So much arts goodness in Central Florida, I can’t keep up
October traditionally overflows with arts events, and this year is no exception. Want to take in colorful art, party Gatsby-style, visit a museum for free, return to the 1990s for a night or choose a theater’s upcoming show? We’ve got the scoop.
VICTOR BOKAS: On view now at the Art & History Museums — Maitland is a new exhibit of work by Central Floridian Victor Bokas. Titled “A Bold and Colorful Journey,” the exhibition features more than 100 paintings and mixed-media works created during the past two years. Among the highlights: Multiple colorful palm-tree variations, 60 collages marking the artist’s birthday, 3D pieces and interactive works. All the art is inspired by the Gulf Coast, Florida Kitsch and Bokas’s Greek heritage, the museums say.
“Victor Bokas: A Bold and Colorful Journey” runs through Jan. 23 at the Maitland Art Center, 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland. Info: artandhistory.org
WINTER PARK PAINTOUT & GREAT GATSBY GALA: The Polasek Museum will offer free admission Oct. 10-16 in celebration of its annual Winter Park Paintout. The Winter Park museum and decorative garden, at the former home of sculptor Albin Polasek, will host 25 artists who paint in the plein-air style, while visitors are encouraged to watch them at work.
During the week, the artists will create more than 200 works to be sold at the culminating event on the evening of Oct. 16: The Great Gatsby Garden Gala, which also celebrates the Polasek’s 60th anniversary. With its “Great Gatsby” Roaring ‘20s theme, guests are invited to come in costume to enjoy the art, food and entertainment.
Tickets are $125 in advance, $135 at the door and include a $50 coupon toward the purchase of artwork. Info: Polasek.org
AUTISM & ART: The Lake County Museum of Art and the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities on Oct. 15 will open “Spectral Evidence IV,” featuring artists on the autism spectrum.
The artistic work will include digital graphics, drawings and photography. The opening reception, 4-7 p.m. Oct. 15, will include a musical recital.
“Spectral Evidence IV” will be on view through Oct. 30 at the museum, 213 W. Ruby St. in Tavares. Info: lakeartmuseum.com YOU PICK THE
SHOW: Time is running out on a unique fundraiser in which theatergoers can pick a show for Theatre South Playhouse’s season. For $5 per vote, fans can choose among the musicals “Dogfight,” “Altar Boyz,” “Nunsense” or “Baby.” The winner will be produced by the southwest Orlando theater and school in early 2022.
If you are unfamiliar with one or more of the shows, stop by the Playhouse’s Fall Cabaret night at 7 p.m. Oct. 15. Actors who lost gigs at Disney’s “Finding Nemo — The Musical” and other theme-park shows because of COVID19 will sing selections from each of the four musicals to help audience members make up their minds. The voting ends that night.
Theatre South Playhouse is in The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips plaza, 7601 Della Drive in Orlando. Info: theatresouthplayhouse.org
THE MIGHTY ORGAN: If you still haven’t heard the amazing pipe organ at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, here’s your chance to do so for free — with an organ superstar at the keys.
The basilica, in the Lake Buena Vista attractions area, installed and unveiled the organ shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15, Peter Richard Conte will give a free concert as the dedication recital for the new 5,200-pipe Schoenstein instrument.
Conte serves as the Wanamaker Grand Court Organist at the famed Philadelphia Macy’s, where he presides over the world’s largest fully functioning musical instrument.
Known for his musical arrangements and creative silent-film accompaniment, Conte was named the fourth Wanamaker Grand Court Organist in 1989.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, is located at 8300 Vineland Ave. in Orlando, near the Lake Buena Vista exit 68 off I-4. Parking is also free. Info: 407-239-6600
BACK TO THE 1990S: Page 15’s annual fundraiser is back after a COVID hiatus in 2020, and this year the children’s literacy nonprofit is taking visitors to the flannel days of yore — the 1990s.
“Orlando Mixtape: 90s Edition” will be headlined by Anti-Idol, playing the era’s pop, rock and grunge. (Anti-Idol features members of Seven Mary Three, L.A. Guns and The Blue Man Group, by the way). Also, local DJ The Reverend will spin 1990s tunes.
In the past, the “Mixtape” fundraiser has spotlighted classic rock, the British Invasion and 1980s pop; the 2019 installment raised more than $50,000 for Page 15’s programs that advance literacy and resiliency for underserved youths in communities such as Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood.
The show is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the outdoor concert space at Ace Café, 100 W. Livingston St. in Orlando. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. A $100 VIP preshow experience starts at 6 and includes specialty craft cocktails inspired by the 1990s. Info: Universe.com/ mixtape