed in Orlando, because Dad saw Orlando as a city of the future with room for
modern architecture. This project was a joy for my father, from concept
to completion and beyond. He regularly visited and enjoyed knowing the
people who worked in the round building.” 

The River Bottom Nightmare Band performed at the base of the stairwell in the rotunda. They performed Cajun music, even using a spoon and washboard at one point. There were seats set up but I was the only person sitting and facing the band. Everyone preferred to stand and mingle.

Tasty Tuesdays

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Mark your Calendar! Every Tuesday between 6pm and 10pm Food Trucks gather in a parking lot in the Milk District for Tasty Tuesdays. The Trucks used to park on the street but local restaurants complained and a city ordinance shut down that practice. The parking lot is behind Spacebar (2421 East Robinson Street, Orlando FL). So food trucks can sell food in parking lots and driveways but they can’t do business on the streets. It’s a shame food vendors have to hide in back alleys yet prostitutes can work the streets.

It looks like Andrew Spear started a mural on the wall behind Space Bar. Terry told me about another local artist who agreed to do three murals for $1000 and he posed in front of an Andrew Spear mural for the announcement. If you consider the number of hours it will take to cover 3 walls with paint, that artist will be making well below minimum wage. A house painter would probably charge more to cover those walls with one coat of semigloss paint. Posing in front of someone else s work and claiming it as your own is just insane.

While doing this sketch I was given a business card by a fellow who just started an awning company. He suggested I could paint large logos on awnings that need them. I don’t know if there is money in that type of endeavor but I’ll consider anything.  With the sketch done, I decided to order an Empanada from La Empanada Food Truck. It was pre-prepaired so I didn’t have to wait. I ordered the sweet potato & goat cheese for $3.50. It had roasted sweet potatoes with shallots, thyme, creamy goat cheese and a dash of curry. The outer crust was crunchy and potatoes, cheese and herbs inside were delicious. They gave me a second empanada sample which was filled with chocolate and that was pure heaven.

Into Darkness

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On September 9th I went to the ArtsHub Art opening and a movie screening at the Chapman Leonard Studios LIVE (9460 Delegates Drive #100, Orlando, Fl). This is the latest showing of Local Artists’ Work At Chapman/Leonard Studios Coupled with A Night at the Movies: Screening of “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Plus there was a special performance from the dancers of Dakota P. Productions new television show “The Upbeat Dancer Show”  Chapman Leonard is an award winning manufacturer of camera support equipment for motion picture and television productions worldwide. The equipment manufacturer is based out of their state of the art sound stages and production facilities.

For the first time ever, thirteen local artists will display work at the Chapman Leonard Studios. The local artists’ work may be viewed during normal business hours by appointment with an Arts Hub Representative.

“Chapman Leonard is proud to bring local artists into their studio facilities” commented Brad Biggs of The Arts Hub FL, curator for this art show. Marketing director of Chapman Leonard, Christine Huenergardt, added, “ we are a worldwide partner to movie makers, and their philosophy includes a commitment to the local arts scene. We are pleased to present this first group of artists ever displayed in our East Coast Studios.”

Artists included Ken Austin, Patricia Byron, Janae Corrado, Mark “TR3” Harris, Catherine Hempel, Saulius Jankauskas, Jason Lee, Kimberly Mathis, Richard Reep, and Parker Sketch. In addition, as a special treat, Chapman Leonard has also installed outdoor sculptures by local artists, Linda Brant and Marsha DeBroske.The show ran though October 8th. Exhibiting artists were paid a small stipend to allow their work to be exhibited.

I arrived a bit late, just as the dancers were finishing their routine. I decided to lean against the tire of a huge mobile lift. This caused an employee to question why I was there. I told him I was the media and he let it go. I stayed for the whole movie, sketching the entire time. It is fun to watch how many more times captain Kirk could get beat up in fist fights. The movie is almost identical to the first film right down to having individuals hurling through space. The story recreated the story line of “The Wrath of Khan” right down to a sacrifice at the ships core system. This time Kirk sacrificed himself instead of Spock. 9/11 was recreated as the Enterprise crashed into San Francisco. A disappointing film but plenty of special effects.

Weekend Top 6 Picks

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Saturday November 9, 2013

8am to 3pm Fifth Third Bank Second Art Market, (Fifth Third Bank Coloinal Branch, 3244 E Colonial Drive Orlando, FL). Free. On the 2nd Sunday of every month Gallery Fresh Art Markets and 5/3 Fifth Third Bank (Colonial Branch) proudly present our “Second Saturday Art Market” This outdoor event will showcase 20 to 30 artists and fine crafts persons located at 5/3 Bank Colonial Branch, Directly Across From Orlando Fashion Square, from 9am to 3pm in an outdoor setting with AMAZING ART, music, food trucks, and fun! Join Us!

10am to 5pm   The Festival of the Masters. Downtown Disney 1780 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL. Free.  The 38th annual Festival of the Masters is Nov. 8-10 in the Downtown Disney Area. Dazzling works of art from more than 150 Master artists. One of the largest displays of official Disney Art in the Disney Artist Village.

7pm to 11pm The Master Class Event. Just bring canned goods for the food drive. Through philanthropic events and the sale of items from our Conscious Boutique, Conscious People LLC strives to support a community of mindful, healthy, and socially responsible people. The theme of this Master Class event is: Be Conscious to Local Hunger Issues, an Art Show and Food Drive benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank. Genevieve DeMarco will be the featured artist of the night. All new work will be presented throughout the venue. Music performances from MoZaic and Purple Kloud.

Sunday November 10, 2013

10am to 6pm  Fashion Square Art Fair. Free. Orlando Fashion Square (3201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Fl). This is an indoor event showcasing 30 to 60 artists and fine crafts persons located throughout Fashion Square Mall.

12:30pm to 4pm Florida Gospel Jam. Grab a drink or some food. Fish on Fire 7937 Daetwyler Drive Belle Island FL.Non Denominational Gospel open mic Every 2nd and 4th Sunday.

9pm to 11pm Non Denominational Gospel open mic. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday. Free. Natura Coffee and Tea 12078 Collegiate Way Orlando FL).

Clandestine-ARTS “Sweeney Todd” Auditions

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On September 30th, I went to Lake Howell High School Oviedo, FL to sketch Clandestine-ARTS auditions for the upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim‘s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street“auditions. Derek Critzer the director, had given me the green light to come out. Music Direction in the show will be by Colton Brooks.  Auditions were by appointment only.As I walked towards the High School Theater, I passed a Drum Corp rehearsing.

Sweeney Todd is a 1979 musical thriller with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and libretto by Hugh Wheeler. The musical is based on the 1973 play Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street by Christopher Bond. Set in 19th century England, the musical tells the story of Benjamin Barker, aka Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after 15 years’ transportation on trumped-up charges. When he finds out that his wife poisoned herself after being raped by the judge who imprisoned him, he vows revenge on the judge and, later, the whole world. He teams up with a pie maker, Mrs. Lovett, and opens a barbershop in which he slits the throats of customers and has them baked into pies.

Chris Leavy was at the piano. Most of the actors auditioning were young women who would be auditioning for the part of  Joanna Barker, (a Soprano, 18-early 20’s) who is Sweeney Todd’s daughter, a ward of Judge Turpin. Beautiful and pure-hearted. The actress I sketched that was wearing the red dress had a very sweet voice. Monica Titus ultimately got the part. Wyatt Glover will play Sweeney Todd and Jessica Hoehn will play Mrs. Lovett. The other actress I sketched in the yellow dress was wearing high heel shoes and the director asked her to take them off when she performed her second song. Another actress was so nervous that Derek felt bad for her. He tried to get her to relax. It is hard to be on your top game when there are butterflies in your stomach. Auditions must be nerve wracking for any performer. Any slip up could result in their not getting the part. Everything is on the line.

Performances will be being held at The Venue, (511 Virginia Dr  Orlando, FL). January 9,10,11,12,16,17,18, and 19th. Sweeney Todd will be presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Spooky Empire Vendor Set Up

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Set up for Vendor at Spooky Empire began at 6pm on October 24th at the Double Tree Hotel right across Kirkman Drive from Universal Studios. Vendors cars and vans were parked in front of the hotel as they unloaded. Shane and Heather Herbert Malesky of Chronic Damage Art were there setting up. Heather had kindly invited me to stop by and document the show as it took form in the convention hall. Tattoos and brightly colored hair circulated the hall.

The vendor to the left in my sketch was the first to be completely set up. A table cost $300 for an artist to rent for the weekend. Shane got 2 tables and he set up his own electricity using a marine battery since hotel electric would cost an extra $100 for the weekend. His exhibit utilized a metal grid which he and Heather attached a Chronic Damage banner. It would have towered high above all the other signage but unfortunately it broke apart as they tried to scoot the structure up against the wall. When all his paintings were in place and the lights went on, Shane’s paintings created an impressive display. During the show, Heather looked quite demonic as one of Shane’s paintings.



Tommy Castillo was hanging demonic looking super hero’s and Mark Hadley was hanging paintings on coffin shaped canvases. A machine gun was moved to the top of a bookcase. It looked heavy, I do believe it was the real thing but don’t know if it was for sale or just for display. Every possible horror themed painting was on display. There was a demonic rabbit whose bubbling guts flowed out of it’s open wounds. There was Freddie, Elvira and multiple skeletal creatures. Local artist Morgan Wilson actually found someone who had one of her paintings tattooed on her leg.

Exhibiting would be a costly risk for any artist, but as the saying goes, you have to spend money to make money. I didn’t spend as much time as I would have likes at the convention, it was without a doubt a sketching landmine since zombies and cosplay characters were everywhere.

Celebration Pirate Ship

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On the day after Halloween, I found out about this pirate ship display at 160 Celebration Avenue in Celebration FL. Photos I had seen showed the ship lit up with spot lights. When I arrived it was still light out. I sat under a street light and started to sketch. As it grew darker it became harder and harder to see the details of the display. I probably missed up to a dozen skeletons hidden in the darkness. I wasn’t the only one hoping the display would light up one more time. People parked in the street and got out to take flash photos of the dark facade.

The display was actually a bit ominous in the pitch black. I wonder if this was someone from Disney Imagineering who needed a creative outlet. The use of the roof line to hang ripped sails was the least well planned aspect of the display. Black plastic garbage bags were taped up behind the sails to guarantee black negative shapes.  The crows nest was tilted uncomfortably to the side. Maybe next year they will devise some sort of masts.

Although November 1st is the Day of the Dead, the pirate ship stayed dark. Twice cars stopped to ask me directions to the Celebration High School. I couldn’t help. If you sit on a street corner, you become a community expert. Walking back to my car I passed a much smaller Halloween display that featured Mickey and Minnie Mouse. My stomach turned.