Day Trip: Sanford Art Walk

Sanford Art Walk
July 23, 2010
6 – 9pm

Six venues in Historic Downtown Sanford will participate in the Sanford Art Walk on the fourth Friday of the month. The downtown arts venues are joining forces to sustain the momentum achieved by the Historic Sanford Welcome Center’s Fourth Fridays event that takes a break over the course of the summer.

“We’ve seen great support for the Fourth Fridays events and the crowds have been strong. Sanford has so much to offer! We want folks to visit our downtown shops, galleries, restaurants, and music spots and keep coming back,” says gallery manager Mary Shaw, of Jeanine Taylor Folk Art.

Voted “Best Downtown Shopping District” in the May 2010 edition of Orlando Home & Leisure magazine, part of Sanford’s charm is attributed to what the art galleries add to the eclectic mix.

In addition to strolling the brick lined streets, visitors can also opt for a horse and carriage ride, thanks to Wheels of Romance and Thor the friendly horse. For a group of four, you can pay $20 for a 20 minute excursion along the lakefront and the scenic downtown. The carriage ride is headquartered at the corner of Palmetto Avenue and 1st Street.

Locations of each venue and brief descriptions of the evening’s events follow.

Little fish Huge Pond, at 309 E. 1st St. will be present a multi-artist show entitled “Other Gods.” Artist and promoter Jef Shelby has assembled a cast of characters not unlike that of a favorite cult film. With ego to spare, these artists show us that you can laugh at the serious and enjoy the sting of their wits. Jef Shelby charms us with grandiose cynical narratives; Jasmin Jung shows off her ironically charged imagery; Elisa Dallas thrills us with her cast of creatures that go bump in the night and day; and Morgan Steele, combines whimsy with social empathy. For more information, call 407-221-1499.

Art Affair Gallery, at 301 E. 1st Street, will showcase the work of emerging artist Melinda Daddis who does Dr. Seuss inspired ink illustrations. In addition, the sculpture students of Peter Ceretta will display recent work. You’re invited to join the artists for an after party at Two Blondes and a Shrimp. For more information, call 407-466-6365.

Framing 508 Gallery, at 508 S. Sanford Ave , will feature the international artist, Alfredo Mujica with his neo-cubist style of outstanding geometric vision and hyper/colorist sensitivity. Mujica is also known for his delightful caricatures and will entertain visitors with a demonstration. Framing 508 Gallery is also excited to announce the addition of Healthy Coffee to their line of business, a delicious energizing Coffee, Chai Tea and a Healthy Energy drink all containing Ginseng and Reishi. Free coffee tastings will be held throughout the evening. For more information, call 407-324-1577.

Riverhouse Pottery and Art Center, at 118 S. Palmetto Ave., will be featuring artist Jan Mackenzie, also knows as JMac, whose unique painting style has been recognized worldwide. Mackenzie is a 3rd generation artist working in acrylics and oil on canvas, creating a one of a kind energy and flow that is unmistakable. Stop in for a visual and tasty treat with hors d'oeuvres prepared by Efes Turkish Restaurant. For more information, call 407-323-9272.

Gallery on First, at 211 E. 1st St., features a diverse collection of local art. Visit with nine studio artists who are available to discuss new works in progress, commissions, art classes and summer camp opportunities. For more information, call 407-323-2774.

Jeanine Taylor Folk Art, at 211 E. 1st St., will host award winning folk artist Melissa Menzer to demonstrate her clay sculpting techniques. Menzer will give a preview of her Memory Jar workshop, scheduled for Saturday, July 24. For more information, call 407-323-2774.