Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

June 8 – Downtown Arts presents Doug Powell and Lauren Rowe

Doug Powell’s puzzle art portraits have appeared in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not locations from Hollywood to Times Square, and are part of a six-year international tour beginning in 2013. Powell will be the featured artist in a Downtown Arts District fundraiser at the MEZZ in downtown Orlando on June 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests will be the first to see his new creation commissioned by the Downtown Arts District. The event also boasts a Q&A hosted by WKMG’s Lauren Rowe, art, entertainment, food and beverages. Tickets at $35 may be purchased at orlandoslice.com or by calling 407-648-7060. Proceeds support the Art District’s mission-based programs including the showcase CityArts Factory.

June 8 through Sept. 23 – Parisian Affair

The Albin Polasek Museum in Winter Park transports us to Paris in its new exhibit “Parisian Affair: The Art of Andre Renoux.” The exhibit will have its opening reception at 6 p.m. on June 8, and will run through September. Renoux (1939-2002), the father of ‘Urban Realism,’ depicts the landmarks of daily life in his award-winning paintings. This summer the art of Andre Renoux is our passport to Paris. Call 407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org

June 8 to Sept. 19 – A&H explores Maitland Art Center

The new exhibit at A&H Museums – Maitland is called “A Day in the Life of the Research Studio,” and it takes viewers back in time to explore the Research Studio during the life of founder André Smith (1880-1959). Now called A&H’s Maitland Art Center, the studio was founded by Smith in 1937 with buildings created in Mayan Revival architecture, and is one of the few remaining examples of fantasy architecture in the Southeastern U.S. From 1938 to 1959, 70 artists participated in this ‘artistic’ experiment, including Milton Avery, Doris Lee and Ralston Crawford. Using artworks and recently donated color photography, the exhibit recreates that classic period. The exhibit will open to the public on June 8, and an opening reception will be held June 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

June 10 – LGBT band in FREE premiere concert

After leading the 2011 Come Out With Pride Parade last November, Central Florida’s LGBT and ally band, Central Florida Sounds of Freedom, will present its first performance as a concert band in “Stars and Stripes and All That Jazz” on June 10 at 3 p.m. at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park in Orlando. Admission is free. The ensemble will include the Orlando-area Sounds of Freedom and guests from South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble in Fort Lauderdale. The performance will feature “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” selections from “Chicago,” and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” among others. Visit CentralFloridaSoundsOfFreedomBand.com

June 11 – Sovereign Brass kicks off Orlando Philharmonic’s Summer Series

This summer, the Orlando Philharmonic’s Sounds of Summer chamber music series begins with a sports-themed concert by the Sovereign Brass. Take Me Out to the Brass Games will be performed Monday, June 11 at 7 p.m. and will include John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare,” college fight songs, and themes from movies like “Hoosiers,” “Rocky,” and “Chariots of Fire.” The ever-popular Sovereign Brass breathes fresh life into the serious world of chamber music, and audiences LOVE it. Mike Avila, Tom Macklin, Kathy and Jeff Thomas, Robert Carpenter, and Mark Goldberg ALWAYS have fun performing, and that fun carries through to the entire audience. This isn’t just highly recommended; it’s off the charts recommended. Additional Sounds of Summer programs – all held Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park – will take place on June 25, July 9, July 23 and Aug. 6. Visit OrlandoPhil.org or call 407-770-0071.

June 9 and Monthly – Art & History Museums – Maitland

A&H has begun a ‘meet your neighbors’ Summer Concert Series outdoors in A&H’s beautiful gardens at 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland. The series, called “Art. Music. Food. Architecture.” takes place the second Friday of each month through September. Perfect for summer evenings under the stars with music, poetry and an array of food truck fare, guests bring blankets or chairs, and a bar is available for those who would like a drink or two. The museums stay open, and the atmosphere is welcoming and full of talent. Highly recommended. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

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.