Florida Culture for the Week of June 4 by Josh Garrick

June 8 – Downtown Arts Presents Doug Powell and Lauren Rowe
Doug Powell’s puzzle art portraits have appeared in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! locations from Hollywood to Times Square. “I create mosaics on canvas incorporating the use of thousands of random puzzle pieces,” says the Artist, and his ‘painstaking attention to detail’ got Powell’s work into a 6-year international tour beginning in 2013.  Powell will be the featured Artist in a Downtown Arts District fundraiser at the MEZZ in Downtown Orlando on Friday, June 8 beginning at 6:30 pm. Guests will enjoy a preview of Powell’s personal collection and will be the first to see his new creation commissioned by the Downtown Arts District.  The evening includes a Q&A hosted by WKMG’s Lauren Rowe, art, entertainment, and food and beverages. Tickets at $35 may be purchased at orlandoslice.com or by calling 407.648.7060. Proceeds support the Art District’s mission-based programs including the showcase CityArts Factory.

June 8 through September 23 – The Polasek Museum in Winter Park transports us to Paris in their new exhibit Parisian Affair: The Art of Andre Renoux. The exhibit will have its Opening Reception June 8 at 6 pm and will run through September. Renoux (1939-2002), the father of ‘Urban Realism,’ depicts the landmarks of daily life in his award-winning paintings. This summer the Art of Andre Renoux is our passport to Paris. Call 407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org

June 8 to September 19 – Back in Time: The A&H Explores the Maitland Art Center

The new exhibit at A&H Museums – Maitland is called A Day in the Life of the Research Studio, and it takes viewers back in time to explore the Research Studio during the life of founder André Smith (1880 – 1959).  Now called A&H’s Maitland Art Center, the Studio was founded by Smith in 1937 with buildings created in Mayan Revival architecture, one of the only remaining examples of fantasy architecture in the Southeastern U.S.  Smith first invited artists to live and create within its walls in 1938. From 1938 to 1959, 70 Artists participated in this ‘artistic’ experiment, including Milton Avery, Doris Lee, and Ralston Crawford. Using artworks and recently-donated color photography, the exhibit recreates that classic period. Open to the public on June 8, an Opening Reception will be held June 22 from 6 to 8 pm. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

photos: Research Studio c. 1940

June 9 -- National Parks’ Get Outdoors Day

June 9 is the perfect day to visit St. Augustine’s living history museum – the Castillo de San Marcos, because it’s Get Outdoors Day, and the National Parks Service is offering FREE admission to Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas. Built by the Spanish military between 1672 and 1692, the Fortress is the oldest masonry fortification in the U.S., and the whole family can ‘experience living history’ as the Spanish cannons will be ‘fired’ throughout the day. The fortress is located south of St. Augustine on A1A. Visit NPS.gov/casa

June 10 – LGBT Band in FREE Premiere Concert

After leading the 2011 Come Out With Pride Parade last November, Central Florida’s LGBT and ally Band, Central Florida Sounds of Freedom, will present its first performance as a concert band in Stars and Stripes and All That Jazz on June 10 at 3 pm at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park, Orlando. Admission is free; donations are welcomed. According to President Juan Canasi, “the ensemble will include the Orlando-area Sounds of Freedom and guests from South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble in Fort Lauderdale.’ The performance will feature Somewhere Over the Rainbow, selections from Chicago, and John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, among others. The group promotes acceptance and equality through performances in parades, concerts and ensembles with members drawn from all walks of life. Visit centralfloridasoundsoffreedomband.com

June 11 – Sovereign Brass Kicks Off Orlando Philharmonic’s Summer Series

This summer, the Orlando Philharmonic’s Sounds of Summer chamber music series begins with an Olympic, sports-themed concert by the Sovereign Brass. Take Me Out to the Brass Games will be held Monday, June 11 at 7 pm and will include John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare, college fight songs, and themes from movies like Hoosiers, Rocky, and Chariots of Fire. Concert-goers are encouraged to wear their favorite sports attire and attend the pre-concert tailgate party in the Shakespeare Center’s outdoor courtyard, beginning at 6 pm. The ever-popular Sovereign Brass breathes fresh life into the serious world of chamber music, and audiences LOVE IT. Mike Avila,Tom Macklin, Kathy and Jeff Thomas, Robert Carpenter, and Mark Goldberg ALWAYS have fun performing, and that fun carries through to the entire audience. This isn’t just highly recommended; it’s off the charts recommended. Additional Sounds of Summer programs – all held Mondays at 7 pm at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park – will take place on June 25, July 9, July 23 and August 6:  Visit OrlandoPhil.org or call 407.770.0071.

June 13 and Monthly – Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) has begun a ‘meet your neighbors’ Summer Concert Series outdoors in A&H’s beautiful gardens at 231 W. Packwood Ave in Maitland. The series, called Art. Music. Food. Architecture. takes place the 2nd Friday of each month through September. Perfect for summer evenings under the stars with music, poetry and an array of food truck fare, guests bring blankets or chairs, and a bar is available for those who would like a drink or two. The Museums stay open, and the atmosphere is welcoming and full of talent. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators