The Piano Man of Washington Square Park.

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At the NewYork City Sketch Crawl, I decided to do a sketch of the piano player in Washington Square Park. of course poplin performances Orlando are rare, being limited to 27 Blue Boxes. But in New York city, I saw performers everywhere I went, in subway stations, on street corners and in the park. I know that performers who start creating music at Lake Eola are often chased off by city employees. The only music allowed at that park is the cheesy elevator music that is broadcast through all the speakers that surround the lake so that you are forced to feel like you are walking around a shopping mall.

Every weekend, Colin Huggins and a buddy wheel the piano out of a store facility in Greenwich Village and the roll it through ten blocks of traffic to it’s new home in Washington Square Park.  Playing a Grand Piano outside means that the piano need to be tuned for an hour before each performance. Colin was once the music director for Joffery Ballet, but now his busking earns him a modest living.

The classical music was delightful, and park patrons filled the benches nearby to listen in. In Washington Square Park, performers have to register for performance times. Once the time is up, the need to move to a new spot to allow a note performer to use the spot. When this piano man had finished his set he closed the piano lid and rolled the piano away, probably to a new location where he would once again set up. Some people stood by the piano to sing along. A plastic bucket acted as the tip jar or hat and the many tips were well deserved.

Wouldn’t it be nice if Orlando had just a fraction of the culture that can be found in a city like New York. Perhaps city officials will someday stop treating public performers like beggars and recognize that they liven up and add value to the streets and parks.

Urban Sketching workshops at Elite Animation,

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I am now teaching Urban Sketching Course at Elite Animation Academy  (8933 Conroy Windermere Rd, Orlando, FL) to middle school and high school students.This is a wonderful opportunity for me to share my love of simple direct observation and the pleasure that can be found from always carrying a sketch pad. The small class size, allows me to always offer notes for every student’s sketch. The first hour of each class, we work in the classroom on warm up exercises and the day’s lesson. Then we break out of the classroom and sketch on location somewhere in the neighborhood. On this occasion, we sketched in a Subway’s Sandwich shop. The lesson on this sketch outing was one point perspective and the students looked down the length of the shop.  It is always rewarding to watch students get lost in the process. The re is always some socializing as well, and I has he to find the right balance between work and play. If only a few students develop the habit of documenting their lives in sketches, then I have certain done my job.

Rise up October closed down streets in NYC.

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On the day of my 35th High School reunion, I met the New York City Urban Sketchers in Washington Square Park for a sketch crawl. About a dozen or so artists gathered near the iconic Washington Arch. A huge demonstration was going on, taking over the street on the north side of the park. While many sketchers focused on the arch, I elbowed my way into the protest.

“Rise Up October,” a mass demonstration in New
York City, attracted an unprecedented number of protesters,
according to the Stop Mass Incarceration Network, a national protest group. The
activists predicted that some 100,000 people will disrupt normal business
and shut down street traffic in NYC to keep police brutality
in the public consciousness.

Following the police-involved deaths of unarmed African-Americans in
places such as Ferguson, Missouri; Staten Island, New York, and
Baltimore — to name just a few — the resulting civil unrest and
peaceful protests did not adequately move most Americans beyond mild
sympathy for the victims, one organizer said. Stopping “police terror,” a
catch-all term activists use for racial profiling, police brutality,
use of lethal force and mass incarceration in communities of color,
merits sustained disruption and civil disobedience.

Protesters handed out flyers to passing pedestrians. When one young man refused a flyer, the female protester got in his face and shouted, “Which side are you on? Thankfully I was exempt since my hands were busy sketching. An older gentleman in a cape and red mask caught my eye. Later, one of the urban sketches told me that he is one of New York’s more colorful characters. He is referred to as “The Mayor” since he is always found at events saying he plans to run for mayor. I don’t think he has ever been on the ballot.

One sobering fact that I learned from the protest is that, 85% of the people killed by U.S. law enforcement officers, were shot to death. 4% died due to rough handling, 4% due to vehicles, less than 4% died from tasers and 4% died from other causes. Having traveled abroad, I can say that some Europeans views America as gun obsessed police state and a dangerous place to live.

Social Media Think Tank.

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Mark Baratelli of The Daily City, organized a social media think tank at IZEA in Winter Park Village in which participants would outline one thing that worked for them to promote their business, and then they would ask a question of the other participants to learn Some thing new. New social media platforms are popping up every week, so it is impossible to stay on top of all social media platforms. Some people spread themselves to thin, not getting the most out of any one platform.

Melissa Marie who owns The Falcon Bar and Gallery, now has her bartenders using snap chat which raises awareness about what events are going on in the bar. My question had to do with the ways to promote events to media like newspapers and magazines in town. A week after the meet, I got an email from one of the attendees that had a list of all the media contacts in town. I am slowly getting those contacts entered as a list in g-mail so the I can sent out press releases to everyone.

Mark was proud that he had used Twitter to stay in contact with every media that shared his mission of enlightening and entertaining. It became clear that there is much I need to learn about social media but there are only so many hours in the day.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for April 16th and 17th.

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Saturday April 16, 2016

7:30am to 8:30am Free. Tai Chi. Rose Garden Winter Park Central Park.

5pm to 11pm. Free. Angels and Artisans – A women’s show. The Imperial at Washburn Imports-Sanford 116 E 1st St, Sanford, Florida. There are so many beautifully creative strong inspiring women here and gone, that have touched us all, many that have survived or living with Cancer. a true night of inspiration,love, reflection, and most importantly action. Networking for many local groups that make life a little easier for those dealing with this monster. Deep reflection and honor to those that have passed. Our loved ones. …. interested? This is going to be a beautiful show at the Current-Sanford Magazine Gallery. join us! All artists are invited to participate, all mediums,styles, and installations welcome.

8pm to 11pm. Free. Get a free ticket or hall pass. The Flying Horse Big Band Swings and has a Funky Good Time. Walt Disney Theater. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Avenue Orlando FL. Central Florida’s ultimate big band brings a swinging end to the UCF celebration.

Sunday April 17, 2016 

9am to 5pm Free. $1 Nudes Sale and Art Studio Clearance. 5543 Bay Side Drive Orlando FL. Nude figure drawings by Thor of Analog Artist Digital World are available for just $1 each to clear out inventory and lighten a studio move.

1pm to 6pm Free. Ten10 Art Market.  Ten 10 Brewing Company 1010 Virginia Dr, Orlando, Florida. Art..music..food..beer …plus other interesting things… Every 3rd Sunday.

10pm to Midnight Free, but get a coffee. 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.

The Jungle Book opens April 15th.

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I went to a preview screening of Disney’s, The Jungle Book at The Regal Winter Park Village Stadium 20. The Florida Film Festival was going on at the same time and because of that, the preview audience was let into the the am earlier than usual before the screening time. When I was young, I saw drawings from the original Jungle Book movie on display in a mall in New Jersey.  The drawings were fro a scene in which the menacing tiger Shere Khan gets up and walks back into the forest. The drawings were awe  inspiring and they lead me to want to someday animate for Disney. That dream eventually came true and [ got to work beside some of he best draftsmen in the world. When digital films took over the need for hand drawn animation disappeared.

Since The Jungle Book played such a pivotal roll in my boyhood dreams and aspirations, I was excited to see this new adaptation. Quite honestly I expected it to fail miserably. In the opening sequence, Mogli is running through the jungle being chased by an unseen predator. The jungle glowed warm and was a character in it’s own right. The second an animal spoke I groaned. Cute wolf cubs seemed like an overly saccharine sweet touch. But then the stony tool hold and the talking animals grew on me. Baloo the bear was played by Bill Murray. The voice stopped me in my tracks until [ could place it. Then Bill breathed new life into an already lovable character. I was shocked when tears welled up as Baloo told Mogli, that he didn’t want him around anymore. Of course the big bear was lying, he had become emotionally, attached to the boy, but Bagheera the panther had convinced him that the man village was the best place for the boy.

The film was astonishingly dark and real. Mogli always had scrapes and scars from the jungle. The scene that showcased the monkey king  reminded me of a scene from Apocalypse now in which Marlon Brando rubbed his bald head with cold water. Louie, the monkey king and Sher Khan were both incredibly menacing characters. Some children were crying in the theater, Yet it is precisely this brute force that makes this film a true classic. I was blown as by it’s power and majesty. I was swept away by the mythos of a young boy finding his way alone in a cruel world. Friends help in times of trouble. I can not recommend this film enough. It opens in theaters nation wide on April 15th.

In the Black, A Tax Day Burlesque.

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Blacklist Babes Cabaret, and Black Garter Dolls will present In the Black, A Tax Day Burlesque at The Venue (511 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL) on April 15th. The doors open at 9pm and the show start at 10pm.  Marisa Ashley Risque invited me to sketch a dress rehearsal. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door (cash), and $25 VIP.

When I arrived, actors and actresses were busy getting into costume and putting on make up. Marisa was at a mobile costume rack. She welcomed me with h warm hug. Each performer is in multiple routines and sometimes costume changes have to happen at a breakneck pace. Getting garters tightened and hitched or latching a leather belt just right can be tricky. A fellow with a long beard who looks like the Monopoly guy will be welcoming patrons at the door. He was deep in conversation with one of the performers. For once, I felt right at home. So many of the performers, I have sketched in the past.

Marisa did a hilarious routine as a thrift store addict who then showcased her cheap ass erotic side. Her twerking had every performer on the sidelines hooting and hollering. A more classical burlesque was set to Frank Sinatra‘s , Luck be a Lady Tonight. The diaphanous green ball gown flowed beautifully as if a Fred Astaire movie dance scene. This modern take on a classic made me wonder, what best rhymes with luck? A male dancer had all the lady performers screaming when he stripped down to his thong. Even more impressive than the bounties of flesh, was the incredible singing talent on display. These performers know how to belt out a tune with gusto. A large group number with plenty of leather whips was a show stopper.

If you are due a tax refund, then this is the place to use these throw away bills. I laughed until I cried. If you miss Tax Day Burlesque, some of the same routines will appear 4 times at the Fringe in the Black Venue which will also showcase some new numbers.

July 4th Drip Pool Party.

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On July 4th, Terry and I went to a Drip Dance pool party. A barbecue kept burgers and hot dogs steaming. All of the dancers an support staff of Drip were there to relax a have fun. A slip and slide was unfurled across the lawn, and terminated at the pool. Guys and girls got a running start, and dove into the pool with a big splash. 

My sketches were done rather fast, so that I could get in some pool time myself. Tie dye pockets were full or red and blue dyes. Dancers took T-Shirts and pinched the fabric using rubber bands. Everyone had their own techniques and every shirt when dry and unfurled was unique. It was a messy fun process. 

Terry, had several small dreads put in her hair on our trip to Australia. Jessica Mariko offered to put a color for tri-colored ribbon in Terry’s hair. As usually happens at y party lit this, I met someone who does something fun and creative as a career. A woman next to me did large sculptures for the theme parks. She told me about her projects and it sounds like an unexpected inspiring way t make a living. I’m having to rethink my priorities. I get out and experience a creative rush every day, but not many sketches get sold. Changes need to be made so that I’m less of a voyeur and more of a participant in the Orlando Arts scene. I am starting to reach out to find a job that will keep me in Orlando and challenge me creatively to think out side the box.

Adam Braun discusses how he founded Pencils of Promise.

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Adam Braun is a New York Times bestselling author and the Founder of Pencils of Promise, an award-winning organization that has broken ground on more than 300 schools around the world. He also leads the Global Education Platform, an initiative conceived by the UN Special Envoy for Global Education to produce breakthroughs in learning innovation. His talk at Bush Auditorium, in Rollins College outlined how he got started.

Adam began by showing a photo of his family in the 1970s. He got the crow laughing by zooming in on his dad with his thick mustache and dark eye brows and said that he as the model for Borat. On a more serious not he outlined the family values that came from having grand parents who had survived the holocaust. His mother instilled in him a refusal to accept mediocrity. Failure is important in anyone’s growth. As a child Adam collected playing card and he figured out how to trade his way into getting the rarest cards. It turns out this isn’t much different than what happens in the stock market, so this became his passion right out of college. In college he read books about rock Stars, and he realized that their greatest works came in times of struggle.

True self discovery begins where your comfort zone ends. Adam traveled over seas and he saw incredible poverty. He asked a young boy, “If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?” The boy responded, “A pencil.” Adam happened to have a pencil and he gave it to the boy. A pencil can write about 40,000 words before it is spent. It can also create thousands of sketches. The simplest tool holds so much promise.

Big dreams begin with small unreasonable acts, When Adam got back home, he decided to found Pencils for Promise. He went to a bank and opened a bank account. The minimum deposit was $25. Since he was 25 years old he decided to open the account in that amount. Pencils for Promise has built 340+ schools that teach 35,000 students, increasing literacy three times. Adam showed a video of a 1mm domino. Each domino can knock over another domino that is one and a half times larger. In 29 Steps, that 1mm domino could knock over a domino as large as the Empire State Building. It is a good example of how a small act or inspiration can multiply and spread.

Adam showed a video of a dancing cow. the point he made was that you should commit to being the best in the world at what you do. If you are a sweeper, then you should be the best sweeper. If you are a mascot, be the best mascot. If your dreams do not scare you then they aren’t big enough.

Snap! Downtown Opening.

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Snap! Orlando has opened a new gallery downtown at 420 E Church St, Orlando, FL. The opening exhibit featured g artists in z galleries.  As part of our ongoing mission to boldly increase the visibility and appreciation of art in our community and beyond, Snap has expanding to the Downtown / Thornton Park neighborhoods.

The largest gallery featured Mark Gmehling, ‘Nu Werks’ – Exhibit curated by Holly and Patrick Kahn. Mark is a German artist who has an elastic view on life. He makes fine art prints from 3D renderings of abstract characters and bizarre scenarios, all illustrated in a playfully fluid manner. The aesthetics of each of his figures are highly polished though and resemble beautiful, glossy ceramic pieces. Gmehling was introduced to the US by Snap! in 2014, and has garnered international press including the cover of Orlando Weekly, front page of Orlando Sentinel, Hi Fructose Magazine, and Der Spiegel in Germany.

Also in the front gallery, were sculpted rings by Rebecca Rose, ‘New Sculpturings,’ which are beautifully created pieces redefined beyond their traditional sense, each piece with unique form and storytelling, blending luxury with urban activism relevant to current social issues. Rebecca sketches, assembles, carves, invests, kiln fires, and casts her own work in her studio.

In the middle gallery was work by Chris Robb, ‘Continuum’. Coming from a background of graphics and printing, Robb’s work has evolved over the past 30 years into an expressionistic abstraction. Color is central to his dynamic compositions. His grasp of the formal properties of color––hue, value, intensity, and temperature, permits him to layer multiple colors without overpowering the structure of his compositions.

The back gallery featured the edgy urban work of Earl Funk, ‘Seasons Change’ This exhibit was curated by Gina Bernadini. Orlando illustrator and tattoo artist new works are inspired by the changing of the seasons, as well as the idea of being open to changing ourselves.

Artists were present on opening night. Catering, craft cocktails by The Courtesy Bar, music by DJ Nigel John and DJ Ken Sherry.