Florida Culture for the Week of October 1 by Josh Garrick

THIS WEEK through October 7 -- Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

The amazing Broadway musical, based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including Be Our Guest and the beloved title song. The perfect ‘family introduction’ to theater, we can all marvel at the Beast’s magical transformation scene … and that is the magic of theater. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will be performed through October 7 at the Bob Carr PAC in downtown Orlando.  For tickets visit OrlandoBroadway.com or call 1.800.448.6322

October 5, 6 and 7 – Maitland’s 36th Annual Art Under the Stars

The stars and evening hours create magical experiences for Artists and Patrons alike as the Rotary Club of Maitland announces the return of the expanded Art Under the Stars, the only art festival in Florida that occurs in the evening hours. This free event offers Art by 150 artists, food and drink, and live entertainment, including the Maitland Symphony Orchestra on October 6.  Works by youth artists from local schools will be on display inside the Maitland Civic Center. The art will surround beautiful Lake Lily Park in Maitland at 17-92 and Maitland Avenue.  Hours are Oct 5 from 6 to 10 pm; Oct 6 from 10 am to 10 pm; and Oct 7 from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, with proceeds from food, parking, and festival posters (created by Artist Randall Smith) to benefit local charities. Visit maitlandrotaryartfestival.com

October 5 – FAVO Art Village – One Night Only

The Faith Arts Village (FAVO) supports our community by celebrating creative talent and giving local artists an opportunity to exhibit. On Friday, October 5 – from 5 to 9 pm – FAVO will host an event that will see Artist Market meet Farmers Market as Motel Studio Art Exhibits premieres that evening. Showcasing the work of 19 Florida artists, FAVO’s artist spaces (in former motel rooms) will be open to the public. Featured Artitsts include Robin Pedrero and Berto Ortega, FAVO resident artists; Rob Reedy, Debi Star, Ahlin, Dennis Schmalstig, Mary Miraba, Gail Peck and Alberto Quintero, providing an eclectic mix of paintings and sculpture. This Free family-friendly event will also include live music and ‘food-truck fare.’ FAVO is at 221 East Colonial Drive in Downtown Orlando. Call 407.222.1231 or visit faithartsvillage.com

Now to December 31 – Peanuts at the History Center

On October 2, 1950, three kids appeared on the funny pages of seven newspapers. Over the next 50 years, Charlie Brown, Patty and Snoopy 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 and his unique characters. Over the years, we came to understand Linus’ Blanket, Charlie Brown’s heartache, and Lucy’s knowledge of ‘everything.’ Through December 31, Kids of all ages can enjoy Charles Schulz’s interpretation of the world through more than 65 Peanuts comic strips at the Orange County History Center at 65 East Central Blvd in Orlando. Call 407.836.8500 Visit thehistorycenter.org

Now through April 14 – Life in the Fast Lane: the Art of David DeLong

The desire for speed is a sentiment that racers and passion-driven Americans understand. The Polasek Museum’s new exhibit Life in the Fast Lane: The Art of David DeLong puts us into the action with DeLong’s realistic portrayal of this much loved American sport. American Realist painter David DeLong (1930-2001) spent his life pursuing his dual passions of racing motorcycles and creating art. What sets him apart is his almost reverent depiction of the people watching on the sidelines; the pit crews, spectators, and groupies who follow the sport. Visitors will also be treated to an up-close view of DeLong’s motorcycle - the RS 125 Honda. The Polasek Museum is at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park. Visit polasek.org

October 5, 6 and 7 –  The Orlando Home Show

Orlando’s premiere home show features celebrity experts in remodeling, building, decorating and landscaping, how-to seminars, cooking demonstrations, giveaways, and hundreds of exhibits with the industry’s hottest products for the home. Mark Brunetz, Emmy-award-winning host of Style Network’s Clean House, will share his expertise in presentations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The show will be held at the Orange County Convention Center with on-site parking. To buy advance tickets online for a $3 discount off the full-price of $10, visit OrlandoHomeShow.com or call877-871-7469

October 13 – Art & History Museums – Maitland Honor the Orlando Magic

Each season I look forward to the Orange & White Gala held to benefit The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H), and this is especially true now that we can SEE all  the wonderful renovations and improvements to the Museums that have taken place over the past 2 years. THIS YEAR the Gala is called the Orange & White (& Blue) Gala, as A&H will honor the Orlando Magic on October 13 beginning at 6 pm. Each year, A&H honors an individual, family, or business that has made a positive impact on Central Florida history, and the 2012 honoree is the Orlando Magic – champions of our community both on and off the court. Corporate Tables are available. For tickets and information, call Devin Dominguez at 407-539-2181 x 262 or visit ArtandHistory.org  

October 13 and 27 – SMARTbiz Artist Series with Josh Garrick

Now that the Artist-in-you has created a body of work, how do you get it seen by the public? One way is by obtaining gallery representation. Join Artist and fine art curator Josh Garrick for a discussion followed by a question and answer session on October 13 when Josh will discuss the pros and cons as well as the process of getting your artwork into a gallery. Then, on October 27, return to FMWA and Josh Garrick to learn how you can present your artwork so that it stands out when a judge has a limited amount of time to spend with you and your works. FREE for museum members / $10 non-members per workshop or both for $15 including museum admission. Call the Florida Museum for Women Artists at 386.873.2976.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators