Josh Garrick: Culture & Cocktails

April 13 and April 15 – Busy, successful Art & History Museums Maitland

With a string of recent successes, the Art & History Museums Maitland continues the renaissance of the revered organization as artist Andrew Spear highlights the Culture & Cocktails event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 13. Then, on at 1 p.m. on April 15, artist Molly Chism conducts a gallery walk of her exhibition in the Art Center Galleries. The walk is free and open to the public. Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) has gone through two years of profound change to emerge as a model for the manner in which cultural institutions and city government can work together — marking off successes as if to provide founder Andre Smith with a new legacy. Highlights include new branding, including a new name, logo and website; a pending 51-year lease with the city of Maitland; a pair of fundraising events, both of which exceeded last year’s revenue; much-needed gallery renovations; and the first-ever permanent exhibition of André Smith, founder of the A&H’s Maitland Art Center. Congratulations to all. Visit ArtandHistory.org or call 407-539-2181.

April 18

Serious foodies need to bring serious appetites to the 27th Annual Taste of Winter Park presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18. Held at the Winter Park Farmers Market (200 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park) Taste of Winter Park is a food indulgence featuring tastings from a virtual “Who’s Who” of popular Winter Park restaurants, chefs and catering venues. Along with maxing out on the food and drink, live entertainment will be provided by Johnny Mag Sax. For more information — including a complete list of participating restaurants — call 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

April 19 – Artists to benefit CityArts Factory

My art-collecting heart loves the fundraiser dreamed up by Sam Flax Orlando to support the artist-filled CityArts Factory. Called the “2012 Collection,” artworks in the collection are all 20-by-20 or 12-by-12 canvasses created by 31 local artists who painted live at Sam Flax. These works will be exhibited and sold at CityArts beginning at 6 p.m. on April 19 — with 50 percent of all proceeds going to benefit the CityArts Factory. April 19 is also third Thursday — when downtown galleries open their new exhibits — making this a win-win situation for us to see a lot of new work, purchase some of that new work, and support the noble efforts of the CityArts Factory at the same time. CityArts is at 29 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. Trust me, I’ll be there with my checkbook at the ready.

April 20 through May 27 – The Music Man

The Garden Theater in Winter Garden has already produced an impressive string of self-produced musicals in which the community comes together to act in and create major musicals onstage. Adding a “76-trombone salute” to that theatrical history is “The Music Man,” running from April 20 to May 27. Led by Dustin Cunningham, as Professor Harold Hill, a cast of more than 60 performers and dozens of stage-crew volunteers ranging in age from 5 to 65 will bring this musical to life. The show is recommended for all ages. The Garden Theatre is at 160 W. Plant St. Call 407-877-GRDN (4736) or visit gardentheatre.org

April 21 – Casa Feliz is Back to the Future 

The Friends of Casa Feliz, who work to preserve our community's historic resources, have announced the Sixth Annual James Gamble Rodgers II Colloquium on Historic Preservation. With the title “Back to the Future,” the colloquium will be held Saturday, April 21, at the Winter Park Community Center. This year's event celebrates mid-century modern architecture with a panel discussion beginning at 10 a.m. Following the discussion will be a food truck lunch and a tour of midcentury modern homes in Winter Park. Call 407-628-8200, extension 1 or visit casafeliz.us 

And not to be missed…

On April 17, Disney’s “The Lion King” leaps onto the stage of the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando with all its stunning theatricality and beloved musical score. This perfect family musical is here through May 13. 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.