Fa La La La La Park Avenue Window Walk

Posted on by Thor

On December 10, I Luv Winter Park organized a stroll down Park Avenue in Winter Park. People gathered in the Hidden Garden Courtyard from 5 to 6, taking advantage of Happy Hour libations at The Bistro. Then, around 6-ish, everyone walked  down the east side of Park Avenue, then back up. It was a chance for friends  to get into a  holiday mood and have some fun while checking out the  windows up and down Park Avenue!

I couldn’t get to the bistro at 5, so instead I simply found a spot on Park Avenue to sketch. I chose to sketch Be On Park jewelry store (152 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL) simply because I didn’t have a parked car blocking the view. Large orbs of light were hung in the trees all along Park Avenue. It was quite a display. Eventually the strollers did run across me.  Clyde took pictures of my sketch in progress.

A mom and her daughter, dressed in an elegant Cinderella gown stopped to meet every one. The little girl proudly showed off her glass slippers rotating her foot on point. After everyone left and I was getting close to finishing the sketch, a rather disheveled man stood in front of me and angrily asked, “Are you an artist?” It is the one question I can’t stand. I looked around wondering if my wife put him up to it. I made some polite reply. He wanted money for new shoes, but his shoes looked fine to me. When your sitting still you are an easy mark. It started to rain as I made my way back to my car. Why can’t they afford snow?

Flocktail Party

Posted on by Thor

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.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

Posted on by Thor

I went to Winter Park on March 15th to be interviewed by “I Luv Winter Park” in the Hidden Garden Courtyard across from Panera’s on Park Avenue. Parking was atrocious, I ended up parking a mile away and then hiking. When I got to Park Avenue, I realized why traffic was so bad, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival had just opened. I thought the interview went well although I’m never sure if I’m offering enough information.

I decided to explore the maze of tents. I never have high expectations when I look at art in tents but some work always jumps out and inspires me. Matthew Cornell, a local artist from McRae Art Studios  won the overall award for Best in Show. His oil paintings are hyper photo-realistic. A large painting of ocean waves had me do a double take. I had to walk up close to see the incredible detail.

The Festival was crowded, so it was hard to find a spot to sketch where I wouldn’t get trampled. The fountain offered a quiet refuge in the shade. People came and went in a constant stream. Most people who sat down had fast food from the food vendors. When they were done the wandered off to see more art. The sound of the trickling fountain and birds in the trees helped level my blood pressure, but still I had to rush to get the sketch done.