There's no need to be uptight about Central Florida's art scene

Lisa Roberts | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted January 18, 2007

Picture this: You at a gallery opening


The scoop on Third Thursday
Jan 18, 2007

It seems as if all eyes are upon me as I skirt Crealde School of Art's water garden, near where a cluster of art aficionados has gathered over wine, fruit and cheese. Then, a tall fellow with a bush of brown hair meets my eye. He scurries toward the open door of the auditorium, reaching it just before I do.

"Hi, I'm Chris," he says. "What's your name?" I tell him. "Lisa," he repeats. "Pretty name for a pretty girl."

Though I had chatted with a dozen or more artists, enthusiasts and event organizers about what to expect at the opening of an art exhibition -- a first for me, a newbie on Central Florida's art scene -- I wasn't prepared for such, er, overt friendliness.

Admittedly, all I knew of such gatherings was what I had seen in movies, in which chicly dressed art patrons threw long, assessing looks at newcomers while missing nary a sip from their long-stemmed champagne glasses.

Though there are a few black-tie galas and dress-up, invitation-only gatherings, Orlando's art scene is mostly casual and "not full of a bunch of snobby folks," says Leena Buchy, assistant to the director of Orlando's Downtown Arts District. "Most people are very friendly."

Thanks to the advice of my tutors, who versed me on the subtleties of such gatherings, I spent a pleasant evening chatting with art teachers, a retired UCF professor, a gallery owner, and a raft of artists, including Kyle, a conceptual mixed-media artist who goes only by his first name, and whose exhibition opening I attended.

Want to test the water yourself? Here is a primer on how to break the ice -- and avoid potholes.

Discover your style. You don't have to know anything about art, but it helps to know what you like, says artist and sculptor Mindy Z. Colton. "I think there's different art for different people."

Take time to scout out what interests you by visiting museums or perusing artists and their styles on the Internet, Colton says. Then attend some gallery openings that sound interesting, and hone your knowledge of a particular genre by listening to artists' presentations.

Chat it up. Artists -- even hungry ones -- don't bite. "They all want to talk about their work. They love to talk about the work," Buchy says.

"It's a wonderful experience to have feedback from people," says pastel artist Robin Maria Pedrero, whose studio is in Gallery on First in downtown Sanford. "You get a lot of different responses. Sometimes people rave and are excited. Art has a way of doing that for people." In talking with a piece's creator, "you get to know the life stories of the artwork. That's part of what you take away -- places, people, ideas. That's what it's all about."

If you can't appreciate what an artist is conveying, there's no need to be catty. Besides, you never know who is within earshot. Says Kim Mathis, who teaches art to children at the Maitland Art Center: "Just don't say stuff like, 'My 5-year-old could do that,' " as someone once remarked about one of her pieces.

Make art a part of a special night out. "It's a great date thing," says Mathis. For instance, downtown Orlando's monthly Third Thursdays feature exhibition openings in galleries near restaurants and night spots.

Or, "bring friends, then you can stand there and talk about the exhibit," Colton suggests. If you're participating in an art class, ask fellow students to come along.

Dress the part. "At most openings in Orlando, you can pretty much come as you are," says artist and Sentinel columnist Terry Hummel. "But consider the venue. If it's at the Westin Grand Bohemian Orlando, don't show up in dirty shirt and shorts."

Think business casual. At the Crealde event, there were khakis, long skirts, dresses, jeans and gentlemen in sports coats. Along with a perpetual smile, artist Kyle wore a nice jacket over a button-down shirt.

Nosh nicely. Yes, the food and wine are free at some receptions, such as the Crealde gathering. Often, it's a nonprofit organization or the artists themselves footing the bill for food and drink. Artist Pedrero, for instance, dished up chili and homemade pies to patrons during a recent Sanford event. So, be polite and nibble, but satiate your hunger before or after the event.

Still need a push? Central Florida's regularly scheduled events aren't all about exhibition openings. There are gallery walks, gatherings at museums, and socials that combine art and charity. One of the most popular events is First Thursdays at Orlando Museum of Art, which draws hundreds of patrons with themed programs such as "Chocolate: Food of the Gods and Lovers" on Feb. 1. Check the museum's Web site -- omart.org -- for details on the event.

Lisa Roberts can be reached at 407-420-5598 or lroberts@orlandosentinel.com.

Robin Maria Pedrero
A visual Journey