Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts Construction

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I went downtown to the construction site of the Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts. My plan was to sketch the children’s art that covers the fencing surrounding the site. As I walked down Magnolia however, I couldn’t resist sketching the Methodist church spire against the dark storm clouds. A building across the street from the church was being demolished to make more room for the Arts center construction.

Dark rust colored beams were beginning to rise from the construction site. The buildings were taking form. A web cam tracks the building’s progress 24/7. Part of me wants to get on the construction site to do a series of sketches  documenting the progress. Then again it is boiling hot outside with little hope of shade on the site.

I thought I would be sketching in the crowds of people rushing home at 5pm, but the streets were eerily vacant. Only the vehicular traffic left the impression that Downtown was bustling. A bus driver stopped next to me and the doors opened with a hiss. I was about to explain that I wasn’t waiting for a bus, but she said, “I just wanted to see the sketch with the color, I saw you when you started the sketch.” I held up the sketch so she could see and she gave me a thumbs up. One fellow wearing a tie stopped to see what I was doing. He said, “That’s my building!” Apparently he must be the architect. A lightening flash blinked brightly on the horizon. The rain held off long enough so I could get back to my car. Then it poured.

Central Florida Theater Community Potluck

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There is an undeniable irony that the semi-quarterly July Theater Potluck dinner was held at Starving Artist Studios, (801 Orienta Ave, Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL). The potluck was held Sunday, June 24th from 7pm – 10pm. There was a torrential rain storm on my drive up I-4. I figured the rain might thin the crowd, but when I entered, the place was packed.

Starving Artist Studios, run by Tim Evanicki is a brand new facility that teaches dance, acting and music. Each room is themed after an area of NYC.  The room where I settled in to sketch had pictures of Union Square on the walls. A large mirror lined one wall, so this room was set up for dance. All the walls were freshly painted and several rooms had pianos and drum sets.

Everyone brought a plate of great food, drink or dessert. There was plenty to choose from. Conversations bristled as people shared good times and good conversation with friends from our theatre community. This wasn’t about performing, this wasn’t even about networking. It was a chance for people to be themselves and take a moment to breathe with all the people making our Central Florida Performing Arts Community VITAL! I kept bumping into people I know in the food line. John DiDonna joked with me about sketching. “Can’t you put the pencil down just once and have a drink and relax?” “I’ll relax as soon as I finish this one sketch, I promise.”

In the next room, Terry Olson started a theater trivia game. He said, “Name a theater production that features rain!” “Singing in the rain!” someone shouted back. “A Steady Rain!” “Rain on Broadway!” “The Diviners!” “Twelfth Night!” The answers kept coming. These theater folk know their stuff.

Tonight is Third Thursday.  “Granted“, at the City Arts Factory (9 South Orange Avenue), is a showcase for artists who had grants from United Arts.  I received a grant last year to help  with the expense of art supplies for this blog. Three of my sketches will be on display and for sale. The work will be on display through September 14th.

Lets Make a Movie!

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I  stumbled across a meet up group online that was meeting at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (6425 University Boulevard, Winter Park) . A guest speaker, Todd Thompson of Stars North Productions, a locally based independent film company, was lined up.  He outlined a long list of credentials. He made his first three movies by the age of 11 using his Grandfather’s Super 8 movie camera, using action figures and stop motion animation. He worked on the Tom Hanks mini series, From the Earth to the Moon in 1998. He worked on The Green Mile in 1999. He was told that producing independent shorts was the best way to break into the industry. So he did just that, and won awards along the way for films like Time & Again, and Once Not Far From Home. Chance meetings at film festivals lead to other contacts and productions. It seems film making is all about persistence, drive and chance encounters.

His current project, The Highwaymen, sounded like it could be a fantastic film. The film centers around a talented African American painter named Alfred Hair, who is unable to show his work in galleries because of his race. He meets a white landscape painter, A.E. Backus who taught him everything he knew about painting. He took this information and taught 26 other African American men how to paint. They produced over 100,000 paintings which they would sell on the road side for like $20 a painting. A.E. Backus would produce maybe one painting a month whereas these guys were producing at least a painting a day.  Some of the Highwaymen could produce up to 30 paintings a day, working in series. The paintings were quickly executed Florida landscapes. An art critic “discovered” the work and after he wrote an article, the price of the work skyrocketed. Highwaymen paintings are probably still scattered in peoples attics with the owners having no idea as to the value of the work. I love the premise of this film, the mentor ship, and overcoming the racial divide. The original artists have been interviewed and a huge wall was set up that follows their intertwined lives. I’d love to sketch and document the shooting and post production of this film.

People began introducing themselves and discussing their interest in film production. The introductions weren’t in any order and perhaps half way through, order broke down and lively discussions erupted. A short script for a SPCA public service announcement was on the table and I believe a number of people in the room were going to be involved in shooting the project in an animal shelter. When I realized I didn’t have to introduce myself, I slipped away.

Tr3, Vaughn and Jen Outside Urban ReThink

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I went downtown to Urban ReThink, (
625 E Central Blvd • Orlando), to sketch a hacker sound workshop. The workshop offered musicians an opportunity to create instruments from old electronics. I imagined a sketch with tables loaded with old discarded electronics. As I walked towards Central Boulevard, I heard, “Thor!” echoing down a long apartment causeway. I backed up to greet Tr3 Harris who was also on his way to Urban ReThink. I told him about the exciting workshop, but when we went inside, the place was deserted. Joyce Mallon was behind the counter of The Spork Happy Food Cafe. She confirmed that the workshop was scheduled but that only one person showed up. He waited around several hours and then left.

Tr3 had a table set up outside to sell some art, so I decided that would be my sketch opportunity for the day. I decided to order something sweet from Spork as well. Joyce suggested a build your own waffle. I decided on peanut butter and chocolate chips as my toppings. I also wanted plenty of caffeine to get my fingers twitching. I sat outside and Joyce brought out the waffle when it was ready. It was a scorching hot Saturday. Vaughn Belak was there with his girlfriend Jen Woolf selling his macabre paintings. Some of his pieces were prints on canvas that he could sell for incredibly cheap. He in fact sold a piece to a passer by for $40. I didn’t catch Vaughn in the sketch. He stood behind the red table to the right much of the time. Tr3 worked on a painting as he waited for costumers. The bike rack stood empty.


The sky grew dark and ominous. Jen checked a weather app on her cell phone that predicted rain. The tables were broken down and the art packed away in a matter of minutes. The chocolate chips had melted on my forgotten waffle. I continued adding color to the sketch long after the actors left the stage. The rain held off long enough for me to finish my sketch. It started to rain as I drove home.

The Other Shoe

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It was open mic night at Bullets Lounge. Apparently the place is usually much more crowded on Open Mic Night. Most of the bar stools were occupied but the tables were empty. I sat in a folding chair by the pool table for an unobstructed view of the first band, “The Other Shoe.” They sang originals written by the bass player Joseph Perricone. Candles illuminated the tables while red and green stage lights illuminated the band. It was Joseph’s birthday and
Deborah Vicino had baked enough cupcakes for everyone at the bar. Man that cupcake was good, especially washed down with the beer.

Band members were out in the parking lot smoking as I left. They joked with me as I asked about the band’s name and I scribbled notes in my pad. The drummer said, “Be sure to get Joseph’s license number.” I shot back, ” I just need his credit card number!” It is amazing the talent you find in even the smallest hole in the wall bar.

Swamp Sista LaLa Friends

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Swamp Sista La La Friends began its inaugural year as an annual event on Saturday June 23, 2012. It was an epic celebration of mostly southern music, women, independent businesses (which happen to be mostly owned or ran by women), and the hippest community in Orlando (also managed by a woman). It took  place outside and inside Park Ave CDs, from 7PM – 11PM. The evening was a gathering of Swamp Sistas, soulfully connected women, (mainly) Southern women who love to keep their roots at the surface while also branching to a more contemporary sound.

Audubon Park Garden District, Park Ave CDs, and Beth McKee joined to bring Swamp Sistas together for music, fun, vendors, beer, and food in Audubon Park.

Beth McKee’s Swamp Sista group includes diverse and talented women from all over the South and also from all over Central Florida.

The goal behind this Swamp Sista La La is to raise awareness about local independent retail stores, especially record stores like Park Ave CDs, and local entrepreneurs, which Audubon Garden District often champions. By having a Swamp Sista La La at Park Ave CDs, Beth utilized the Swamp Sista network to bring people from all over the area to Audubon Park, showing them what a special place it is.

The parking lot outside Park Avenue CDs was crowded with merchant tents while Viveca Averstedt‘s swedeDISH Food Truck hummed on the road. I sat next to the outdoor stage to sketch Laney Jones and her band as they performed mellow folk tuned. I’m pretty sure I sketched her performing solo outside infusion tea once on a rainy dusk. It was a hot humid evening and by the time I was done sketching I decided to go. The swedeDISH Food Truck had a Thor hot dog which was supposed to be immense. I was tempted to order one but decided to hold off. A band was also performing inside Park Avenue CDs where there was air conditioning. Terry and I negotiated and then left.

Denna and Travis Update their Relationship Status

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Denna Beena and Travis Fillmen were married Saturday August 4th in the Winter Garden Theatre. It was pouring rain as I drove straight from work. Terry let me know that she saved me a seat. The Winter Garden Theater has been the home to some amazing theatrical productions such as “The Diviners“, and “Driving Miss Daisy“. This wedding had a flair of the theatrical and plenty of Pink. Denna’s hair has always had a shock of pink, orange and purple. Her brides maids each had a pink dress of their choosing and long streaks of pink in their hair. Groomsmen and the ring bearer, manikin Hans Hausboi, all had pink bow ties and flowers. Groomsman, Mark Baratelli had a crazy, day filled with drama leading up to the ceremony. But that is a story for another day. Bridesmaid, Amanda Chadwick, with a bright pink coil of hair on her forehead, had flown from Seattle to be in the ceremony.

Before the actual ceremony, the theater curtains opened and friendly trivia was projected on the movie screen. Denna and Travis’s first date lasted ten hours. They met thanks to OKCupid.com. Denna kept getting Travis’s bio and she ignored it five times. She finally decided that the guys she usually dated were all wrong for her, so she took a chance. They might be bipolar opposites politically but deep down the found happiness and creative unconditional love. There was a small canvas center stage and as part of the ceremony, the couple painted a heart together. Young Chloe and Naomi Borchers recited the lyrics to “Personal Penguin.” Mike Carr explained, “Why Love is Like Owning a Dog.”

It was a ceremony in which laughter was a fine compliment love. The officiant, Mike Carr, earned his ability to unite this couple from the internet. When the knot was tied, Denna and Travis took out their cell phones on stage and updated their Facebook status to “Married“. The audience cheered. As everyone filed upstairs for the reception, I rushed to throw color on the sketch. A black and White film flickered onto the movie screen as the projectionist got ready for that evenings showing. As the colors dried on the page, I went upstairs for plenty of awkward yet enthusiastic dancing.

Fantasy Surf

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Fantasy Surf, (5151 Kyngs Heath Road Kissimmee, FL 34746), has the ultimate indoor wave. Referred to as “flow boarding”, a super strong stream of water rushes up a smooth blue embankment allowing experienced surfers an endless wave. I went to the facility to talk to Adam Mulls about sketching the National Championships. The place was constantly full of participants and spectators. It is located right behind a hotel which supplies many of the younger newbies who crash and burn when they try to stand. Falling, you are pushed up and over the top of the wave by the force of the water flow. Eager parents recorded the carnage on iPads and cell phones.

A blond haired teen mounted a water proof camera to the glass with a suction cup. She stretched like an Olympic swimmer and then took video of herself riding the wave. She was able to flip her board and negotiate every inch of the wave. An even younger boy was doing tricks effortlessly.  They now have trampoline jumping as an Olympic sport. Flow boarding would be an awesome Olympic event to watch. Adam stood at the top of the wave acting as the life guard. He rode the wave once, showing some mad skills.

 Fantasy Surf is hosting the 2012 Carbon US Flow Tour National Championships
during the weekend of August 10-12th. The public is encouraged to take part as spectators
as the best flow boarders in the world battle it out for a chance at the
National Title.  If you are a FLOW Tour competitor or follower, looking for event lodging, please visit fantasyworldresort.com to book reservations for a 2 bed room condo and full amenities and sleep 6 people. When booking online use the PROM CODE: FLOW to receive a special $99.00 per night rate. Click here for the competition entry form and waiver.

Complimentary rider practice begins August 10th from 3:00pm- 9:00pm. Bleachers will be set up for spectators and the lounge will be reserved for contestants only. Outside, tents will be lined up with skateboarding, merchandise and food vendors. The competition should offer an awesome weekend sketch opportunity.

Flight Home

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I arrived at the Santo Domingo Airport several hours early. I was shocked that there were no lines. I had to fill out all the customs forms and breezed through security with no wait.I sat and watched the crowd slowly gather at the gate for my flight. A nun sat stoically never moving, while a brother and sister fidgeted the whole time. Domino’s Pizza was set up to sell slices and the ads reminded me of the domino players enthusiasm in the park.

On the flight, I sat next to a young missionary who taught English and math to students in small villages around La Cucarita, in the Dominican Republic. She explained that the schools were makeshift but the central village now had a cinder block building. She had to pay her own way to get to and from the Dominican Republic and she couldn’t wait to get home to her own bed. He T-shirt read, Love God, serve people, change the world.

This was Jet Blue pilot, Kevin Kelly‘s, last flight. He was leaving Jet Blue after 30 years of service. The first thing to flash through my mind was that the Titanic captain was retiring after his last voyage. Everyone on board cheered when we had a smooth landing. Jet Blue has a tradition in which two fire trucks spray down the plane with water for a retiring pilot. We were told not to panic. The plane taxied forever. I figured they might be going to a hanger for the ceremony, but then I saw the firetrucks with their tall streams of water arching over the plane. My window went liquid and the green trucks shimmered. Everyone was shouting and clapping. You don’t see THAT every day. It was good to be home.

Fiesta

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The closing ceremony for the Santo Domingo Urban Sketching Symposium was held at the Museo de las Casas Reales. As we walked inside, a regal peacock strutted through the lobby. Long tables were set up with all the artist’s sketchbooks on display. There was also a silent auction set up with some of the instructors work up for grabs. Everyone was crowded around the tables flipping through sketchbooks. Some people moved clockwise and others counter clockwise. I lost patience since I couldn’t see all the sketchbooks fast enough, so I wandered off to get a coke. There were also finger foods available so I ate dinner. I had a quick chat with Gabi Campinario. He seems to be moving away from sketching across double page spreads. The last few months, I have been doing the same, choosing instead to sketch in larger spiral bound sketchbooks.

Frank Ching from Seattle was doing a sketch of the spacious courtyard. Since I was still intent on seeing the rest of the sketchbooks, I decided this wasn’t an event I would be sketching. All of the Urban Sketchers were asked to stand in the courtyard where they were each called up and issued a certificate. It was just like a graduation. Since all the sketchbooks were now being ignored, I decided to sneak away to flip through the remaining sketchbooks. When my name was called, I trotted out like a triumphant Olympian, picked up my certificate and jogged right back to the sketchbooks.

When we left the closing Ceremony, we discovered that a Fiesta was being staged at Plaza de Espana. Historic fortifications were illuminated a rich orange behind the makeshift stage. Dancers were changing costumes in the lot next to the Museo. On stage a singer and keyboard player were performing Meringue. An official sat beside the stage while hundreds of locals sat in folding chairs set up in the Plaza. Unfortunately, this was the last act and as technicians broke down the stage, I rushed to throw down color washes. The Urban Sketchers had gathered at a bar across the plaza, so when I was done, I walked over for one last drink with this incredibly talented international group of artists.