Painter Bobby Goldsboro, The Orlando Ballet, and Meet the artists

Painter Bobby Goldsboro at Gallery at Avalon Island

Baby-boomers remember Bobby Goldsboro as a singer known for his mega-hits "Honey" and "Little Green Apples". More recently, Mr. Goldsboro has found acclaim as a fine art oil painter with the multi-talented artist selling out six art shows in the past two years. As a painter, he has sold hundreds of originals and prints including a purchase by the Gateway Bank (Ocala), which bought 31 of his prints to display there permanently.

Mr. Goldsboro has returned to the gallery that hosted his very first show — the Gallery at Avalon Island in downtown Orlando, and the public is invited to attend. Promising 30 new paintings for this exhibit, the art will hang through March 10.

This Florida-born artist began his fine art career traveling throughout the state, bringing to life Florida's ever-changing landscapes. He is now adding what he calls "memories on canvas" from his travels around the world including Tuscan still-lifes, flowers, horses and even abstracts!

"I've started a series of abstract oil paintings based on photographs from the Hubble spacecraft. It's a whole different kind of painting and I love it," he says.

This man's music has stirred the emotions; now, his paintings are doing the same.

The Gallery at Avalon Island is located at the corner of Magnolia and Pine in downtown Orlando with exhibit hours Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Jeff Shonkwiler at 407-803-6670 or visit GalleryatAvalonIsland.com for more information.

The Orlando Ballet 'one night only'

They've booked this performance for one night only, so anyone who loves dance will need to be at the beautiful Linda Chapin Theatre at the Orange County Convention Center for this exclusive Orlando Ballet performance at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19.

I saw the press preview for this event, and it is absolutely not to be missed. The performance features several brand-new dances by the Company's Artistic Director Robert Hill, who is a major choreographer. Orlando is fortunate to have this talent as the artistic head of our local ballet company, and the importance of the works he is creating must be seen to be appreciated.

The performance carries a heavy Latin theme, featuring works including danzon, tango and some spicy salsa! In addition, Mexico's award-winning ballerina, Katia Garza, will perform a sensual Argentine tango with her husband, Israel Rodriguez, of Cuba. The company's dancers come from Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Under Hill's artistic direction, the Company has brought audiences to their feet with a brilliant infusion of contemporary dance — from break dancing and pop-locking to a glimpse of moon walking … all in celebration of the 'new' ballet! Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org for more details.

Orlando artist wins bronze at Paris' Grand Palais

Talk about "Local Artist Makes Good!!!" — Orlando's own Edson Campos has won the bronze medal in the most famous continuing art exhibition in history. From its first exposition in 1667, the French Salon has hosted the painters we study and 'visit' in the world's great museums. Ingres, Cassatt, Renoir, Monet, Cézanne, Degas and Rodin have all shown works in Paris' French Salon. Now the name Edson Campos may be added to that list of renown.

Campos, who has lived and worked in Winter Park since 1987, was awarded the bronze medal for painting in that supremely prestigious exhibit in a competition that included over 500 painters. It was held at the architectural masterpiece known as the Grand Palais in Paris, which was built in 1900 to host art events and expositions and is the only building of its kind to have survived the times.

Following centuries of tradition, each artist was allowed to show only one painting, which would be judged by a panel of French judges. Entitled "Opera," Campos' large oil painting is 68 inches by 92 inches on canvas, and had to be specially prepared for travel from Campos' Florida studio to its prize-winning home in Paris. Campos' work may be seen in collections around the world. He is represented in Orlando at the Gallery at Avalon Island. Call 407-644-9517.

Meet the artists at McRae Studios

Armed with the knowledge that our "local" artists can compete — and win — on the international level, now is the perfect time to build or add to your personal art collection by supporting the artists who live and work in Central Florida. One of the best ways to do that is to meet (in-person) some of the artists who are working to make our community a better place to live — every day. Especially in this crazy economy, many of these artists hold some kind of "day job" — everything from loading rides at the theme parks to teaching our children. Many of those fine artists have working studios at a huge warehouse "down by the tracks" in Winter Park.

In order to "meet the community," those artists are beginning a new series of open studio nights at McRae they are calling "Inside the Studios." Three times this year they are inviting us, the public, to visit their space — to see the artists working while allowing us to meet them, to watch, sit and ask questions. This will provide a rare opportunity to get an insider's glimpse into the artists' working process … and trust me, there is no better way to buy original art. The studio visits are scheduled on the last Wednesday of the month — Feb. 24, March 31, and May 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. McRae Studios are located at 904 Railroad Ave. in Winter Park. Visit mcraeartstudios.com for more details.

Hal France returns to conduct Orlando Philharmonic

During his years as conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic, Hal France created a loyal fan-base, while also helping to build the orchestra into the impressive ensemble it is today. Now fans can rejoice as the former music director returns to conduct the aptly titled "Hal France Returns" concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 6 at the Bob Carr.

As the Philharmonic's first music director (beginning in 2000), France was known for his charm, enthusiasm and musical knowledge.

"I'm really looking forward to being back in the Orlando community and working with this talented group of musicians," he said. And the program he has chosen is filled with truly beautiful music. Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis will be followed by Dvorak's Symphony No. 7. Also on the program is Mozart's Concerto for Flute, featuring Orlando Philharmonic Principal Flutist Colleen Blagov, a three-time winner of the National Flute Association Orchestral Competition. To purchase tickets, call 407-770-0071 or visit www.orlandophil.org.