Florida Culture for the Week of December 31, 2012 by Josh Garrick

Now through March 31 – Gorgeous Glass at Orlando Museum of Art

Through its new exhibit – Contemporary Glass Sculpture: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Studio Glass, the Orlando Museum of Art joins a celebration of this art form that includes more than 160 events at museums and galleries nationwide. The Orlando exhibit features 65 works by renowned artists including Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Christopher Ries, Lino Tagliapietra and others. Most of the works, selected from private collections, have never before been in a museum exhibit. Special events based on the exhibit include: a Parent and Child ‘Art Adventure’ on Jan 11; A Family ‘Make and Take’ event on Jan 20; and a lecture and tour with William Warmus on Jan 20. Call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

FREE Fridays at the Morse Museum

The Morse Museum – world famous home of the largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany – continues that Holiday feeling by offering us FREE FRIDAYS from now through April – every Friday evening from 4 to 8 pm. This beautiful Museum – a true Winter Park treasure – is located at 445 N. Park Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org

January 4, 5, and 6 – The Volusia County Home & Garden Show

Exhibitors from around the nation will showcase everything from entrance décor to backyard landscapes at the Volusia County Home & Garden Show at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach from January 4 to 6. The entire Ocean Center will be transformed into a Home and Garden extravaganza complete with gardens, landscapes water features, pools and spas, interior design and the latest in kitchens and baths. Activities range from shopping at the Art, Gift & Gourmet Center to an Interactive Kid's Zone. An added bonus is the Daytona Boat Show takes place on the same weekend under the same roof, so visitors can enjoy two shows at one low price.  Tickets are $7 and $3. Visit volusiacountyhomeandgardenshow.com

Jan 4 -- The Art & History Museums –Maitland’s Ladies’ Art Lounge

A&H Museums – Maitland begins the New Year with a new program focusing on friendship and creativity called the Ladies’ Art Lounge. Created for women who want an evening out with friends (while learning and creating), the program is scheduled for the first Friday of every month beginning January 4.  Each evening will feature an A&H faculty member in a program in which you “create a fine art or craft piece.” The first program – on January 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm – features Cindy McDowell leading a program in which patrons create their own piece of pottery. To register, call 407.539.2182 x265 or visit ArtandHistory.org.

Jan 5, 12, 19, and 26 -- Lakeridge Winery Music Series 

While Lakeridge Winery offers FREE winery tours and tastings seven days a week, we are all invited to their Winter Music Series every Saturday in January including a different band each Saturday afternoon. There is no charge for admission or parking, and guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets for seating. There will be food and beverage vendors serving a variety of items including Lakeridge wines by the glass. The musical line-up includes: Jan 5 – BlueTrain; Jan 12 – Old School; Jan 19 – Baby Blues; and Jan 26 – Tory Wynter. Visit lakeridgewinery.com

Jan 10 to 13 -- Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 

“The Greatest Show on Earth” will present Built To Amaze!, a circus performance filled with surprises. Elephants and tigers join acrobats and aerialists from around the globe to create this family-friendly evening of magnificent precision. These performers are joined by clowns, an orchestra, and a wonderland of animals for a performance of non-stop thrills, immersing us in the circus traditions we love. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Built To Amaze! is open an hour before show time with the Pre-show available FREE to all ticket holders. Visit Ringling.com or ticketmaster.com or call 407-440-7900.

January 11 from 6 to 9 pm -- Culture & Cocktails’ The Art of the Theatre

The Art & History Museums – Maitland’s popular Culture & Cocktails event continues on Friday, January 11 with a ‘not-to-be-missed’ group show titled The Art of the Theatre.   Featured artists are Cindy White, Huaixiang Tan, & Kristen Wheeler, who celebrate theatre through their costume design, set design, and theatrical photography. This one-night-only exhibit showcases the artwork from initial sketches to completed project. Wheeler is inspired by vintage Hollywood, while Tan Huaixiang is a tenured Professor in Costume and Makeup Design at Theatre UCF. Cindy White is internationally renowned for her scenic design, art direction, and theme park design. Admission is $5 including one drink ticket. Visit ArtandHistory.org or phone 407-539-2181

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators