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Arts in April 2023
ARTS IN APRIL 2023
In celebration of World Art Day, the Winter Garden Art Association and community partners will host a series of events throughout the month of April to raise awareness for local art organizations and artists, while providing opportunities for the community to explore and create art. All of the events are FREE, except for the fundraiser Art Night VIP.
KIDS ART SESSIONS AT THE FARMERS MARKET
Kids will enjoy the free art activities hosted by the Winter Garden Art Association under the Art Tent at the Winter Garden Farmers Market.
Saturday │ April 8, 15, & 22
9:00 am – 12:00 pm │ Free
Winter Garden Farmers Market/Parking Garage Plaza, 160 S. Boyd Street
PROJECTION ART SHOW ON CITY HALL
Artists’ works will be illuminated on the front façade of City Hall, creating a visually stunning immersive art experience. The public is invited to stroll by, grab a nearby bench, or bring a chair to enjoy the beautiful display powered by projection mapping.
Saturday, April 30 │Time TBA
City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
CHALKIN’ IT UP SIDEWALK ART CONTEST
The Bloom & Grow Garden Society presents the annual Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest at Spring Fever in the Garden. Contestants of all ages bring the area in front of City Hall to life with nature-related art. The contestants start at daybreak and judging takes place at 4:00 pm. Stroll by and see their creativity in action. The amazing creations will remain for viewing throughout the weekend, weather permitting.
The contest is free to enter and prizes will be awarded. Contestants must bring their own chalk and supplies. Space is limited and registration deadline is March 17, springfeverinthegarden.org/chalk.
Saturday, April 1 │ Contest, 6:00 am - 4:00 pm (Judging) / Viewing, All Day
Sunday, April 2 │ Viewing, All Day
City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
EXHIBITION: TOP CHOICE FINE ARTS ANNUAL AWARDS SHOW
SOBO’s Annual Awards Exhibition showcases the best 2D & 3D works of art. Awards are presented for Best of Show, People’s Choice, Curator’s Choice, and Multiple Medium Category Winners.
Exhibit
April 1 - May 27
Tuesday – Friday │11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday │ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street │ Free
Opening Reception
April 6, 5:30 - 8:00 pm │ Public Invited
SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street │ Free
Call to Artists
Outside Call to Artists for Top Choice Annual Awards Show -- DEADLINE: March 1-8
Artists are encouraged to submit their best 2D & 3D works, open to all types of artistic entries. Winning entries will be featured as part of the Top Choice Annual Awards Show that will be on display April 1 - May 27 at SOBO Art Gallery.
Entries are accepted March 1 - 8, 2023. Submit at wgart.org/artists/call-to-artists.
Exhibition: High School Top Choice Awards Show
A selection of 2D and 3D works of art from area high school students.
Exhibit
April 1 – June 2
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (City Hall operating hours)
City Hall Art in Public Places Gallery, 300 W. Plant Street
Awards Reception
April 6, 5:00 – 6:00 pm │ Public Invited
City Hall Art in Public Places Gallery, 300 W. Plant Street
URBAN SKETCHER COMPETITION
Join artists to paint en plein air at the Winter Garden Farmers Market or anywhere in historic downtown, -- or come witness their creations come to life.
Urban Sketchers: Check in starts at 9:00 am at SOBO Art Gallery. Bring blank paper or canvas to be stamped at check-in. Create art anywhere around Winter Garden Farmers Market or along Plant Street. Submit two photos of completed art (one showing Urban Sketchers stamp) online at wgart.org/urban by 6:00 pm. Winners announced on April 18.
Saturday, April 15 │ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm │ Check-in starts at 9:00 am
SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street │407.347.7996 │ Free
Winter Garden Farmers Market, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue / Along West Plant Street
Art Night VIP -- Immersive Art Experience (annual fundraiser)
Immerse yourself in the arts on this special night that includes a variety of art experiences, a silent art auction, beverages, and light appetizers, Projection Art Show on City Hall, and surprise entertainment.
Individual tickets are $75. Ticket price includes a $35 annual membership to the Winter Garden Art Association, which provides perks throughout the year. Sponsorship packages, which include complimentary tickets, are also available. The event is a fundraiser to benefit the 501c3 non-profit Winter Garden Art Association. Purchase tickets in advance at wgart.org/vip.
Saturday, April 29 │ 6:30 – 10:00 pm
Historic Downtown
Ticketed Event, www.wgart.org/vip
AUCTION
A variety of auction items will be available at SOBO Art Gallery throughout April to preview and bid on. The Auction will also be available during Art Night VIP in addition to a live silent auction. A great way to get unique items while supporting the Winter Garden Art Association.
SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street, 407.347.7996, www.wgart.org.
LIVE MUSIC at Fridays on the Plaza
Music is one of the fine arts and April is a great time to enjoy local talent. Enjoy a free outdoor live music performance every Friday night in historic downtown, hosted by the City of Winter Garden.
Live Music Schedule
- April 7- Sound Traveler Band (Acoustic, Pop)
- April 14- Bird Dog Bobby (Blues)
- April 21- Retro Ramblers (Oldies, Pop)
- April 28- The Lynne Gibson Project (Folk, Bluegrass
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Centennial Plaza Gazebo, Historic Downtown
ART CLASES at SOBO Art Gallery & Studio
Technique Tuesday @ 2pm
A different instructor each week shares knowledge and technique tips. This weekly "create" event is a great opportunity for all skill levels to learn, grow, and be inspired through the talents of other artists. Visit on Tuesdays throughout the month of April as well as all year long.
Tuesdays | 2:00 - 4:00 pm | Free for Members and First Time Visitors
Registration required at wgart.org/tuesday.
SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street, 407.347.7996
Artist Night Studio: Life Drawing
Model is available to draw every Wednesday night.
Wednesdays | 6:30 – 9:00 pm
18 years and older only
$10 member / $15 nonmember (collected at sign in)
SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street, 407.347.7996, www.wgart.org
Open Studio Saturdays
Bring your own supplies and enjoy creating in our studio room -- or on our outdoor front patio with the Farmers Market (open through 1:00 pm) just steps away. Must bring your own drop cloth (and shading if necessary) when painting outside. Reserve your space today at wgart.org/studio-time.
Saturdays | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Members Only
SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street, 407.347.7996. www.wgart.org
CULTURAL EXHIBITS
World War II and West Orange County at Winter Garden Heritage Museum
Visit the Museum during the month of April to view the exhibit featuring photographs and artifacts honoring the service personnel who served in World War II both at home and abroad.
March 1 – May 31 | Free Admission
Winter Garden Heritage Museum
1 N. Main Street
Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
407.656.5244
Spring Open House at Central Florida Railroad Museum
Saturday, April 1 │ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (extended museum hours) │ Special Presentation, 1:00 pm | Free
Pop inside the Central Florida Railroad Museum during the month of April to see the amazing artifacts and memorabilia. On April 1st, the Museum will host an Open House with extended hours and a special presentation at 1:00 pm.
Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S. Boyd Street
Tuesday – Saturday │11:00 am – 3:00 pm │ Free Admission
407.656.0559
LIVE THEATRE
Something Rotten at the Garden Theatre
Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are writing their way through the Renaissance, but are stuck in the shadow of famed playwright William Shakespeare. Sick and tired of failure, Nick visits a less-than-reputable soothsayer, who predicts that musicals will be the next big thing in theatre! The Bottom Brothers scramble to write the world’s first musical while fighting social norms, family struggles, and “The Bard” himself. Will opening night be an over-easy success or a rotten mess?
Starts April 21
Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant Street, 407.877.4736
AND MORE!
Keep an eye out for other “pop-up” art and cultural activities and events in Winter Garden during the month of April.