The Mayflower Navigator Winter 2022

MAYFLOWER THE ARTS ISSUE

inside: COMMUNITY CULTURE Making a Difference ART IS FOR EVERYONE Artists’ Colony

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAYFLOWER AT WINTER PARK WINTER 2022

COMMUNITY Since The Mayflower first opened its doors, the community has nurtured a vibrant, life-enhancing, and mutually beneficial relationship with Central Florida arts organizations.

AN ART FORM FOR THE AGES

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classical music enthusiast who describes opera as “one of the greatest loves in her life,” Ruth McDaniel has been an ardent spokeswoman and supporter of the arts since moving to Central Florida two decades ago. So, in 2016, when the city’s former opera company relaunched as Opera Orlando under the direction of a dynamic Grammy-winning baritone named Gabriel Preisser, Ruth was delighted Opera Orlando’s 2022 season continues at the transformation. “It’s young, exciting through April, with performances in the and vibrant,” she says. “People who never new Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips liked opera before absolutely love it!”

Center for the Performing Arts.

Determined to help the new director appearances at The Mayflower, where succeed, Ruth set about sharing her their studio artists – representing the 99th enthusiasm and making introductions. percentile of hundreds of applicants from “I will never forget the day I met Ruth across the country – McDaniel,” says Preisser. “The first “We are creative beings, perform highlights from the upcoming thing she said was, and the arts are part of us, season. This spring, ‘We need to get you no matter what age we are. the opera will also to The Mayflower.’ premiere a production She connected us You're never too young or of Rigoletto at with so many opera too old to embrace your Orlando’s brand-new lovers, set up concerts Steinmetz Hall – for us, planned creative side.” a state-of-the-art group trips to – GABRIEL PREISSER acoustic building Mayflower resident Ruth McDaniel performances … made possible in part and Opera Orlando director Gabriel She’s really a dynamo, by donors at The Mayflower.

Preisser, pictured after a performance an incredible advocate for the arts.”

“Opera is all about the experience – at the Dr. Phillips Center.

Today, the partnership continues to the gorgeous voices, the booming music, flourish. Opera Orlando makes regular PHOTO COURTESY OF SEMRA EICHELBERGER the costumes,” says Ruth. “And when you have an experience that’s breathtaking, you want to share it with others. We’re excited Welcome to Navigator’s inaugural Arts Issue – celebrating The Mayflower’s about keeping this art form alive.” long legacy of advocating for the arts and recognizing some of the groups that That passion is also a testament to have graciously returned the favor. This symbiotic relationship has spanned the lasting power of opera as an artistic medium, Preisser says: “Opera is part of more than three decades: Our residents love music, theater, dance and visual all of us and has been a part of our history arts, which they support with attendance and philanthropy. In turn, arts since the 1600s. It’s not elitist or stuffy; it’s organizations bring first-class entertainment right to our Standish Center for all for everybody. It’s storytelling on steroids – of us to enjoy. This issue celebrates that special synergy with heartfelt thanks and the stories it tells about humanity are to these organizations for the joy they share … not only with us, but with all of vibrant and genuine. That’s why they still Central Florida. ring true for us today.”

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Y CULTURE WORLD CLASS

Growing up in New York City, Michael Kakos had plenty of opportunities to appreciate classical music at a young age – and after more than four decades living in London, he and his wife Aimee grew accustomed to having a “cultural banquet” close to home.

So, when the couple moved to Winter Park in 2000, they were impressed. “Winter Park may be a city of 30,000 people, but we’ve got three world-class museums, excellent theaters, and outstanding music, opera and ballet – much of it only a few miles away,” says Michael.

The Kakoses, who are currently parttime Mayflower residents, also found numerous cultural events at nearby Rollins College and began attending concerts on campus, impressed by the “wonderful array of musical talent.”

Michael soon joined the board of the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, which was founded in 1935 at Rollins and is Central Florida’s longest-running performing arts organization.

The Bach Choir’s international reputation for excellence has led to several European tours, with concerts in such august venues as London’s Royal Albert Hall and St. Peter’s Basilica, among others. Most recently, the group was selected by London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to collaborate on Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, which was performed in January at the opening of the new

Known as the gold standard for classical music in Central Florida, the Bach Festival Society is led by Dr. John Sinclair (left), pictured here with Board member Michael Kakos.

Dr. Phillips Steinmetz Hall.

Rollins and the Bach Festival Society have a long history with The Mayflower, providing a variety of guest programs and performances – ranging from vocal and piano recitals to acoustic and jazz ensembles.

“We love the people at The Mayflower; we have a very active, very extensive

partnership – and the benefits go both ways,” says Dr. John Sinclair, professor and chair of the music department at Rollins and artistic director/conductor of the Bach Festival Society. “We’d like people to know that we have a servant’s heart, and that we create music that engages and inspires, and serves a purpose for others.”

“Music provides both spiritual and intellectual stimulation. It’s so important to people at all stages of their lives.”

– DR. JOHN SINCLAIR The Bach Festival Choir performs in concert at Rollins’ Knowles Chapel.

The 87th season of Bach Festival Society continues through April.

WINTER 2022 NAVIGATOR | 3 BACH FESTIVAL SOCIETY/COURTESY PHOTO

Mayflower resident and ArtReach Orlando founder Bickley Wilson gave her organization, along with a group of local artists, a permanent home in a converted autobody shop in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORLANDO MAGAZINE

HELPING, HEALING, MAKING A DIFFERENCE...

A “dream come true” for philanthropist Bickley Wilson, ArtReach Orlando is a safe, creative haven for at-risk kids … and a force for positive change in the community.

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“I

t started as a dream – literally.”

That’s how Mayflower resident Bickley Wilson describes her journey toward founding ArtReach Orlando, a nonprofit that fosters creativity and provides counseling to Central Florida children in need.

In her dream, Bickley envisioned a supportive environment where kids who may not have access to the arts could come and create whatever they wanted – a safe space where they could develop self-esteem and emotional resilience and be empowered to imagine the positive changes they wished to see in their lives. There were only two rules: “You can’t paint on the walls, and you can’t paint on each other.”

The idea was right in Bickley’s wheelhouse: A former fashion director, she later earned her master’s in mental health counseling and joined a counseling center that specialized in addiction.

There she spent 20 years working with children from unstable homes, often using art as a therapeutic tool. “That’s where I got my love for kids and art,” she says. “The work was hard, but I really, really loved it.”

After she retired, the feeling never left her. And then … there was that dream.

“I just couldn’t get it out of my head,” Bickley recalls. “Eventually, I talked about it so much that we got some people together to make it happen.”

VISION BECOMES REALITY

When ArtReach Orlando officially launched in 2012, it operated out of a converted van that served as a mobile classroom, bringing activities to neighborhoods with limited transportation. The first program, a week-long summer camp in Bithlo, gave rise to a series of classes for kids at Title I middle schools, farming communities in Apopka, and others.

As ArtReach Orlando grew, the organization sought a permanent location, ultimately repurposing a Parramore auto-body shop into a space that not only housed the nonprofit, but also provided a home for McRae Studios, a group of local artists who were about to lose their lease. Seasoned professionals and budding artistic talents under the same roof … talk about serendipity.

With pottery and woodworking areas, a classroom for kids, an art gallery, high ceilings, lots of natural

light – and experienced “artists in residence” to serve as mentors – Bickley’s dream of a studio where “anyone can create anything” became a reality. “There’s so much positive energy here,” she says. “It’s a place where kids can play, have fun, and also express their feelings without the fear of rejection. If they need to talk to someone, we are available to listen.

That’s incredibly healing.”

As ArtReach Orlando approaches its 10th anniversary this spring, there’s a lot to celebrate and reflect on. “It has exceeded my wildest expectations,” Bickley says. “I’ll walk into the classroom and one of the kids will run and jump into my arms. You can’t capture that feeling in words. Let’s just say I get back far more than I give.”

ArtReach Orlando, founded by Mayflower resident Bickley Wilson, opens doors of discovery by providing programs for youth who may not otherwise have access to art.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARTREACH ORLANDO

ART IS FOR EVERYONE

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eady to pick up a brush, sketch a portrait, or “throw” some pottery? The opportunity may be closer than you think – and for Mayflower residents, it’s right next door.

Adjacent to The Mayflower’s campus, Crealdé School of Art has been a Winter Park landmark since 1975, when it was first envisioned as a way to share the therapeutic qualities of art. “Our founder, Bill Jenkins, taught art to World War II veterans recovering from their experiences on the battlefield,” says Peter Schreyer, Crealdé’s CEO and Executive Director. “He saw it as a healing power and believed it was a force for good that could bring people together.”

Jenkins’ original mission – to make art accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds – is echoed today in the school’s motto: “Art is for everyone.”

“No matter what you’re interested in, no matter your skill level, there’s a place for you here,” says Schreyer.

You can say that again. In addition to cultural outreach projects like the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, Crealdé offers more than 125 classes and workshops ranging from traditional offerings like sculpture, ceramics, painting, and photography to jewelry design, knife-making, and even welding and blacksmithing, to name just a few.

“Right now, people are looking for a break from technology and computers,” Schreyer says. “They want to connect to something simpler that they can feel and touch with their hands – and art is a great way to do that.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREALDE´ SCHOOL OF ART

GETTING BACK MORE THAN YOU GIVE Picasso once said that “art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life,” leaving the artist refreshed, reinvigorated, and inspired – and the same is true for altruism.

Humans are hard-wired to find purpose and joy in helping others, a phenomenon sometimes called the “warm glow” of kindness. And while it’s not a surprise that giving back feels good, it can also be good for you: A growing body of research suggests that older adults who volunteer on a regular basis enjoy better physical health, lower blood pressure, and even a longer lifespan.

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ARTISTS’ COL The power of art is that it knows no boundaries. Anyone, of any age, and from any walk of life can find beauty and meaning anywhere – from the vastness of the universe to a petal on a flower. Just ask these Mayflower residents, whose lives are enriched by artistic expression.

“Creativity, which is inherent in everyone, can be nurtured throughout life,” writes Susan Perlstein, founder of the National Center for Creative Aging.

“Learning does not end when you leave school; it is a project that lasts a lifetime.”

In fact, lifelong learning through the arts offers abundant benefits. Research shows it can improve physical health, strengthen neural connections in the brain, and build positive relationships that buoy emotional wellness.

TALENT IN FULL BLOOM

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ith a blossoming portfolio of acrylics, watercolors and pastels, Steph Nagelson rekindled her love of art after moving to The Mayflower. Specializing in realistic depictions of flora – including roses, orchids and her most recent project, irises – she says: “I go in-depth to try to

capture what I see in each flower – from the vibrant reds, blues, pinks and yellows to the texture of the petals. I like to create a snapshot of what I see.”

A familiar face at the community’s art classes, Steph enjoys seeing other artists develop their skills and build their confidence. “Plenty of folks come in having never picked up a brush in their lives. Then they get started and realize, ‘Oh! I had this ability all along,’” she says.

“So to anyone who thinks they’d like to make art – give it a try.”

Most of all, Steph enjoys getting lost in the creative process: “Looking forward to creating something is soothing; it calms your mind and gives you a sense of well-being and satisfaction. You put your worries behind you, and that simplifies everything. At this stage of life, you don’t want to quit doing things; you want to continue learning and improving.”

Steph Nagelson’s Mayflower apartment is a stunning floral art gallery.

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Mayflower artist Elizabeth Cragin says portraits “capture not only the essence of the person, but the essence of the painter, as well.”

PAINTING FOR PLEASURE

“I’ve always painted people,” says lifelong artist Elizabeth Cragin, who first began drawing when she was a little girl. “In part because I’m a ‘people person’ myself, I love talking with models and capturing my impression of them.”

Although portraits are her specialty and watercolor-based oils are her preferred medium, Elizabeth doesn’t set limits on her style – and she doesn’t accept payment for any of her pieces. Instead, her motto is “painting for pleasure” – following her own creative spirit and creating artwork that speaks to her. “It can rekindle forgotten memories,” she says.

When she’s not working away at her easel, Elizabeth often finds inspiration at art museums and local galleries. “Aside from being visually enriching, art is emotionally enriching,” she says. “It makes your life fuller, better, rounder – it makes you a better person.”

LONY A LIFELONG PASSION

“Some people’s creative outlet is cooking; for others, it’s writing, dancing, or making music. Painting is just another form of holistic expression,” says Rae Delfosse. “And just like cooking, you don’t have to start out by inventing your own recipes. Just take something you know and add a little spin on it – and then build from there.”

As a former art teacher, Rae knows what she’s talking about. After studying at the Art Institute of Chicago and earning her degree in Art Education from the University of South Florida, she went on to teach in public schools for most of her career, continuing to further her own learning by taking “painting trips” to Europe and the Greek Isles.

These days, she’s happy to enjoy art as a hobby – crafting collages by repurposing bits and pieces of her old watercolor landscapes, or painting a contemporary sunset inspired by the “exquisite” views from her Mayflower apartment. “Art is hard work,” she says.

“But you have to keep trying to perfect

your skills. Once you gain confidence, you can be a creator of whatever you want – writing, music, art … anything.”

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

For Jim Downs, painting landscapes offers a relaxing escape from a busy day – and a way to capture the image in his mind’s eye in vivid, expressive strokes.

Inspired to take up painting by artist and former television personality Bob Ross, Jim Downs focuses on landscapes.

For former art teacher Rae Delfosse, nurturing creativity is a holistic process.

“Some people paint from pictures, but I’ve always painted from my imagination,” he says. “I’ll think ‘I could add a tree here’ or ‘How about a little hill here,’ and before I know it, I’ve made something new.”

Jim first picked up painting after his niece gave him a book by artist Bob Ross (best known as the curly-haired host of PBS’s The Joy of Painting) – and never looked back. These days, he uses fast-drying acrylics instead of oil paints, but he still enjoys the meditative art of landscape painting. “At times, you feel like the brush is doing the painting – and you’re just watching to see what happens next,” he says. “It’s a breath of fresh air.”

LOTS OF OPTIONS Among the many advantages of life at The Mayflower are the variety and accessibility of intellectually stimulating programs. “We try to offer something for everyone: music lovers, art lovers, writers, you name it,” says Veronica Carwile, Lifestyles Director. “When it comes to creative activities, there are lots of options.”

Sit Back and Enjoy the Show. While Mayflower residents often travel to venues like the Dr. Phillips Center and Winter Park Playhouse, they can also enjoy live performances right at home, including programs from Opera Orlando, Bach Festival and Rollins College (see p. 2-3), the Central PHOTO COURTESY OF FESTHAUS MUSIG Florida Playhouse and Central Florida Vocal Arts, along with mini-concerts by the Festhaus Musig Band, an Oktoberfest favorite. For those eager to expand their intellectual horizons, The Mayflower also hosts monthly art-appreciation lectures

from the Orlando Museum of Art – as well as docent-led tours through the museum’s latest exhibitions.

Or Do It Yourself. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, there are plenty of opportunities. Join The Mayflower Singers, the community’s choir. Learn to sing and strengthen your voice by attending Voice Class, led by Central Florida Vocal Arts.

Participate in our creative writing group.

Or enroll in classes that will teach you to craft jewelry or greeting cards, paint in watercolors, sketch in charcoals, or hone your skills in acrylics and oils. “I’m learning skills I never thought of before,” says resident Henry Morrell. “And I’m having a lot of fun doing it!”

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1620 MAYFLOWER COURT | WINTER PARK, FL 32792

88141 PRAD FNL 3/2022

Join Us for Brunch Why Having a Life Plan Is Such a Good Investment

Presenting Our April Information Session

Investing in Your Future

April 13, 2022

After spending the past two years in virtual limbo, isn’t it time to get on with the rest of your life? If you’re looking for a less stressful future – emotionally, physically, and financially – don’t wait a moment longer to discover what a Life Plan Community can do for you.

WHAT: Brunch at our place, prepared by Chef Jake WHEN: Wed., April 13 • 10 a.m.

WHERE: The Mayflower at Winter Park 1620 Mayflower Court Winter Park, FL 32792 R.S.V.P.: By April 6 In the interest of safety, given the current situation with COVID-19, face coverings are required and will be provided regardless of vaccination status.

Call 407.672.1620 or email taylor@themayflower.com to R.S.V.P. for you and a guest. Limited seating is available.