Florida Culture for the Week of September 17 by Josh Garrick

Now through March 1 – Art on the Green in Winter Park

The City of Winter Park is known for welcoming the Arts, especially in ways that families may enjoy them. Now Art on the Green, a prestigious exhibition of large-scale sculptures has returned to Central Park and the lawn of City Hall. Art on the Green presents the work of eight sculptors through March 1, 2013, including works ranging from bronze to reclaimed materials. Art on the Green presents work by Russell Bellamy, Doug Makemson, Allie Pohl, Dale Rogers, Carolina Sardi, Chris Scala, Barbara Sorensen, and Bill Woods and may be viewed FREE seven days a week. For additional information, visit cityofwinterpark.org and click on the Art on the Green logo.      

Siren by Barbara Sorensen for Arts on the Green       

September 20 to November 15 – City Arts Factory presents ‘9’

The City Arts Factory in Downtown Orlando is the place to be on the Third Thursday of each month as ALL of the Galleries change their exhibits and introduceNEW Art Exhibits. This Third Thursday falls on September 20 and will feature an exhibit called “9.”  Curated by one of Florida’s finest Fine Artists – Chad Pollpeter – the name of the show is derived from the number of artists featured. The Artists include Marcos Cruz, Mike Marras, Paul Waijman, Bert Bogdanny, Holly Tharp, Cailon Earl, Tobin Green, John Pierro and Chad Pollpeter. The artists’ mediums and approaches vary widely and should provide something of interest for everyone. The opening reception is September 20 from 6 to 9 pm.  CityArts Factory is at the corner of Orange and Pine in Orlando. Call 407.648.7060 or visit orlandoslice.com

Crumble_72 by Chad Pollpeter 

September 23 – Ventriloquist’s Dummy Encourages the Vote

Comedian/ventriloquist Ed Thomas of Altamonte Springs, Florida and his dummy partner, Hugo are performing shows with the message to “get out and vote.” Thomas says, “This was Hugo’s idea.  He was upset that he couldn’t vote, because he is a dummy, so he wants to be sure that everyone who is not a dummy votes.”  Thomas, who performs throughout the United States with Hugo, has noticed more people complaining about politics, and he believes if you don’t vote, you don’t have a right to complain.  Hugo agrees, which makes this the only thing that Thomas and Hugo have ever agreed on. Thomas and Hugo will perform at Taste Restaurant at 717 West Smith Street in College Park on September 23 at 7:30 pm.  Call 407.332.7233 or visit edthomasandhugo.com.

September 27 – Winter Park Sip & Stroll

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Area Association invite us to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Winter Park by toasting the City at their Sip and Stroll event on September 27. It’s an ‘evening on the Avenue’ where each stop at your favorite Park Avenue shops and restaurants will feature food and beverage samples. Each attendee will receive a commemorative wine glass, and there are 25 Sip & Stroll locations offering ‘samples.’ From Cocina 214 ( a “must” stop) to Kilwin’s Chocolates and ALL of your favorite shops and eateries, you can reserve your glass today ($25) at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Avenue.

September 29 to December 31 – Peanuts at the History Center

On October 2, 1950, three kids appeared on the funny pages of seven newspapers, and over the next 50 years, Charlie Brown, Patty and Shermy would be joined by a popular cast of characters who would forever change the landscape of the Sunday comics. As The Schulz Museum of Santa Rosa, California celebrates its 10th Anniversary; the Museum has sent us an exhibit that celebrates the life and work of Charles M. Schulz. The continuing appeal of Peanuts comes from Schulz’s ability to portray his wry, nostalgic, bittersweet, silly, and often melancholy observations through the personalities of his unique characters. Over the years, we came to understand Linus’ Blanket, Charlie Brown’s heartache, Schroeder’s devotion to Beethoven, and Lucy’s knowledge of ‘everything.’ From September 29 to December 31, “Kids of all ages” can enjoy Charles Schulz’s interpretation of the world at the Orange County History Center at 65 East Central Blvd in Orlando. Call 407.836.8500

Chas. Schulz with Charlie Brown

September 29 – Opening Night of the Orlando Philharmonic

Christopher Wilkins, Conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic, likes to open each season in a BIG way, and it doesn’t get much bigger than Mahler’s 3rd Symphony.  Combining the talents of the Orlando Philharmonic with the Women of the University of Central Florida Chorus, the Florida Opera Theatre Women’s Chorus, the Florida Opera Theatre Youth Program, and Soprano soloist Samantha Barnes, Maestro Wilkins will present Mahler’s 3rd Symphony on September 29. Mahler’s 3rd is his ‘Pastorale Symphony’ – an ode to nature, beginning with the ‘march of spring’ and concluding with music described by Mahler as the “embrace of divine love.” Performed at the Bob Carr PAC in downtown Orlando, tickets for this special evening may be purchased at 407.770.0071 or visit Orlandophil.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators