Florida Culture for the Week of August 13 by Josh Garrick

August 16 to September 15 -- Art Exhibit of United Arts Artist Grantees
Third Thursday – in Downtown Orlando – is always one of my favorite events of the month. That is the evening – from 6 to 9 pm – when ALL of our downtown Galleries open their new exhibits, and we get to toast new talent. On this Third Thursday, the don’t-miss exhibit is called Granted!, an exhibit showcasing the works of 44 Artists who received grants from United Arts of Central Florida. On exhibit from August 16 to September 15 at CityArts Factory, the Opening is free and open to the public. From 2009 to 2011, 86 Artists received grants in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Now we get to see the Art they created. Visit UnitedArts.cc, or to give to the arts, visit The artsmatter.com And remember, the 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop & Art Walk covers downtown Orlando, the new galleries at the Church Street Exchange, and neighboring Thornton Park as well. Call 407.648.7060 or visit cityartsfactory.com

August 20 – K through 2nd Graders to a NEW School in Gotha

The brand new Kid’s Community College Orange County Charter Elementary School – located on the campus of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church is ready to welcome 108 Kindergarten through 2nd Grade students. Kid’s Community College is a tuition-free, non-profit public charter elementary school with the stated philosophy … "Early Success is the Key for Children.” Their KCC Tampa/Riverview school started with Kindergarten and has grown every year as parents made it known they wanted their children to continue to receive the education that the KCC model provides. Classrooms in Gotha will be equipped with interactive learning materials and teachers trained to deliver an individualized curriculum. Gotha is the third Kid’s Community College® campus to open in Florida and will be located at 1450 Citrus Oaks Avenue. For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Cynthia Schaefer at [email protected] or call 321.276.3763.

August 23 to 26 – Star Wars at the Orlando Convention Center

Billed as “the biggest Star Wars party the planet's seen yet,” Star Wars Celebration VI touches down at the Orlando Convention Center from August 23 to 26. The convention promises interviews with cast and crew and a host of activities ranging from a costume pageant to Star Wars Speed-Dating. Ticket options range from the lowly Individual ticket to the Jedi Master VIP ticket!!! The weekend kicks off with writer, director, and fan-boy Kevin Smith in a conversation about his career, his fandom, and how Star Wars intertwines with both. Known for his movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Smith has also authored stories for heroes including Spider-Man, Daredevil, Green Arrow, Batman, and Green Hornet. Other ‘announced guests’ include Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) and Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine) as well as celebrity fans Seth Green (Robot Chicken) and Chris Hardwick (Nerdist). The Evening with Kevin Smith, which officially opens the Convention, begins at 7 pm on August 23rd. Visit starwarscelebration.com

Kevin Smith - Star Wars

August 24, 25, and 26 – Thriller Theater presents the Art of Murder

In an estate in the countryside of Connecticut, Jack Brooks, one of the ‘most accomplished and eccentric painters’ of his generation, awaits the arrival of his art dealer – who he intends to kill. Thus begins the Art of Murder by the prolific and award-winning Joe DiPietro. Presented by Thriller Theater, the only theater company in Central Florida to focus exclusively on murder and mystery performances, the play will be performed at the Breakthrough Theater of Winter Park on August 24 and 25 at 8 pm and August 26 at 3 pm. According to Director Tabitha Rox, “Ticket discounts will be given to anyone dressed as Columbo.” Breakthrough Theater is located at 421 West Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407.920.4034

August 24 – Electile Dysfunction with The Kinsey Sicks

Billboard calls them "one act that should not be missed;” the San Francisco Chronicle says, "Their mangling of hit songs hits genius level,” and I call them one of the funniest evenings I’ve ever spent in the theater. This benefit performance for the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival presents Electile Dysfunction: The Kinsey Sicks for President in their own (warped) version of a presidential campaign that touches on education, immigration, unemployment, scandal, corruption, and social networking - all in glorious 4-part harmony. The original songs and ‘re-imaginings’ of classics include numbers such as "Sell the Poor," "Eliminate the Schools," and the campaign anthem, "Vote for Me (I'm Not From Kenya)." Electile Dysfunction has already taken the stage in Washington, DC, New York City, Baltimore, Denver, San Diego and Minneapolis, but their job isn't done until they deliver their alternative platform in Tampa on August 24 at the Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin Street – just blocks from the site of the Republican Convention. This performance is not appropriate for children. Call 813.274.8981 or visit Ticketmaster.com

August 24 to November 11 – Art in Stitches at Women’s Museum

The Florida Museum for Women Artists intends to “keep us in stitches” (couldn’t resist that one) as they present Art in Stitches, a fiber show featuring the work of nine Florida textile artists, providing viewers an opportunity to explore the place of textiles in the art world. On display from August 24 through November 11, the Artists include: Katherine Allen, Fort Lauderdale; Connie Enzmann-Forneris, Gainesville; Jayne Bentley Gaskins, Fernandina Beach; Valerie Goodwin, Tallahassee; Pat Kumicich, Naples; Eleanor McCain, Shalimar; Maya Schonenberger, Miami; Amy Vigilante, Gainesville; and Barbara Watler, Plantation. A reception – with the Artists in attendance – will be held on August 24 from 5:30 to 8 pm. The Florida Museum of Women Artists is located at 100 N. Woodland Blvd in DeLand. Call 386.873.2976 or visit FloridaMuseumforWomenArtists.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators