Florida Culture for the Week of January 11, 2016 by Josh Garrick

NOW to Jan 23 -- EXTENDED – History-Making Art Exhibit at Henao Center Gallery
Two years ago I had the unprecedented honor of making history as the ‘first non-Greek Artist in the World’ to exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece – one of the ‘Top Ten’ Museums in the world. That exhibit has returned from a two-year-tour of Europe to open the beautiful new Henao Contemporary Center in Orlando, and has been extended through January 23. Please consider this a personal invitation to visit the exhibit in its new home. Call 407.522.3906 or visit henaocenter.com

Now to Feb 7 – ‘Dancing Lessons’ at Orlando Shakespeare
When a socially awkward professor is forced to attend an event with dancing, he seeks an injured Broadway performer for help. As their relationship grows, both loners are caught off guard by the discoveries they make about one another. Presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Mark St. Germain’s very contemporary odd couple tells a love story mixed with the reality of human disabilities. Note: Dancing Lessons contains strong adult language. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

NOW to June 5 – Behind Closed Doors: The Collection Revisited
The Maitland Historical Society was founded in 1970 as a result of a Women’s Club initiative to preserve Maitland’s history. Early members of the Society collected stories and artifacts from local pioneer families and in 1977, the Maitland Historical Museum opened its doors. As the Society grew, it opened three additional museums to better serve its goal of bringing Florida history to life. See rarely displayed pieces in this exhibit filled with historical treasures. Call 407.539.2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Now to Jan 17 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents Scott Burns Drama ‘The Library’
In the bold and chilling play ‘The Library,’ Caitlin Gabriel survives a deadly shooting at her high school. Caitlin struggles to tell her story to her parents and authorities, but other narratives in the media call Caitlin’s story into question. Hollywood screenwriter Scott Burns returns to the stage with a drama that asks us to examine our relationship to the truth. Directed by Bridget Lindsey Morris, Breakthrough Theater presents Allie Novell as Caitlin Gabriel. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Pictured: Allie Novell, Anthony Marando, Tara Rewis

Jan 14 at 8 pm – Paul Anka
Born in 1941 into a tight-knit Canadian family, Paul Anka began his life in music in the church choir. By 13 he had his own vocal group, and soon won a trip to New York by collecting soup can labels. In 1956, he convinced his parents to let him travel to Los Angeles, and by 1957, he scored a meeting with Paramount Records. The enormous success of ‘Diana’ – his first number one hit – made him a star. “They are all autobiographical,” says Anka of his early hits. This legendary performer will appear LIVE at the Dr. Phillips Center on January 14. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan 14 at 6 pm – ‘Chef’s Night’ in Support of the Second Harvest Food Bank
Chef Sam Faggetti, executive sous chef and Chef Rabii Saber, executive pastry chef at Four Seasons Resort at Disney World, will prepare a fund-raising dinner at Second Harvest’s Community Kitchen as part of their ‘Catering for Good’ program, which provides students with the skills they need to obtain a position in food service.  Guests enjoy a four-course dinner and wine pairing, live entertainment and dessert. ‘Chef’s Night’ brings Florida’s top chefs to Second Harvest, located at 411 Mercy Drive in Orlando.  The cost is $100 per person; call 407.514.1048 or visit feedhopenow.org.

Jan 14 to 18 – Circus ‘Legends’ at the Amway Center
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present ‘Legends’ – legendary circus artists from around the globe including Alexander Lacey with his lions and tigers; a dream team of acrobats attempting four consecutive triple somersaults; Cossack trick-riders on the backs of thoroughbred horses; and trainers showing off the treasured Ringling Bros. Asian Elephant’s skills and abilities. Free to all ticketholders, the All Access Pre-show starts an hour before the show. For more, visit Ringling.com. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com or at amwaycenter.com or call 800.745.3000.

Jan 15 to 18 – OTRONICON at the Orlando Science Center
A demonstration of how interactive technology will impact how we work, learn and play. If you have a passion for technology, simulators, and video games, the most interactive techno-expo in Florida – OTRONICON – takes the world of video games and simulation and transforms them into in-depth immersive experiences. There will be classes in video game creation and ‘sneak-peeks’ at simulators not yet seen by the Public. The doors are open for extended evening hours so you can experience ALL the newest games, digital media, and workshops at the Orlando Science Center.  Visit OSC.org

Jan 15 at 6 pm – Albert Paley Sculptures at Mennello Museum
The Mennello Museum’s first exhibition of the new year: Albert Paley: Forged Works will open January 15 with a reception beginning at 6 pm. While many are familiar with the two large-scale Paley sculptures on the museum grounds, this exhibit brings other dimensions of this internationally acclaimed Artist's work to Orlando with this exhibition. Note: On March 13 Albert Paley will be at the Mennello Museum for an artist-led procession through the galleries and gardens. Call 407.246.4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Jan 15 – The Samurai Warrior at the Ringling Museum, Sarasota  
This exhibit features 70 exquisite objects related to the legendary Samurai warriors of Japan. From full suits of armor, helmets, swords, and saddles, to lacquered writing boxes, incense trays and foldable chairs, the exhibit ‘opens up’ the period in which Japan was ruled by the Samurai military class.  On January 28 at 11 am and again at 6 pm, an informative ‘Walk & Talk’ about the exhibit will be offered FREE with the price of admission. The exhibition is organized by Contemporanea Progetti, Florence, Italy in collaboration with the Museo Stibbert.  Call 941.359.5700 or visit Ringling.org/events

Jan 15 to April 15 -- BIG BUGS at Leu Gardens, Orlando
Beginning January 15, the ever-beautiful Leu Gardens will be invaded by an unforgettable collection of gargantuan scale bug sculptures created by artist David Rogers. The sculptures were created using all-natural materials such as trees and branches with the effect being a “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” role reversal of dimension and perception. A free Insect Hunt Adventure Guide is available to help discover the Big Bugs hiding throughout the gardens.  Visit leugardens.org/bigbugs

Jan 15 at 8 pm – Ani DiFranco at Plaza Live
As a singer, songwriter, activist and independent producer, Ani DiFranco has grown beyond her acoustic roots to embrace jazz, soul, electronica and melodies reflecting her life in New Orleans. A strong belief in human rights runs through her work, reflecting how DiFranco stood ahead of the curve launching her own Righteous Babe Records. Some stellar New Orleans musicians contributed to ‘Allergic To Water,’ which will be featured at Plaza Live.  “I think that my one grain of wisdom in my life is that when I meet a great teacher, I follow them,” she says. “It’s made my life pretty great along the way.” Visit plazaliveorlando.com

Jan 16 at 7 pm – Rise, An Acrobatic Play
Rise is a futuristic coming-of-age story about a group of high school students who dream of being world class entertainers by winning a paid understudy role in a famous traveling circus. Through dance and acrobatics we see a new theatrical experience that electrifies and inspires. Written and directed by four-time NCAA Gymnastics Champion Taqiy Abdullah-Simmons, the play includes a special appearance by 2007 World Gymnastics Champion Shayla Worley. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan 16 at 8 pm – Orlando Philharmonic: Brahms Symphony No. 2
Acclaimed by The New York Times as “one of the finest conductors of her generation,” JoAnn Falletta and her Buffalo Philharmonic concertmaster Michael Ludwig, will lead the Orlando Philharmonic on a voyage from impressionist France (Ibert’s ‘Ports of Call’), to soulful Russia (Glazunov’s Violin Concerto in A minor), to the culmination of German Romanticism (Brahms Symphony No. 2) as part of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Classical Series at Bob Carr Theater. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Jan 16 to April 3 – Art Legends of Orange County – Doris Leeper
This exhibit, part of the ‘Art Legends of Orange County initiative,’ brings together a group of paintings created in the 1960s and 1970s by Doris Leeper at the Museum on the Rollins College campus. Focusing on the ways in which Leeper's work presents crisp lines and strong geometric forms, Doris Leeper: Hard Edges allows the paintings to be seen within a national context emphasizing how, despite living in isolation, Leeper produced work in keeping with major artistic movements of the time. Call 407.646.2526 or visit rollins.edu/cfam
Doris Leeper (American, 1929–2000) Six Variations, 1984, Serigraph, 27 3/4 x 27 3/4 in

Jan 16 from 10 am to 5 pm – Free – The Metropolitan Opera Vocal Competition
Over a period of seven hours on January 16, forty (40) young, classically trained singers will compete for the opportunity to sing on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. This potentially life-changing experience includes singing in front of an audience – and we are invited TO BE that audience in this FREE event. The auditions are open to the public, and admission is FREE at Trinity Preparatory School at 5700 Trinity Prep Lane in Winter Park.
Call 407.922.4688 or visit metauditionsflorida.org

Jan 16 at 2 pm & 5:30 pm – Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show
Award-winning magician and comedian Tony Brent returns to The REP with a unique show addressing the issue of bullying in our children’s world. Because of his small size as a child, Tony was bullied in the cafeteria, on the playground, and anywhere there were no adults present. Today Tony uses comedy, magic, and a coat-rack of costumes to gently and humorously teach children how to cope with being bullied. Children learn to recognize the signs of bullying and whether or not they too might be guilty of bullying. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Jan 20 at 10 am – The Winter Park Garden Club Presents ‘Radical Raptors’
For thousands of years, raptors (birds of prey) have fascinated all who have had the privilege of seeing them close up. There are two categories of raptors: daytime hunters (hawks, eagles, osprey…) and nighttime hunters (owls). Michael Goldman, Education Manager for the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey will present a Free educational demonstration about ‘Radical Raptors’ (extreme birds of prey), and he will bring several raptors with him to the Winter Park Garden Club at 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Call 407.644.5770

Jan 23 to April 24 – Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers
For 125 years, National Geographic has documented the world with stunning photography by a forward-thinking generation of photojournalists as different as the places and the subjects they cover. Curated by Photo Editor Elizabeth Krist, the exhibit presents the story-telling experience as seen by millions through the insightful and strategic use of a camera. From Africa to the Jersey Shore, these stories explore what it means to be human in the 21st Century. At the Orlando Museum of Art, call 407.896.4231 or visit omart.org

Jan 23 & 24 – Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival  
Activities include arts and crafts booths,  face-painting, dancing and rides at the Annual Orange City Blue Springs Manatee Festival, but THE MAIN attraction at this Festival is the manatee viewing at Blue Spring State Park. Ranked one of the best places in the state to see manatees in clear water and in great numbers, each year the Festival draws thousands of people to Valentine Park at West French Avenue off of Highway 17-92. The event benefits the Blue Spring State Park and student scholarships. Call 407 323 4450 or visit themanateefestival.com

Jan 23 at 1 pm – Teresa Chin to Demonstrate Japanese Fish Painting
Artist Teresa Chin will demonstrate Japanese Gyotaku (the traditional art form of fish printing), at the Sanford Seminole Art Association at the library in Sanford at 150 N. Palmetto Avenue. To create Gyotaku art, Chin ‘paints’ ink directly onto the fish, after which she presses rice paper onto the fish to pull a print. In some cases she uses watercolors to embellish the print. The Orlando resident is vice president of the Central Florida Watercolor Society and has exhibited her work in numerous juried shows. Admission is Free. Call 407.951.5607 or visit SanfordSeminoleArt.com.

Jan 23 to June 12 – Disney, Dali, and Imagination at the Dali Museum
St. Petersburg’s Dali Museum presents a multi-media exhibition exploring the alliance between two of the most renowned artists of the 20th century – the brilliantly eccentric Salvador Dali and American entertainment innovator Walt Disney. Presented through paintings, sketches, correspondences, film, and photographs, the exhibit showcases two very different icons drawn together through their unique personalities, their collaboration, and their enduring friendship. Visit thedali.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators