Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now through March 1 – Art on the Green in Winter Park

The city of Winter Park is known for welcoming the arts, especially in ways that make them enjoyable for families. Now Art on the Green, a prestigious exhibit of large-scale sculptures has returned to Central Park and the lawn of City Hall. Art on the Green presents the work of Russell Bellamy, Doug Makemson, Allie Pohl, Dale Rogers, Carolina Sardi, Chris Scala, Barbara Sorensen and Bill Woods. On view through March 1, the outdoor exhibit may be viewed free seven days a week. Visit cityofwinterpark.org and click on the Art on the Green logo for more information.

Sept. 20 to Nov. 15 – City Arts Factory presents “9”

The City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando is the place to be on the Third Thursday of each month as all of the galleries change their exhibits and introduce new work. This Third Thursday, Sept. 20, will feature an exhibit called “9.” Curated by one of Florida’s finest artists – Chad Pollpeter – the name of the show is derived from the number of artists featured. The artists include Marcos Cruz, Mike Marras, Paul Waijman, Bert Bogdanny, Holly Tharp, Cailon Earl, Tobin Green, John Pierro and Chad Pollpeter. The opening reception, which is free and open to the public, is Sept. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 407-648-7060 or visit orlandoslice.com

Sept. 23 – Ventriloquist’s Dummy encourages the vote

Comedian/ventriloquist Ed Thomas of Altamonte Springs and his dummy Hugo are performing shows with the message, “Get out and vote!” Thomas says, “This was Hugo’s idea. He was upset that he couldn’t vote (because he’s a dummy), so he wants to be sure that everyone who is not a dummy votes.” Thomas has noticed people complaining about politics, and he believes if you don’t vote, you don’t have a right to complain. Hugo agrees, which makes this the only thing that Thomas and Hugo have ever agreed on. Thomas and Hugo will perform at Taste Restaurant at 717 W. Smith St. in College Park on Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Call 407-332-7233 or visit edthomasandhugo.com

Sept. 27 – Winter Park Sip & Stroll

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Area Association invite us to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the city of Winter Park by toasting the city at its Sip and Stroll event on Sept. 27. It’s an evening on the Avenue where each stop at your favorite Park Avenue shops and restaurants features food and beverage samples. Each attendee will receive a commemorative wine glass, and there will be 25 Sip & Stroll locations offering these samples. You can reserve your glass today for $25 at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Ave. or by visiting winterpark.org

Sept. 29 to Dec. 31 – Peanuts at the History Center

On Oct. 2, 1950, three kids appeared on the funny pages of seven newspapers, and over the next 50 years, Charlie Brown, Patty and Shermy would be joined by a cast of characters who would forever change the Sunday comics. As The Schulz Museum of Santa Rosa, Calif., celebrates its 10th anniversary, the museum has sent us an exhibit that celebrates the life and work of Charles M. Schulz. The continuing appeal of “Peanuts” comes from Schulz’s ability to portray his wry, nostalgic, bittersweet and often melancholy observations through the personalities of his unique characters. From Sept. 29 to Dec. 31, kids of all ages can enjoy Charles Schulz’s interpretation of the world at the Orange County History Center, at 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. Call 407-836-8500.

Sept. 29 – Opening Night of the Orlando Philharmonic

Christopher Wilkins, conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic, likes to open each season in a big way, and it doesn’t get much bigger than Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. Combining the talents of the Orlando Philharmonic with the women of the University of Central Florida Chorus, the Florida Opera Theatre Women’s Chorus, the Florida Opera Theatre Youth Program, and soloist Samantha Barnes, Maestro Wilkins will present Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 on Sept. 29. Mahler’s Third is his ‘Pastorale Symphony’ – an ode to nature that concludes with music described by Mahler as the “embrace of divine love.” Performed at the Bob Carr PAC in downtown Orlando, tickets for this special evening may be purchased by calling 407-770-0071 or visiting OrlandoPhil.org