Culture worthy of your calendar

Visual (as in fine art) Fringe

Art lovers who realize Orlando’s world-famous Fringe Festival is only days away may not realize Visual Fringe, the part of the festival that consists of visual art, will open on May 18 as well. Like the theater festival, Visual Fringe is uncensored, un-juried and 100 percent of the money made in art sales is given to the artists who created the work!

The walls of the Shakespeare Theater are filled with paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures — all part of Visual Fringe, and there for you to purchase. Find a volunteer by the sign on the table that reads “Talk Art, Buy Art,” and remember, 100 percent of the purchase price goes to the artists. Visual Fringe is at the Shakespeare Center at 812 E. Rollins St. in Loch Haven Park. Visit orlandofringe.org/visual

Star Tours continuing saga

Star Tours, which debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1989, went dark for “re-imagining” in 2010, and is scheduled to re-open on May 20 as “Star Tours — The Adventures Continue”. The re-imagined attraction features new droids, a new Starspeeder, new destinations and even a new pilot. Disney’s techno-wizards have created this new adventure in 3D with new scenes shot at George Lucas’ studio and a host of more than 50 unexpected ride variations. Even the outcome of the adventure may change from one journey to the next, allowing guests to always experience a new adventure. In the new version, C-3PO becomes the pilot and takes the controls for a journey to the planet Coruscant or to Tatooine or to some other planet within the Star Wars’ mythical universe.

With so many possible variations, guests will be jumping back in line to visit a variety of the legendary sites of the Star Wars universe. Visit disneyworld.com or call 407-939-6244.

Maitland Symphony’s ‘Fireworks’

The Maitland Symphony Orchestra promises “fireworks” in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Maitland when they present a program called “Film Fireworks” on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature music from “Harry Potter,” “E.T,” “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Guest artists include Dr. Alvaro Gomez, violinist, performing music from “Schindler’s List,” and the Orlando Brass Quintet with themes from “Titanic.”

Conductor Paul Hostetter will direct this free evening of movie music designed for children of all ages. The Maitland Symphony is a community orchestra of 100 players. Visit pamaitland.org or call 321-303-1404.

Husband and wife artists

The Fredlund Gallery will host an art opening and wine tasting featuring the husband and wife artist team of Edson Campos and Kathleen Brodeur on Thursday, May 26, from 6-9 p.m. Kathleen Brodeur has a degree in fine art from Florida State University and works with a palette knife in oils. In her skillful hands, this medium produces colorful landscapes and florals in works collected throughout the country. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Edson Campos moved to the United States in 1978 and quickly established himself as an artist of the highest caliber. He has exhibited his lifelike paintings throughout the world, winning prestigious awards in Paris. Edson’s work is published in several magazines and has been commissioned to grace the walls of all 500 rooms in the Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach, Calif. During the opening, PRP Wine will present a wine tasting from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Fredlund Gallery is at 221 S. Knowles Ave. in Winter Park. Visit fredlundgallery.com or call 407-622-0102.