Double Tree Hotel – Analog Artist Digital World

The Zombie March happens every year as part of Spooky Empire’s Ultimate Horror Weekend. This year the convention of horror was being held at the DoubleTree By Hilton at Universal (5780 Major Blvd. Orlando, FL). This is right across the street from Universal Studios which is perfect if people wanted to check out Halloween Horror Nights at Universal.

The Zombie March was scheduled for 4pm on Friday October 25th at Hooters which is about a quarter mile north.of the Double Tree on Kirkman. I arrived about an hour early and zombies were milling around in the parking lot. Two zombies stood curb side moaning and flailing at passing buses. It was hot in the sun although temperatures are just starting to dip in Orlando. Make up artists were set up on the Porch of Hooters transforming people into zombies.

I sat at a table with a sheriff whose facial skin had been ripped off leaving red bloody pulp in its place. We talked for a bit. He has been coming to Spooky Empire for the past four years and he has seen the convention grow exponentially. He said that the money spent on alcohol probably has kept the convention growing. Attendees can rub shoulders with stars of horror. For instance he bragged that he got to chat with Shannen Doherty one year at poolside. He told me that the make up artist at the far end of the porch was doing the most detailed work, so I thanked him and moved closer to sketch the artist at work.

He was busy adding bruising to the cleavage of a woman who had on a Wonder Woman T-shirt. He had her tilt her head back and then poured blood down her cheeks and neck. Her skin was chalky white and there was a bite wound on her forehead and breast. Zombies don’t understand social boundaries when it comes to feeding. Jason stood rock still watching the make up artist work. Talk powder was added to her hair so she looked like she just rose from the grave. Wonder Woman put on her red cape and vogued for photographers along with her friend who were all zombie super heroes.

I was still sketching as the make up artist packed away his supplies. I should have come earlier to get several sketches. Zombies got riled up at the sound of a chain saw and they all began to shuffle down Kirkman towards the hotel. Several make up artists remained on the porch painting Day of the Dead ornate flowery skull make up onto the faces of Hooters waitresses. When they all were painted, they posed for photos, being sure to lean forward to showcase their exposed v-necked supple slopes.

Walking into the Double Tree hotel (formerly the Sonesta) downtown near Lake Lake Ivanhoe, I was greeted with the sight of the collaborative mural I did for a downtown arts district fundraiser. I was here to report on the 2011 Leadership Summit for the Florida Alliance for Arts Education. After a brief welcome and introduction in the main ballroom, the art teachers in attendance split up to attend various learning and inspirational sessions. I went to the Delaney room to listen to Eric Booth speak. I had to finish up a sketch so I entered Eric’s session a little late. I was surprised that everyone in the room was standing as Eric spoke. He then immediately had all the teachers doing pantomime. I couldn’t see anything from the back of the room so I marched down the aisle amidst the chaos and I sat next to Eric looking out at the teachers.

Eric had everyone engaged involved and excited throughout his discussion. He acknowledged the value of anything that was offered for thought. He feels most students are taught to only provide the answer a teacher is looking for. Americans hate not knowing the right answer. He encouraged asking questions that have multiple answers. What matters then is the quality or inventiveness of the answer. Students become more creative after many small successes. Reflection is something that is missing in arts education today. 80% of what you teach is who you are. Passion and really engaging with the students in new and unexpected ways is vital.

He has found that when a student creates something he truly cares about then learning becomes essential. What is taught should have real life relevance for students. He stressed that a prime role of a teacher is as a witness. Every student must be acknowledged and encouraged when they think creatively. The student then can reflect and learn something about how they best learn.

Another activity was offered where teachers were paired in groups of two. One teacher stood and they were given the assignment to convince their partner to give up their chair. The energy in the room soured. There was begging, bribing cajoling and plenty of unexpected fun. There was certainly no room for boredom. When the exercise was over he pointed to several methods that had worked in NYC. One person acted like they might vomit. Another took the seated persons purse and put it out on the sidewalk. The seat was immediately given up. Mean yet creative sometimes works.