The Courtesy – Analog Artist Digital World

On May 2nd I went to the opening reception for Edge of a Dream at Snap! Space (1013 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida). The show explored the fine line between figurative narratives, reverie and the familiarity of reality while resembling a dream. Curated by Patrick and Holly Kahn, the exhibit featured the works of eight nationally renowned fine art photographers, along with sculpture, installation, fine art origami and jewelry.

Guest artists were in attendance. Cocktails were offered by ‘The Courtesy Bar‘, and music was by resident DJ Nigel John. I was most intrigued by the photos of Richard Tushman. His “Hopper Meditations” series showed an isolated couple in a bedroom. The lighting and compositions made the photos look like Edward Hopper paintings. The photos had a surreal quality to them. It wasn’t until after the opening that Patrick explained that the rooms were miniatures created by the photographer. Looking at the photos again I could see that the curtains didn’t hang quite right.

At the opening I sat next to the reception desk to sketch the bar. Snap! girls volunteer at these events and field any questions people might have. Holly came to the desk with a prospective client and sold a small sculpture made from vintage watch gears and pieces by Mike Nuriel. Sketching the Courtesy Bar was a challenge, since the line kept moving as people picked up their drinks. My artists stool wobbled as my crossed legs grew tired. I have a nasty habit of leaning back in a chair until I’m balanced on the back two legs. Unfortunately the small artist stool couldn’t handle my maneuvering. The back legs folded under me sending we toppling backwards in slow motion. A lamp cord was strung behind me like a clothes line to the outlet, so as I fell, the lamp flew off the table. The Snap girl acted with quick instincts and caught the lamp like a professional baseball outfielder. I landed squarely on my ass and flushed red as I got up and reset my stool with what little remained of my dignity. “Great” I thought, “Save the lamp and let the artist flop down like a rag doll.” Actually I was very grateful. Patrick and Holly had “borrowed” the lamp from their son’s bedroom. Had it been broken, I would have felt horrible. I finished the sketch without incident and then looked at all the art one more time before I slipped out.

On November 19th, the Florida Creatives Happy Hour was held at The Courtesy, (114 North Orange Avenue Orlando, FL). The Florida Creatives happy hour happens on the third Monday of every month. Things get started at 6PM and go until 9PM or later most months. The Courtesy is a new establishment in an old building riding the “mixology” wave – they make some interesting cocktails and serve up craft beer and wine too. They are in that building that was boarded up for the past few years at the corner of Washington and Orange Avenue downtown. Don’t let that scare you off, it’s a really great new place.
If you’re not into cocktails or beer, the Courtesy makes their own sodas and carries some excellent Ginger Ales and non-alcoholic delights.

Ryan Price, who organizes the event greeted me as I considered what to order at the bar. He advised me to try a beer and I took his advice. It was a decent ale. Dana Mott joined us at a corner table which had a large birds nest as a light fixture. Ryan was anxious because the Fringe was holding it’s lottery that night to see which shows would go into the 2013 Festival. Ryan submitted a show idea which involved improvisation around a classic Hitchcock Murder Mystery called “39 Steps”, originally a book by John Buchan. It was fortuitous that Dana was there because she had years of improve experience having studied with Jeff Wirth who has since moved to NYC. I sketched as they chatted about the creative possibilities. Ryan had to leave early to get to the lottery. It turned out that he will be in the 2013 Fringe Festival and I can’t wait to see what becomes of the idea. Terry came out to say hello and then she and Dana left and I finished my sketch up on my own. The proprietor saw what I was working on and offered me a free beer. I already had two under my belt and I had to get home so I had to refuse the offer.

On February 4th at Chase Plaza on the 10th floor, come and join some of the passionate creative minds of Orlando in one of the longest-running happy hour meetups in the state of Florida (almost 6 years!). Be sure to check the Florida Creatives website since the venue can change month to month. The goal is to provide a safe environment to share your schemes, unearth passions and meet mentors or co-founders. There is always get a pretty diverse representation – lately there have been graphic designers, lawyers, illustrators, city planners, start up founders, tech folks and a plethora of others.

This is by far one of the best ways to “get involved” in the community. The people at this Happy Hour are plugged in to what is going on and who is doing it.