Third Thursday Gallery Hop
By: Michelle Marks
On a hot and humid summer evening in Orlando, I grabbed a friend and said we were doing the something different then our normal routine. Being an amateur art lover, and always wanting to learn more, I was super excited to attend. The 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop at the Downtown Arts District, with over 20 venues participating in the cosmopolitan fun!
At 6p the hop officially starts, each 3rd Thursday of every month, at the CityArts Factory (the hub of the hop) and runs until 9p. Through the hop you’ll view, a series of galleries showcasing Orlando’s emerging and established artists as well as the nationally and internationally acclaimed ones. Drink, shop, talk, learn, participate, laugh, network; all right there in the heart of Downtown Orlando on a Thursday.
The June Thursday I attended the hop, I was devoured the art, fresh flowers and the BLING furniture (aka artistic inspirations) in the Lee James Floral Gallery. This happened to be my favorite gallery, as an amateur gallery hopper, the exquisiteness of the fresh flowers grabbed me, not only were they at the peak of freshness but they were decorated so lovely either with jewels or just arranged to perfection. The artist featured in this gallery was a 19 year old freshman, Ryan McGuire who’s passion for photography and skateboarding have him on his way to a successful career in photo journalism.
While enjoying the B-Side artist’s work in the Art Café, I met Asaan ‘Swamburger’ Brooks, Who told us the stories behind his work and what they meant to him. Paintings have a whole new meaning when you see what the artist is portraying! LOVED IT!
After experiencing what we did not expect in the hub, we ventured off to as many of the 20+ venues participating in the hop; boutiques, restaurants, bars, photography studios, all with the same concept, to highlight an amazing artist! We stopped in Club 57 West who was showcasing Christopher M W Johnson, Analysis of a Psycho; Animal Ink Blots Gallery. It was fun and interesting looking at abstract paintings with others and despite the name we all interpreted something different. Christopher was interesting and fun as well! He laughed with us and promised us we would enjoy his work and the “game” we were playing.
All in all, I’m so looking forward to the July 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop! I’m excited to see what artists will be featured and who I get to meet next!! For out of towners who find themselves here on the 3rd Thursday or local downtown dwellers, this event is NOT to be missed!
For more and updated information visit http://www.orlandoslice.com/
<3Shel
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