Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

All of September – Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month

Even if you have “champagne tastes and a beer-bottle pocket,” we can all afford to indulge our palates in a month-long celebration of Orlando’s ever-more sophisticated dining universe. The seventh annual Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month will run from Sept. 1-30 and will include more than 60 restaurants offering three-course prix-fixe dinners for $30. The month-long event will benefit the Edgewood Children’s Ranch with $1 from every meal donated to the organization. Throughout September, diners can choose from restaurants in locations all across Central Florida, from International Drive to Winter Park. A complete list of participating restaurants is available at OrlandoMagicalDining.com or VisitOrlando.com

Aug. 30 to Sept. 20 – Photographer Bob Michaels at Seminole State

The Art Gallery at Seminole State College will open its 2012-2013 season with an exhibit by Orlando-based photographer Bob Michaels. His work presents the lives and rituals of people from other cultures. His latest series, “Cuba: People,” was created from more than nine trips to Cuba since 2009. Attendees can meet Bob Michaels at the opening on Thursday, Aug. 30, at 5 p.m. in the Gallery in Building G at 100 Weldon Blvd. in Sanford. All gallery exhibits are free and open to the public. Call 407-708-2040 or visit seminolestate.edu/arts for more information.

Aug. 31 to Nov. 25 – Florida Watercolor Society at Mennello Museum

The 41st Annual Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition will be held from Aug. 31 to Nov. 25 at the Mennello Museum of Art at 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. The exhibit, juried by Nicholas Simmons, will feature 100 of the best paintings by Florida’s top watercolor artists. With more than 1,100 members, the Florida Watercolor Society (FWS) is one of the largest state-based watercolor societies in the United States. Planned to coincide with the FWS annual convention to be held in Orlando from Sept. 13-16, conventioneers may participate in demonstrations by 20 artists, critiques from award-winning artists and a tradeshow with vendors from across the United States. Awards will be presented at the gala dinner on Sept. 15. For more on the multi-talented artist and judge Nicholas Simmons, visit nicholassimmons.com. For more on the exhibit or the conference, visit floridawatercolorsociety.org or call 813-220-5800.

Sept. 6 – Eclectic Knights at the Orlando Museum of Art

The first of Central Florida’s “choose a specific day of the month for an art party and show art every month” is the Orlando Museum of Art's (OMA's) 1st Thursday event, which falls on Sept. 6 this month. Hosted by the UCF Visual Arts & Design Alumni Chapter, this month’s exhibit is called “Eclectic Knights IV” and will feature works created by UCF alumni and faculty in a variety of media. We can vote on "Best of Show" as created by our favorite Eclectic Knight artist, watch student performances, have a portrait done by Caricatures by Maria, or simply mingle with UCF artists and alumni. Live music will be provided by the Abel Avalos Trio and edibles will be offered by Foodie Catering. Admission is $10 or free for OMA Members and includes admission to OMA's exhibit “From Alice to Zeus: The Art of John Rocco.” Parking is free at Orlando Loch Haven Park. Call 407-896-4231, extension 260, or visit OMArt.org for more details.

Sept. 6-30 – The REP opens its 10th anniversary season

This season the Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP) announces its 10th season, and Orlando’s only professional theatre for families and young audiences will kick off this to-be-congratulated-season with the musical “The Paper Bag Princess.” In performance from Sept. 6-30, “Princess” is based on the picture book of the same name by Robert Munsch. This musical for young people finds a dangerous dragon kidnapping a handsome prince on his wedding day. The dragon’s fiery breath burns up all the clothes in the palace, but our brave princess finds a paper bag to wear and off she goes to rescue her love, trick the dragon and save her prince. Instead of being grateful for her bravery and intelligence, however, the prince questions the princess’ strange attire – leading to some interesting reactions from our brave princess. The REP is located in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com for more information.