Community 社區
Bringing communities together through
Arts
By Asia Trend
The Mills 50 District – the business district surrounding the intersection of Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive/Route 50 – is known for its bars, clubs, local restaurants and Asian businesses. Now it can be noted as a street gallery of sorts for local, upcoming artists. Selected local artists transformed fourteen transportation utility boxes, also known as the big, ugly metal boxes seen at intersections into colorful works of art. The purpose of the project was to create an environment which depicts the community’s diversity, creativity, commerce and neighborhoods. The ultimate goal: beautify the district.
TION OF CREATIVITY + CULTURE
oster Orlando's most diverse neighborhood by creating a walkable community and promoting WHAT IS MILLS 50?
N : facade grants, impact fees, permitting. ts: art boxes, street banners, palm trees. s, Business After Hours, Coffee Power Hours, Mingle.
“This project provided an opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents while bringing beauty and awareness to the Mills 50 district. The boxes exemplify the diversity and creativity of the district!” said Joanne Grant, Executive Director of Mills 50 Main Street.
t, Program Director Puxiao Cen, MD, a cardiologist of s50.org
Peter Lau’s poem describing the prosperity in the Spring
Florida Hospital, wrote in calligraphy of her late father Dr. Zebo Cen’s poem, which consists of various names of Chinese herbs.
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Artist: Dr. Puxiao Cen and Peter Lau Location: East Colonial & Hampton
One of the artists, Dr. Puxiao Cen from Florida Heart Group accompanied by Chinese Calligrapher Peter Lau completed one art box filled with Asian element. ”A total of 80 hours for this artwork project, from design to completion. Thank you for giving me the chance,” said Dr. Puxiao Cen. “I knew about this art box project during phrase one back in 2011 but did not have enough time to search the Asian artists. Thank you Joanne Grant for reaching out to the Asian community again and the City of Orlando for allowing us to be part of this meaningful project,” said Shally Wong, the President of the Chinese American Association of Central Florida. “Everyone should agree that this project at Mills 50 district will not be completed without an Asian piece.” The “art box” project was so popular that fourteen additional utility cabinets have been painted. The last call for artists produced 50 submissions by twenty six artists! Next time you drive by the Mills 50 area, make sure to check them out.
Artist: Hillcrest Elementary 5th grade students Location: Mills & Mount Vernon
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JUN 2012
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To know more about the Mills 50 upcoming event and membership details, please visit http:// www.mills50.org or email: director@mills50.org.
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