Florida Culture for the Week of December 10 by Josh Garrick

Now in the Permanent Collection at the Polasek Museum --

In this joyous ART story, a bust of Woodrow Wilson, believed to have been destroyed by Nazis in World War II is now on permanent display at the Polasek Museum. This new acquisition, acknowledged as an extraordinary piece of American history, was created by Albin Polasek in 1928 and dedicated by Tomas Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. After the US declared war on Nazi Germany, the monument was destroyed in 1941. After the war ended, one original plaster cast of Wilson’s bust was secreted in a warehouse in Prague, where it was discovered in 2008. On display now at the Polasek Museum, guests will learn about the casting process for this sculpture and about the intriguing story surrounding it. Museum visitors may view the bust as part of the tour of the historic Polasek home and welcome this reminder of Albin Polasek’s commitment to freedom to the Museum bearing his name. Call 407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org

Now through December 30 – Mass Appeal at the Mad Cow Theater

Happily ensconced in their new home at Church Street Station, the Mad Cow Theater continues its season with the Tony-nominated play Mass Appeal running through December 30. The story of Mark Dolson, a seminary student, and his mentor Father Tim Farley, Mark deals with what he feels are hypocrisies in the Catholic faith. As the story progresses, Mark causes Father Tim to take a deeper look at his faith and beliefs. Written in 1981, this touching comedy was made into a movie in 1984. Mad Cow is at 54 West Church Street in Orlando. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

December 13 to December 28 – ‘Three Artists Arting …’

The Steinway Piano Gallery has a rich tradition of presenting local Artists, and this tradition will end – as least until Steinway Pianos finds a new home – with an exhibit called Trio. Three of Central Florida’s most popular Artists will present this triple treat at an opening December 13 at Steinway Piano in Altamonte Springs. The nature-inspired paintings of Robin Maria Pedrero will be joined by abstracts by Annette Margulies and textural works by Fern Matthews. The opening is December 13 from 6 to 8 pm at 303 East Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs. Call 407-339-1772.

December 13 -- American Culinary Federation Chefs at Give Kids The World

Chefs from the American Culinary Federation will celebrate a 20-year tradition at Give Kids the World Village (GKTW) on December 13 during their annual holiday feast and party for the families and children visiting the nonprofit storybook resort in Kissimmee. More than 20 chefs and 30 culinary students will prepare and serve a traditional holiday buffet. Guests will also enjoy ACFCFC’s famous gingerbread house display, provided by Mid Florida Tech culinary students. For more information about GKTW and its mission, visit givekidstheworld.org.

December 13, 14, 15 and 16 – Babes in Toyland … in Sanford

At the Wayne Densch PAC in Sanford, where their commitment is to offer great entertainment for all ages, Babes in Toyland finds familiar characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes joining together to present a Christmas-themed musical extravaganza. Based on an operetta by Victor Herbert from 1903, this family-friendly version finds Little Bo-Peep, Jack and Jill, Red Riding Hood, The Master Toymaker and a host of other characters bringing their own ‘Holiday story’ to children of all ages. Call 407.321.8111 or visit waynedenschperformingartscenter.com

December 14 – Judee Andrews at Gatehouse Gallery in Mt. Dora

Meet Judee Andrews, whose passion in life is painting. This mural artist, from Grosse Ile Michigan, now makes The Villages in Florida her new home. As a former sign painter (one of the first female sign painters in Michigan) she paints on walls inside and out, now doing golf carts, villa and pool walls. We are invited to meet Judee at a wine and cheese reception at her Opening at the Gatehouse Gallery on December 14 from 6 to 9 pm.
The Gatehouse Gallery is located at the Lakeside Inn in Mt. Dora. Call 352.383.4101.

December 15 and 16 -- Bach Festival’s Classic Christmas
Hallelujah to the Chorus! One of the most anticipated events of every Holiday Season is the performance featuring the 160-voice Bach Festival Choir, Orchestra, and Youth Choir in Holiday music arranged specifically for the Bach Choir and Orchestra. Performed in the acoustically superb Knowles Chapel on the Rollins College campus, these performances – December 15 at 7:30 pm and December 16 at 2 pm – feature classic holiday favorites, such as Joy to the World along with orchestra performances of Carol of the Bells and other seasonal favorites. Call 407.646.2182 or visit BachFestivalFlorida.org

December 16 – Maitland Symphony’s Holiday Concert from the Heart

At this annual musical event, hosted at the First Presbyterian Church of Maitland, the 100-member Maitland Symphony Orchestra will perform a FREE, family-friendly concert on December 16 at 7:30 pm. Musical guests include Mauricio Rivero, principal violist with the Orlando Philharmonic, and singers Rob Ross and Jill Cohen with a guest conductor appearance by Donna Dowless, Orlando's official Ambassador of Love. First Presbyterian is at 341 North Orlando Ave. Call 321.303.1404 or visit PAMaitland.org.

December 21 -- A Very Merry Power Chords Christmas Concert

An amazing group of young singer/dancers – trained and rehearsed at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, will present their unique version of a Christmas Concert – at the Orlando Rep – on Friday, December 21 at 7 pm. Attending one of their concerts is not only an hour of sheer joy at any time of the year, but it’s also one of Central Florida’s finest examples of hope for the talent of tomorrow. The whole family will love The REP Power Chords LIVE. Visit orlandorep.com/event/a-very-merry-power-chords-concert or call 407.896.7365 x 1.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators