The Cardboard Art Festival

Posted on by Thor

In 2016 the TheDailyCity.com’s 4th Annual Cardboard Art Festival was held in two empty storefronts at the Sodo Shopping Center (80 W Grant St, Orlando, FL 32806). On Community Construction Night 100% of the admission ($5 adults) went to
the OneOrlando Fund. A large piece was being created to be installed at a
select tribute location and we need the community’s help with creating
their own cardboard heart. Also we are celebrating the life of a
local-lover Colleen Burns from YELP who passed away at the Grand Canyon just
last week. Guests could each take a star and decorated it.

I focused my attention on this cardboard rhino which was pieced together like a 3D puzzle. Next to him was a sculpture that looked like a section of a reef created by Jean-Claude Rasch. As I was preparing to leave, I noticed a long empty stretch of was above a map of Orlando that guests could sign. I  contacted the event organizers, Mark Baratelli and Denna Beena and suggested that I could hang the 49 portraits of victims of the Pulse massacre that had been created by local artists at the Falcon Bar.

I hung the portraits on fishing line using electrical clips. The result was they seemed to float high up near the ceiling. This was more work than expected since I had to climb up and down the ladder every time I needed a new portrait, or more electrical clips. Betsy Brabrandt showed up and cut the work in half by handing up portraits.

RAW Artists Orlando Presents…Marvel

Posted on by Thor

On April 4th, I went to The Abbey (100 South Eola Drive, Orlando, Fl) to check out the talent at RAW Artists Orlando presents…Marvel. There was a line to get in that snaked around the corner into a parking garage.

A recording of Britt Daley‘s “One and Only” was pulsing through the room. “Awesome!” I thought. “They really are showcasing the best local talent.” However, Britt wasn’t on stage that night. Musical acts included Live Hart, Cure for Caska, and Judy Tribune. One performer who sang while I was sketching was so far off key that I cringed.

The artist that caught my eye was this body painter named Nix Herrera. He used stencils and an airbrush to create intricate lettering and designs.  It was really stunning work. The model, Sierra Missed, had a proud and regal expression the whole time. She was enjoying the attention.

Artist, Jean-Claude Rasch introduced himself.  I had met him before at one of Parker Sketch’s art critiques. I remember Jean worked on Plexiglas and the paintings would have different coloring if lit from behind. He was set up in the same spot where Parker Sketch had been set up the month before. Jean’s work had more than a passing resemblance to Parker’s work incorporating splashes and pop culture imagery.

Last time I went to a RAW event I was dressed a bit grungy, walking in with a baseball cap the bouncer reminded me to take off. This time, knowing cocktail attire was required, I wore a suit and tie. I just had to keep the tie from flopping down onto the palette. You have to be over 21 to get in and tickets were $10 in advance or $15 at the door.