Josh Garrick: Staff gives back

Orlando employees raise $445,695 for Florida charities

Thanks to the generosity of city of Orlando employees, Mayor Buddy Dyer made check presentations totaling $445,695 in donations to 464 charitable organizations. More than 1,200 Orlando city employees participated, surpassing the $400,000 goal. Mayor Dyer said, “I was extremely impressed by the dedicated hard-working members of our city family. Through their monetary contributions, our employees are helping address some of the most critical issues facing Central Florida.” Contributions included donations to Orlando’s Hospice of the Comforter, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Heart of Florida United Way, among others.

March 21-April 22 — ‘Red’

The 2010 Tony award-winning play for “Red,” an often-disturbing look at the life of fine art painter Mark Rothko, will be presented by the Orlando Shakespeare Festival on March 21 through April 22. Written by John Logan, nominated for Oscars for writing “Avatar” and “Gladiator,” Rothko is seen struggling to create new works. In 90 minutes, the venomous Rothko embodies the will to create that drives great artists, but in the end, the audience comes to understand him as a defensive artist struggling with his pride, legacy and will to create. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

March 24 — Falletta conducts Philharmonic

The Orlando Philharmonic will perform Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 under the baton of guest conductor JoAnn Falletta, music director of both the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Virginia Symphony. Performed at the Bob Carr PAC, the concert opens with the world premiere of “Pulsar,” a work by 2009 Young Composers Challenge winner John Callahan. Acclaimed by The New York Times as “one of the finest conductors of her generation,” Falletta is credited by The Washington Post as having “Toscanini’s tight control over ensemble, Walter’s affectionate balancing of inner voices, Stokowski’s gutsy showmanship, and a controlled frenzy worthy of Bernstein.” Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

March 28 — Golf Challenge benefits Science Center

The Cosmic Golf Challenge returns for its 29th year with proceeds supporting the educational programs at the Orlando Science Center. Corporate teams and individual players will swing for science over 18 holes of best ball tournament play on two separate courses of the Grand Cypress Golf Resort with prizes for achievements in longest drive, hole-in-one and closest to the hole. The event supports unique hands-on learning programs taking place at the Science Center for youth of all ages. Golf event registration includes lunch, dinner, cart rental and 18 holes of golf. To register, contact Kathy Lopus at 407-514-2233 or [email protected] or visit osc.org

March 30-April 1 — Orlando Ballet presents black and white swans

The Orlando Ballet’s newest offering is “Swans: Black and White” — a new look at the classic “Swan Lake.” Based on the tale of a princess transformed into a swan by a vengeful sorcerer, this production explores the story’s darker themes of imprisonment and deception. Choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Hill after Marius Petipa, and set to Tchaikovsky’s evocative score, Hill promises to surprise us with an unexpected approach. Young ballet enthusiasts may enjoy a similar story — “The Swan Princess” is March 31 at 11 a.m. in a one-hour performance for young audiences. Performances take place at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. on March 30 and March 31, and at 2 p.m. on April 1. Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org

March 30-April 12 — Flying Horse pressing on for art

The unique opening for “Imprints: 20 Years of Flying Horse Editions” at the Mennello Museum of American Art will offer an interactive celebration of fine art printing. The exhibit features limited-edition art objects and fine art books printed by Flying Horse Editions, a 20-year-old nonprofit located at the University of Central Florida. Museum Director Frank Holt and Flying Horse Director Theo Lotz curate it. On opening night, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 30, attendees will see one of the galleries transformed into a printmaking studio, where guests can create their own art. Visit mennellomuseum.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.