A Fringe mural dies.

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Last year Scottie Campbell contacted me about doing a mural on the facade of the Fringe offices. The building had been painted black which made it a heat magnet. I had done a sketch of Orlando for a mural that was later painted by drunk patrons of a Downtown Orlando Arts event. Needless to say, that painting didn’t turn out as expected. It hung in the lobby of the hotel for a while and then disappeared. I decided to resurrect that sketch for the Fringe facade.

My plan was to paint the wall white and reproduce the sketch with only the sky as a painted element. That assured that the mural would be as bright as possible reflecting away any heat. The problem was that the Fringe had no budget for the mural. United Arts of Central Florida has a crowd sourced fundraising page called Power2Give which is similar to Kickstarter. The advantage of Power2Give is that funds go to the arts organization even if 100% of the funds are not raised. The disadvantage is that United Arts takes 12% of the funds. A page was set up to raise $5000 for the mural’s creation. I set up a progress chart that showed the funds raised. At the end of the campaign only half the funds had been raised. Then came the nail in the coffin, a developer plans to demolish the Fringe offices, the Thursty Topher and several other buildings to make room for a high rise condo.

George Fringe Wallace, executive director of the Fringe, asked me to hold off on reporting the condo debacle until the deal was public knowledge. About a year from now, all the warehouses along Alden Road will be
demolished to make way for a mixed-use development with 585 apartments
and buildings as tall as nine stories. Developers said that they want to honor the area’s roots by incorporating art
studios, performance space and an industrial feel into its design. Artists in the area however doubt they will find a home in the new development plan.  I am not sure yet where the Fringe offices will relocate after they make way for the wrecking ball.  I’m thankful work never started on the mural because it would be hard to see my work destroyed. Murals are only as permanent as the walls they are painted on. Hopefully the several thousand dollars raised will be used by the Fringe to continue bringing cutting edge and sometimes weird theater to Orlando. At least the Fringe building has been painted white which means a cooler summer as the Fringe searches for a new home. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the mural. My proposed mural depicting sky rises will be replaced by  actual highrises.

Bart celebrated it’s two year anniversary in style.

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Bart (1205 N Mills Ave, Orlando, Florida) is a small pub on Mills. It features local art, play some classic arcade games and of course craft beer. The two year anniversary party was held on August 29th of 2014 at the

Orange Studio next door which was rented to make room for more arcade cabinets and pinball machines. Many of the local artists who have shown their amazing art on Bart’s walls donated pieces for a silent auction to benefit A Gift For Teaching. Also, a collaborative art piece was painted during the event by Parker Sketch and then auctioned off live.

Soul Brother Kevin and Angel from SBK Live filled the air with music throughout the evening. This event was free. There was a supply drive set up for A Gift For Teaching as well as the auction. If you brought in school supplies we will reward you with a wristband good for happy hour all night!

I sketched the long line of arcade games and pin ball machines that had been brought in for the event.  Game play was free. When my sketch was done, I tried my hand at a game of Space Invaders. I should have pretty good eye hand coordination, but within minutes I had been blasted to pieces. I dusted myself off and tried again only to meet the same sure weightless death. That was enough for me. I stopped over to see the huge painting that Parker was working on. He slaps down paint as fast as I sketch and he was pretty far along in completing the five foot high canvas.

AADW work on view at Maxine’s on Shine.

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Sketches from Analog Artist Digital World are now on display at Maxine’s on Shine (337 Shine Ave, Orlando, FL), through mid-April. Maxine’s was recently voted the best neighborhood restaurant and also best place for a date night. The opening for the exhibition was on April 12th. Complimentary cheese, crackers, fruit and vegetables were in a private quaint back room that resembles a mini temple. I was told that wedding ceremonies were indeed once held there.On the 2nd Thursday of every month guests are invited to “Meet the Artist, Meet the Winery, Meet the Brewery” as part of
Thornton Park’s Art and Wine Walk.

Friends came out to share their support. I had a small table set up outside with some books, cards and information about the art. Jessica Pawli was set up beside me offering free samples of wines. The white wine had a faint scent of oak that I rather liked. Sam Ewing, a former Disney Feature Animation, and Full Sail colleague came out to check out the show. He might be helping out by teaching my Elite Animation students while I travel to Turkey this year. Wendy Wallenberg posed by the doorway several times. That part of the sketch was already finished however. I joked with her that she was blocking my view of the dog.

When the sketch was done, I joined a large group of artists, authors and musicians who were gathered at a large round table outside. Maxine pointed out that this is how she always envisioned this place being a melting pot for the arts. Michael McLeod, came up with the catch phrase that this was the “Max Scene.” Maura Lucchese, had her work on the walls of Maxine’s the month before my show. She was taking down her pieces as I put mine up. It was like a whirlwind, Grand Central Station day as we rushed in and out the front door. Maura’s work is bright and sensual being created from thousands of bits of magazines assembled onto canvas. We traded cards. I did a sketch of her show and she gave me a sensual nude in greys, reds and blues. Some of her work showed couples kissing. The pieces are large and bold, and come together seamlessly from a distance.I’m a fan of her work now.

There was a long conversation about a live action feature film that featured angry chickens. The chickens were Hollywood executives who would pray on the innocent souls who sought fortune and fame. The puppet chickens were based on real life characters whose rude behaviors were exaggerated. It sounds like this is a film I should see. There seemed to be just one degree of separation between each person at the table. For instance Maura’s friend had worked on the sound track for Carl Knickerbocker‘s latest film. She had done the sound effects and yet this was the first time that they met in person. Wendy mentioned that Maxine had once been Miss New York State. I’m always amazed at peoples brilliant histories.

Donna Dowless spoke to everyone at the table, saying that we are the core group of people who always show up at events. Each of us contribute to the arts scene in our unique way. It is through the dedication of our efforts and the efforts of others that this city is becoming an exciting place to live. It was a heart warming thought, coming from Orlando’s Ambassador of Love. Her heart shaped pendant necklace caught the evening light. I felt the love on this warm southern night and felt grateful to be among such amazing artists.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for March 14th and 15th.

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Saturday March 14, 2015

3pm to 9pm. Tickets: $10 (Presale) $15 (Door) Pi Day Celebration (Hosted by Canvs & Nerd Nite Orlando). p Canvs in Church Street Station 101 S Garland Ave, Suite 108, Orlando, Florida. To coincide with Pi Day and the 2-year anniversary of the very first Nerd Nite in Orlando, we will be co-hosting a special event with Canvs on Saturday, March 14th at the Church Street Exchange. The afternoon/evening will compile a diverse group of classic nerd nite talks along with new presentations and additional programming that includes trivia, a drunk science nerd-off, and a dry t-shirt contest; along with music, games, pies, and of course drinks! Click here to get your tickets. Everyone that purchases their tickets during presale will be able to get $10 off the door entry for Church Street District’s annual craft beer event, Downtown Brewfest (which will be happening right next door to our event).

7pm to 9pm $5. Second Saturdays in Sanford. 202 S Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL.

7:30pm to 9:30pm Free. The Geeek Easy with Amy Watkins and Open Mic. 114 S. Semoran Blvd

Winter Park Fl . Amy Watkins and Superhero Poetry Open Mic. Open to all: Musicians-Lyricists-Artists-and Poets of all kinds. Bring out the cape and have some fun. http://poetry.meetup.com/362/

Sunday March 15, 2015

 Noon to 3pm. Free. Casa Feliz to Celebrate their 10 Year Anniversary. Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL. The entire community is invited to join us at Casa Feliz to celebrate our 10 Year anniversary as a historic home museum!  That’s right, it’s been 10 years since we opened our doors to the public, after a highly publicized move across Interlachen Avenue and years of painstaking restoration.  We had over 500 visitors that first day, March 5, 2005.   Since that time, over 100,000 people have crossed our threshold for our weekly open houses, weddings, programs and special events!

Listen:  Spread out a picnic blanket, bring the kids, and make yourself comfortable on our front lawn to enjoy the classic Latin sounds of the Don Soledad Group!  Inspired by the gypsy music of Andalucia, Don’s musical path, vision and original compositions journey through the borders of Spain, Latin America and beyond.  The Don Soledad group delivers an authentic, soulful flamenco guitar sound with a touch of Latin jazz and a hint of bossa nova.   The music will be ongoing from 12 noon to 3 pm.

Learn:  Have you ever taken an architectural tour of Casa Feliz?  Our trained docents will be on hand to lead group tours of the authentic Andalusian farmhouse, the signature residential work of architect James Gamble Rogers II.

Enjoy:  a special retrospective slide show of highlights from the last 10+ years!

Raise a toast with us-anniversary cake and sparkling cider will be served!

5:30pm to 7:30pm $5 Southern Fried Sundays St. Paddy’s with Hymn For Her, The Mud Flappers, The Getbye, Lauren Galant & More! Will’s Pub 1042 N Mills Ave, Orlando, Florida. This Year St. Patrick’s Day is on a Tuesday. We thought our friends would rather celebrate on a Southern Fried Sunday with great Bands, Brews, Specials on Irish Whiskey and a Complementary Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner and Absolutely NO Green Beer! On the stage: The Psychedelic Dosed & Distorted Country/Rock of Hymn For Her, Indie/Folk/Gypsy Rock of The Getbye, Depression Era Soaked Blues/Country Swing of The Mud Flappers, the sweet voiced storyteller Lauren Galant and other St. Paddy’s Surprises. Expect specials on Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s new NOONER Pilsner & Jameson Irish Whiskey! The $7 Cover includes Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, chef’d by Mykal Williams & complements of Will’s Pub & Sierra Nevada. FREE After Show at lil indies!

Come share in the Sláinte spirit with us!

9pm to 11pm Free but get a coffee. Solo Acoustic Spoken Word. Natura Coffee & Tea, 12078 Collegiate Way, Orlando, FL. 407 482-5000.

Bookmark It celebrated Florida Bookstore Day at East End Market.

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In conjunction with Florida Bookstore Day’s statewide celebration of
Florida writers and independent bookstores, Bookmark It is (3201 Corrine Drive, Suite 201, Orlando, Florida) delivered a free day-long program featuring nationally published Central
Florida authors, along with three creative writing workshops. Between 10
a.m. to 4 p.m., authors took to the Courtyard stage for casual
readings, Question and answer sessions, and book signings. Three 2-hour workshops were offered to those wanting to engage their creative writing
skills.

When I arrived,  David James Poissant was reading some of his award winning essays and short story’s. His debut short story collection, The Heaven of Animals, has garnered national attention. His second book, a novel, is due out this spring. The writing was crisp and personal describing a relationship that was stretched to its limits. Across the street, there were tree trimmers with chain saws hacking down branches and then shredding them to mulch in a loud chipper. David had to read over the weekend warrior war zone noises.

The next author to read was Lynn Waddell. Her non-fiction book was, “Fringe Florida: Travels Among Mud Boggers, Furries, Ufologists, Nudists and Other Lovers of Unconventional Lifestyles” was the winner for National Book of the Year (bronze- travel essays). I liked her journalistic approach. She sought out Florida’s unique and quirky side. An article about The Holy Land Experience theme park was hilarious. It pointed out that the actor playing Christ could easily double as the model Fabio on dime store romance novels. When young girls talked of surrendering their souls to him, there was more than a hint of sexual innuendo. Lynn’s research lead her to Cassadega, a town devoted to psychic mediums, and somehow she convinced her husband to join her at a nudist colony. I don’t know if I’d sacrifice my clothing for the sake of a sketch and an article, but her humerus writing made me think twice.

National Dance Day brought out a huge crowd.

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On July 26th of 2014, National Dance Day hit Orlando. It was held at the Orlando Ballet Central Campus (2201 McRae Avenue Orlando FL). The Free event featured 15 classes with 13 styles of dance in 3 dance studios. This was the second annual
celebration that aimed to educate, inspire, and promote the Orlando dance
community. This event was specially designed to promote
progressive development of dancers, celebrate the diversity of Central
Florida’s dance professionals, and further connect the Orlando dance
community. This year’s event encouraged dancers and non dancers
alike to participate in a variety of 15 free dance workshops. These
classes were taught by local Orlando dance company directors,
choreographers and fitness instructors who lead participants
through body conditioning, dance technique and choreography at beginner,
intermediate, and advanced levels. National Dance Day Orlando brought opportunities
to those who love the art of dance by encouraging ongoing education.

I parked in the Theater parking lots on Princeton and walked towards the dance studios. I’ve never been inside this dance space before, so I didn’t know what to expect as I approached.  The dance studios are in a large building right next to the railroad tracks. There were a few dancers standing outside the entrance chatting. I was amazed when I entered. The entry hall was packed with dancers taking a break between classes. Holly Harris who was instrumental in organizing the event, welcomed me. She gave me a quick tour showing me the 3 huge dance studios. Every dance studio was packed. Hundreds of people had showed up to dance. To say that the event was a success would be an understatement.

I settled in, sitting in the back corner of a studio. Sketching a crowded group of dancers, all doing the same dance moves is probably the greatest sketch challenge there is. I contented myself with catching each dancers unique gestures and body proportions. The instructor further complicated the sketch by insisting that dancers in the back rows should move up while the front rows moved back. This allowed everyone a chance to see the dance moves up close and added a sense of panic and chaos to my sketch. I stayed for the duration of the samba class and then packed up my kit. I could have stayed all day capturing dancers but I keep my sketch habit to one a day. Otherwise I’d get lost in the process and never come up for air. Art requires some balance to work its way into becoming a life.

As I was leaving I bumped into Larissa Humiston who is the founder and lead choreographer for Emotions Dance. She was with Taylor Shepherd, who is one of Larissa’s incredibly talented dancers. On stage Taylor is fierce and commands attention. They were about to teach a beginning and intermediate Contemporary dance class. Larissa understands the advantages of collaborating with artists of all kinds. I worked with her doing a series of paintings that were projected before each dance piece for a show titled “Art Evolution“. It was a very rewarding experience.

Jammin’ Drum School offers a weekly class in worldbeat hand drumming.

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There is nothing more primal than the beat of hand drums. Greywolf offers weekly classes every Friday at The Orlando Aikido Dojo (3764 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL). At 7:00 pm the beginner Jammin! drumming class starts with with Greywolf and Mark DeMaio. They offer insights into proper dembe hand technique; drills and fundamental orchestrated multi-part rhythms. In the class I sketched, there was one beginner, Susan, and soon she was holding her own. Judy, in a pony tail, seemed like a regular beside her was Mark, who I’ve seen perform at Earth Day for Heather Henson‘s Ibex puppetry. Greywolf I have seen many times at drum circles and at world beat gigs around town. Sven who was right beside me had a fascinating intricate tattoo on his bicep.

At 8:00 pm Intermediate class Jammin! class appropriate for all levels begins. All levels are welcome. Greywolf offers insights into Samba drumming with  Djun-djun and other stick techniques along with more complex rhythms. Dun-Dun parts and solo phrases for basic rhythms are covered. I found it funny that Djun-djun and Dun-Dun sound just like the beats created on the drums.  This class is all Sambas, all the time thanks to the insistence of students.

At 9:00 pm the Advanced Jammin! course with Greywolf offers Additional instrumentation and yet more complex rhythms; odd time signatures; performance breaks and leads along with Ensemble pieces. As an example of complex rhythms Greywolf showed us a You Tube video he helped produce based on a ticking beat. Sketching to these complex rhythms is a real pleasure. The beats set the pace as lines danced on the page. People often tell me, “I can’t draw a straight line.” I bet some people feel that they couldn’t keep a beat. But after one session with Greywolf, they would be proved wrong. If you are looking for a fun date night. This would be it.

Any class is $12.
Any two or more classes on the same night is $10 each.

Miller’s Field House had so many TVs, it was hard to know where to look.

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On July 19th, Terry and I went to Miller’s Field House (7958 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL) to watch the Chargers battle against the Chiefs in the playoffs. Well, Terry watched the playoffs and I sketched. Terry grew up in San Diego, so she always roots for the Chargers, even if she is the only person in the room doing so. The place was packed with fans, Many wearing the jersey of their favorite team. I ordered a burger and a beer and got to work.

The game was pretty close for a while, but by the second half, Terry was groaning far more than she was cheering. The Chargers lost which sealed their fate for the season, they would not be going to the Super Bowl. On my several trips to the bathroom, I realized that the bar also had seating outside, and it was just as crowded out there. People would come in shifts, watching a game and then heading out. The bar must do a brisk business since the drinks kept flowing as long as there were games and commentary.

A curators preview of Real Life Observations by Dale Kennington at the Mennello Museum of American Art.

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On January 22, I went to The Mennello Museum of American Art which was undergoing preparations for the January 23 opening of Real Lives: Observations and Reflections by Dale Kennington. This is the first exhibit in the museum’s yearlong series devoted to “Storytellers of the South: Voices of Women.”  Curator Dr. Lee A Gray offered insights as guests followed her through the museum. I sketched Executive director Frank Holt who had just announced that he planned to retire at the end of January. Holt was instrumental in widening the museum’s scope from simply folk
art to all American art, and in establishing the Mennello’s affiliation
with the Smithsonian Institution. Virginia Mecklenberg, chief curator
of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, has called Holt a “visual
genius.” As the group of about 20 guests moved gallery to gallery, I stayed sketching the main reception desk. Frank seemed pensive, perhaps reflecting on the influences brought to the museum. He always seemed to understand and respect my sketching obsession. So I’m sorry to see him go. This sketch was done on top of another sketch so that I could give the sketchbook a consistent flow.

Realist painter Dale Kennington is now 80 years old. She does large oil paintings of people engaged in everyday activities. She takes a series of photos of any given location and then pieces together her composition from those many visual elements. For instance a painting of people in a swimming hole featured the same bather in multiple places in the same painting. I do the same thing when I sketch on location. Often I will follow one person, sketching them multiple times to populate a scene. Dales paintings are all inspired by luminous light and often feature reflections. She married Don Kennigton, a successful business man so making a living as an artist was not a concern. She started painting because she wanted portraits of her children. In the mid 80’s she gave up portraiture and switched to becoming a studio painter. In 2009 she was recognized by the Alabama State Council on the Arts with
the Governor’s Arts Award, and the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel
as one of Alabama’s “Master Artists”. Seeing so many large light filled paintings made me want to start working large myself. I’m working on a 30 inch high piece right now but it is a real challenge to sit alone all day working on one painting. I’m used to sketching in the hectic chaos of life and those sketches only take 2 hours. Committing to spend a solid week with one image is a real challenge.

United Arts is offering Artist in the Community Grants.

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I went to a workshop offered by Mary Giraulo, the United Arts of Central Florida Manager of Grants and Arts Education at the Maitland Arts Center (231 Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL). The room was pretty full and the Power Point presentation was already started. An author had read about my Life Sketch project where I went to retirement homes to sketch people and get their life stories. I had collaborated with several authors in the past. While they conducted the interview, I sketched. This worked for me because once I start a sketch, I’m lost in the moment until the final wash and lines hit the page. Any conversation is a distraction that takes me cot of my “zone”. One author I worked with took her own life and the other decided it was too much work after a few write ups.

I decided this grant would help pay for the author’s time as well as my own. She was considering a grant for another project as well. I asked at the workshop if an author could collaborate on one project and also get their own grant and it is possible. The tricky loop hole in this grant is that United Arts would only fund half the amount needed. The rest of the funding would have to come from private sources.  The maximum grant amount is $2,500. So I would need to match that amount.

Via e-mail the author let me know that she decided against collaborating on my project. I have 3 days to decide if I will apply for the grant on my own. Perhaps I don’t need an author but instead I could use a tape recorder. When I’m sketching people, they tell me stories even when my attention is mostly on the sketch. Perhaps I could ask a few questions and keep working. I have to finish a large illustration in the next few days and then maybe I’ll fill out all the paperwork. I’ve started keeping track of all the opportunities that are available as I move ahead and this is just one of many. As an artist, you have to pick your battles as you learn to survive as an artist.