49, 53 and Beyond Children’s Mural.

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Michael Pilato a mural artist from Philadelphia has come to Orlando to create a series of murals dedicated to the 49, 53 and beyond who were directly affected by the tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub. He has moved into the empty apartment above Tony’s pizzeria on the corner of Mills and Colonial. This run down apartment was formerly known as “The Space” and has been the location for quite a few cutting edge exhibits and performances. Volunteers have been working tirelessly to make the space livable. New floors are being put in, along with a new sink and cabinets. Piles of scrap wood were piled in the hall, waiting to be taken to the dump. There was no air conditioning and some window panes were broken and missing. Michael was bitten by mosquitoes on his first night in the space.  The groundwork for this artist studio is a true labor of love.

Long narrow staircases lead up to the space. Chimene Pindar Hurst came up with the idea of having home school students create a mural on the walls of the front stairwell. Susan Gromala Crary has done murals on Disney property and she stepped in to spearhead the project. Day one had the children sketching and writing ideas on paper. The kids wanted to sling paint from the start, but Susan assured them that they needed a unified plan before paint touched the walls.  They circled up to share ideas and chat while they worked. The moms sat on the opposite end of the room, also chatting. Susan took all the sheets of paper home to her studio to create a unified concept that incorporated all the separate ideas.

When the kids were finished, Susan sat with them and enthusiastically let them know which ideas inspired her the most.  She collected all the sketches and notes and the conversation she had with the kids gave her a definite idea of how to proceed. Words are very important to these kids because of texting and the internet. Therefor words of love and inspiration would weave themselves in to the visual tapestry of the mural. The plan was to have the kids come in weekly to get the mural painted.

Pirates invade Ceday Key.

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The Cedar Key Pirate Festival became a mecca for pirates from all over Florida and Georgia in September of 2015. The drive north west from Orlando passed by the Ocalla National Forest. The pirates invaded the quiet city of Cedar key on the first day landing on the beach and fighting their way towards the city park. They set up a thieves row and a pirate encampment.

A gazebo in a corner of ye park, becomes the main stage for Arrr Ink, which is short for, Acme Rogue, and the Ruffian Recruits. Arrr Ink offers the crow card trick, walking the plank, and get hi patrons to jot the Pirate Union, which is an organization of their own invention. Their show consists of light hearted comedy that is family friendly. I was picked out of the audience, and got to play along side the pirates.

Music consisted of sea shanties and folk must reminding me of the simple days crewing on board the Clearwater Dutch Sloop on the Hudson River. We used to wall up to the gent strumming on a banjo. Of course there was plenty of grog, and decent food at various vendors. In the evening the pirates dance with fire on the beach, and invade the local pubs. A quiet evening out could suddenly become quite boisterous.

I sketched pirate performers as they rested near a tent that acted as their green room. Pirates have an appreciation for art and several watched as I worked, saying “Arrrr you an arrrrtist?” “No, I’m a deck hand, I just do this for fun,” I might respond.

Mark Ye Calendars for the 5th Annual Invasion September 15-17, 2017. The Pirate Invasion Weekend website will have more information as the date approaches.

Love appears across from Pulse.

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Artist Michael Owen used to live in Orlando, going to Dr Phillips high school. He moved to Baltimore to attend art school and has lived there ever since, his family is still in Orlando and he visits often. In Baltimore he executed a series of 20 murals, all with the theme of love. After the tragic shootings at Pulse he wanted to return to Orlando to share this theme. Finding a location was difficult, but Einstein Bagels right across the street from Pulse decided this was a great idea that might help in Orlando’s healing process.

Michael used large rollers to paint. He also executes more refined detail using house paint brushes. “They are like the filberts I use when painting on a smaller scale.” he said. The lift helps him paint the details high on the wall. LOVE is spelled out in silhouette using human hands. I first met Michael at After Orlando, a one night theater collaboration that featured 20 plans that addressed feelings and emotions after the Pulse shooting. Originally, he intended to have 49 orange blossom floating in space. After Orlando inspired him to paint more of the stems and leaves for the blooms. The outpouring of community support is symbolized in this more solid base.

We talked d bit about a common friend, Cole Nesmith, it turns out that Cole is the first person to ever buy a piece of Michael’s art.  People would stop to talk to the artist and he was always happy to tell then his story. One woman walking past the mural had on a deep purple blouse. “you match.’ he said. “I what?” she replied. “You match the mural.” Sure enough her deep purple blouse matched the purple hands on the mural.  “Purple is the color of royalty.”  he informed her. Several I cars honked their approval and some people wanted to shoot photos with their phones. “People just react” he told me as we talked abort what it is like to create art in public. The positive responses he has had from everyone in Orlando has been unprecedented.

 From interviews with Pulse shooting survivors, I know that the Einstein Bagel’s parking lot had been used as a triage site where the injured and dead had been taken to get them any from the gun fire. Survivors used their shirts and socks to plug bullet holes in an attempt to stop the bleeding. Blood had stained the pavement. Now splashes of purple spattered paint dripped from the well to the pavement. Once the scene of horrible carnage, the parking lot is becoming a beacon of hope and love.

The drips are all part of Michael’ spontaneous process. He uses the paint as if is were watercolor being used by a giant. He would sweep the roller in an arch creating elegant sweeping lines to the purple foliage. He asked me how far Sam Flat was and I gave him directions. The Sun was getting close to the horizon, and he needed more supplies. He needs some spray paint to because he wants to add delicate gradations to the flowers. Each blossom is unique having it’s own shape and form.

People in Orlando are still trying to process the horrors of June 12. People grieve in their own ways. Creating art is an artist’s attempt to come to terms with that evening. In that way, Michael a I have much in common. I hope his mural does help in the healing for those who visit the pulse memorial across the street. Perhaps some will cross the street and leave memorial items at the base of the mural. Michael has invested his one money and  gofundme money to bring this message of love to Orlando.

I heard a skid and then the crunching of plastic hitting plastic. there had been a fender bender at the stop light.  The drivers got out and exchanged insurance information. Life still rushed past even as art blooms. You can’t rush a labor of love.

After Orlando

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Margaret Nolan has worked diligently to bring “After Orlando” to the stage. Usually it takes years for a theater production to come to life. In Orlando, nerves are still raw, so Margaret felt it was important to bring After Orlando to the stage only months after the Pulse shooting. “It was a labor of love. [I’ve] been steeped in it daily since the 1st week of July and it’s taken an emotional toll….but so worth it to present these important plays and project to honor the Pulse tragedy.” Margaret wrote me. The event was sold out.

After the Pulse tragedy NYC creators Zac Kline and Blair Baker invited fellow theater artists to create short plays and poetic pieces as a response to create something with heart, and spirit.  After Orlando is now a collective of over seventy playwrights from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Uganda. Plays are being presented in venues and universities all over the work and will be published in an anthology by No Passport Press.

Margaret commissioned and curated Orlando based writers to join in the conversation. The evening consisted of 20 short plays with ten local playwrights showcasing their talents. My short film, “Finger on the Pulse” was screened right after intermission. As I entered the theater, Paul Casteneda said he was close tears watching the film at the last rehearsal. There were tech issues but they were resolved right before the opening. My favorite play was written by young playwright Rose Helsinger. Called “Albino Crocodile“. It was a monologue be young actress who witnessed a gay classmate being bullied in the school halls. The bullying centered around a mispronunciation of Albino. Albino Crocodiles have blood red eyes and beautiful white skin. When an albino goes to the watering hole all the other crocks go  “Hey what is this? We can be seen around the likes of you.” At a girls slumber party conversations turned to boy crushes. One girl confided that she had a crush on another girl. She was shunned like the albino. She however stood resolute finding a strength and joy in being herself.

A Poem by Aradhana  Tiwari called “I remember I am a Rainbow” got me choked up. The poem started showcasing a storm’s approach and violence. Despite the turbulence and darkness the rainbow emerged to explain the joyful meaning behind it’s every color. It was somewhere around the description of a yellow bird chirping happily and taking flight that I broke down. It was a dark theater. I didn’t have to wipe away the tears.

Other heart wrenching plays, had actors exchanging messages and phone calls in a desperate attempt to find out if loved ones were lost. Janine Klein had an incredibly powerful monologue as a mom getting ready for bed and seeking silence from social media. Her sleep is disturbed by phone calls and she discovers her son is among the missing. Janine grew desperate, hoping her son was alright. Her love was palpable even as she described the tattoo he loved and she hated. She faced the possibility that her son might be forever silent.

The final play, had all the actors on the stage. I imagine the final production would have 49 actors. Rebecca Fisher recited a series of joyful phrases beginning with “Today is a good day to…” Tell someone you love them, hug a stranger, to take dance lessons, to sky dive… All the statements came from the obituaries found for the 49 victims in the Orlando Sentinel. It ended the evening on a high note, reminding us all to live life to the fullest. Life is a gift that is all too short. Part of me wants to shut down, to steer dear of the pain. But compassion and hurt bubbles to the surface any time I see OrIando’s Creative community unite to answer bigotry and hate with an enlightened response. As Paul Castineda said, “I’m proud of all my fellow
artists.”

Angels in the Abbey

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I went to a red carpet event benefiting the Pulse of Orlando Fund at The Abbey, (100 S Eola Dr #100, Orlando, FL 32801). Outside angels were set to welcome guests, but) a sudden rain Storm sent the angles scrambling for corer.  The evening marks three months since the tragedy and will be focused on the positivity, love, and inspiration we have seen from around the World.

The event included a Silent Auction, sale of Original Art pieces from around the World, performances by the Orlando Gay Chorus, Evin, and featured performer Brandon Parsons – singer of the hit single “Forty-Nine Times.”

Pulse entertainment manager, Neema Bahrami, will MC the evening and Pulse owner Barbara Poma will also be in attendance.

This was a VIP red carpet event with limited tickets sold. 100% of the proceeds go to the Pulse of Orlando Fund, the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit currently distributing funds to victims.

Brandon’s song and the appearance on stage of Pulse employees and survivors had me fighting back tears. Healing is a slow process and my need to understand keeps the nerve endings exposed. 

Catharsis adds a personal touch to horror.

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Catharsis is an all-new immersive haunted experience
unlike anything Central Florida has ever encountered. This experience is not about simply startling you. It  is not an “extreme” haunted house. Catharsis is about reaching you on a deeper level. It is about the chill that runs down your spine, about the involuntary feeling of dread that consumes you as you step out into the unknown.

Executive producer Ricky Brigante walked me through the dark sinister warehouse maze. We stopped in the Lust room, and we both knew that this is where I should sketch. To help me blend in, Ricky walked me to the actors dressing room and  picked out a long flowing night gown with sequins and large triangular shoulder pads. The actress it was tailored for only had a two inch wide waste, I couldn’t wrap it around my bulky chest. All that guests would see, would be sequins on my legs and a white pearl necklace around my neck. I sat right beside them in a dark corner.

The actor in the Lust room, Sam Matusrek, had long lashes, eyeliner and a beautiful red silk night gown. We were briefly introduced in the dressing room before the doors opened. You enter the lust room through a jagged hole that has been knocked through a wall. Sam searched for a flashlight in the dark when he first entered. The room was illuminated by a single exposed red bulb. It had the sinister feel of an old school photographer’s dark room. An analog camera and darkroom chemicals were on the floor along with rose pedals. Masks were on a dresser and on the single lamp.

When guests arrived, Sam would inspect each silently by lightly touching their hair. Then he signaled for them to sit on two stools.  He would then focus on his favorite by shining his light in their face and delicately painting their face with lipstick. He quietly sighed and moaned with delight at his creation. Some times they had their backs to me. Had I reached out, I would certainly have startled them. However I’m a good boy, a reserved pornographer. I kept my hands to my self.

Then he would take his muses hand and guide him or her to the sex stained bed. He would have them lie down and then he posed them in the position which best suited his lustful fetish. He would place the right hand above their head, and then cross the other across their chest or belly. He then opened a small cabinet at the foot of the bed. He removed a featureless yet sad mask for himself and then a second mask of sewn together bits of flesh. The flimsy and light flesh mask went over the face of his muse. He would then lie next to them and spoon close to their back or side. He wrapped his arm around them and would lightly stroke their arm. That delicate touch would illicit some chill up anyone’s spine,  good or bad. Reactions varied. A few laughed nervously and others would lie stiff and still with only their twitching fingers as a hint that they were still alive.

As Sam left the room with his new cuddle buddies, he would check my sketch on the iPad and sigh with delight. I felt very much like a filthy pornographer. Sam’s camera was broken. He usually took photos of his models before he molested them. I became his only means of documenting his filthy creative routine.

make a Catharsis reservation

The Catharsis experience is available on select nights throughout October 2016.

hours: 8:00pm – 11:30pm

Tickets to catharsis are sold in 30-minute arrival windows. You must arrive and check in during that window. Upon arrival, you will first enter the deadly sins bar, where you may check in, relax, enjoy a drink and a few sinfully fun activities while you await your entry to the experience.

Select a remaining date to purchase a ticket:

October 22, 2016

October 23, 2016

October 26, 2016

October 27, 2016

October 28, 2016

October 29, 2016

October 30, 2016

you will experience Catharsis in groups of 1 – 4.

Standard entry ($24 per person) – you / your group may enter with other guests.

Private entry upgrade
($10 extra per person) – you / your group will enter without other
guests. this upgrade enables you to enter ALONE, if you wish…

Catharsis is inevitable.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for October 22 and 23.

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Saturday October 22, 2016

9am to 5pm Museum entry price. Adult $19.95,

Youth $13.95
Grand Opening Weekend for the NEW Kids Town. The Orlando Science Center. 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL. The new kids Town features a new and improved Orange Grove, a Drip Drop Splash Zone, a huge Climb Time experience and tons of interactive exhibits.

10am to 6pm. Free. Veg Fest. Orlando Festival Park 2911 E. Robinson Street Orlando FL.
Veg Fest is an exciting day of colorful and educational exhibits and activities!  Veg Fest is a family-friendly, dog-friendly, and
smoke-free event. Veg Fest, now in its 11th year, is one of the biggest and best vegetarian festivals in the country!

8pm to 11pm Grab a drink and or food. Jazz Saturdays. Cork and Fork American Grill. 


Sunday October 23, 2016

9am to 5pm Free event, But $22-25 for camping plus entrance fee to Springs is $6 adults, $4 children. Earth HealthFest Celebration of Earth’s Medicine, Foods, Energy and Beauty. 26301 Southeast Highway 42, Umatilla, FL. A Celebration of Earth’s Medicine, Foods, Energy & Beauty in its contribution to our Health. This FREE event is for all of us to enjoy, with FREE workshops in Plant Based Medicines, Foods that Heals, Native American Wisdom, Yoga, Wilderness Survival, and more. We have planned daily swimming & canoe trips to areas Mineral Springs as well as Hiking in the Forest. Bring your family, bring your friends to one of a kind adventure, and yes bring your diving mask, snorkel and fins, tent or RV.
Weather you arrive and set-up your tent Friday or Saturday Morning, there is enough activities to enjoy. October is a great time to experience the Ocala Forest; cleanest purest waters, air, abundant flora & friendly faunas.

• Friday-night Campfire Workshops begins with a Native American Sage Ceremony, follow by an interactive talk on Plant Based Medicines. Around 7pm at the edge of the Forest.

• Saturday-morning around 11am we take off to Alexander Springs, for swimming, canoeing, hiking, socializing. Return to camp around 3pm or 4pm. at around 6:30-7pm we are planning a potluck dinner, a good chance to meet & greet plenty of interesting people. NOTE: this is a mix group of Vegan, Vegetarians & others. We respect the food choices of others, and will provide separate tables for different food choices. Plan to bring a plate to share, as others will do same.

• Sunday’s activities, so far will include a trip to Juniper Springs, which offers, spring swimming, hiking and an exciting canoe trip, and workshops to be announce. 

Liz Fuentes will be providing daily morning Lyengar Yoga sessions for your pleasure & health.

WE SUPPORT INDIVIDUALITY & FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, SO FEEL FREE TO ATTEND WHAT PRESENTATION YOU LIKE AND EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN….Remember everyone involved in this gathering is doing it for free, speakers and organizers are providing their time, expertise and efforts in the true spirit of Celebration. Those who will attend, are meant to be here, weather 30-50 or 150, the success is based on our time to relax, and learn from each other, and yes Celebrate the Beauty, the Magic and the Energy of Natural Earth.

FREE just the cost of camping site and admission to Spring…

The only cost is $22-25 per night for the renting of your tent site, all sites with electric and water. The campground offers excellent hi-speed Internet, unlimited ice machine, bathrooms with hot/cold water showers, TV room, laundry room, an excellent pool, beautiful scenery, and amazing view of the stars surrounded by the night sound of the Forest. located just 15-20 minutes from Alexander Springs & Juniper Springs, as well as many Hiking trails to experience the Forest.

Entrance fee to Springs is $6 adults, $4 children. Canoe fee is $16 for 2hrs, $24 for full day, your option if you want to rent a canoe. There is plenty in the springs to keep you and your family busy.

To date our workshop providers includes;

1. Janet Malcolm, Medicine Grandmother Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin. Opening Sage Ceremony & Chat on Native American Wisdom.

2. Guru Tony Torre, Urban Survival craft Concepts

“Total Survivor Philosophy”

Noon to 3pm Suggested donation. Music at the Casa. Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, 656 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Reverend Shawn Garvey, guitarist and singer/songwriter.

8pm to 11pm The brand new PHANTASMAGORIA VII thunders on to the Mandell Stage at the
John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center with all new stories of
terror! Live performers, “Phantastical” dance, explosive stage combat,
large scale puppetry, aerial performance and haunting storytelling
combine to create a tapestry of macabre and whimsical horror!

WHEN: Oct 13th – 31st 2016

All evening performances at 8:00pm (Box opens at 7:15pm/Doors at 7:45pm)

EXTRA SPECIAL 100th MAIN STAGE/TOURING SHOW ON OCTOBER 31st!

Oct 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and 31

WHERE: The Mandell Theatre, John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center

Loch Haven Park, Orlando, FL

TICKETS: Student/Senior/Military Admission – $15.00 / General admission – $25.00

Student/Senior/Military VIP Admission – $25.00 / General VIP Admission – $35.00

(VIP Admission includes Pick of Seating, VIP post show performance, and much, much more!)

TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

WILL CALL/CASH ONLY AT DOOR reserve by calling our hotline at 407-476-5121

(Leave name/number/date of performance and number in party – you will be
called back only if there is a problem with your reservation)

CREDIT CARD PREPURCHASE – www.orlandoatplay.com

Robot Man at Cavanach’s.

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Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, a new performing art center, held a social hour fundraiser at. Cavanaugh’s Wines (1215 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, Florida 32804). The proprietor offered everyone a free cup of wine to start out the evening. I found a table close to the stage and started drawing. Musicians Chris Cortez and Danny Jordan started out the evening. 1 t started to rain outside and it felt safe and comfortable to be sipping wine with several dozen patrons, and enjoy and the live music.

Robot Man definitely livened up the evening with their unique blend of music. I was in the midst of boxing up my life and moving to Winter Park. This evening was a reassuring reminder of why I needed that independence. The storm might be raging, but I could find peace of mind by documenting inspiring and creative performances. I usually do one sketch a day so I could keep the peace at home. This was my second and therefor a decadent sketch. I didn’t think I would have time to finish it, but I took the chance anyway. It is time to take more chances and to stay longer at events like this to get the whole story. In this case, we all had to wait for the storm to pass.

The Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts (1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789) is now open and hosting performances and workshops regularly. Blue
Bamboo Center for the arts is part venue, part recording studio, part
art gallery.  This
unique new space offers live performances most evenings, state of the
art recording equipment, and gallery space.  They cater to jazz,
classical, and world music, theater, dance, and spoken word. 

Blue Bamboo has limited seating so they encourage guests to purchase tickets in
advance.  Most shows begin at 8PM and our doors open at 7.  They offer
drink service, including beer and wine, but no food.  This is the hot teens new music hot spot in town. I hope to sketch there soon.

An interview at the Enzian Theater.

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I interviewed Julie Norris Wilder at the Enzian Theater to find out what I could about the law suit she was in with her founding partner at Dandelion Commonitea Cafe. She and the partner had different ideas about how to run the business. When her daughter, Maya, was born, she asked the partner to step in and help run the business more. She felt that corners were cut and the cafe didn’t live up to the who is it idea she had mind. She tried to buy out her partner but couldn’t raise I needed funds to make that happen. The differences had to be settled in court an ultimately she surrendered her shares to the business she helped build. There were personal aspects to y conflict, but those details can be left behind as both parties move forward and grow independently. She is happy to know that Dandelion is still doing business and thriving.

I have collaborated with Jul. when we put out an Analog Artist Digital World calendar several years ago. She is a graphic designer on top of being an entrepreneur, an environmentalist and devoted mom. She has plans to build a business that helps empower women. She dreams big and goes for those dreams. She has been the host of Front Porch Radio for years. She show airs every Wednesday at 4pm on WPRK 91.5FM. She interviews people who make a different in the community, and sparks thought provoking conversations.

Form Structure and Interactions at the White House.

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The Timucua White House (2001 Hamilton Ln, Orlando, FL 32806) hosts weekly concerts in their spacious living room that rivals some concert halls. Benoit Glazer built his home around this pitch perfect sound proofed space. This concert featured original compositions for trumpet and electronics. Most of the composers were in the audience. Besides the main performance, an artist usually creates on stage as well. On this evening, a sculptor named Diego Inkusual worked on a life sized bust of a young poised dancer named Megan Crawford. I’m pretty sure I sketched Megan at some dance rehearsal, because I recognized her. I decided to sit down at a back patio table, and my chair tumbled over backwards, thankfully with out me in it. As we all waited to get into the concert hall, Diego kissed Megan’s neck and she smiled at the distraction.

Benoit’s wife Elaine Corriveu, Wendy Wallenberg and others bustled in the kitchen. Guests usually bring a bottle of wine or a side dish, turning the evening into a community potluck. Strange, the program doesn’t list the Trumpet player’s name. That is a strange oversight. Anyway, he was quite good as was the sculptor, also not listed.

Diego had several life sized sculpture on stage, and another in The entry-potluck area. Fabrics flowed from their semi nude bodies. It was impressive work. Diego was quite active as was his model, Megan. He would often ask her to rotate in her seat so he could sculpt her from a different angle. He would often stand and he would gouge deep grooves in the sculpted hair. The facial features had been delicately refined back at his studio. He was feeling the music and it influenced his movements. Megan kept perfect still.

One composer wasn’t in the audience. He was at an inspirational seminar. The concert was being shared with him and another audience with him at the seminar. Most composers got on stage to introduce their original music, he called in to talk to us all. Charles Griffin composed Between Islands this year. He told both audiences, that when he moved to Orlando, his creative urge dried up. He tried to work through it, but he was stuck. He had never experienced this before. The support and contact with other creative people finally reversed the stagnancy. This composition was the first he wrote as he got back on track. He spoke about his mother’s death, loss and the need to remember. It is a theme that has hit home with me many times as I sketch people affected by Pulse. I try to remain in business mode, but often it sinks in. Charles used the sounds of ocean bells clanging quietly on the waves. the somber music hit a chord with me and the pencil stopped dancing on the page, so I could stop to close my eyes and truly listen.

The next White House concert is, Tonight 10/16/16 at 7:30 pm. It is Contemporary Classical, featuring Elizabeth Baker, Toy Piano and electronics, Art is by Gladiola Sotomayor.