The Local: Winter Garden—April 2022

THE ARTS ISSUE

The colorful, quirky world of

PLUS 6 more dynamic area artists

ARTIST

SUSAN GROGAN

MONTH-LONG COMMUNITY EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN Projection Art Show on City Hall • Kids Art Sessions at Farmers Market Art Exhibitions of All Ages • En Plein Air Competition • Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest Downtown Art Scavenger Hunt • Fridays on the Plaza Live Music Art Night VIP Immersive Experience and More!

% 5 1 FF! O

D HIS A ON T ONLY I T N U ME 2022

APRIL N YO WHEOFFER VALID

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C⚫ ntents FEATURES

Inspired Artists

A trip into the increasingly vibrant, dynamic and diverse Winter Garden arts scene through seven original voices.

HE AT HER AN N E LEE

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power your business emagency.com

C⚫ ntents DEPARTMENTS

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The Lo’ Down

15 New local band’s new single 16 NEWs in the Garden 16 Charitable Spotlight: The Nurture Place

Our editor waxes poetic about the arts.

12 Garden Variety

NEWS, NOTABLES, AND NEIGHBORS IN THE KNOW

12 Dig into Winter Garden’s Arts in April 13 Help charity with Run for the Roses 14 Local History: The StarLite Theater 14 Market Watch: Hide Appeal

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18 Tails to Tell

Millie the Goldendoodle pawses for quality art.

40 Eats + Drinks

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40 Octopus in the Garden 42 A Canvas on a Can

47 Near + Afar

Take a day trip to the Orlando Museum of Art for an afternoon of history, art, and juicy controversy.

50 Rhetoric

MUSINGS ON LIFE AS A LOCAL

An incomplete list of incomplete projects

ON THE COVER

Crack open the wild mind of Daniel Longman and you’ll find a colorful universe of cut paper creations.

F R E D LO PE Z DAN I E L LO NG M AN

ER CARE CLOSER TO YOU When you need immediate medical attention, turn to the trusted experts right in your community.

Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital is only minutes away, ready and committed to providing you the highest level of emergency care.

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W The Lo’Down

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it’s murals, architecture, music, art installations, horticulture, you name it, Winter Garden features a medley of artistic media all around.

It makes my heart happy to see such abundance, as I have been taught to cherish it all.

My stepfather was a professional photographer. His passion for the visual informed my youth, whether it was a museum tour or the study of a vignette: the sparkle of fresh snow in the morning light, the pop of red of a cardinal in flight, an elderly couple holding hands in a park. He taught me to pause, to look around, the art of appreciating the view.

My mother’s medium was music. Her favorite, Motown, danced in the air for decades, as did Top 20 radio favorites or the tinkle of our player piano as we sang along. (It is at this time I would like to apologize to Elton John for “Breaking His Heart.”) Today, music is a constant in my life (just as it is for Nina Swope on page 31) and can change my mood in an instant. She taught me the power of listening, the art of a heart-written melody and lyric.

My sister likes to draw. Though it has been some time since she has sharpened a pencil to shape or shade, she still sees the world through patterns of color, texture and light (much like RT Lovatto on page 26). One of my most memorable gifts from her was a portrait of Miss Piggy. She taught me to balance look and feel, the art of cohesiveness and coordination.

My son is an artist, in the very broadest sense of the term. We have his explorations into pastels, acrylics, clay, digital, even marker (his favorite), all over the house. He has taken class after class, seeking new options to test his talent; he is fearless in his attempts (much like the kids from Dillard Street Elementary on page 34). He taught me jump in and try, the art of playing with art.

Whether you want to spectate and absorb or make your own, this month, and this issue in particular, celebrates it all. The art of Winter Garden art, if you will…

Happy Reading,

Nicole Soulsby, Editor Something to add?

Send your ideas and images to thelocalwg@emagency.com

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Editor’s Endorsement: Pinterest If you are looking for art inspiration, instructions, or simply some eye candy, there is all this and more on Pinterest. I can spend hours scrolling through.

WI N TE R G AR DE N

A welcome sight.

Our new location is now open in Horizon West!

Ocoee: 11024 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden: 5736 Hamlin Groves Trail 407.565.9290 pearlevision.com

THE ADVISORY BOARD

WINTER GARDEN Dr. Kim Dawson

Ralph Disciullo

Healthcare entrepreneur and owner of Pearle Vision in Ocoee. Kim has been passionate about health and wellness for over 20 years. She received her doctorate in Health Science at MUSC in South Carolina. Kim has lived in Winter Garden for 10 years and is inspired daily by her two children, Symone and Desiree. In her free time, Kim likes to cook, travel, and read novels.

Branch Manager with American Financial Network, one of the largest residential mortgage lenders in the US. Prior to the mortgage industry Ralph played a key role in the startup of several businesses. Originally from Emerson, NJ, Ralph attended USF in Tampa and now resides in Winter Garden with his wife of 16 years, Sandi, and their two daughters Daniella and Avery.

Becca Lanterman

Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care.

Becca is a second-generation Winter Garden resident, and her local roots run deep. She is the true embodiment of joy, and has never met a stranger. Becca loves living the “bubble life,” where her golf cart is her primary mode of transportation. She has dedicated her life to tending to the special needs of our local senior adults.

Pam Thomas Owner

of Pammie’s Sammies, a “thoughtfully sourced, tastefully adventurous” restaurant in the heart of downtown. She is a passionate foodie with a degree in Wine, Spirits, and Beverage Management at the International Culinary School in Tampa. Pam is a staple of the Central Florida community, having operated in Universal Orlando, Dr. Phillips, and now Winter Garden.

April 2022 Vol. 1 No. 8

Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher Heather Anne Lee Content Director Nicole Soulsby Editor Rheya Tanner Art Director Mark McWaters Writer Tarin Scarbrough Writer Fred Lopez Chief Photographer Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Miguel Martinez Designer Caleb Jensen Web ______

ADVERTISE LOCALLY! Jamie Ezra Mark Publisher jamie@emagency.com 352-425-6400

Tracey Forrester

Bryan Fifer

Realtor with Xcellence Realty, Inc. and Independent Associate with LegalShield. She has been in the Horizon West area since 2007.

She is cofounder of Horizon West Professionals and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Horizon West Chapter. Tracey believes in building lasting relationships and being an integral part of the community. She now lives, works, and plays in Horizon West with her beautiful teenage girls, Averie and Bryce.

Local agent with State Farm Insurance.

Bryan is a Central Florida native, Founding President of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, Horizon West Who’s Who Award Winner, and Team Captain for All-Pro Dad. He is married to his beautiful wife Angie and they have two wonderful children.

Bryan is highly invested in making Horizon West the best place to work, live, and play.

A

P U BLI CAT I O N

O F

407-573-6061 • emagency.com @EMagencyinc

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Angie Layfield NHA/CDAL

Executive Director at The Blake at Hamlin, a senior living and memory care community in Hamlin Town Center.

Angie has been in the senior housing industry for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to our Horizon West seniors and their families.

Though originally from Maryland, she has called Horizon West home since 2016. Angie and her family reside in Village F’s Watermark.

Tamara Zotti

Tamara is a Charleston, SC, native who has lived here for eight years. After seven years as a teacher assistant at Windermere Preparatory School, she now enjoys local life with her husband of 17 years, Frank, and her two children, Nicholas and Samantha. Tamara believes in the value of community involvement and always tries to give back however she can.

Nicole Spooner Account Executive nicole@mpactorlando.com 407-595-4793 ______

FIND US ONLINE @thelocalwg

FIND US IRL Abbott’s Frozen Custard Cariera’s Fresh Italian Foxtail Coffee Co. Main House Market Pammie’s Sammies Pearle Vision Ocoee Pico Bistro Polka Dotz Puppy Dreams Rosallie Le French Cafe

Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery Thai Blossom The French Cafe Three Birds Cafe W. Orange Public Library WG Heritage Museum Winter Garden Pizza Co. Writer’s Block Bookstore AntiquiTeas @Plant St Market and more!

PRO U D M EM BER S OF

The Local Volume 1 Issue 8 ©2022 Em Agency. All rights reserved. Published monthly. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Em Agency. Reader submissions have been edited for length or clarity. Advertising of products does not imply endorsement. Em Agency can not be held liable for the business practices of these companies.

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NEWS, NOTES + NEIGHBORS WHO KNOW

Arts in April

L

A new arts season springs to life in Winter Garden.

ocal artists are all around us, subtly decorating our lives with sights, sounds and experiences.

They add ambiance to our nightlife, inspire local businesses to think outside the box, and create destinations and masterpieces worthy of the ‘Gram. They’re in our healthcare centers, helping patients heal through art therapy. They’re in our schools, teaching the next generation of creatives to the arts.

Local artists matter because they make our community better. That’s what Arts in April is all about.

Arts in April is a community-wide celebration to

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experience and support local art in all its sundry forms.

With more than 30 events planned, one for every day of the month, there’s fun for the whole family.

By supporting local artists, you’re saying that art is essential to our community. That it’s essential for our children, for our health, and for our happiness. You’re saying you believe the arts truly are improving the way you live your life and the way you love your community.

All events are free, except for an extraordinary immersive experience and fundraiser on April 30, called Art Night VIP.Buy your tickets at wgart.org/vip

Official Arts In April creative by Susan Grogan. Alcohol ink titled “Escape.”

VOCAL LOCALS

THIS MONTH’S QUESTION

What is your secret creative talent?

Joshua L.

Tara E.

Kevin R.

Priscilla L.

Noel A.

I’m good at creating workable pens as well as 3D modeling.

I make a lot of crafts—painting pictures, making T-shirts, vinyls, you name it, I make it!

I am creative with small businesses and finding ways to help people succeed.

The ability to bring high, passionate energy into my classroom! I want students to feel life in my lessons.

I am creative when I put a positive spin on a bad situation.

It makes hard conversations easier.

• Art exhibits featuring works from adults, students, and children: April 1–30 • Techniques Tuesdays, 2 p.m. at SOBO • Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest held by Bloom and Grow Spring Fever in the Garden: April 2 & 3 • Arts in April Opening Reception of Top Choice Annual Awards Show & Glow in the Dark Art Children’s Exhibit at SOBO Art Gallery: April 7 • Kids Art Sessions on Saturdays at Winter Garden Farmers Market: April 9, 16, 23 • Urban Sketchers En Plein Air Competition at Winter Garden Farmers Market: April 9 • Downtown Art Scavenger Hunt for all ages: April 30 • Projection Art Show on City Hall: April 30 • Art Night VIP on Saturday, April 30: An Experience in Curated Venues. Ticketed Event.

For a full list of events, visit downtownwg.com/arts-in-april-2022

Galloping Gala Join the West Orange Junior Service League and presenting sponsor Gentle Touch Medi Spa & Wellness on Saturday, May 7 for the 12th Annual Run for the Roses, a fun-filled night raising funds to support local charities in West Orange County. A $150 ticket includes Mint Juleps, complimentary open bar, Kentucky-inspired cuisine, Casino Gaming, Live DJ, Silent Auction,and a LIVE showing of the 148th Kentucky Derby. This is a dress-toimpress event. Prizes will be given for best Ladies Derby Hat and the Best Dressed Man! The Local is proud to be a contributing sponsor to this fun event. For more Sponsorship Opportunities or to buy tickets, visit wojsl.com Must be at least 21 years of age to attend.

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Garden Variety

LOCAL HISTORY MARKET WATCH

Ever wish we had a drive-in theatre in Winter Garden so you could watch movies under the stars? We did have one, once upon a time, and Star-Lite Drive In Theatre was her name.

Built and opened in 1949 by Malon O. Wright, the Art Deco style drive-in at 1171 East Plant Street featured a massive screen made of solid masonry to ward off Florida’s brutal summer storms. Originally designed to host 250 cars, the 1950s brought such a surge in attendance that the drive-in added 150 speakers, allowing 400 cars to see a show. For many years, adults were charged 35 cents admission, and children were free. Typically, movies would first play at the Winter Garden Theatre for two days and then move to the Star-Lite for roadside viewing.

Carl Floyd Theatres purchased Star-Lite in 1955 and remained the owner until its closing. When the new management team took over, they insisted on improvements including new screens and projection equipment to accommodate the wide-screen films of the period. Thelbert Peavey was manager for 40 years, creating the unofficial title for the theatre of “Peavey’s Passion Pit” amongst teens. Ironically, the theatre was also used for church services so parishioners could worship from their vehicles. Through the years the theatre fell into disrepair and closed in 1996. Despite efforts to revive it, the Star-Lite Drive In Theatre was demolished in 1998.

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Hide Appeal

62 years of genuine leather craftsmanship Tony Madeira knows a good hide when he sees it. At the age of 5, his father taught him how to condition leather. By the age of 12, Tony was crafting leather goods on his own, and it’s been his passion for the last 62 years. From horsemen to artists, peddlers to presidents, his skill is highly sought after and unparalleled. Stop by his booth at the Farmer’s Market on an early Saturday and you’re sure to be a believer.

With his hands constantly working, Tony shares a lifetime of stories with a long line of customers who are easily charmed by his passion and smile. In one breath, he tells you about how he and his family were sponsored to become US citizens thanks to the family’s leatherwork. In another, he’s sharing stories of the remarkable people buying his wallets, belts, pet leashes and collars, knife sheaths, and bracelets. There’s the selfie with the NASA engineer, an astronaut in training, and another with a professional knife thrower.

Each and every sale equally important simply because, according to him, “my customer is my family.”

Go visit Tony, check out his amazing leather goods, and ask him about President George W. Bush or his Guinness World Records slingshot!

Images and research for Local History courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

Star-Lite, Star Bright

Fa Rome lling For For Rome Falling Every year, scores of young bands try their hardest to get a record deal that might provide a shot at stardom. For Open Late, a Winter Garden-based rock group of four wiry teenage friends, nothing could have been further from their minds.

“We just want to have fun and make good music,” says vocalist and lead guitarist Ben Shenefield.

Instead, Open Late went the indie route, dropping its first home-produced single, titled “Rome,” on Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, and more in midMarch. To the teens’ slackjawed surprise, the song quickly gained traction, downloaded, shared and reshared nearly a thousand times by friends, family, and a growing number of regional artists. “It’s so

weird. People we don’t know stop us and say, ‘We’ve heard your song.’

Weird, but cool.”

Inspired at first by classic rock (think Led Zeppelin, AC/DC), Open Late is carving its own path, layering in more art-house, Peach Pit vibes to their classic riffs.

Which makes sense. Over the last six months, Ben, AJ Juliano (drums), David Rabello (vocals, rhythm guitar), and Davonte Brunson (bass) have spent as much time listening to and talking about music together as making it.

Some of their knowledge comes from School

of Rock, where AJ and Ben first met; squirreling down the rabbit hole of the web; and, of course, their parents’ music collections.

In fact, it was Ben’s father who inspired him to pick up the guitar. “My dad is a real music lover, so I’ve always been around music,” Ben says. These days, the two play together on occasion, when Open Late isn’t writing and practicing in guest rooms and garages.

While all four bandmates contribute to the process, it was Ben who penned the lyrics to “Rome.”

“I’m not sure why, but we were all into the history of Rome at the time. We thought that we could use the song as a metaphor for the fall of any situation, like a relationship.”

So what’s the future hold?

“We just to want to make music for people who enjoy it,” says Ben. “We really don’t care about those who don’t. We are getting ready to drop a second single, and we’re putting together a live set of seven or eight songs.

We don’t have a gig just yet, but we want to be ready if it comes.”

Download Rome by Open Late via your favorite music channel. Or follow the band on Instagram: @open_late_band

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CHARITABLE SPOTLIGHT

THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS IN THE GARDEN

It’s more than just arts blooming in Winter Garden this month.

Viewpoint (chooseviewpoint.com) soft-opened its design and installation showroom in the Healthy West Orange building at 1200 E Plant Street. Owner John Ried aims to breathe new life into kitchen, bath and cabinet services by offering a unique concierge approach to design and installation.

Otus Coffee (otus.coffee) poured the first cup at its new coffee bar location at Home State Brewing, 16016 New Independence Pkwy #100. Speaking of Hamlin, we’re excited for Advisory Board Member Dr. Kim Dawson— she opened her second Pearle Vision location at 5736 Hamlin Groves Trail, built by our friends at Boyer Building Corporation (boyerbuilding.com). Cookies and sweets are on our minds with Easter fast approaching. Farmers Market fave and Horizon West resident Off The Wagon (offthewagoncny.com) has made a drool-worthy splash online with its stuffed cookie creations. It’s a toss-up whether we liked dulce de leche or nutella stuffed better. And our mouths are watering with anticipation about the confections being delivered to Winter Garden by Pinch of Salt Bakes (@pinchofsaltbakes on Instagram). Breakfast cupcakes? Yes, please! Also new on our radar is Aim To Please (aimtopleasedesigns.net).

Her handmade accessories made from sustainable materials are a great calorie-free addition to your Easter baskets and Passover tables. Speaking of Easter, our friends at The Savvy Sitter (thesavvysitter.org) and Orlando Rabbit Care & Adoptions (orlandorabbit.org) want to remind you that bunnies can easily be a 10+ year commitment. Before you stuff that basket with a furry new friend, consider adopting before buying from a breeder.

SHARE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS! Email heather@emagency.com

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The Nurture Place You may have seen the sign pop up at 721 Vineland Road reading “The Nurture Place” and wondered, what’s that about? Still in its early years, The Nurture Place was founded as a 501(c)3 in 2019 to combat the disturbing trends growing among mental health: the 87% increase in suicide rates among adolescents in the last decade; the 66% of children suffering with a mental health disorder in the US who do not receive help; or that 50% of all adult mental health illnesses begin before the age of 15. The numbers are startling, and Winter Garden is certainly not free from this concern. Normalizing mental health is important, and The Nurture Place’s goal is to help people understand that counseling is not just for folks with extreme depression.

They provide holistic, evidence-based, best practice approach to family support, working with children and families to discover and develop the strengths, heal from adversity, and nurture connections in the community.

They offer a multitude of group classes and program, and their plans for Winter Garden are growing. With funds from generous donors, the Vineland Road location will become a 4,500-square-foot child-focused facility to meet the current and future needs of the community.

Get Involved! thenurtureplace.org

DOWNLOAD THE GARDEN APP WINTER YOUR COMMUNITY GUIDE TO EVENTS AND DEALS CHECK OUT THE PORTALS AND SECRET GARDEN FOR AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCES

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Tails to Tell

Paws for Effect Millie the Goldendoodle, age 1

Hey! Hi! Do you have any snacks? Don’t lie to me; I’ll check your counters myself and find out. Anyway! I’m so glad we’re friends. Friends are my favorite thing. My humans love friends, too. They’re part of A.B. Newton, so they meet a lot of people who love to meet me! (And give me snacks.)

Just because I’m colorblind doesn’t mean I can’t love my humans’ art—especially when it’s good for me. I don’t usually get to stand on it, but sometimes I get to wear it! Best of all, it makes my humans happy, so it makes me happy.

Does your pet have a tail to tell?

Share it at thelocalwg@emagency.com

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Artists Inspired

A trip into the increasingly vibrant, dynamic and diverse Winter Garden arts scene through seven original voices.

H E AT H E R AN N E LE E

F R E D LO PE Z

No matter the medium, Daniel Longman’s art often includes planets, rocket ships, astronauts, dinosaurs, colorful starbursts, and crashing comets.

Aliens and Big Foot have been known to make an appearance, as do scenes from downtown Winter Garden.

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and attractions. But his medium of choice, most TH E I M AGI N EER days, is cut paper—a craft that transforms colorful paper into three-dimensional art with an x-acto knife and a steady hand.

“What’s cool about Though his parents It’s a shame that Buzz paper art is that it brings Lightyear stole the phrase, pushed him toward a shapes to life, taking a flat career in aerospace engi“To infinity and beyond!”

2D drawing and turning neering at the University because Daniel Longman it into 3D. Sure, there are of Illinois, the allure of may have uttered it first. other ways to do that with art was just too strong. “I Or at least that’s easy to technology, but everyone muscled through physimagine after spending a can relate to paper. Who ics and calculus, but the few hours with the colorful, quirky, cut-paper artist whole time I was thinking, doesn’t have a memory of working with construcI’m never going to have whose obsession just happens to be The New Frontier. fun with this. So I switched tion paper and scissors in school? It’s so simple, so majors to graphic design “I love outer space. I basic, and yet so versatile. always have, even as a kid. and never looked back.”

Like most artists, Daniel Plus, it’s just fun.”

The Space Race, the AtomFun colored Daniel’s ic Age, dinosaurs, they call is a multi-passionate crechildhood, informed his captured my imagination. ative, inspired by paintcollege choices, and ultiThe concept of what earth ing and graphic design mately became a career. and sketching and water is in relation to the entire colors. By day, he works at A passion that’s being universe, it’s fascinating. passed down to his 8-yearUniversal Creative, craftIt’s always on my mind…

I’m a huge fan of thinking ing award-winning graph- old daughter, Avery.

“She’s my mini: same atic campaigns and physical about what’s outside of titude, same quirk, same creative for sets, props, Earth,” Daniel says.

Daniel Longman

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sense of humor. My wife, Erica, is like, ‘Who is the adult here?’ and she isn’t wrong!” Daniel laughs.

“But I love seeing her imagination come to life.

She has great instincts.

I run all my work past her these days, and we’re even working on a book together. It’s about her and her best friend, and the games they play. Kids and their imagination right? Well, one day, they are playing tea and the dad says that they don’t have any honey for the tea because the bees have left the earth. So Avery and her friend go looking for the bees. They create a space ship and take it to the moon, but they overshoot it and crash land on Mars instead. The book follows their adventures, their imaginations getting wilder and wilder looking for the bees all

over the galaxy, until an alien-monster comes after them. But it’s really just dad at the door, holding the honey, and he tells them he was kidding about the bees.”

There is already a publisher for the book, and Daniel envisions turning it into a series of Avery-inspired adventures. But right now, he’s still hard at work on the art, which will blend his unique spaceage aesthetic, cut paper

technique, drawing, and illustration with Avery’s youthful perspective.

“She has some very strong opinions,” Daniel quips, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Crash land into Daniel Longman’s world via Instagram @minilongmania

FUN FACT: Cut-outs were the final chapter in Henri Matisse’s career. In fact, Matisse dedicated the last decade of his life to two simple materials—white paper and gouache—to create works of wide-ranging color and complexity before using a pair of scissors to transform paint and paper into a world of plants, animals, figures, and shapes.

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It also requires a certain body awareness that TH E I N GEN U E S other dance forms don’t require.For example, while not ideally matched in size, Aislyn and Alicia work harder to overcome their differences. “Aislyn, Fueled by the popularAislyn Frazier, 8, and being smaller, often has ity of Cirque du Soleil, Alicia Kewharding, 14, to slow her technique World of Dance, and are just like any other to match with Alicia, Dance Moms, acro fuses kids: they like playing who taller and larger,” the artistry of classical with friends, listening dance technique with the explains Hannah Tiemeyto music, and watching YouTube. But at least five precision and athleticism er, artistic director and of acrobatic elements. It’s co-owner of The Dance days a week, sometimes a world where choreogra- Collective. “It requires seven, Aislyn and Alicia an incredibly amount of phy and musicality play are driven to The Dance as much a role as balance, body awareness; the fact Collective to train. Five that they have done it in grueling hours of practice limbering, tumbling, such a short time is a tespartnering, flexibility, that may include traditament to their dedication tional forms of dance like and contortion. and skill.” ballet and jazz, as well as

Aislyn Frazier & Alicia Kewharding

core stability, strength training, and flexibility.

All in an effort to become world class acro dancers.

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But for Aislyn and Alicia, it’s just fun. They love bending and twisting, makeup and costumes; the thrill of learning a new skill, performing on stage, and dancing with their friends. But the girls both smile and giggle whenever they hear the inevitable, that gasp that comes as they splay their bodies into such a way to make your (adult) bones ache. It’s impossible not to feel emotionally involved. And therein lies the appeal.

To meet the demand for Acro, The Dance Collective has expanded its offerings.

Learn more at wintergardendance.com

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sometimes Nathan, ultimately became RT. “My TH E ADVEN T U R ER teacher did this awesome thing in class, he asked me what I wanted to be called. I remember he put my whole name, all four mother called me. She was of them, on the projection Here’s what you already board, and the whole class full-blooded Native Amerknow about RT Lovatto: threw out suggestions. ican, when being Native He’s a Disney stuntman I’ve been RT ever since.” at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt American was something RT’s passion for art you hid. For most of her Spectacular. But when was born in the in-belife, she passed as Hispanic, he’s not tumbling across and she didn’t argue. It was tweens.“Wherever we lived the stage, he’s in a quiet there were artists, so I was safer for the family, which corner of Winter Garden, always doodling or drawincluded my dad and six filling a sketchbook with other siblings. It’s also why ing. My stepmom, Donna, with pen and ink scenes.

Sometimes hand painted, my family doesn’t have any was going to community college for art, and whenformal ancestry or historsometimes digitally maever she was doing her art ical papers. I think we’re nipulated, whatever he’s Navajo, but I can’t even tell homework, I would copy exploring at the time. what she did. My first you that for sure.”

Here’s what you don’t drawing, an art bowl, is Indeed, Thunder’s first know: RT is actually Nayears of life were a nomadic still hanging in their home. thanael Rolling Thunder I took to it naturally, and blur, wandering between Lovatto, one-quarter Nain my family—school years tive American, three-quar- Hollywood, Petaluma, a with my mom and stepcommune somewhere in ter self-described West Wisconsin, Seattle, back to dad, summers with my dad Coast hippie kid. His life

RT Lovatto

ning galleries and artists of every age, race, and genre.

It’s no wonder RT fell in love with art.

“Once I got to high school, I excelled in art classes. Math and science, not so much,” he laughs.

“In tenth grade, the drama department asked me to do a play poster. Then the school asked me for letterhead. Then the city asked me to design a poster. My best friend’s family owned a screen printing shop, so I made T-shirt art for them. There was never any doubt that I’d pursue art in college.”

Which he did, enrolling in the Laguna College of Art + Design in 1996. But that’s when life took its first turn.

“I was always an active kid, too. Skateboarding, rollerblading, tumbling.

Typical west coast stuff. But

“Wherever we lived there were artists, so I was always doodling or drawing… art was always encouraged.”

—RT Lovatto feels a bit like a Hollywood action movie… humble beginnings, epic twists and turns, meaningful encounters, and more than a few action-packed stunt sequences.

“The first four years of my life, I was known as Thunder. It’s what my grand-

California, “and who knows where else.” Until finally he and his mom moved to Oregon, upon the recommendation of his stepdad’s friend, who taught in Ashland and thought Thunder could use some stability.

It was in his fourth grade classroom that Thunder,

and stepmom—art was always encouraged.”

Ashland also happens to be a cultural hot spot. Home to the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival and routinely ranked among the best small art towns in America.Ashland bursts at the seams with award-win-

in 1996, I just happened to be in a skate park in California — I was really good at rollerblading at the time — and someone asked me if I wanted to be in a show at Magic Mountain. That literally changed my life. I didn’t even know that world existed. Crazy, right? I fell

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into stuntman and acrobatic shows just by saying hi to someone at a skate park.”

To anyone that meets him, it’s not far-fetched at all. Gregarious, friendly, chatty, curious, and extremely high-energy, there obviously needed to be an outlet for all that energy.

Stunts certainly fit that bill, and it’s no coincidence that art and creativity play a dynamic role in acrobatics. But it was this seismic encounter in RT’s life that shifted his whole career trajectory.

He worked for Disney in 1997, returned to LCAD in 1998, then landed the opportunity to open Tarzan Rocks at Animal Kingdom, where he met his wife.

Then back to LCAD to graduate cum laude in 2001 with a BFA in Illustration.

RT and his wife followed opportunity and adventure around the globe, taking every role Disney threw at them: California, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Europe, Florida, back to California.

Between Disney assignments, there were Universal Studios stunt shows, and even a stint with the workshop cast for Cirque du Soleil’s “Love, The Beatles” in Canada and Vegas.

After a decade of nomadic living, the pair decided to settle down in Central Florida. Universal and Disney have

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continued to be RT’s bread and butter, keeping him tumbling, skating, jumping, fighting, and every other “ing” needed on set.

But the goal was always to transition back to art.

“As a stunt person, you only have a certain lifespan,” RT says. “It’s not a career you can take into retirement. Your body usually gives out long before you’re 50, so there has to be a Plan B. Some people go into production or transition into media management. For me, the goal has been slowly transition into art full-time.”

For the last five or six years, RT’s been steadily producing art, showing pieces at SoBo Gallery, judging shows, participating in community events. There’s a mural he did at Main House Market

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along with other pieces he has for sale. There are freelance art, photography, and graphic design projects in the pipeline, and a slew of projects he does with some local artist friends (“Freelance can be incredibly lonely.

So whenever possible, I always try to work friends into my projects. It’s more fun that way!”) Yet, in the end, it’s the pen-and-ink method that captures the most attention.

Perhaps it’s the simplicity of sketching paired with the subtle wash of watercolor. Or that it’s where RT feels most like himself, a rolling thunder channeling its energy into a beautiful new chapter.

A place where tumbling ever-so-slowly makes way for art. The pen being mightier then the sword, if you will.

Find RT’s artwork for sale at Main House Market in Winter Garden or visit @rollingthunderimagery on Instagram

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TH E CL A S SI CIST

Nina Swope

Before he was “B.B. King,” Riley King was just a kid playing guitar on the streets of Mississippi for change. With her own guitar (and a skinning knife for protection), Jewel took her music alfresco from Alaska to Mexico. Even Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran used busking as launching pad to greatness.

And so hopes 29-yearold Nina Swope, the dynamic violinist you’ve most likely seen busking on Plant Street every weekend.

“I feel very connected to Winter Garden, energetically,” Nina says. “The local history, the overall feel.

There’s emotion baked into the streets, and I can feel the energy from the people passing by. That’s what makes it so fun!”

Indeed, street musicians produce the soundtrack of our cities. There is a unique relationship between buskers and fans that only occurs in the streets, with no security

staff or ticket prices. “Every time, it’s a totally different experience, and I enjoy that,” says Nina. “You never know what people will ask for: Jazz and pop, hip-hop, country. I’ve had people show up with sheet music for me.”

The weirdest request?

“Wu-Tang Clan,” she laughs. “It was a good time.

I didn’t even know the song, so they played it for me. Then I did it by ear.”

Here’s the thing: Nina

busks for pure pleasure. The tips are nice; the applause even better; but Nina has been making a living as a professional violinist for decades. “I got my first paycheck at 7 years old!”

She’s played with Mannheim Steamroller, STYX, OneRepublic, Andrea Bocelli, Johnny Mathis, and most recently, Jackie Evancho. There’s any number of Walt Disney World projects, seasons with the Orlando Philhar-

monic, and the opportunity to play with touring opera, ballet, and theater companies.

All because her grandfather, a professional violinist from Republic of Maldova, who spoke little English, gave Nina her first violin and showed her that music could transcend boundaries, no matter the location or the language.

When she’s not booked on Saturday evenings, you can find Nina Swope busking on Plant Street in front of the NY Deli, and all other times via www.ninaviolinist.com

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Not bad for a radio guy from Kansas City who TH E I LLUM I N ATOR formed Good Theory Studios with his friend, Mark Argenti, 25 years ago. And who still, on occasion, DJs at Thursday all-vinyl night at The Local in College Park. of art and engineering,” Light in art is typically Still, his favorite projseen as little more than an Ian explains. “We blend ects are always right here accent—spotlights, mood things like show-system in Winter Garden. “They automation, LED wall lights, and strobe lights mapping, pixel mapping, aren’t the highest payilluminate or augment ing, but they deliver the and 3D projection mapthe thing you’re actually highest dividend,” Ians ping to create a unique, supposed to see. Yet, it says. “When the giant immersive experience.” raises the question: what spider drops across City In layman’s terms, that happens when the light looks like jaw-dropping ex- Hall during the Halloween is the focus of the art—or when light is the art itself? periences for big names like Experience and everyone It’s in this crosshair that Avicii, Black Eyed Peas, Jus- gasps… I always smile.

We love helping orchesIan McDaniel finds himself tin Timberlake, Maroon 5, the American County Music trate the annual Christmas on a daily basis. Indeed, holiday experience in visual and lighting design- Awards, Apple, Microsoft, Disney, and the Super Bowl downtown. And this year, ers such as him hail from we’re taking what we did XLV Halftime Show. a wide variety of different backgrounds—from engineering and architecture, to theatre lighting and product design—makes it all the more compelling as an art form. But radio?

—Ian McDaniel “Waveforms are waveforms, whether it’s video or audio, right?” Ian says of his former career with a smile and a shrug. It was that kind of thinking paired with his sure-whynot attitude that forged this incredibly artistic career path.

What he does isn’t technically lighting design.

It isn’t technically visual design either. Visual installation design, perhaps? “It’s really a hybrid

Ian McDaniel

last year at SoBo Gallery for Arts In April over to City Hall. Instead of just going up and down on a flat wall, we’re going to be able to use the whole building.

Our content can wrap around edges and corners; it can bounce and move in three dimensions, the kind of experiences we able to give at concert venues with bigger budgets. I’m so excited to be a part of it, and for everyone to see it.”

“The feeling of collaborating with creative people and bringing production technologies together to put on an incredible show never gets old.”

Experience Ian McDaniel’s work on April 30 during Arts In April VIP Experience, or visit www.goodtheorystudios.com

“The feeling of putting on an incredible show never gets old.”

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a matter of timing. “A rep from the library reached out TH E TE ACH ER to my principal to ask if our school had any art she could exhibit. She was interested in displaying artwork from the local community, and revolving art exhibit there. my kids were already a week e have all had or so into their initial art “I had seen another that special teacher do something very projects. We thought this teacher, hamight be a perfect fit.” similar online and I really ven’t we? The one who inThe exhibit features spired and encouraged us to liked the idea. So, I started dozens of portraits combe more and dream bigger. with my younger kids drawposed with crayons and ing with pencil and paper, Stephen M. Cable-Grove met his in seventh or eighth school supplies for art being markers—er, I mean, oil pastel and watercolor—and what they are. Then I took grade. “She was my art the idea to my fifth graders are interesting enough to teacher and inspired me make you want to stop and this past September. They to stick with art. She had an amazing way of making class fun, like you were hanging out with an aunt or uncle, and she kept you engaged.”

Previously employed as a flight attendant, Stephen started looking around for a new opportunity after being furloughed a couple years ago. “I needed a change from being in an airplane all day and—who Khloe My art piece has a lot of color and Faiden My piece is stating all of shape. Also it has some mistakes, but it is the different thoughts and personalities knew?—I found it ten minmostly about color and shape.

I and other people have. utes from home.” Now, he teaches art at Dillard Street Elementary School. move in closer for a better This is his first year were supposed to create look. You’ll be even more there, and by all accounts, abstract artworks like the impressed when you start he’s pretty good at it. If younger kids, but then my reading the names and ages you’ve been in the Winter fifth graders started to put of the artists. Not mommore of themselves into Garden Branch Library and-dad-and-grandma their work, they became lately, you’ll have seen impressed, but genuinely more like self-portraits.” the proof of his influence touched by the thoughtful How his students’ evolvhanging in various rooms. creativity on display. ing art projects evolved What started as a school The initial showing project for his kids is now a into their own exhibit was

Stephen Cable-Grove

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was predominantly from Stephen’s fifth grade class, but that is evolving, too, as his younger students show interest and get more involved. “We have third, fourth and fifth graders represented now. I change up their assignments to challenge them and keep them interested. They learn different lessons. We’ve done paintings and collages and I try to keep the subjects fresh. For example, we’ve worked on everything from Valentine’s Day to Black History Month.”

ZA’Khi My artwork is a symbol of the ocean and peace. She is sitting under water watching the civilization of the peaceful fish swimming.

Each of these master works takes around twoand-a-half weeks to finish.

“I can spot those students who may be a little further along than the rest of the class,” Stephen says.

“When they’re working, I walk around and point things out. I try to get them

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to think about what they’re doing. ‘Why this color?’

‘Why did you choose this image?’ ‘How would you make better use of the space there?’”

There are many adults who couldn’t compose the kind of artwork that this classroom has bursting at the seams. “Granted, the first go-round I hand-selected paintings from the kids who were trying hard to do their very best. They were already inspired by some of the art we’d seen and learned about in class.

online, videos, TV. They’re constantly seeing more and taking in more every minute of every day.”

The question remains: how were these young artists able to channel their own creativity so well?

According to Stephen, the answer has very little to do with “talent,” and a lot to do with motivation. “I believe art, this art or any art, is simply a great outlet for the kids. It provides a wonderful break from their other instruction and the periodic testing that they

sure and ask them if there is something else, something specific they might want to learn more about.”

Having their art displayed and celebrated by their community is another pretty great motivator. “It’s an honor to have their achievements chosen for display. It’s something they should be proud of—and boy are they,” Stephen says. “They tell all their families, their friends, I hear them bragging to each other all the time. They remind each

Stephen plans to continue recognizing his young artists’ creations for as long as he’s allowed to keep updating the exhibits—and is also scoping out other venues that would be willing to let them display even more art.

“I want to keep things fresh by switching up the selection and singling out different kids the next time if I can. I take every opportunity to give as many students as possible the experience and the thrill of being recognized for their work,” he says. “These sorts of projects go a long way toward building self-confidence in these young kids.

They start getting a sense that what they do, matters. And that right there?

Hands down, that is what I am most proud of.”

Clockwise starting from top left: CurTaisha A pretty Rainbow girl who is Black, beautiful and is a Queen. She’s a star and a female rapper who is the best.

Kaiyden I use the color blue to keep a very chill picture. Most people to the beaches so they can relax so I put the color blue.

Jasmine I was going for a feeling in the skin with different colors and the body is very different. And the background and I thought of outside.

Plus, these were really focused kids,” Stephen says.

“Are they more creative?

I wouldn’t necessarily say that. But if you think about it, kids these days receive so much more creative input compared to how it used to be. They have iPads, cellphones. They have access to

have to prep for. It helps them deal with what’s going on in the world,” Stephen says. “I am also very careful to tell them how well they’re doing.

That’s important. I want to support them and be their cheerleader in the corner.

If they’re interested, I’ll be

other whose work was in there. They talk about how they made the exhibit and where their paintings are hanging. They are so proud of what they’ve done and I believe that is a good and healthy feeling. It’s also something kids may not get a lot of lately.”

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Alexia I wanted to use warm colors, but I used all the colors because it’s beautiful.

Cynthia The art I did is made with different shapes. The colors I used were yellow, red, orange, blue, purple, brown.

The top has flowers.

Ashley My art is made about a sunset and dark time and the back is black because I use a lot of color and shape line value.

Lorrainy My art piece is all about the outside and why did I the outside is because the outside is wonderful and bright colors are very pretty.

Caroline I wanted to show change and repetition. I wanted to show change by making the sides of the face different. I wanted to show repetition by using the same colors.

Sherlyn My artwork was inspired by my white tiger plushie.

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Eats+Drinks

Release the Kraken Eight arms and nine brains make for one delicious bite.

H E AT H ER AN N E LEE

I

’m not entirely sure when the octopus swam its way into the culinary spotlight, but I’m not mad about it. During a recent milestone birthday weekend, where I ate my way through Central Florida, I had not two, not three, but four delightfully different octopus encounters. The best was served at brunch, just two miles from home.

Identified taxonomically as mollusks of the Octopoda order, octopus is represented by more than 300 species. With eight paired arms (though two function more as legs), the cephalopod has a beak for biting and eating, and an elaborate defense system that involves squirted ink, jack-be-nimble mobility, and a dazzling ability to camouflage. Some live in reefs; some dwell on the ocean floor; and one

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even made friends with a depressed filmmaker in South Africa. (My Octopus Teacher… go watch it.) Other random facts: they have three hearts, no internal skeleton, and a long-term memory.

It’s one of my favorite things to eat, and if it’s also one of yours, read on.

Not easy to prepare, the nine-brained, blue-blooded denizen of the deep must be tenderized first.

Legendarily, although I have not witnessed this in person, the Greek tradition involves hitting the eightarmed beast against a rock.

A more civilized, modern approach employs a gentle sous-vide bath. Either one, or a myriad of other techniques, when done properly, yields an unbelievably supple texture that puts lobster to shame.

(Fight me, I dare you.)

For Chef Ryan Freelove

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of Market to Table, this is only the start. His painstakingly tender Spanish Octopus is then layered over a grill, imbuing the meat with just the perfect amount of smoke while the tentacles take on an appealing charred appearance and flavor. While most others adore the fat, meaty bits, it’s the charred ends and crispy suckers that deliver the most concentrated bite for me.

Heavenly as that may be, where the dish leaps to life is with the elegantly-plated accoutrements.

The chimichurri, on its own, tasted refreshing and grassy, with just a lingering spiciness and pungency from the garlic. The pickled fresno brought a briney foil to the slightly chilled new potato salad.

Each perfectly crafted forkful —warm, smoky, tender-crisp octopus over

chilled potato, generously anointed with a holy oil of chimichurri and pickled fresno. I may no longer be Catholic, but I know when a genuflection is appropriate.

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Eats+Drinks

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Canvas

Brewing a better beer experience with visually stunning art that stand out on the shelf.

TAR I N SCAR BR O UG H

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couple is enjoying a bottle of wine on the couch, staring deeply into the beer cooler, engrossed in a puzzled exchange. I approach to see if I can help, and the husband asks: “Is the bunny happy or sad?”

Instantly, I understand the reference. Tucked neatly away on the top row in a sea of cans is Tripping Animals “Bad Bunny Pie,” featuring the art of a bunny with glazed over eyes looking engorged, standing over a half-eaten pie.

Riddled with hesitation, I say, “I can’t explain. I just have to show you.” I deliver the can and let them settle the happy-sad debate.

The couple doesn’t drink beer, but the can—more specifically, the artwork on the can—captures their attention. I deliver a variety of other Tripping Animals libations to the table for

F R ED LOPE Z

further discussion. The brand, marked by dilated eyeballs inserted onto any and all animals they feature in their abundance of product, has become a cult favorite. And within a few moments, the duo, who exclusively drinks red wine, share a blackberry, peach, cherry, graham cracker, and vanilla fruited sour… and they like it.

When I’m out selecting a beer, my methods are far from strategic. While certain breweries catch my attention and obvious styles call to me—sours and IPAs being my go-tos—can design is often a deciding factor in what I choose to indulge. I once bought a beer called “Threat Level Midnight” simply because of my obsession for The Office.

And why not? Can design is now a central marketing strategies for breweries, and clever pop culture refer-

ences are an easy tactic for hyping interest. That said, I have found that if the brewery invests in catchy artwork on the outside, more than likely the same love is being put inside as well.

During the pandemic, breweries nationwide needed to find a way to distribute product despite limited business. When my drinking buddies and I discovered Tavour and Craftshack, websites that were auctioning beer we had never heard of, we were elated! It was then I got my first taste of Drekker, a brewery out of Fargo, North Dakota. What was it that drew me to buy their product? THE CANS! They feature vivid colors, detailed skeletons, and symbols woven strategically into the art. Gothic design and intricate skulls, as I have found, are huge selling points for me. Turns out, Drekker also

makes exceptional beer. So much so, that when they finally started distributing in Florida, I purchase every can I encounter. Acting as a movie or concert poster, the detail they display in design perfectly matches the flawless flavor they create.

Bottom line, can art is a leading factor in not only what I buy, but what I sell.

When Civil Society released a Double IPA (DIPA) named “Tricked Out Golf Cart” featuring a lifted golf cart with LED lighting and dice on the mirror, I had to give the people of Winter Garden what they wanted… and it sold out in one weekend.

Just like procuring a piece of art, buy the beer that speaks to you.

Tarin Scarbrough

The Sommelier at The Attic Door. If you like what she pens, you’ll love what she pours! Be sure to stop by and let her know what you think or drink.

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Eats+Drinks I D I N I N G G U I D E

Rita’s of Winter Garden

MENU

119 S Boyd Street, Winter Garden / 407-347-8698 ritasice.com Carrying out its motto of “Ice Custard Happiness,” Rita’s is now making downtown Winter Garden a whole lot sweeter.

Passionate about scooping, scraping, swirling, and blending, Rita’s famous Italian Ice is made fresh daily. And with a rotating selection of over 95 mouthwatering flavors, your favorite is almost always available. At Rita’s one thing is always true: Our treats may be frozen, but our hearts are always warm. Open Year-Round!

CONCRETES — Custard blended with 2 of your favorite toppings and stuffed with Hot Fudge or Hot Caramel.

HOURS Mon-Thur 2pm-8pm Fri 2pm-9pm Sat 11:30am-9pm Sun 1pm-8pm

1

OFF

$

ANY LARGE CONCRETE APRIL ONLY

David Ramirez Chocolates WINTER GARDEN 426 W Plant Street / 407-614-8278 ORLANDO 2154 Central Florida Parkway / 407-816-7400 davidramirezchocolates.com At David Ramirez Chocolates, we place a high value on using the best ingredients available, sourced from across the globe. Our goal is to bring you a superior product, and create an immersive and memorable culinary experience. We approach every creation with a focus on quality and artistry. Our team is trained in the old-world style, while incorporating innovative and pioneering techniques and flavors.

WG HOURS Mon-Thur 12pm-8pm Fri 11am-9pm Sat 10:30am-9pm Sun 11am-6pm

Experience

OUR BRAND

NEW

PASTRIES MENU

Thai Blossom 99 W Plant Street, Winter Garden / 407-905-9917 mythaiblossom.com Fragrant curries and soups, silky noodles, stir fries, and grilled meats, with plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diners, too—Thai Blossom serves some of the most delightful and crave-worthy experiences on Plant Street. Authentic, easy and always cooked to order, it’s the perfect choice for workday lunch, go-to dinner dates, and special celebrations alike. Experience our culinary flavors and your love of Thai will blossom.

Recognized by The Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Magazine for having delicious and A-grade Thai cuisine.

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Foodie Award Critic’s ChoiceOrlando Sentinel | Orlando Dining Awards- Orlando Magazine

HOURS Mon-Fri Lunch: 11AM-3PM Dinner: 5PM-9PM Sat&Sun: 11AM-9PM

NO.1 BEST

THAI RESTAURANT

ORLANDO READER’S CHOICE ORLANDO MAGAZINE MULTIPLE YEARS INCLUDING 2021

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MENU HOURS Tues-Thurs 11AM-7PM Fri 11AM-8PM Sat 11AM-7PM Sun 11AM-3PM

MENU

HOURS WG Sun-Sat 7am-3pm WIN Sun-Sat 7am-5pm

10% OFF DELICIOUS CRÊPES SWEET OR SAVORY

Eats+Drinks

Pammie’s Sammies 121 S Boyd Street, Winter Garden / 407-730-3212 / pammiesammies.com Feed the Soul. Craft with Love. Serve from the Heart. That’s the record-setting recipe behind Pammie’s Sammies, a fun sandwich space with funk woven into its atmosphere and baked into every dish. And yet, the Pammie’s Sammies Experience is more than just great food. Our goal is to create a vibe where everyone feels like family. Go ahead, come as you are. Rest your head, put up your feet, sing to the music, and talk with your neighbors. Eat with your hands, if you must! With food that is thoughtfully sourced, earth friendly, and tastefully adventurous, our menu is composed of old family recipes alongside new and tasty trends. Each visit delivers something new and different on the plate, perfectly paired with great tunes and better conversation among friends.

The French Café WINTER GARDEN 16412 New Independence Pkwy / 407-500-4050 WINDEMERE 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd / 407-500-0306 thefrenchcafe.com Do you feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy neighborhood café in Paris, sipping a French coffee while the smell of fresh pastries fills the air? You may be surprised to find you’re not in France at all; instead, you’re enjoying a meal at The French Café. Try our one-of-a-kind pastries baked fresh daily by our acclaimed chef. Join us for a relaxing breakfast on the weekend or stop in before that evening movie for a delightful dinner. We can’t wait to say bienvenue to you!

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Eats+Drinks I D I N I N G G U I D E

Market To Table 146 W Plant Street, Winter Garden / 407-395-9871 market2table.com Nestled in the Heart of Historic Downtown, Market To Table creates Modern American cuisine with classical influences. Chef/Owner Ryan Freelove’s seasonal dinner menu offers a delightful mix of traditional, yet elevated, dishes, like the Filet Mignon or Braised Short Rib. But it’s the newly inspired brunch menu that is truly buzzworthy. Come for the giant Bloody Deluxe (trust us!), House Cured Gravlax, and Parmesan Truffle Fries. Stay for the “Fry Up” English Breakfast and Shakshouka. Before you leave, you’ll be making dinner reservations. It’s just that good.

INFO HOURS Tues-Fri 5PM-9PM Sat 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM Sun 11AM-3PM

EXPERIENCE

OUR NEW

BRUNCH Saturday 11am - 2pm Sunday 11am - 3pm

STK Steakhouse ORLANDO 1580 Buena Vista Drive / 407-917-7440 stksteakhouse.com/venues/orlando/ STK is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience combining the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails, elevated Happy Hour and chic décor along with an in-house DJ, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience. The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner — the brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

HOURS LUNCH Mon-Fri 11am-3pm DINNER Sun-Thu 3pm-10:45pm Fri & Sat 3pm-11:115pm $30 BOTTOMLESS

BRUNCH MIMOSAS & BLOODY MARYS BRUNCH HOURS: SAT & SUN 9:30AM-3PM RESTRICTIONS APPLY

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Near+Afar

Basquiat Case One man’s trash is another man’s day trip.

MAR K McWATE R S

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rt, like beauty, is within the eye of the beholder. I personally believe there’s nothing more beautiful then the one be-holding my beverage. So spending a beautiful spring day at a museum?

Indoors? No, thank you. I’d rather pluck gray hair from my mustache.

And yet, my interest in art was piqued when I

read about an exhibit that might be full of fakes.

The temptation to live my own version of Made You Look proved too compelling. Which is how I found myself making the trek—and as anyone who has driven on I-4 during Spring Break knows, it is a trek—to visit Heroes & Monsters at the Orlando Museum of Art.

I huffed and puffed, of course, but truth be told, I was intrigued. This one tank trip (aren’t they all at nearly $5 a gallon? harumph) down memory lane was actually pretty fun for a history buff like me. My partner, Frances Hight, and I started with

pre-Colombian sculpture of the ancients who once inhabited the Americas.

(I’m not that old, but there are days where I feel like crumbling marble.) From there we set the dial on our flux capacitor for Europe in the 16th century and visited awhile with Rubens, Rembrandt and friends. Louis Dewis ushered us into the twentieth

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century through his masterful collection of landscapes. (Though I am not a huge fan of landscapes, this exhibit changed my mind. Insert teeth gnashing, for good effect.)

But the real star of the afternoon—and the one that brought a crowd of fellow day trippers into the museum on this sunny Sunday—was the exhibit of 25 pieces by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

An artist who lived and worked on the streets of New York and California, Basquiat rose from living in a cardboard box in 1980 to becoming the darling of the art world in eight years. However 1982 was the year most art critics consider his most prolific and successful, wherein he completed the paintings on display at OMA. Basquiat sold the entire collection of paintings for $5,000 in 1982 to Thaddeus Mumford, a successful Hollywood TV writer. Mumford promptly deposited them

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in his storage locker. He reportedly did not like the paintings, never brought them into his home, never told his family he even had them. As a consequence, the paintings never hung in any exhibitions (before now) and more importantly, never came under the critical eyes of art historians. They were never seen and never officially added to the existing portfolio of known Basquiat artworks.

Hence, the controversy surrounding them.

The paintings hanging in front of me are certainly unusual, not just in style, but because they are all painted on ragged pieces of scavenged cardboard; an homage, apparently, to his years of living on the street. That may explain why, when Mumford’s storage locker was auctioned off for non-payment of fees, the winning bidder saw the stack of random cardboard inside and tossed it into a dumpster. Luckily, he described his auction win

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during a phone call to a friend and fellow “picker” who convinced him he should give the cardboard another look.

Today, Basquiat’s paintings command stratospheric prices. In 2017, Sotheby’s auctioned one for $110.5 million, the highest price paid for an American artist at auction. The collection in Orlando is reportedly valued at a cool $200 million; quite a contrast to its original sales price. Unfortunately, to add more drama to the rags to riches story, Basquiat never re-

ally enjoyed the financial benefits of his success. He died in 1988, a victim of a voracious drug habit.

Was it Basquiat’s movie script life that drew the crowd to the museum on Sunday? Was it the chance to see a revolutionary art collection that may rank as one of the finest in the world? Or, was it simply peer presure or coercion? (garumph) Personally, I think the chance to see 25 pieces of cardboard pulled from a dumpster, hung in a gallery, and now valued in the millions of dollars, is reason enough to take the trip.

If you’re getting married or moving homes, we will help fill your kitchen.

Rhetoric Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local

Loose Ends An incomplete memoir of incomplete hobbies

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ere lies the lost and forgotten. All my drawings left undrawn, my weaves left unwoven, my passion projects that never saw the light of day, not because they were unworthy, but because I got bored and something else looked way cooler.

I’m a serial craft killer, and I do feel some remorse; each new project was so fun and fulfilling during the three days or so that I cared about it. The best way to honor those memories, of course, would be to go back and finish what I started.

But I’m not going to do that, so instead, I will recognize them here and, with the tolling of their death knell, properly lay them to rest: One hand-crocheted triangle scarf that was a gift for an acquaintance.

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I spent four skeins of yarn and 20 hours on it. It still waits at the bottom of my yarn bag, even though I haven’t seen that acquaintance in half a decade now.

I don’t even remember how to finish it. Ding.

The fantasy novella I started to write in seventh grade, and then the other one I started in eleventh grade, and then the other one I started in my junior year of college. I stick with poetry now. Ding.

At least five potted plants that gave their lives so I could be one of those Millennials who had potted plants for a while. Ding.

Two dozen decorative canvases, frames, and other decor sitting in my office in a neat little pile.

I took them all down last December in order to “re-

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hang them better.” Ding.

Three hearty servings of a home-cooked veggie skillet dinner I made last weekend as “meal prep.” I got sick of it and went to Chipotle after the second one. Ding.

One knitted swatch of my favorite yarn that was supposed to be a glove until I realized knitting sucks and crochet is way easier. Ding.

Five or six facemasks I stitched together back when people still cared about the aesthetics of a facemask. It was my first time using a sewing machine. You can tell. Ding.

Too many too-long pairs of pants I haven’t donated because I was definitely going to hem them. I’m definitely still going to do it. Ding.

A box of dried Crayola markers and coloring books with an eighth of their pages

a quarter of the way colored in. I always start a new one because the vibes are off with the old one now. Ding.

A five-inch embroidery hoop and linen that were part a $30 starter kit I bought from Michael’s when I decided I was suddenly super into embroidery. It is dripping with the colorful threads of the loose ends I never tied off. How symbolic. Ding.

And, uh, this. This article, which I’m writing way too close to presstime. Ding.

(Sorry.)

OK, cool, we’re done, my conscience is cleared.

I think I’m finally ready to throw these old crafts away… so I can fish them right back out of the trash for the next project because we’re all about upcycling now, baby!

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