The Last Neanderthal Ball.

Posted on by Thor

I went to the last Neanderthal Ball at the Orlando Science Center (777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803). In preparation for the ball I painted a black bow tie using some of Linda Sarasino‘s acrylic paint with a tiger pattern. I also put on a pair of tiger socks, but I don’t think anyone ever saw those. I entered , I entered the venue early and found a stand up table with a decent view across the room. My table was right next to a hoop suspended from the ceiling. That means I would have a front row seat for the female performer who was suspended and poured drinks. It was difficult to ignore her as I sketched the overall scene.  As cavemen and women entered the venue, I added them to the sketch. 

Running with Scissors performed cover songs on the main stage. Dancing to Eagles songs isn’t easy. But I tried. The MC remembered me from last year and he asked me information about what I do. I gave him my card and gave him my rundown about doing a sketch a day to cover arts and culture in Central Florida. I was amazed when he gave me a major plug from the main stage microphone, inviting everyone to take a look at my sketch in progress. When I was done, I left the sketchbook open on the table. Linda chatted with Wendy Wallenberg, who was wearing giant pink earmuffs as a head dress, and a pink fur vest. For the fashion show, she acted shocked and horrified be all 1 modern lights. It was a nice touch. She won a bottle of champagne for being one of the best dressed cave women. 

One caveman went all out on his fashion accessories. He had a uni-brow and wild woolly hair. He carried a big club, and the clincher was his performance during the fashion show. He kept his knees bent and moved as if on the prowl. He walked right up to the female judges and looked at them quizzically, bending his head to the side like a dog. Then he sniffed the air trying to catch a whiff of their perfume. He got a standing oration. Actually, everyone was already standing, but they did clap for him the loudest. 

Michael McLeod entered the fashion show, but, besides his Armani suit, the only accessory was a zebra bow tie. It did put my blunt hand painted tie to shame. He strutted the dance floor, opening his suit to show off the Armani label. Wendi had a zebra hat for Michael to wear, but it was vetoed. So many tables were reserved, probably for corporate sponsors, but I don’t think those signs had much meaning. After the awards, the evening quickly wound down. Leaving the parking lot, I forgot to turn on my headlights. A caveman blinked his headlights at me from behind as I waited at a red light. I made nothing of it. Then he drove up beside me going north on Orlando Avenue. He honked and pointed at my front bumper. It finally dawned on me what he was trying to communicate. I waved and gave him a thumbs up as I flipped on the lights. He gave me a thumbs up in return and drove off. Cavemen look out for each other.

Socialites and Dinosaurs at the Neanderthal Ball

Posted on by Thor

Patrons partied like it’s 100,099 B.C. at Orlando Science Center’s 9th Annual Neanderthal Ball on Saturday, November 7. The Gala benefited the Orlando Science Center and its mission to inspire science learning for life, the event was part of the year-long 60th anniversary celebration and it was an evening of prehistoric fun for everyone! New this year, Mayors Jewelers presents: Champagne on the Rocks with the chance to win a diamond necklace by purchasing a $60 glass of champagne to toast the Science Center’s 60th anniversary.

One of Central Florida’s most generous philanthropists and fascinating fashionistas, Harriet Lake sponsored the Caveman Couture Contest. Patrons became an icon of stone age style by rocking a killer leopard print scarf with your outfit or wearing full-on Neanderthal garb! Prizes will be awarded to those who exhibit the most flair with their “caveman couture.” I had a brief conversation with artist Josh Garrick, and I believe he won a well deserved price for his skull inspired couture.

I spent most of time sketching the Jeremy, Freddy Quartet. They Jazzed up the evening although no one took to the dance floor.  By the time I was done, most of the foot had been devoured. I did grab a few chicken nuggets before I left. Maxine and Kirt Earhart had a thriving speakeasy bar set up in the back of the room. A giant woolly mammoth of a man blocked the door was but I squeezed in around him.  Every seat at the bar was taken. Although I had my own seat, I decided not to stay.

With the new construction I couldn’t find the exit. I ended up in the basement with live alligators and turtles. of the silent auction items, my favorite was a ticket and VIP seating at the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Terry and I went last year with my family and we had access to the police family viewing section. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.  As I left the Science Center, I wondered if I should stay and do a series of quick close up sketches of the best costumes. That is on my bucket list. There are only so many hours in the day to sketch.

Neanderthal Ball

Posted on by Thor

11-15-13BallThe Neanderthal Ball was held on November second at the Orlando Science Center (777 East Princeton Street). Patrons stepped into the Past as they supported the future at the Orlando Science
Center.  Set amongst the prehistoric setting of
“DinoDigs” and the Ice Age theme of “Our Planet, Our Universe” exhibit. There was delectable food and wine choices under under the star lit sky on
the beautiful SunTrust Terrace. Of course there was a prehistoric the silent auction. Dress code was cocktail
fun with an accent on “cavemen couture”, with an animal print necktie or
leopard pattern cocktail dress!

Terry joined me, dressing like an exotic cave woman. She had a golden skirt and clashing cave woman patterns. The only thing I could find in my closet was a brown patterned Hawaiian shirt and cargo paints. I don’t have any animal print in my closet! I suppose I was going for more of a paleontologist look. The event was held in the dinosaur room of the science center. I focused my attention on the Maxine’s on Shine bar. This was one station that was sure to be busy all night, plus the bar maids were sporting plenty of cave woman cleavage.  The dinosaur skeletons were lit by red spot lights. As it turns out I was siting in a red spotlight as well so my ability to see what colors I put on the page was altered.

When it came time to crowned a new Harriett Lake Caveman Couture Champion! Terry was shocked that she didn’t win. She bought me a couple of food samples which I scarfed down as I sketched. The next room had a huge planet earth globe that showed how the continents might drift as the planet changes millions of years into the future. Florida quickly sank into the ocean.