Almost ALL About ART!

(NOTE . . . first part of this written Thursday evening . . . . )

I have numerous times intended to check out the Maitland Art & History Museums. The times I have tried there was always something askew . . . . usually that I was there AFTER hours. My bad! I was relegated to peering over walls admiring the beautiful grounds. So today I made sure there would be no problems.

It was about two years ago when I first came to know of the existence of this truly wonderful facility. With my own art – mosaics – on Etsy, I was contacted by someone from the center about the possibility of offering them in their gift shop. I’d actually forgotten that until today, as I entered and found numerous Local artists I am familiar with included there. And, I thought about just how much SPACE my stuff would require!

I’m not telling anyone anything they’re not already aware of here when I note that our area has some WONDERFUL Local artists! When it comes to things I appreciate about the community in which I live, it’s surely near the top. With several events – as well as their own initiative – which place artists out and about throughout the year, from arts festivals to “paint out” events, it allows Local residents the opportunity to get to know them, their work. Once you know an artist, it’s often times amazing how easily you also know their works, can spot them quickly and easily. You’re here or there, see something you acknowledge as if an old friend.

(Picking up now Friday morning . . . just so you know!)

Yesterday, as I looked around the Maitland Art & History Museum gift store I first noticed a coloring book by Maitland artist Dawn Schreiner. I LUV her fun, colorful work, which I often see posted on facebook. She’ll produce a piece of Flo (Kiss My Grits!) from 70s television show ‘Alice’ or Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and then the Abominable Snowman from ‘Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer’. A coloring book for kids of her lively, fun work is genius!

Then, I was surprised I so quickly recognized another artist I just came to know about a few weeks ago while writing about fellow Local artist Jessilyn Park. Robin Pedrero’s work is mysterious, colorful, often ethereal. I looked down and saw works on canvas, looked up and saw printed scarves. It’s not always as easy to describe a specific artist’s work as it is to simply pick it out of the crowd. Once you zero in, know they’re before you, you can easily glance about a room and identify their works quickly, easily. I think that’s when you know an artist knows who they are, what they like, has found their own individual style. Robin Pedrero knows who she is.

So then I look on another shelf and again immediately recognized the colorful works of McRae Art Studios Krista Berman. Krista amazes me by covering so many different mediums and yet retaining that little identifier, that quality which always tells me it’s her work. Colorful and fun, sometimes a bit irreverent, shapes and colors, words, her art is the type which cheers up your day, brightens and enlivens any space you find it. If you haven’t checked out a McRae’s open house, keep your eye out and make sure that you do! So many wonderful Local artists under one roof, it’s not to be missed!

Then, as I conversed with intern Hayley Ostroff behind the counter, I instantly recognized the works of another McRae artist, Cindy Anderson. There were some works of a subject matter I do not remember seeing before, yet her style was clearly recognizable. Warm, and earthy, beautiful use of color, mix of it. She’ll shock you with a monstrous looking creature one minute and delight with bear figures full of honey the next. There were two pieces that most caught my eye, both with singular figures, one in a boat, another, a woman fidgeting alone in a room. So beautiful.

The last artist I recognized was a jewelry maker I just became familiar with this week as I dropped by Gallery 17.92. Mirjana Cesar is a Local jewelry maker and designer. At this point I’m not tremendously familiar with her work, but if I keep coming across it as often as I have this week, it will not take long!

Lastly . . . there were these cute change purses made from repurposed juice pouches. Sophia Verga is 11 years old and already understands the beauty of RE-creation. Great job, Sophia!

As I made my way through the museum and the gorgeous garden I happened upon a group of ladies in a sculpting class. Some of these ladies were GOOD . . . . . some way too immersed in their newest creation to have time for me! (She knows who she is! She was FOCUSED!) I knew there were studio spaces there for Local artists, but didn’t know they conduct classes. I have a hankering now to do a bit of sculpting myself!

While one side of the grounds here reminds me of California, Mexico, the opposite side seemed more European, Spanish. An avid amateur photographer, I was clicking away during my entire visit and will be adding a whole new folder to Pinterest shortly!

If you are looking for something to do this evening, consider a different kind of wine stroll. Audubon Park is now very much establishing itself as THE Local food spot in our community. As I was chatting with the manager of the new ice cream (adjacent to the sno cones biz) shop there last week she alerted me to a wine stroll they are having this evening.

From their webpage (http://apgardens.com/farm-to-table-progressive-happy-hour-4/), time this evening is 6 to 8 p.m. Garden District strollers can enjoy fine wines paired with handcrafted hors dourves, made from Locally sourced ingredients. Wine expert Sarah Matthew has selected red and white wines to perfectly compliment an array of sweet and savory samples. Patrons will enjoy appetizers made from free-range Ocoee chicken eggs; organic, Heart of Christmas Farm blueberries; cream from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows; freshly baked baguettes and crustinis; Audubon Park-made, European-style sea salt butter; Locally sourced, handmade charcuterie; dips and spreads made from wild caught, fresh Florida sea food and more. Moreover, patrons will be able to enjoy the festivities while strolling pretty new shops and established Garden District locations alike. Advance tickets are just $25 per person, $22 for APGD and Slow Food members, $30 at the door. For more information, please contact Jennifer at [email protected] or 407-590-8776.

Keep in mind that tomorrow morning is the launch of Art on the Green from 10 a.m. to noon, on the front lawn of City Hall located at 401 South Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. Mayor Ken Bradley will offer remarks at 10:30 a.m. and introduce Olga Viso, curator of Art on the Green 2012. This family-friendly celebration will include a children’s sculpture project by Crealde School of Art, music and games by DJ Charles Miles, and refreshments while they last by Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Haagen-Dazs and Palmano’s Café, Coffee and Wine Bar. A fun sculpture hunt with prizes will also provide an opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award for the most popular sculpture.

TWO Local opportunities today . . . . don't miss 25% OFF ANY hair service for new clients with Joanna Curry @ Blades Salon in College Park AND, College Park's new home & garden consignment boutique -- Feather Your Nest -- is now conducting instructional seminars on interior design, including tomorrow's class, "How To Frame & Hang Art Life A Professional". Check out their website for more info: www.FeatherYourNestOrlando.com.

And, to close, let’s try to Give A Dog A Home! Bea is such a SWEET girl! Bea is medium sized, about 40 pounds and about 4-5 years old. She is spayed with all current shots, and heartworm negative. She’s sweet and quiet. If you’d like to know more, know someone who might be interested, please call Cherie at 386-212-2160.

Oh, and have a LUVly weekend!