Josh Garrick: 'Iconoglass' opens

April 29 – One Huge Unveiling

One of the most highly anticipated openings in Florida fine arts world will take place when legendary artist Harold Garde’s huge 8-by-24 foot masterpiece “Iconoclass” will be unveiled to the public from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 29. The mural was recently “re-discovered” by collectors and patrons Bill and Kathie Hohns and has not been shown publicly in more than 35 years. The colorful original has been copied and laminated, and will be attached to the outside of the building at the Museum of Florida Art.

The event will coincide with a ‘Strappo’ exhibit opening, and will feature the original “Iconoclass” inside the Museum. The Museum of Florida Art is at 600 N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand. Call 386-734-4371 or visit museumoffloridaart.org

April 28 & 29 – Diet- what diet?

It’s time for the 11th Annual Great American Pie Festival (and Championships). Last year 447 commercial, 142 professional and 301 amateur bakers competed for the title of America’s top pie baker, but the big news is that 32,000 of us pie lovers will descend upon the town of Celebration on April 28 and 29 for the Never-Ending Pie Buffet. Last year 87,000 slices of pie — and a lot of ice cream — from America’s best-known bakers were served. Stage entertainment and demonstrations are free; tickets for the pie buffet are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 and younger to enjoy all we can eat!

May 3 – Full Sail at the Orlando Museum of Art

The original once-a-month day on the calendar (devoted to art) is First Thursday at the Orlando Museum of Art. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 3, the Museum will honor another extraordinary home of the arts in Central Florida — Full Sail University. Full Sail is much more than a college; it has literally educated some of the most celebrated arts technicians in the country — in every medium from computer gaming to music videos. On May 3 we may enjoy an eclectic mix of various art forms created by Full Sail students, faculty and alumni. These young people make up the cutting edge of what’s happening in the arts today. Call 407-896-4231, extension 260 or visit OMArt.org

May 3 – Winter Park Sip & Stroll

The clever folks at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce have come up with The Winter Park Sip & Stroll, a concept event that encourages us to “have a glass of wine or two” while we visit stores and restaurants at our own pace. We can enjoy a wine tasting and appetizer at each participating location, including Bajalia, Bayhill Jewelers on Park, Breakaway Bicycles, Charyli, Cocina 214, Downeast, Gary Lambert Salon, Kilwin’s Chocolates, Lilly Pulitzer, Luma on Park, Luxury Trips, Park Plaza Gardens, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Sultre, Synergy, Ten Thousand Villages, Bistro on Park, The Doggie Door, Things & FASHION, Through the Looking Glass, Timothy’s Gallery and Tolla’s Italian Cafe. The event is from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on May 3, and the tickets are $30 in advance. Call 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

May 3 to 13 – Mad Cow’s Herd of Cabaret Talent … and we can hear them too.

Gimme a break — how often do I use a lousy pun? And it’s all in the name of fun as Mad Cow Theatre in Downtown Orlando hosts the 10th Annual Orlando Cabaret Festival from May 3-13 including 25 performances of jazz, pop, Broadway, comedy — and a few surprises. Eight vocalists team up to present four unique shows including “It Was A Very Good Year – 1962,” “An Animated Night of Cabaret,” “A Gay Night for Singing!” and “And The Tony Goes To…” The Festival also offers weekday lunchtime performances that last 45 minutes so we can make it back to the office within an hour. Call 407-297-8788 or visit orlandocabaret.com

And not to be missed …

Now through May 13 – Disney’s “The Lion King” has leapt onto the stage of the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center with all its stunning theatricality and beloved musical score. Africa comes to life as the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation features themes of love, family and the strength of friendship woven into this perfect family musical. Visit OrlandoBroadway.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.