Florida Culture for the Week of May 21 by Josh Garrick

Now through September 9 –  Our friend Scott Maxwell of the Sentinel just made a case for the fact that those of us who live along the infamous I-4 corridor will have special influence to elect (or re-elect) our next President. In a bit of timely good fortune, the Orange County Regional History Center has opened an exhibit that invites us to “rediscover I-4 and the cities and towns that surround it” in the exhibit FloridaScapes: I-4-The Exits Less Traveled, now through September 9. Images by Sherri Bunye invite us to ‘discover exits less traveled’ while also showing how these towns have been affected by the I-4 experience. The History Center is located at 65 E. Central Blvd. in downtown Orlando. Visit thehistorycenter.org or call 407.836.8500

Now through September 23 – For those who long for a visit to Paris, the Albin Polasek Museum at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park, will transport us there in the new exhibit Parisian Affair: The Art of Andre Renoux through September 23. Renoux introduces us to the ‘real Paris’ as his paintings open a window on the sites that Parisians love. Renoux (1939-2002), the father of the Urban Realist movement in France, depicts everyday scenes by focusing on the intimate landmarks of daily life such as a private courtyard or a pastry shop. Honored within his lifetime, the Artist’s award-winning work has been exhibited around the world, and now the Art of Andre Renoux can be our passport to Paris. Call 407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org.

May 25, 26, and 27 – Home & Garden Show
The charming Kimberly Lacy from HGTV’s Curb Appeal, says she “won’t leave Orlando until you are inspired and motivated” as she offers easy tips on sprucing up our outdoor environments on each of the 3 days of the Central Florida Home and Garden Show. This 3-day festival of home improvement features experts in remodeling, building, decorating, landscaping, seminars, contests, and giveaways. With more than 100 first-time exhibitors, smart ideas and fresh advice abound. Special events include Dog Day Afternoon on Sunday complete with a Pooch Parade; Green Avenue with 6,000 square feet of spectacular gardens and “cash and carry” items; Kimberly Lacy’s presentations; and 250 exhibit booths for shopping and prize drawings.  Advance tickets may be purchased online for a $3 discount off the $10 admission. Call 877.871.7469 or visit OrlandoHomeShow.com

June 2 and 3 – The Vegas Show
The idea that ‘what happens in Vegas STAYS in Vegas’ is put to the test as The Orlando Circle of Friends Chorus welcomes us to the best (and worst) of what Vegas has to offer in their new show GRIEVA LAS VEGAS.  With classic Vegas songs, comedy and a little magic, what happens in Vegas, is ‘sung about’ in Orlando. The two performances are Saturday, June 2 at 8 pm and Sunday, June 3 at 2 pm at OYT at 398 West Amelia Street in Orlando. The partner charity for this concert is New Hope for Kids with a portion of the proceeds benefitting grieving and terminally ill children. Call 321.345.6263 or visit ocofchorus.com

June 5 to 10 – La Cage Aux Folles
3 Tony Awards; 3 Drama Desk Awards; 4 Outer Critics Circle Awards, AND this production stars George Hamilton.  Need I say more?  It’s wonderful, touching, and funny all at the same time.  La Cage Aux Folles the Musical comes to the Bob Carr PAC for five days from June 5 to 10. Ah, but there IS more!  La Cage recently made Broadway history as the first show ever to win the Tony Award 3 times for Best Production. This 1984 classic by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein brought down the house nightly on Broadway with the Jerry Herman anthem, “I Am What I Am.”  It’s about ‘family values’ in a home with two Daddies and the right to love. Sound familiar? Yes, and it’s all singing, all dancing FUN. To charge by phone call 1-800-982-2787 or visit FloridaTheatrical.org.

June and July -- Free Family Tours at the Morse Museum
Beginning in June, the Morse invites families to continue the Museum’s celebration of its new Tiffany wing through two FREE summer programs designed for elementary-school-age children. The new wing (opened in 2011) provides 6,000 square feet of new exhibition space and the Museum is celebrating with:
1.  Family Tours – 45-minute guided tours on Tuesdays: June 19 and 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. The program includes a take-home art activity with the supplies to make a Japanese sword guard like the ones Tiffany collected.  
2.  Friday Family Films – a short film, gallery tour, and art activity on four Fridays: June 29; July 13 and 27; and Aug. 3. (about 90 minutes)
All children must be accompanied by a parent, and a $5 refundable deposit per child is requested when securing a reservation for either program. Call 407.645.5311x136 or visit morsemuseum.org

19th-century Japanese sword guard from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s collection, now on exhibit in the new wing at the Morse Museum. Photo by Joseph Coscia Jr.

Breaking News – That local powerhouse of education and innovation, Full Sail University has leaped to the number 19 position in StudentAdvisor’s rankings of the “Top 100 Social Media Colleges.” Previously ranked at #50, Full Sail was recognized for adding over 75,000 community members on Facebook and Twitter since 2011. Known for its cutting-edge approach, Full Sail utilizes social media platforms to inform its students, faculty, and industry professionals about the institution. Dean Tsouvalas, Editor-in-Chief of StudentAdvisor.com said, “Full Sail University rose 31 places up our list, a bigger jump than any other college or university on the 2012 Top 100 Social Media College rankings.” The Top 100 rankings compare more than 4,000 colleges in the United States in terms of their mastery of social media methods, tools, and websites. Visit fullsail.edu.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators