muse P R E S E N T S
In the spotlight
From Broadway plays to community theater, the stages of Lake County are alive with great performances.
Art expresses what words cannot The flourish of a brush, the snap of a camera, the spin of a potter's wheel bring art to life.
Music is life Music expresses love, sorrow, happiness, and a world of emotions among the talented people living in Lake County.
rts Lake County:
in the
heart of Florida
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fine arts
Fine arts have been a part of the communities in Lake County for more than 60 years. Artists of every form have found a home to create wherever they chose to live. When you see the crowds that gather for festivals and shows, you know the community finds what they need in art, too.
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performing arts
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festivals
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music
The stages around this area provide quality entertainment from the comedy of Monty Python to the drama of “A Doll’s House,” which resonates with a contemporary message. Community theaters engage residents every night, and Broadway plays light the stages of performing arts centers. 1 3 A R T I S T P R O F I L E : Darlin Barry
Residents never have to leave town to enjoy the beauty and bounty of an arts festival. The first one was held in Mount Dora, and today, most of the communities have their own festival to highlight the work of local and renowned artists.
There’s music every night in almost every town in Lake County. Whether you enjoy the power and legacy of classical music or the beats that make you get up and dance, you can celebrate the force and energy of music wherever you are. 2 1 A R T I S T P R O F I L E : Beautiful Bobby Blackmon S I D E T R A C K S
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Here are interesting pieces of information about people, places, and events in the history of Lake County arts.
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9 visual arts tour Learn about the annual Off the Beaten Path Florida Arts Tour, a free, self-guided event.
17 painting a quieter picture
History visits Mount Dora every year with the Florida Highwaymen. Their art is unique and reflects original Florida.
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Whether you’re a budding young artist with a desire to express yourself or creating art is on your bucket list, you can find a place to learn how to do it with style in Lake County.
Welcome!
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ere’s to new beginnings as we celebrate the events and performances of the 2018-2019 Arts Season Preview. We’re very excited to launch the new season of arts in Lake County with Muse, a new publication that inspires. Within these pages you’ll find a great selection of enticing experiences: performances that move you to laugh and cry, gallery exhibits that enlighten your mind and touch your soul, and cultural events that entice you to celebrate honored traditions and new adventures. Local patrons have long embraced beloved community theater productions along with diverse local arts series performances. There is truly something for everyone, from the youngest audience member to the seasoned patron who is young at heart. Lake County boasts many quaint galleries as well as innovative art festivals that feed body and soul. Take time to visit nature centers in pristine settings, explore museums filled with hidden treasures, and a one-of-a-kind historic village that offers unique experiences to step back in time. We welcome all visitors and thank you for choosing Lake County as your destination. Whether you are escaping the weekday grind for a weekend getaway, out to discover a unique Florida gem, enjoying one Lake County is the of our exciting festivals, or just looking for a relaxing Real Florida experience alternative to an overloaded vacation, we are confident that Lake County has something for you to enjoy. and our family-friendly Lake County is the Real Florida experience and our settings offer fun for family-friendly settings offer fun for every generaevery generation. tion. Be sure to experience our friendly small towns and trendy downtown locales for dining, drinks, and boutique shopping as you enjoy the varied visual and performance arts they offer. This arts guide has a wealth of information on what to experience and explore. Within these pages, you’ll find what makes Lake County “Real Florida, Real Close.” We invite you to also visit our website at www.visitlakefl.com for interactive maps, planning tools, a calendar of events, cultural connections, suggested itineraries, and more. We hope you are inspired to Start with the Arts in Lake County as we nurture our region’s artists, arts organizations, audiences, and cultural events. Peruse these pages and find your muse; we know you'll be inspired to embrace the arts in our community. We wish you a rich variety of cultural experiences and an abundance of opportunities to enjoy “Real Florida, Real Close." Thank you for supporting the arts in Lake County.
—Kathy Pagan on behalf of Visit Lake and the Lake County Arts and Cultural Alliance
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gallery T H E
A master of pen and ink
Opera singer at Howey Mansion
Elisabeth Rethberg, a worldfamous prima donna of New York’s Metropolitan Opera Company, was one of the many celebrity guests of William and Mary Grace Howey in the 1920s at their Howey-in-theHills mansion.
Rupert Deleveaux had a love of art during his childhood in the 1960s and went on to work as a graphic designer for Lockheed-Martin. He is remembered in his hometown of Tavares for donating his artwork to the Tavares Historical Society. He did many pen-and-ink drawings of the city’s landmarks.
Leesburg singing sensation
Gil Hamilton, born in 1932 in Leesburg, performed under the stage name Johnny Thunder. His biggest hit was “Loop De Loop.” An American rhythm and blues and pop singer, he moved to New York City, where he performed at the famous Apollo Theater. He also sang backup for the Drifters, Dionne Warwick, and many others. He also recorded, “I’m Alive,” which Bob Dylan loved and was used in the soundtrack of the 2018 film “American Animals.”
Part of a famous Fruitland Park family Gershon Bosanquet (1934-1992) sculpted a statue near the historic Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Fruitland Park. His ancestors came from Germany in the 1880s and his grandfather, Louis, was part of the original group that wanted an Episcopalian church in the town. Gershon, who died in 1992, is buried at the church cemetery.
The smithy was a copper
Before he began goldsmithing at Hooked Jewelry Design, Earll Bean was an officer with the Leesburg Police Department.
A little art history
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Eustis Art League founded
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South Lake Art League founded
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Mount Dora Cultural Council founded
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MDCC became Mount Dora Center for the Arts
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Leesburg Center for the Arts founded
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Lake County Arts & Cultural Alliance established and is part of the Florida Cultural Alliance
The art of house painting
When the owners of a home in Mount Dora decided they wanted a wall along their house to be painted, neither they nor artist Richard Barrenechea knew what was ahead. Richard’s homage to Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” covered the wall and later the house, leading to a legal battle the homeowners eventually won. The painted house became so well known, there were stories about it in USA Today, on CBS, and even on the BBC.
‘Sweet Smell of Success’
Actress Susan Harrison was born in Leesburg in 1938 and later graduated from the High School of Performing Arts in New York City. She’s best known for her role in the movie, “Sweet Smell of Success,” with Burt Lancaster. She left Hollywood in 1963 to raise her five children.
Eustis native attended Julliard
Tzimon Barto, a classical pianist and native of Eustis, began piano lessons at age 5, wrote an opera at age 9, and studied at the Julliard School of Music in New York City. In addition to his work as a musician, he is also known for his book of poetry, “A Lady of Greek Origin,” and as a bodybuilder. He released a CD, “A Basket of Wild Strawberries,” in 2006.
National ranking
Next year will mark the 44th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival, which is a juried show ranked No. 7 among the 200 best art festivals nationwide by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
How do the arts contribute?
The nonprofit arts and culture industry in Lake County generates $9.2 million in annual economic activity, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 national study. The study also showed the arts industry supports more than 200 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $380,000 in local revenue, according to visitlakefl.com.
Ballet instructor at
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Dancer Ron Holiday has performed around the world, from Radio City Music Hall in New York City to the Folies Bergére cabarets in Paris. He and his wife, Joy, performed with white tigers, making their stage show unique. He continues to teach ballet at Dance Dynamix and Dance Depot in Umatilla.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Author Kate DiCamillo showed a love of writing while growing up in Clermont. A Newberry Medal winner for her children’s books, she is the author of the book, “Because of Winn-Dixie,” which became a popular movie. A film also was made about “The Tale of Desperaux.” She lives in Minnesota, and still has family in Clermont.
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fine arts T H E
Through fine arts, artists can show their true colors.
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he fine arts scene is as diverse as it is vibrant in Lake County, and plenty of opportunities await those who wish to tap into their creative talent. Mount Dora Center for the Arts, which was formed in 1984, offers classes in ceramics, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, and printmaking. In addition, the organi-
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zation hosts a Gallery Exhibit Series, allowing local and regional artists to have their artwork showcased throughout the year. And the Mount Dora Arts Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the southeastern United States, attracting an impressive crowd of 300,000 artists and spectators. The event is a colorful reminder of Mount Dora’s thriving
arts scene and allows visitors to bid on high-quality artwork meticulously produced by artists throughout the country. Leesburg, known as the Lakefront City, also has a flourishing fine arts scene. The Leesburg Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that hosts artist network opportunities, art classes, open studios, and gallery
The Mount Dora Arts Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the southeastern United States, attracting an impressive crowd of 300,000 artists and spectators. exhibits. The city also is home to the Leesburg Fine Arts Festival, a juried show held each March with more than 100 fine artists.
The Eustis Art League, founded in 1956, promotes all forms of fine arts and allows members to interact and learn from others who have a
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fine arts T H E
deep appreciation of art. Workshops offered by the Eustis Art League include painting, resin casting, color theory, oil painting, and doodle art. Lake Eustis Museum of Art also supports the local fine arts scene through museum exhibitions that allow locals to display their talent. Since arts are supposed to unlock the door to learning, many children enroll in Kids’ College, a program hosted by Lake-Sumter State College. Fine arts courses include 2-D art, 3-D art, ceramics, and doodle ball. The South Lake Art League, founded in 1966, offers various art classes at its location in downtown Clermont. Those include watercolor and water-based oil, photography, colored pencil, and drawing. Throughout the year, the organization hosts a members spring art show, a members fall art show, and a photography show. Members meet six times a year at the Montrose Gallery.
Venues Artisans on Fifth 134 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora 352.406.1000 artisansonfifth.com
Mount Dora Center for the Arts 138 E. 5th Ave., Mount Dora 352.383.0880 mountdoracenterforthearts.org Leesburg Center for the Arts 429 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg 352.365.0232 leesburgarts.com Lake Eustis Museum of Art 1 W. Orange Ave., Eustis 352.483.2900 lakeeustisartmuseum.org
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PAINTING AT LEESBURG CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Visual Arts Association P.O. Box 1655, Lady Lake visualartsassociation.com South Lake Art League 776 W. Montrose St., Clermont southlakeartleague.com Modernism Museum 145 E. 4th Ave., Mount Dora 352.385.0034 modernismmuseum.org Jane Slivka Studio Gallery 110 E. 3rd St., Mount Dora 352.812.0546 janeslivkagallery.com
Painting Outside the Lines Gallery 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 105, Mount Dora 240.731.1637 facebook.com/paintingoutsidethelinesgallery Village Framer and Art Gallery 71 E. Seminole Ave., Eustis 352.589.6114 facebook.com/villageframer Wild Ibis Art Studios and Gallery 133 N. Grove St., Eustis 352.459.3585 facebook.com/wildibis
Visual arts tour Go off the beaten path to see great art
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wenty-nine artists and 21 art studios in Lake County are opening their doors to the public in the eighth annual Off the Beaten Path Florida Arts Tour, a free, self-guided event from 10am-5pm March 30-31, 2019. Visitors can meet talented artists and see the environment where their creativity flourishes in creating illustrations, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. “Our primary audience is the cultural traveler,” says Brenda Heim, of Umatilla, an abstract painter and sculptor. “Our mission is to promote the professional artists’ studios that are off the beaten path. We are not open merchant hours, which makes this a wonderful event for the public to come into our private working studios.” She co-founded the tour with Doug Hays, a metal sculptor whose large works are visible in many public locations in Lake County. To see all of the participating artists and studio locations, visit floridaartstour.com and click on the Lake County tab. Art can also be viewed at several Lake County cultural institutions, including the Modernism Museum in Mount Dora, which recently displayed a private collection from the estate of David Bowie.
“RED FISH” BY BRENDA HEIM
MODERNISM MUSEUM IN MOUNT DORA
“THUNDER” BY DOUG HAYS
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performing arts T H E
Center stage Community theater groups bring entertaining shows to Lake County.
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ne doesn’t have to travel to New York City to experience live theater as Lake County has several community theaters that do a stellar job of bringing Broadway musicals, comedy plays, and thought-provoking dramas to local stages. Here’s a look at community theater groups in Lake County, their history, and a lineup of shows: S O N N E N TA G T H E AT R E AT
T H E I C E H O U S E in Mount Dora is the oldest community theater in Lake County. A little more than 70 years ago, in September 1948, a group of residents discussed forming a small theater and elected officers. They found a former ice
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plant to be the perfect setting acoustics-wise. The IceHouse Players’ first show was “Return Engagement” on Feb. 7, 1949, and they continued to provide shows in the converted ice plant for 10 years. That all changed when the city of Mount Dora donated land at 1100 N. Unser St., and in 2011, the 270-seat theater benefitted from a major renovation of the lobby, terrace, and box office, thanks to a gift from the Sonnentag Foundation, and the generosity of Clarence and Chris Kolek and additional donors. IceHouse’s future shows: “Mary Poppins,” Nov. 16-Dec. 15; “Over The Tavern,” Jan. 18-Feb. 10, 2019;
“Kiss Me Kate,” March 22-April 14, 2019; “Ripcord,” May 24June 16, 2019. B A Y S T R E E T P L A Y E R S stages its shows at the historic State Theatre in Eustis. It was built in 1916 and served as a vaudeville theater in the days before movies. Several local theater buffs had a vision of renovating the building in 1975, and that same year, “Hello Dolly” was the thespians’ first show. Now the group is in its 44th season. Additional renovations were made since, including one in the early 1980s that allowed the auditorium wall to be pushed back to create more
room for seating, and the lobby and restrooms were modernized. The second renovation, done in 2005 with the help of a state grant, restored the building’s facade to its original appearance. Bay Street Players’ future shows: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” Nov. 23-Dec. 16; “Souvenir,” Feb. 1-24, 2019; “Greater Tuna," April 5-28, 2019; “Sister Act,” May 31-June 23, 2019. in Leesburg is celebrating its 67th season, and it all began when Emily Faulhauser shared her dream for “a little theater.” It was named Melon Patch in honor of Leesburg being the watermelon capital of Florida at the time. The group’s first shows were staged at Lee Elementary School auditorium before the city of Leesburg donated land at 311 N. 13th St. in 1955. Bonds were sold to finance the building’s construction, and later that year, the Melon Patch Players performed their first show, “Father of the Bride.” The theater has expanded over the years to include administrative space, a lobby and refreshments corner, and four outbuildings for props and costumes. Melon Patch’s future shows: “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” runs to Nov. 11; “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)," Nov. 30-Dec. 16; “A Few Good Men,” Jan. 18-Feb. 3, 2019; “Footloose,” March 22-April 7, 2019; “The Boys Next Door,” May 3-19, 2019.
M E L O N PAT C H T H E AT R E
SONNENTAG THEATRE AT THE ICEHOUSE
MELON PATCH THEATRE
GEORGE O. PRINGLE PERFORMING ARTS SERIES AT L A K E - S U M T E R S TAT E
provides quality live entertainment at the Paul P. Williams Auditorium of the college’s Leesburg campus. The college has been presenting performances for more than 25 years. The performing arts series was renamed in 2007 in memory and appreciation of the late Leesburg leader George Pringle, who also was an avid supporter of the arts. Six performances are offered each year in the series. Mickey Finn performed Oct. 13, followed by Atlantic City Boys on Nov. 3-4. Upcoming shows: “The Nutcracker” Dec. 1-2; Toronto All-Star Big Band, Jan. 26-27, 2019; Abbacadrabra, Feb. 16-17, 2019; and John Denver Musical Tribute, March 9-10, 2019.
COLLEGE
M O O N L I G H T P L AY E R S T H E A T R E in Clermont was founded by Jan Sheldon and Sara Ackers. With a monetary birthday gift from Jan’s dad, the group’s first production was “The Sound of Music.” The thespians performed at a variety of places around Clermont before finding their present home in 1999 in an old car shop that has been renovated into a theater. Moonlight Players Theatre future shows: “Aliens with Extraordinary Skills” runs to Nov. 11; “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” Dec. 7-16; “And Then There Were None,” Jan. 18-Feb. 3, 2019; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” March 1-24, 2019; “First Date: The Musical,” April 26-May 12, 2019; “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” June 7-16, 2019. CLERMONT PERFORMI N G A R T S C E N T E R features a 1,200-seat main stage and a 246-seat black-box theater on
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45 acres of rolling hills overlooking Lake Felter. The center is noted for offering a wide range of entertainment. Upcoming productions: “A Sleeping Beauty Christmas,” Nov. 15; “Sleigh,” Dec. 22; “Illuminate,” Feb. 1, 2019; “The Menopause Boys,” Feb. 8-9, 2019; “Steel Magnolias,” March 3, 2019; “The 50+ Comedy Tour,” April 6, 2019; “Golden Dragon Acrobats,” May 3, 2019. S T U D I O T H E AT R E T I E R R A
is housed in a former Villages country club in Lady Lake, and the 120-seat “black box theatre space” serves as an extension of the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. Performances at Studio Theatre are plays and musicals produced from scratch, and all shows are open to the public. The theatre’s website notes that its goal is “to inspire residents of Central Florida to examine relevant issues by elevating them through innovative and intimate storytelling.”
DEL SOL
Studio Theatre’s future shows: “The Story of My Life” runs to Nov. 4; “Stop Kiss,” Nov. 30-Dec. 30; “It Shoulda Been You,” Jan. 18-Feb. 24, 2019; “A Doll’s House,” March 22-April 28, 2019.
known as Tavares Community Theater Company, or TCTC, was founded in 2014 to bring commu-
nity theater to the city. The group’s long-term goal is to renovate a building at 107 N. Lake St. with 125-150 seats, and it is taking donations for the work that needs to be done. The theater’s current venue is Bridges Covenant Church, 1100 N. St. Clair Abrams Ave. Tavares Theater’s future show: “She Loves Me, The Musical,” Dec. 1-16.
Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora 352.383.3133 icehousetheatre.com
Moonlight Players Theatre 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont 352.319.1116 moonlightplayers.com
Clermont Performing Arts Center 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont 352.374.4800 clermontperforminarts.com
Melon Patch Players’ Theatre 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg 352.787.3013 melonpatchplayers.org
George O. Pringle Performing Arts Series Lake Sumter-State College 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg 352.365.3506 lssc.edu/foundation/perfarts
Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol 806 San Marino Drive, Lady Lake 352.751.7799 thesharonstudio.com
Venues
Bay Street Players 109 N. Bay St., Eustis 352.357.7777 baystreetplayers.org
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STATE THEATRE
T A V A R E S T H E A T E R I N C . , also
A R T I S T
P R O F I L E
Darlin Barry Artistic director loves seeing theater audiences entertained. arlin Barry is in her 11th year as managing artistic director at Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora, and in this role, she relishes working with talented performers. “I started acting here 26 years ago,” she says. “‘The 1940s Radio Hour’ was the first show I did in 1992, and I love the fact that we can bring laughter and music to our local audiences, to provide entertainment for them that they necessarily wouldn’t see any other way and at a reasonable price. The material we do is not what they would see if they went to Orlando.” Mount Dora holds the distinction of being home to the first community theater group in Lake County. “We are in our 71st season right now,” Darlin says. “We are anticipating this being one of our most successful seasons. Our ticket sales are higher than ever, so we must be doing something right.” Darlin praises the IceHouse founders’ foresight. “The people who started the IceHouse had a vision to bring the people in the community together to enjoy the performing arts, and I think they would be very happy and proud to see that it is still going strong,” she says.
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festivals T H E
Lake County arts festivals
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n 1975, Mount Dora led the charge to promote visual arts in the area when a group of art lovers put together a small event in the historic downtown. It was beyond anyone’s dreams that 44 years later the event would be one of the best-
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loved and largest fine-arts festivals in the nation. Mount Dora has become known as the "festival city" with good reason, as other municipalities around Lake County began imitating the successful arts festival model. Juried art shows in several
communities—as well as arts and crafts fairs—have made Lake County a premier arts festival destination for artists, visitors, and festival-goers. No matter where you are in Lake County, there’s bound to be an art show near you.
C L E R M O N T
Downtown Clermont Art Festival Nov. 3-4, 2019 clermontdowntownpartnership.com/art-festival
Sponsored by the Clermont Downtown Partnership, this juried art festival awards $3,000 in prize money to artists. Free to attend, the event also features chalk art for children, a kids’ art area, an art stroll, food vendors and more in the historic downtown area.
L A D Y
L A K E
Art in the Park Jan. 19-20, 2019 ladylakechamber.com
The 14th annual Lady Lake Art in the Park is a great weekend full of arts, crafts and music. Artists and vendors line the area in and around Lady Lake’s picturesque Log Cabin Park.
L E E S B U R G
Leesburg Fine Arts Festival
March 9-10, 2019 leesburgarts.com/art-festival
The Leesburg Center for the Arts presents its 42nd annual festival this spring in downtown Leesburg. More than 100 visual and performing artists will exhibit, and the Leesburg Art League will present its annual show. Special features will include interactive art stations, Kids MAS (Mobile Art Studio), and a makers’ market.
M O U N T
D O R A
Classic Florida Highwaymen Art Show Jan. 12-13 and Aug. 11-12, 2019 mountdoraarts.com
Scenic renderings of Florida’s landscape expressed in the colorful and classic Highwaymen art style are shown at this twice-yearly event held at the Donnelly Park Pavilion. Several of the original Highwaymen artists participate and sell original pieces as well as prints. Call 352.383.4050 for additional information.
Mount Dora Arts Festival Feb. 2-3, 2019 mountdoraartsfestival.org
Ranked as the seventh-best arts festival in the nation, the Mount Dora Arts Festival is the epitome of Lake County art festivals. Now in its 44th year, the fine arts festival attracts 250,000-plus visitors and nationally known artists who participate in the juried art event. Art
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festivals T H E
lovers, casual festival-goers, and families enjoy this well-organized two-day event.
Mount Dora Spring Festival March 16-17, 2019 mountdoraspringshow.com
Downtown streets come alive with crafters and artists displaying their works for show and sale. Formerly known as the Mount Dora Spring Collectibles, Crafts and Antiques Show, the all-new Mount Dora Spring Fest is in its 21st year and draws thousands of visitors and more than 250 exhibitors.
Mount Dora Craft Fair October 2019 mountdoracraftfair.com
The 35th Mount Dora Craft Fair takes place in late October and features an eclectic mix of arts and crafts from sculptures to ceramics to paintings to woodworking, and more. It’s a great opportunity to find unique holiday gifts. More than 400 talented crafters and artists from all over the country display and sell their finest works to the more than 100,000 visitors who attend this annual two-day event. T A V A R E S
Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire Nov. 2-4, 10-11, 2018 lakerenfaire.com
Take a trip back in time to see characters like jousting knights, musical madams, and washing-well wenches. The Renaissance Faire also spotlights more than 70 artisans practicing their crafts in many mediums, entertainers on seven stages, shops with special events such as royal weddings, an “adult section” for fun and games, plus food and drinks.
African American Heritage Festival
Feb. 2, 2019 lakecountyfl.gov/calendar/event_details The 2019 Tavares African American Heritage Festival and Parade is a family-friendly event celebrating the cultural contributions of African Americans in Lake County. In addition to arts and crafts, the free event features live performances, food and more.
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MARGIE SALYER WITH SOME OF HER FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN COLLECTION
Painting a quieter picture
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estivals are fun, but getting up-close and personal with the artwork and its creators is a memorable experience, especially when the artists are Florida’s original Highwaymen. In the early 1950s, 26 African-American artists painted vivid Florida landscapes and sold their works to hotels, businesses and along the highways. They became known as the Florida Highwaymen, even though one of the original members was a woman. Their distinct works sold for around $25 but now are worth thousands. Margie Salyer and her husband, Randy Burgener, owners of Heron Cay B&B in Mount Dora, are big fans of Highwaymen art and over the years have collected more than 100 pieces. In 2008, the couple was looking for a way to bring visitors to Mount Dora during the slow months—when festivals weren’t scheduled. They
teamed with other innkeepers to host the first Florida Highwaymen show, which was attended by several of the original painters. The shows became so popular that Salyer and Burgener now host them twice a year at the Donnelly Park Pavilion in downtown Mount Dora. The public is invited to come in and chat with the artists (13 are still alive) and peruse their works at no charge. Some people choose to buy an original or at least a print from these quintessential Florida artists. Florida Highwaymen Shows are scheduled in January and August each year. This year, expected artists include original members Mary Ann Carroll, the only woman to paint with the group, Isaac Knight, Robert Lewis, and Roy McLendon. Kevin Hair, son of the first Highwayman, Alfred Hair, and an artist in his own right, will also be showing his own works as well.
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music T H E
Hitting all the notes Venues big and small host all genres of music in Lake County.
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ake County has venues and events to suit every music lover’s tastes, from the classical works of George F. Handel to the classic rock of George Thorogood. FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY
includes more than 60 musicians from around the world. Concert master and violin soloist Konstantin Dimitrov has anchored the orchestra since 2006. Now in its 14th season, the orchestra stages a concert series and a chamber series at Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church in Eustis, and Family Christian Center in Clermont. This season’s Concert Series includes “Forever
ORCHESTRA
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FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
LAKE COUNTY FOLK FESTIVAL IN EUSTIS
BBQ AND BLUES FESTIVAL AT LAKERIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS
Faithful,” Nov. 1-2, 2018; “Merry Christmastime,” Dec. 6; “Hollywood Classics,” Jan. 10-11, 2019; “French Kiss,” Feb. 14-15; “Northern Lights,” March 21-22; and “Ballade in Blue, April 25-26. The Chamber Series is yet to be announced. CLERMONT PERFORMING
offers a little bit of everything on its main stage and, naturally, that includes musical theater and concerts. The theme for 2018-19 is “A Season of Surprises— Closer Than You Think.” Shows include “Pop, Rock & Doo-wop Live!” with Jay & the Americans, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, and Shirley Alston Reeves, original lead singer of the Shirelles; and “One Night in Memphis,” a tribute to Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The upcoming schedule includes “Broadway and More!” Nov. 3, 2018; “Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana,” Jan. 27, 2019; “Pop, Rock & Doo-wop Live!” March 22; Lake Concert Band Presents “Hooray for Hollywood,” April 14; and “One Night in Memphis,” May 18.
ARTS CENTER
THE SHARON L. MORSE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER,
affectionately known as the Sharon, has established itself as a favorite stop for national headliners. Singers and bands appreciate the optimal acoustics in the 1,000-seat, state-ofthe-art theater. The center’s upcoming lineup features many well-known performers: “Better Together,” with Fernando, Susan, and Zeke Varela, Nov. 3-4, 2018; The Spinners, Nov. 10; Lonestar, Nov. 15; John Tesh, Nov. 16; KC and the Sunshine Band, Nov. 29; The Righteous Brothers, Jan. 20, 2019; Don McLean, Feb. 1; “Three Tenors Plus One: A Tribute to Andrea Bocelli,” Feb. 2; Vienna Boys Choir, Feb. 18; Havana Cuba All Stars, Feb. 20; Tony Orlando, Feb. 24-25; Wayne Newton, Feb. 26; The Beach Boys, March 3-4; “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road,’” March 6-7; and Judy Collins, March 21. THE VILLAGES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
also calls The Sharon home, performing classical, pops, and opera series, as well as an annual holiday show, during a season that runs from September to May. The orchestra is guided by maestro Pasquale Valerio.
This season’s Classical Series includes “The Messiah: Part I,” George F. Handel, Nov. 13, 2018; The Eroica Symphony, music of Ludwig van Beethoven, Jan. 7, 2019; The Italian Symphony, music of Felix Mendelssohn, March 18; and “Brahms Tribute: Symphony No. 4,” April 15. The Pops Series performances are “Christmas Pops,” Dec. 1314, 2018, and “Symphonic Pops,” Feb. 13, 2019. The Opera Series concludes with “Magical Moments of Opera,” May 15, 2019. MOUNT DORA COMMUNITY
has an intimate 600-seat theater that has become a popular venue for rock road warriors and tribute bands. This year, the theater has hosted Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Blue Öyster Cult, Queen Nation, a tribute to Queen, and True Rumors, which plays Fleetwood Mac songs. Upcoming shows include the Edge Effect, an a cappella group, Dec. 5, 2018; Quadraphonic Surround Sound Presents: Pink Floyd & Led Zeppelin, Jan. 12, 2019; and “Shake Rattle Roll,” featuring the NY Rockabilly Rockets, Jan. 25
BUILDING
LAKERIDGE WINERY &
in Clermont hosts an annual free Summer Music Series each Saturday in July. Rock, blues, and pop bands perform on the outdoor stage on the grounds of the winery, and solo acts play at the Wine & Cheese Bar upstairs in the winery. One of the largest outdoor venues in the region also hosts musical acts during other events throughout the year, such as the annual three-day BBQ and Blues Festival in October.
V I N E YA R D S
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music T H E
Several cities in Lake County devote annual festivals to musical genres. The Lake County Folk Festival is held for two days each October in downtown Eustis and Ferran Park on Lake Eustis. Started in 1997, the event is the longestrunning free folk festival in the state of Florida. About 50 groups play folk, Americana, blues, Celtic, bluegrass, and gospel music. Each March, the BBQ, Brews, & Blues festival serves up electrifying blues, as well as all-you-can-eat backyard barbecue and a variety of beers, at Towne Square
Venues Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church 1724 S. Bay St., Eustis Family Christian Center 2500 S. Highway 27, Clermont floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com Clermont Performing Arts Center 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont 352.394.4800 clermontperformingarts.com Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center 1051 Main St., The Villages 352.751.7799 thesharon.com The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages thevillagesphilharmonic.org Mount Dora Community Building 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora 352.383.2165 mountdoralive.com
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in Leesburg. The Blues-n-Groove Weekend has attracted national and local acts to Elizabeth Evans Park in Mount Dora each spring for the past 10 years. Two inaugural events were staged in September: Boho Fest, hosted by the Leesburg Center for the Arts, featured several indie bands, and Clermont’s Sips & Salsa Festival revolved around salsa music and dancing. For a night out on the town, Lake County has numerous great bars and restaurants for live music. Oasis Saloon
in Sorrento is a perfect “dive bar” with authentic rock ’n’ roll bands several nights a week. Fun people, a fun atmosphere, and good music can be found at Magical Meat Boutique British pub in Mount Dora. In Tavares, Ruby Street Grille hosts local acts like Jeff Whitfield and Defenders of Daisies as well as cover bands. JJ’s Lounge and Package in Sorrento caters to a crowd that loves classic rock, classic cars, and motorcycles. Crossroads 44 in Eustis books a mix of rock and country bands. Sip Restaurant & Jazz in downtown Leesburg features live music several nights a week.
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 19239 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont 352.394.8627 lakeridgewinery.com
Magical Meat Boutique 112 W. 3rd Ave., Mount Dora 352.729.6911 magicalmeatboutique.com
Lake County Folk Festival October 2019 Downtown and Ferran Park, Eustis lakecountyfolkfest.org
Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St., Tavares 352.742.7829 rubystreetgrille.com
BBQ, Brews, & Blues March 2019 Towne Square, Leesburg leesburgpartnership.com
JJ’s Lounge and Package 24433 State Road 46, Sorrento 352.383.1400 facebook.com/jjsloungesorrento
Blues-n-Groove Weekend Spring 2019 Elizabeth Evans Park 100 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora facebook.com/bluesandgroove
Crossroads 44 1996 N. County Road 452, Eustis 407.217.4473 crossroads44.com
Oasis Saloon 23800 State Road 46, Sorrento 352.383.4047 oasis-saloon.com
Sip Restaurant & Jazz 707 W. Main St., Leesburg 352.435.7840 facebook.com/siprestaurantjazzandwinebar
A R T I S T
P R O F I L E
Beautiful Bobby Blackmon Texas musician has found a home in Lake County. uitarist and singer Beautiful Bobby Blackmon is a Texas native who has performed around the country. He loves playing in Lake County, where he's resided since 1999. Describe your music: I play contemporary soul blues music. It’s a mixture of soul and Chicago/Texas-style blues. It’s very high-energy blues that makes you want to get up and dance, and that’s what people do at my concerts. Why do you enjoy Lake crowds? It’s the people who appreciate that I’m working to “keep the blues alive” and they support my efforts. There are people from all over the U.S.A. who retire in Florida every year, and I meet new people all year long at my gigs. Favorite memories? I opened for the late King of the Blues, B.B. King, in 2010. He was my idol as a kid, when my parents would take me to see him around Austin, Texas. We miss him, and there is not a blues guitarist that doesn’t owe him some credit. I opened for the great Buddy Guy in 2006, and he’s still going strong. Bobby and his B3 Blues Band will appear Nov. 3 at Taste of Soul, Backyard Barn Winery & Microbrewery, Wildwood; Nov. 10 at Lakeridge Winery, Clermont; and Nov. 25 at Spanish Springs, The Villages. muse
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education T H E
L E A R N I N G
T H E
A R T S :
Education for a lifetime Art is life, whether you’re enjoying a painting, a performance, or a book.
F
or those seeking a college degree, Lake-Sumter State College offers an associate in arts degree that prepares students to transfer as a junior to a Florida public university. Lake Technical College offers a program in arts, audio/video technology, and communications. Beacon College offers a bachelor of arts degree and an associate of arts in the humanities degree. Local arts centers also offer classes. The Leesburg Center for the Arts Mobile Art Studio is an outreach program that travels to targeted neighborhoods setting up pop-up art studios. While projects are targeted for children between the ages of 4 and 12, no child is turned away. Check leesburgarts.com/calendar/ for information on all events.
MOBILE ART STUDIO
Learn Belly Dance with Zuza: Basic steps of traditional Egyptian cabaret belly dance. Junior Open Studio: For students in fourth through seventh grades to learn from Leesburg artists.
MDCA Photography Club meets at 6:30pm every fourth Thursday. Lake Eustis Museum of Art offers a variety of exhibits and classes for children and adults with information available at lema.coursestorm.com.
Create & Critique: A weekly event for adult water-medium painters, although all media is encouraged. It’s led by artist Mary Zeigengeist; 10am-noon Wednesdays. The South Lake Art League meets September to May at the Montrose Gallery, 776 W. Montrose St. See southlakeartleague.com/art-classschedules for classes.
Fundamentals of Photography: 6:308:30pm Tuesdays, with Carroll Dickerson. Kids Art Class: Beginners and advanced for ages 8-13 on Thursdays. Drawing Adult: Beginners and advanced, 4:30-6pm Thursdays.
Mount Dora Center for the Arts offers classes with six-week sessions that require registration. Check mountdoracenterforthearts.org/classes for information.
Group Art Open Studio: Whatever your medium, join this weekly group in a relaxed setting.
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EXHIBIT AT MOUNT DORA CENTER FOR THE ARTS
CLERMONT HISTORIC VILLAGE
Lake County also is home to historical museums that educate visitors about the origins of the area. Clermont Historic Village Museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area. Walking tours and special guided tours cover the several historical buildings on campus, including an original Quonset Hut and World War II Museum; Cooper Memorial Library, originally built in 1914; Herring Hooks Schoolhouse, a replica of an 1881 one-room school; the Kern and Townsend houses, both built around 1895, and the outhouse in between them; and the Train Depot, still standing in its original home at the Village. The museum, operated by the South Lake County Historical Society, is at 490 West Ave., Clermont. Visit clermontvillage.org. Eustis Historical Museum is housed at the Clifford House, 536 N. Bay St., Eustis. The antebellumstyle structure is a two-story, 18-room mansion dating to 1911. Guilford Clifford was a pioneer in the Florida wilderness following the Civil War. Lake County Historical Museum preserves the stories of the people and places of Lake County. The collection of artifacts—from Lake County, all of Florida, and many parts of the world—gives depth and context to the lives, locations, and businesses that have made Lake County unique. The museum is located within the Historic Lake County Courthouse, 317 W. Main St., Tavares. Visit lakecountyhistoricalmuseum.org.
E C O N O M I C I M PA C T O F T H E N O N P R O F I T A R T S & C U LT U R E I N D U S T R Y
Lake County, Florida
9.2
The Central Florida Region includes seven counties: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, and Volusia. Breakout reports available for the Central Florida Region, by county, City of Orlando, City of Winter Park, and the district of Loch Haven Cultural Park.
$
million in direct economic activity generated annually by arts
and cultural organizations and their audiences
201
jobs
supported by the arts and culture industry
1.02
$
million in culture-related revenue generated for state and
local governments
Contact: Kathy Pagan Associate Director, Visit Lake, Lake County Arts and Cultural Alliance kpagan@lakecountyfl.gov VisitLakeFL.com 352.742.3918
For more info about the study: Trudy Wild Trudy@UnitedArts.cc 407.749.6543 x223 AmericansForTheArts.org/ EconomicImpact tinyurl.com/UAresearchAEP5 Source: Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in the Central Florida Region. (©2017)
"The arts are an essential component of Lake County’s values and quality of life. Our vibrant cultural community encourages residents to use their discretionary funds closer to home and attracts visitors who help local businesses thrive."
—Kathy Pagan, associate director, Visit Lake, Lake County Arts and Cultural Alliance
Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) demonstrates that the nonprofit arts and culture industry is an economic driver in communities—a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism. N AT I O N A L A E P 5 S T U DY R E S U LT S :
• • • •
$166.3 billion economic activity 4.6 million full-time jobs $27.5 billion revenue to federal, state and local government
N AT ION AL ST UDY C OMPRISED OF:
• • • •
341 study regions, from all 50 states and District of Columbia 14,439 participating organizations 212,691 audience member surveys
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Your
in the right place.