Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Tonight – Aug. 15 – Third Thursday’s ‘Fashion Lounge’ at Jai Gallery

You’ll love these free Third Thursday events at Jai Gallery thanks to the warm welcome from Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, who makes you feel part of it all while also enjoying the insider feeling of being on the right side of the red velvet rope. This Thursday features TallyReNee giving us express-myself-via-fashion attitude. TallyReNee's fun designs are a dynamic mix of vibrant colors, polka dots and ’50s pin-up imagery with a contemporary twist. It’s all at Jai Gallery in the Exchange Building at Church Street Station. Call 407-523-0200 or 407-921-0693 or visit jaigallery.net

Aug. 16 to Oct. 6 – A&H Museums – Maitland celebrates Eatonville

On Aug. 16, the Art & History Museums – Maitland opens two exhibits featuring the city of Eatonville. “Images of Eatonville: Then & Now” will be presented in the A&H’s Center Galleries from Aug.16 to Sept. 29, while the exhibit “Founding of Eatonville” may be seen in the A&H’s Historical Museum from Aug. 16 through Oct. 6. Eatonville is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary as the oldest incorporated African American municipality in the United States. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Image: Rural Home by André Smith c. 1940

Aug. 16 to Jan. 5 – Eugene Savage: The Seminole Paintings

In 1935 American artist Eugene Savage made the first of many journeys into the Florida Everglades to study the Seminole Indians. Over two decades, he created an extensive series of paintings of the Seminoles in works that reflect his deep concern for the plight of their native culture. Depicting the way in which tourism and land development threatened their traditional way of life, Savage’s paintings will be exhibited at the Mennello Museum from Aug. 16 through Jan. 5. Call 407-246-4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Aug. 17 and 18 – ‘A Passion for Collecting’ at the Orlando Museum of Art

The exhibit opening Aug. 17 at the Orlando Museum of Art is the first in decades to present decorative works from outstanding private collections in Florida. “A Passion for Collecting” presents more than 200 pieces including silver, textiles, furniture and ceramics that showcase craftsmanship from China, Japan, Europe and the United States. The collectors were chosen because each has in-depth knowledge and experience with their subject. Visitors are invited to sharpen their collector's eye as they observe the qualities it takes to form an outstanding collection. Visit the Museum on Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m. and you can tour the new collection with Associate Curator Jan Clanton followed by an invitation for tea (free with paid gallery admission). Call 407-896-4231 or visit omart.org

Aug. 18 – ‘Divas in Concert’ fundraiser

Six of Florida’s most celebrated divas will sing Broadway and jazz on Aug. 18 in one extraordinary concert to support the Steinway Society of Central Florida. “Divas in Concert” will include Michelle Amato, Laura Hodos, Jacqueline Jones, Michelle Mailhot, Suzy Park and Carol Stein. The six celebrated performers will sing to help raise money to provide complimentary piano lessons for children in need and for the Society’s ‘piano bank,’ which awards pianos to talented youngsters who cannot afford to purchase them. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Orlando Museum of Art auditorium. Visit steinwayorlando.com or call 407-339-3771 or 321-356-4264.

Aug. 19 – Rimma and Friends

The final entry in the Philharmonic’s Sounds of Summer Series finds Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois leading two octets: Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat, and Schubert’s Octet in F major. Both are the products of young genius, and both are considered among the greatest of chamber ensemble works for their melodic beauty. This is some beautiful music played by eight very talented performers, and it is highly recommended. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Aug. 20 – Taverna Opa Orlando’s ‘Journey & Savor’ wine dinner

If you saw my review of Taverna Opa in the July 31 issue of these pages, you’ll understand why their special evening on Aug. 20 (beginning at 6:30 p.m.) is showing up in @@this@@ column. This highly recommended Mediterranean restaurant, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, will present a wine dinner pairing with a portion of proceeds donated to Pet Rescue by Judy. Priced at an affordable $40 per person, guests can also learn about the ingredients used to create each of the five courses. As for me – just bring on that incredible food, start the Greek line dancing, and shout “OPA!” It’s all at Pointe Orlando on International Drive in Orlando. Call 407-351-8660 or visit opaorlando.com

Aug. 22 – “From Learning to Working” in Winter Park

In a morning session from 7:45 to 10:15 a.m. on Aug. 22, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will explore “From Learning to Working” in a panel discussion moderated by WKMG's Lauren Rowe. The session will celebrate accomplishments and collaborations between educators and business leaders. Panelists include: Dr. Barbara Jenkins, Superintendent, Orange County Public Schools; Dr. Sandra Lyn Jewell, Director, Winter Park Tech; Michael O'Donnell, CEO, Ruth's Hospitality Group; and Dr. David S. Richard, Dean of Hamilton Holt School, Rollins College. The event will serve as a collection point for A Gift for Teaching's Back-to-School Drive. RSVP to 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

Aug. 24 – Orlando's Cultural Season begins

It’s a fundraiser; it’s an auction; it’s an art show; it’s a gala performance; and it’s the official kick-off of Orlando’s Cultural Season. It is the Annual Red Chair Affair, and it happens Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. (show time at 8 p.m.) at the Bob Carr PAC. This unique showcase of performing groups and visual artists is your preview ticket to all things cultural in the coming season. Patrons will enjoy performances by Phantasmagoria, Orlando Aerial Arts, Florida Opera Theatre, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Gay Chorus, Orlando Philharmonic and more. Proceeds benefit the Red Chair Project, a non-profit working to increase participation in arts and culture throughout Central Florida. For tickets, visit RedChairProject.com

Josh Garrick is a writer, photographer, educator, and fine art curator. He is a member of the Curatorial Council for the Museum of Florida Art. Garrick can be reached at [email protected] or 407-522-3906.