Weekend Top 6 Picks

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Saturday November 30, 2013

10am to 1pm $10 Dessin de Figures Maitland Art Center Studio 6 (231 W Packwood Ave, Maitland,, FL.) This is the return of this workshop from last year. It will be an on going figure drawing session that has been offered by Steve Pi, one of the Sculpture Instructors at the Maitland Art Center and one of our members.

11am to 5pm Free to browse. Finds on Shine. Maxine’s on Shine (337 N. Shine Ave. Orlando FL.) Shop for holiday gifts, including antiques, jewelry, artwork, handmade pottery and more. http://www.maxinesonshine.com

8pm $17-$70 Home for the Holidays. Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre (401 W. Livingston St. Orlando FL.)  Orlando Philharmonic concert featuring the Holiday Singers and guest conductor Alber-George Schram. http://www.orlandophil.org

Sunday December 1, 2013

11am to 4pm Free Crealdé School of Art’s Annual Holiday Sale. Crealde School of Art (600 St. Andrews Blvd. Winter Park FL.) Shop for jewelry, ceramics, glass and sculpture works at this outdoor event in the Contemporary Sculpture Garden http://www.crealde.org

1pm to 3pm $10 A Season of Love. The Abbey (100 S. Eola Drive Orlando FL.) Holiday concert performed by the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom, Orlando’s LGBT band and color guard http://www.centralfloridasoundsoffreedom.com

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.

Myth & Magic

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Terry invited me to a fundraising event called “Stand up to Bullying” at Ted Maines and Jeff Miller’s gorgeous condo in downtown Orlando. It was raining hard and the traffic to get downtown was horrible. I took a new course every time the traffic came to a dead stop but was still very late ti the event. The event was packed full of beautiful people. I swear half the crown had to be models. The condo has some amazing art, like a diamond studded portrait of Marilyn Monroe, a gold platted AK 47 machine gun lamp, a Robert Rauchenburg and some Andy Warhol prints. The living room table was covered with jewelry and people crowded around to try things on. Terry decided to buy a gorgeous ring with interlaces strands of metal and plenty of stones. Stand up to Bullying aims to educate students that bullying isn’t cool. There  will always be bully’s and victims, but the 98% of students who aren’t bullys or victims need to know how they can help stop the trend rather than watching as a bystander. Since there wasn’t enough time, I didn’t sketch the event. Instead, I decided to walk over to Third Thursday to sketch there.

I quickly walked through Gallery at Avalon Island and City Arts Factory, but they would only be open till 9pm so again I didn’t have enough time.Galleries in this sleepy little town sure hut down early, but the bars remain open till 2am for the drunks. So I ended up in NV Lounge which is great hideaway from the madness of the other nightclubs in Downtown Orlando since 2005. Tr3 Harris had curated a show titled “ Myth and Magic”.  “Benjamin Ezra Cremer and Toni L Taylor encompass Myth and Magic in all
their artwork. Toni Taylor’s beautiful artwork brings out the myths and
mysteries of Ancient Egypt as well as the spirit and magic of Native
America. Goddess imagery is represented powerfully in her collection.

Ben Cremer has the Aztec flare incorporating the myths and magic of that
society into his artwork.The powers of mysterious and supernatural
forces have come together to create an amazing showing, that create a legendary story.

Toni Taylor and Ben Cremer’s artwork taps into the collective
consciousness of the human race and serves to help create new mythology
for our modern times.” said Tr3.

 I have been a long time fan of Toni’s work. Born in Mount Vernon NY, she wants to touch parts of the viewer’s soul, by taking a
mental, emotional and spiritual aspect and placing it into her
creations. She wants people to tap into the ability to dream their
dreams and stimulate their own imaginations. Her highly polished oil paintings are incredibly sensual and lyrical. One of my favorites, called “Tantrika” shows a nude woman’s backside as she lifts her large curly dreads. A  jeweled pendant is delicately chained around her hips to hang in the small of her back. Krishna’s multiple arms radiate around her. Mark your calendar. This show is open through December 15th. I suggest you go to get a drink and soak up the magic.

 As I left NV, the bartender wanted to see my sketch. I noticed a man stood nearby staring into a Lawyers empty offices. What on earth was he looking at? When I walked past him, he turned began to follow me. I had dressed up for the Stand Up to Bullying event. My dress shoes clomped loudly on the wet pavement. I had no doubt that he stood near the bar with the intent to shake down any lone stray mark. If I took my usual route back to the car, I would be exposed on a deserted empty block with no businesses. My umbrella would make a poor excuse for a weapon. I cut across the street towards a crowded and loud sports bar. I stopped in front of the bar for  a moment and watched my stalker slow to a stop across the street. He studied me.  At the street corner we stood opposite each other till the light changed. I decided the best thing to do was to walk straight towards him in the intersection rather than turn my back to him. If there was to be a confrontation, we would have it in the middle of the street in front of a crowded bar. I studied his face as we crossed each other in the intersection so I could sketch him if needed for police. I kept a quick pace on the long walk back too the car, but he had stopped following.

Flocktail Party

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Lisa Coney invited me to the New Bistro on Park Avenue In The Hidden Garden Courtyard (348 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, Fl).  On November 13th I went to find out more about fabulous flocktails and fun. Clyde Moore of I Luv Winter Park was there and he gave me a warm welcome. His pink collared shirt fit in perfectly with the decor. A dozen or so pink flamingos stood on tables, shelves and the bar. Each had been decorated by a local artist. Each was a unique work of art.

Robin Maynard, the founder of Libby’s Legacy, a breast cancer foundation, introduced herself. She knew of me because she saw me sketching at Scooters for Hooters, another charitable organization she started in 2007 shortly after her mothers death.  $1 from every Pink Flocktail went to Libby’s Legacy. The Flocktails were bright pink drinks served in martini glassed.

The Mission of Libby’s Legacy is to provide
comprehensive breast health care to the under served Central Florida
community through education, mammograms, follow up diagnostics and Hope
Coaches on the journey from diagnosis to treatment. Libby’s Legacy also helps stage IV breast cancer
patients battling this disease by granting wishes in order to create
cherished memories with loved ones through the LIVE BIG program. Not just Surviving…but LIVING!

All the art sales benefit Libby’s Legacy and the local artists. The Flocktail Party was a way to thank the Artists and 1350 West Art Gallery where the flock was being auctioned off. The room grew crowded with artists and patrons and conversations roared. Inspired by the life of Libby Maynard, Libby Legacy foundation strives to be secure enough to be
vulnerable, strong enough to be gentle, wise enough to be humble, and
powerful enough to serve others!

As of May 2013 Nearly 4000 Breast Health services have been
provided, 55 breast cancers have been diagnosed through these life
saving diagnostics and 6 LIVE BIG cruises have been granted! That’s what
you’ve done Central Florida!  My own mother, Elvira, died from breast cancer when I was 10 years old. I feel a strong desire to help the cause. If anyone buys a print or the original of this sketch, I will donate 50% of the sale to Libby’s Legacy. Leave a comment if you would like to help.

Ethos Vegan Kitchen

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On October 22nd, I planned to go to Rollins College to sketch a concert. I got to Winter Park several hours early and decided to get dinner at Ethos Vegan Kitchen (601 S New York Ave, Winter Park, FL). I hadn’t eaten at Ethos since it moved from it’s previous location in Ivanhoe Village. The new restaurant location is cavernous with a long bar set up against one wall. The interior easily had to be more than twice as large.

I sat at a table for one and asked advice on ordering a drink with caffeine.  The waitress suggested a sweet, organic iced tea which was quite good. I ordered a lasagna which was just as good as any meat filled lasagna I’ve ever had. If vegan food is this good, then I can seriously consider changing my diet.

I really didn’t have time to sketch if I was going to get to the concert on time, but I couldn’t resist drawing the bar which vaguely reminded me of Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” painting. The people at the bar were Ethos employees who were eating dinner before starting their shift for the night. My waitress checked up on me periodically. I don’t think she was used to having someone linger as long as I did. Pumpkin pie was written on the chalk board and I couldn’t resist kicking off the fall season with a slice. I deserve a small treat.

Sure enough, as I finished up the sketch, I realized that I was late to the concert. I decided to bag the concert and I walked back to my car instead. Sometimes my sketch plans change on a whim. I need to pay attention to that inner voice, especially when it whispers “pumpkin pie…”

The Sea Urchin

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11-19-13SeaUrchinOn November 18th, Mayor Buddy Dyer dedicated Orlando’s permanent contemporary sculpture collection. See Art Orlando was responsibly for bringing eight sculptures to downtown. Most of the sculptures are around lake Eola. See Art Orlando’s mission is to enhance the aesthetic experience and
cultural image of Downtown Orlando through a major Public Sculpture
Community Project. The installation of iconic works of art throughout
the City will bring National and International attention to Orlando and
will add to the economic viability of the community. The operating funds come from partnerships with corporations, family trusts, charitable grants and individual donations.

This sculpture by Wendy Ross is in the Seaside Plaza (201 S. Orange Avenue Orlando FL) just 2 blocks from City Hall. It’s erect similarity to the Asparagus in front of City Hall is astounding. One patron approaching the site said, “It looks like a Sea Urchin.” The mayor and his entourage walked past me just as I was starting this sketch. Rick Singh, the Orange County Property Appraiser stopped to tell me that there was a collection of art work in his offices. Yulissa Arch, his outreach coordinator gave me her card. I had met Rick’s wife at a Mennello Museum event and she impressed me as someone who truly appreciates art. Obviously so does Rick.

I had walked past many of the other sculptures on my way to Seaside Plaza. Each sculpture site had live musicians and libations. It was nice that the city lifted the ordinance that usually shuts down live performances on the streets of downtown for one night. As you approached each sculpture, you would hear musicians at work. Barricades surrounded sculptures where beer was being served. One woman walked away from a sculpture of a woman partially buried in the Lake Eola landscape. A policeman stopped the woman with the beer and told her she had to drink it inside the barricades. She took the order with good humor and returned to chug her drink.

The biggest party seemed to be at the Jacob Harmeling sculpture at Central and Osceola Avenue next to where the Farmers Market sets up and where “Food Not Bombs” used to share food before the police arrests and endless law suits shut this site down. This food sharing program now happens at City Hall. Jacob is the one local artist who is part or the sculpture project. Most of the sculptures light up using color changing diodes like those used in the Asparagus. I have to admit that the polished chrome illuminated sculptures do light up downtown, but I doubt many tourists will leave International Drive or the theme parks.

Neanderthal Ball

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11-15-13BallThe Neanderthal Ball was held on November second at the Orlando Science Center (777 East Princeton Street). Patrons stepped into the Past as they supported the future at the Orlando Science
Center.  Set amongst the prehistoric setting of
“DinoDigs” and the Ice Age theme of “Our Planet, Our Universe” exhibit. There was delectable food and wine choices under under the star lit sky on
the beautiful SunTrust Terrace. Of course there was a prehistoric the silent auction. Dress code was cocktail
fun with an accent on “cavemen couture”, with an animal print necktie or
leopard pattern cocktail dress!

Terry joined me, dressing like an exotic cave woman. She had a golden skirt and clashing cave woman patterns. The only thing I could find in my closet was a brown patterned Hawaiian shirt and cargo paints. I don’t have any animal print in my closet! I suppose I was going for more of a paleontologist look. The event was held in the dinosaur room of the science center. I focused my attention on the Maxine’s on Shine bar. This was one station that was sure to be busy all night, plus the bar maids were sporting plenty of cave woman cleavage.  The dinosaur skeletons were lit by red spot lights. As it turns out I was siting in a red spotlight as well so my ability to see what colors I put on the page was altered.

When it came time to crowned a new Harriett Lake Caveman Couture Champion! Terry was shocked that she didn’t win. She bought me a couple of food samples which I scarfed down as I sketched. The next room had a huge planet earth globe that showed how the continents might drift as the planet changes millions of years into the future. Florida quickly sank into the ocean.

Wine Art at Downtown Lake Mary

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Mark Your Calendar, Wine Art Wednesdays happens on the first Wednesday of every month in Downtown Lake Mary, (101 N 4Th St Lake Mary, FL).  The park is already decked out in Christmas lights which wrap around tree trunks.The sidewalks are lined with merchants and displays from local artists. Relax and unwind to some live music while sipping a glass of wine from the new beer and wine garden in Central Park or dig into some eats from some of the best food trucks and newest restaurants in Downtown Lake Mary. 

After exploring the dozen or so artists tents, I decided to sketch this odd police tricycle. A little ten year old boy was just as intrigued as I was and the policeman crouched down to talk to him. After I had it blocked in, a policeman hopped on and rode around the event. The food truck always had a short line.  I’m sure more food and drink was being sold than art. Perhaps edible art would sell.

Thomas, one of the artists who had a tent, came over to see what I was up to. He does pencil drawings and he bragged that he used the cheapest dollar store pencils he can find. Most tents had crafts items which might be good to buy for the Christmas season. Brazilian steel drum players were performing on the make shift stage in the park. An area near the stage was fenced off as the beer garden. It had picnic tables so you could relax and listen to music while you drank.

Weekend Top 6 Picks

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Saturday November 23, 2013

9am to 4pm Annual District 3 Thespian Festival. Free. Lyman High School in Longwood, FL. District 3 Thespians, the high school theater organization for students in Flagler, Lake, Seminole & Volusia Counties will feature local theaters, colleges, and theater-related businesses in the vendor room at our annual District 3 Thespian Festival.

10am to Midnight Dr. Who Holiday Art Event. $10. Acme Comics and Cards 905 E State Road 434 #100 Longwood FL.

Noon to 4pm  Community Indigo Vat Dying Party. Misty Forest 611 N. Hyer Ave., Orlando, Florida FL. This party is free to workshop attendees and $5 for friends and community. I would like to invite
our friends and community to help us use the remainder of the dye by
hosting an Indigo Vat Dyeing Party. You are welcome
to share in this exciting process by bringing a few 100% natural
plant-based fabrics (cotton, hemp, & linen only) to dye in the
indigo. You may bring clothing, accessories, yarn, pillow cases, tote
bags, napkins, etc. Please do not bring sheets or excessive yards of
fabric. Our vat is small and I ask that you limited yourself to 3-5
items. Please
wear old clothes and closed toe shoes. You will need to bring your own
dust mask and latex gloves (these are required to participate). I will
have string and rubber bands available to use for tie-dye and Shibori
techniques. Preregistration is required. To register, please email me at claycuriosities@gmail.com.

Sunday November 24, 2013

10am to Noon. Super Joy Riders. Eastern entrance of the Lake Eola Farmers’ Market. The Super Joy Riders: Do Gooder Bike Ride is an exercise in community organizing and active engagement. We hope to use the ride as an opportunity to show how helping people can be simple, fun, and easy, especially while wearing a cape. http://www.superjoyriders.com/

You + Superhero Costume + Bike = Best Sunday Ever

Noon to 2pm.  Florida Gospel Jam. Free, just order something off the menu. Fish on Fire 7937 Daetwyler Drive Belle Isle FL. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday every month.

1pm to 3pm. Irish Music. Free, but order something off the menu. Olivia’s in Eustice 108 N. Bay Street. http://www.oliviascoffeehouse.com/

Happy Ho

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Scottie Campbell, the Executive Director of Ivanhoe Village, tipped me off about the restoration of a neon sign which has been out of commission for twenty years. On November 7th, I went to the Historic Ivanhoe Building (1111 North Orange Ave. Orlando FL) to see the installation of a neon sign for the Holidays. These neon letters were restored this year by AC Signs. Tom Connery of the City of Orlando arranged for the restoration.

The Ivanhoe Building is where the ballet’s offices are housed but it was recently vacated because of mold problems. I noticed one dancer walking down the sidewalk, so maybe the mold issue has been resolved.

As I sketched, more letters arrived by truck. The black crane was used to lift the letters up to the roof. A spotter stood in the grass holding two ropes to keep the letter from spinning in the breeze. The last few feet were the most difficult. If the neon hit the roof’s edge too hard, it could break thus destroying all the restoration work.

A woman got off at the bus stop behind me. She shouted into her cell phone, “I hate you, I absolutely hate you!” I guess someone was going to pick her up, but they didn’t. She was having a bad day. The workmen came off the roof for a break and they looked over my shoulder as I worked. The neon in each of the signs letters was tested one at a time. Everything seemed to work.

Mark Your Calendar!  November 22nd at 6PM, at the Historic Ivanhoe Building (1111 North Orange Ave. Orlando FL),  Mayor Buddy Dyer will throw the switch re-lighting the Happy Holidays/Happy New Year neon
sign on top of the the historic Ivanhoe building. It will be the first
time the sign has been lit in two decades!,  A reception will follow at The Hammered Lamb (1235 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL.)

Winter Garden Heritage Museum

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On October 28th, I went to Winter Garden to drop off several prints with Beth Marshall. Her production of “Alice Lost in Wonderland” was coming to the end of its run at the Winter Garden Theatre (160 West Plant Street, Winter Garden, Fl). The final performance was November 3rd. Since I got to Winter Garden early, I started a sketch of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum while I waited to hear from Beth. Beth sent a text letting me know that I should meet her at the back stage door. The sketch wasn’t finished but I walked down Plant Street to the theater. I waited outside for a few minutes then realized she might have meant to meet me inside the stage door so I went in. A stage manager guided me through the black curtains on stage and then into the theater. Beth was seated in the front row talking to the cast on stage.

The cast was offered the opportunity to purchase any props from the show at below cost. Costumes needed to be clean and hung, ready for collection by costuming. There was some concern that the green room refrigerator had started to smell, but author and Director, Rob Winn Anderson, pointed out that it wasn’t a cast issue. This evening was Industry Night which means reduced ticket prices for people in the industry which means it could be a full house.

The cast began a run through of the fight sequence as Beth walked me back stage. It was rather fun walking through the middle of the brawl as it happened. It is always rewarding to present my work to Beth since she understands the value in what I do. I returned to the Heritage Museum to finish my sketch. Some models were posing for a photographer in front of the caboose as I approached. A husband, wife and their son walked towards downtown holding hands. The ten year old used his parents arms as a swing as they walked. There is a real charm to this downtown street which has history minus the strip mall over development seen in the rest of Central Florida.