Culture Worthy of Your Calendar: ART at Bargain Prices and Free Shakespeare
By Josh Garrick

ART Auction in DeLand
Art Collectors ‘know’ that auctions and fundraisers are the BEST places to find original, unique ART at great prices! Now – in support of the Museum of Florida Art (in DeLand) – 87 of Florida’s celebrated Artists have donated original works of ART to support the Museum. The bidding, which started online with bids as low as $30, will climax in a LIVE AUCTION at the Museum on Thursday, November 11. With over 90 pieces of original Art from which to choose, you could “win” an original – and add it to your collection – at much below Gallery prices!  Visit www.MuseumofFloridaArt.org and click on “Art Attack – Florida Artists Give Back.” Then join me on Thursday night (you KNOW I’ll be bidding) and support Florida’s own Museum.  Phone 386.734.4371

Cindy Anderson for Art Attack 

Jeff League for Art Attack

Free Shakespeare
Back when Will Shakespeare was writing plays that would become more famous than he could have conceived, women were not allowed to perform on the stage.  Now, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues its Free Reading Series on November 14th with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, performed with an all-male cast. They are calling the series ‘Cross Dress’d Shakespeare,’ and Twelfth Night lends itself to the theme as it is the tale of Viola, a woman (who disguises herself as a man), but he (as she) falls in love with her Master, only to be sent to woo another woman on his behalf.  Further complications arise when Viola’s twin brother arrives, and no one is quite sure who they love! The all-male reading is how Elizabethan audiences would have seen Twelfth Night originally. Director David Lee says, “I hope people will walk away with an image of this play that feels innovative and dangerous, which are ways that we don’t usually think of it.” Twelfth Night is ‘read’ in the Shakespeare Theater (812 East Rollins) in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park on Sunday, November 14th at 7 pm.

Santa’s Early Visit
The Red-Nosed Reindeer Romp is ‘Family Night’ at the Annual Festival of Trees. Kids are invited to bring Mom and Dad to this magical evening at the Orlando Museum of Art on Wednesday, November 17 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. The whole family can look forward to joining Santa Claus, Mrs. Winter Wonderland and Mrs. Pockets and singing-along with award-winning Mr. Richard. The Russian Ballet of Orlando will be on hand along with Tony Brent's magic and comedy. Puppet shows, face painters, balloon artists, and Holiday treats from ‘sponsors’ Panera Bread, Frito-Lay, Cookie Crumbs Bakery, Everything Cake and Whole Foods will make the evening “merry and bright.” Admission is $12 for all ages, (children under 3 free). Call 407 896 4231 x 254.  The Festival of Trees runs from November 13 through November 21 at the Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park. Visit www.omart.org or call Vicky Crozier at 407 896 4231 x254.

Art from Monte and Marcos
No one “throws a Party/Opening” like Tommy Cannalonga of Gallery 17-92 in Winter Park.  On November 19, the Gallery will celebrate the work of one of Orlando's favorite Artists -- Monte Olinger, an award winning artist and designer, known for his landscapes and figurative work in watercolor and acrylics. Monte is also Creative Director at Baker Barrios Architects where he leads a team of interior designers for the hospitality industry. Monte, who recently Chaired Orlando's Downtown Arts District Board of Directors, will show new work on November 19th from 6 to 9 pm (although Openings at Gallery 17-92 never really end at 9). This Opening is held in conjunction with a new exhibit by Marcos Cruz at the opposite end of the same building (it’s really two Openings-in-one) featuring the work of Cruz, Chad Pollpeter, Marla E, Jeff Pendergrass and Mike Marras. Food and wine will be offered at both venues. This promises to be a fun way to support local Artists as they turn the whole building into a 21st Century Art “Happening.”  The Gallery is located at 912 South Orlando Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407.647.1792.

Tulip, by Monte Olinger 

Stacked Tulip, by Monte Olinger

Monte Olinger

Grease at Rollins
I’ve been looking forward to this production since it was first announced.  Grease – the musical is fun all the way through, but I’ve never seen a production with “age-appropriate actors.”  These kids are supposed to be in High School, and yes – Rollins is a college, but at least they were recently in high school.  The historic Annie Russell Theatre opens the hit musical featuring the T-Birds and Pink Ladies, singing “You’re the One That I Want”, “Greased Lightning”, and “Hand Jive” from November 12 to 20. And while Grease is a feel-good musical, a closer look reveals another side that the Rollins Department of Theatre is quick to acknowledge. In order for any of these characters to achieve what they want (or think they want) they must compromise who they are. Can Danny and Sandy cross the social bridge to find love?  Does their “image” really define who they are? Who will win the Hand-Jive Contest?  The Rydell senior class struggles with these questions against a backdrop of rock-a-billy tunes. With a “Teen Angel” thrown in for good measure, it’s all fun in the end. Call 407-646-2145 or visit www.rollins.edu. The Annie Russell Theatre is at 1000 Holt Avenue in Winter Park.

 And Not to be Missed …

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is the unlikeliest musical about the unlikeliest of heroes and runs through November 21 at the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Museum as Aquarium
Artist Doug Rhodehamel’s SEA OF GREEN transforms the Lake Eustis Museum of Art into a giant undersea world through December 5 at 200 E. Orange Avenue in Eustis. Visit LakeEustisMuseumofArt.org or call 352-483-2900.

Ancient Greece in Pictures
The black and white photographs by Josh Garrick at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach are on display through January 11. Free “Art Talks” accompany the exhibit. The next is November 18 at the Peabody. Call 407.522.3906

Art ‘Veterans’
The Mennello Museum presents two beloved Fine Artist/Master-Teachers of Central Florida. Maury Hurt and Grady Kimsey have created, taught, and influenced Florida artists for over 40 years. Call 407.246.4278 or visit MennelloMuseum.com

Florida Highwaymen at the History Center
“Against All Odds: The ART of the Highwaymen” brings together 26 African-American artists who sold paintings by the side of the road – through January 2. Call 407.836.8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators