Florida Culture for the Week of Sept 16 by Josh Garrick

Sept 19 – The ‘Timeline’ Photography of Jay Mark Johnson at Jai Gallery

Jai Gallery will present the opening of Jay Mark Johnson's solo exhibit No Such Place, a series of space-time photographs, on September 19 from 6 to 9 pm. No Such Place will offer the opportunity to meet the ‘born-in-Florida’ Artist who now lives in Venice, CA and see Mr. Johnson's timeline photography. Challenging the ‘norms’ of perception, his conceptual experiments are “painterly, poetic and critically engaging.” Jai Gallery is in the Exchange Building at Church St. Station in Downtown Orlando. Call 407.921.0693 or visit jaigallery.net

Sept 20 – Painter Catherine Haynes Stockwell Celebrated at Eustis Museum 

Catherine Haynes Stockwell (1895-1983) was a pioneer both as an Artist and as an individual. Beginning her studies at Stetson University (at age 13), Mrs. Stockwell moved to Eustis in 1937. In a life filled with art, she completed over 5,000 paintings on surfaces from cardboard to the backs of posters. Early 1900s landscapes, townscapes, still-lifes, and images of African-American families emerge in brushwork both rough and rich. A retrospective opening September 20, and running through October 27 at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, celebrates her legacy. LEMA is located in Ferran Park in Eustis, FL. Call 352.483.2900 or visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org 

September 20 – CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children

Since 2006, CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children has raised more than one million dollars for youth programs in Orlando’s Parramore community. These funds have helped open doors of opportunity to over 2,000 young people, providing them with tutoring, healthcare, pre-school education, college assistance and more. The outstanding results have helped education achievement rates, while ‘lowering the numbers’ on juvenile crime. The evening will include live performances and dinner beginning at 7 pm. Contact Renee Jackson at 407.246.4299 or Renee.Jackson[at]cityfoforlando.net

Sept 20 to Jan 11 – Eleven Artists Present Art from the Heart of Florida

Art from the Heart of Florida, set to open September 20 and run through January 11, is inspired by the diverse visual artists who call Central Florida home. The exhibit will present the work of 11 artists – including sculpture, painting and photography – in  two-location venues: Crealdé’s main campus and at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park. The opening reception will take place on September 20 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Crealde campus followed by a ‘continued reception’ at the Hannibal Square Center from 8:30 to 10 pm. Call 407.671.1886 or visit crealde.org

Sept 22 – CommUnity Mosaic Unveiling in Apopka

ArtReach Orlando and the HOPE CommUnity Center will unveil a new ‘interactive’ mosaic at the HOPE CommUnity Center on September 22 at 3 pm. The theme of the mosaic is to show how each member of his/her community has an impact on who we are and how our differences make our communities stronger and more vibrant. The new mosaic graces the entrance to the CommUnity Center, which is dedicated to the empowerment of immigrant and working poor communities. Constructed with donated items, it is embedded with QR codes and NFC chips, which tell the stories of the Artists and the CommUnity. The Center is at 1016 N Park Avenue in Apopka. Visit artreachorlando.org

Sep 27 to Oct 7 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents Songs For A New World

Breakthrough Theatre will present Songs For a New World, a show that is part musical and part song-cycle with a theme about facing moments of decision in which each character ‘transitions’ in a significant way. Composer Jason Robert Brown said of his show, “It's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.” Directed by the talented duo of Wade Hair and Justin Scarlat, this music is in good hands. Call 407-920-4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Sep 27 – Mad Cow Opens Season with Other Desert Cities

In the drama Other Desert Cities – by Jon Robin Baitz – Brooke Wyeth returns to her family home in Palm Springs to visit her parents after a six-year absence. A promising novelist, she announces the imminent publication of a memoir based on a tragic event in the family's history - a wound her parents do not want reopened. Not surprisingly, Brooke’s parents fall into old habits and plead with her to keep their story quiet. Opening Mad Cow Theatre’s 17th season on September 27, call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Sep 28 – Orlando Philharmonic’s Opening Night

The not-to-be-missed Opening Nights of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Christopher Wilkins, are always BIG nights – with each Opening Night including a HUGE symphonic masterwork. On September 28 at 8:30 pm, the Philharmonic’s program begins with Ron Nelson’s bold but lyrical Savannah River Holiday, followed by Mozart’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 20 performed by the brilliant Jon Kimura Parker. Finally Strauss’s massive Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) will employ a ‘Mahler-sized’ orchestra to explore the heroic themes inspired by Beethoven. For tickets, call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

And Looking Ahead …

October 3 to 9 – Mamma Mia! – The Smash Hit Musical with Songs by ABBA
Seen by over 50 million people around the world, Mamma Mia is celebrating its 12th year on Broadway. Meanwhile, the feature film is the most successful movie musical of all time. The story – woven around beloved hit tunes by ABBA – is about a single mother who owns a small hotel on a Greek island. She is about to watch the daughter she’s raised alone get married, but the wedding guests provide their own version of love and romance in this celebration of mothers and daughters, and friends and family. Visit OrlandoBroadway.com or call 1-800-982-2787 or 407-704-6116.
 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators