Participation at the Maitland Art Center.

Posted on by Thor

The Maitland Art and History Museums hosed Participation at the Germaine Marvel Building. A large outdoor event tent was set up on what were formerly shuffleboard courts.  Two young female violinists performed with a piano accompaniment. One of Central Florida’s most intriguing fundraising events,
Participation is a feast for your senses. Local artists transform dining
tables into works of art, and guests enjoy dinner with the artist at
these unique creations. The evening includes live performances and
demonstrations, a silent art auction, elegant dining and more. It is an immersive sensory experience that provides patrons the opportunity to learn about the creative process while raising crucial funds to support educational programs at the Museums.  Artists are the cornerstone of this event.

Participating artists received a
complimentary dinner, and networking  opportunities with Central Florida
collectors and promotion through A&H event marketing Each artist was asked to donate an artwork indicative of their style for the silent auction. All works were valued between $500
and $3000. Starting bids for artwork began at 25% of full value. Artist will provided the A&H with a current resume, bio,
artist statement; digital image of donated artwork and will provide
size, medium and value of work. Tables for the event will seat 8 people and are 60 inches diameter. Artists received an honorarium to put toward supplies.

In sketching the event, I decided to focus on Victor Bokas‘ table. He had a display with lots of poodles, and a small cat that was climbing to the top of the  centerpiece. Victor’s work is bright and abstract while also incorporating recognizable elements. The bright palette clearly has a tropical influence.

Whitney Broadaway has a table with an illuminated wire tree as the centerpiece. Individual leaves hung from the limbs from mono filament and the leaves all twirled in the evening breeze. Whitney said she designed and built the tree the night before in a mad rush. A large battery was hidden in the base.

Pam Schwartz joined me at the event and she was nice enough to make sure I had some food and drink. I wasn’t seated at a table but leaned back against a tent pole as I sketches Victor’s table. I usually skip food since my hands are always busy sketching, but this time I juggled tasks. As I sketched the scene grew darker and darker and I spent my time chasing the light as I painted.

New Paintings by Victor Bokas and Donne Bitner.

Posted on by Thor

On Third Thursday, I went to Art Gallery at Mills Park (1650 North Mills Avenue, Orlando Florida).  This art gallery is located on the ground floor of a brand new apartment complex right near Orlando’s theaters. Since I am hunting for an apartment, I looked at the plan with a discerning eye. I suspect a place this gorgeous is out of my price range. I had seen artist Victor Bokas just a few nights before at the Maitland “Art Under the Stars” event. I got a chance to meet him in his tent, filled with his vibrant abstracts, as the event wound down for the night. Tonight he had a pink beard, probably left over from the Orlando Pride Parade the week before. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to pride, but I heard over 100,000 people showed up.

Victor worked as a graphic designer at Tupperware for about 19 years. His early paintings done while he was still at Tupperware are y bit more graphic and controlled. Once he left his colors became more vibrant and he experimented more with his compositions. Victor was at the entrance to the gallery when I arrived. He stood in from of a flaming fireplace and was talking with friends. He gave me a warm hug and then I explored the gallery.

Most of the artwork is hung down a long hall that faces the glass facade, allowing pedestrians outside to get a good look at the art. Snap Downtown has a similar layout in the lobby of a new, modern  apartment complex. Victor and Donne Bitner‘s paintings look good side by side. They share a similar palette of war and cool colors Donne’s colors tend to also incorporate many shades of grey. Donne’s work is often inspired by landscapes that become vehicles to push toward abstraction. As she stated, “My intent is to follow the mark to layer and strip away and find the hidden texture and meaning of a piece.” Some of Victor’s painting are inspired by Florida pools surrounded by rich vibrant foliage. Water and leaves have a fascinating play of vibrant abstract shapes.

Lael Dewahl, one of the gallery owners asked me if I needed any help. I was lost in the process of searching for a nondescript spot Where I could get my sketch done. A tall supermodel in a red dress, Alexandra Philco, showed a couple one of the paintings, offering a personal tour. Boris Garbe, another partner in the gallery, in his excitement, would stand on the furniture to get closer to the art. He gestured like a circus ring master as he explained the artists intentions.This show will remain up for three months, so stop out this holiday season.