Arts in April

Arts in April is a community celebration to showcase and support the local arts. There will be activities and special exhibits throughout April.

Arts in April partners include the Winter Garden Art Association and the City of Winter Garden as presenting partners, along with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Crealde School of Art, Garden Theatre and Bloom and Grow Garden Society.

On April 17th, there will be a day-long celebration with kids’ art, sidewalk chalk art contest, En Plein Air Event , and more. 

In the evening, there will be a fundraising event to support the arts called Art Night VIP. Downtown will be aglow in purple, blue, and gold and art will bring life to the streets. To purchase a ticket, please click here.

Plan on loving your local art community on April 17th. All day and evening activities on April 17 will be held rain or shine. All day activities are free.

Arts in April exhibits and activities continue all month including art exhibitions at SOBO Art Gallery, Winter Garden History Center, and City Hall. Look for “Look Art Inside” window signs at 20 downtown shops and restaurants for local art available for purchase. Stroll the downtown streets to admire the storefront window art displays throughout. You won’t want to miss the live stage performance of Godspell.

More information about the exhibits, activities, as well as art classes can be found on “Activities in April” tab.

The City of Winter Garden is actively monitoring the incidence of COVID-19 in our region and is following guidance from local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding gatherings. The City reserves the right to institute necessary changes to these activities to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare of our citizens.

Activities in April

Beautiful Sights Children’s Art Exhibit

• Where:  8 N. Highland Avenue (across from City Hall on corner of Plant St. & Highland Ave.)
• When: Saturday, April 17,  10am-3 pm
• Description:  A whimsical and glow-in-the-dark experience where you walk through this world of neon colors solely lit by black light to see the world through a child’s eyes. The last room has a blackboard and neon chalk to add your own glow-in-the-dark creation for all to see!

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The World Outside Exhibit

• Where: SoBo Art Gallery    127 S. Boyd St.
• When: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am – 6pm
• Description: 2D & 3D Works Related to getting outside again in life, thinking outside the box, or other fun interpretations of the “outside” theme.

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Springtime in Winter Garden Exhibit

• Where: City Hall Gallery, 300 W. Plant St.
• When: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm: and Saturday, April 17, from 10am-3pm.
• Description: See your city through the eyes of local artists as they depict the spring landscape.

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An Artistic Legacy Exhibit

• Where: Heller Hall at Winter Garden History Center, 21 E. Plant St.
• When: Exhibit Opening is on Saturday, April 17th (10am-3pm), then every Thursdays and Fridays, 11am – 3pm
• Description: Come along with us as we embark on an artistic journey… Travel from the past to the present as you view work created by artists who teach, share, and practice their love of art and history.  A wide range of subjects in various media and styles on exhibit in the Downtown Historic District showcases the diversity of the artists and photographers who fostered and continue to create a vibrant record of life in West Orange County.  Work by earlier artists such as Joe Burch and Dorothy Kannon display talent that was appreciated by generations of residents, and interviews with art instructor Rod Reeves, photographer Peter Schreyer, and painter Catherine Hempel chronicle the ongoing process that keeps the legacy alive.

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Find Your Way Home

• Where: Winter Garden Heritage Museum     21 E. Plant St.
• When: Thursday & Friday, 11am – 3pm,
• Description: Explore West Orange County’s iconic Cartographic History and view examples of rare maps from the Heritage Archive that date back to the West Orange settlement in the 19th century.

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Downtown Merchants Showcasing Local Art

Businesses will have local art that can be purchased in 20 different locations. Look for this display in the window for participating businesses.  Business hours vary.

• Crooked Can Brewing Company/Plant Street Market
• The Deli Downtown
• Doxology
• Driftwood Market
• Garden Theatre
• Garden Music School
• Melts on Main
• Pammie’s Sammies
• Pilars Loft
• Plantation Jewelers
• Rosallie Le French Cafe
• Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
• Ruby and Rust – artist showcase:  Caron Loveless @caronlovelessstudio and Olivia McGarvey
• The Sacred Olive
• Shoo Shoo Baby Boutique
• Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery
• The Whole Enchilada
• Writer’s Block Bookstore
• Urban Flats
• Winter Garden Wheel Works

Participating Businesses Just Outside of Downtown

• Betty J’s Florist at 403 S. Dillard St. will be showcasing works from artist Bruce Collins on Saturday, April 17 from 10 am until 4 pm

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Kids Art at the Farmers Market

Free kids art classes for ages 4-12 at the Farmers Market on April 3 & 10 from 10 am-12 pm. Children will be asked to create an object for the Beautiful Sights Exhibit that will be displayed in the Highland Building on April 17.  (Artwork can be picked up at City Hall from April 26-30, 2021.) On April 17th, a special kids art activity is planned – Grow Your Own Art and Art Rocks! for ages 4 -12 at the Farmers Market from 10 am-12 pm.  Paint your own flower pot and paint a rock to take home.  Presented by Paint Life Panache Events and sponsored by Healthy West Orange and Lowe’s Winter Garden. Farmers Market Art Sessions: Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave.

Saturdays, April 3, 10, and 17, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

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Community Classes Offered in April

• Where: Winter Garden Arts Association, 127 S. Boyd St.
• When: Every Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm
• Description: Enjoy weekly doses of art and creativity right here in Downtown Winter Garden for adults.

Visit Website

• Where: Jesse Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St.
• When: Weekdays
• Description: Enjoy weekly classes offered by Crealde’ School of Art.  Learn about classes by clicking on the link below or visiting

Visit Website

Godspell at the Garden Theatre

In Stephen Schwartz’s lively and enlightening hit musical, Godspell, Jesus, and his followers gather to share parables from the Book of Matthew, celebrating unity, spirituality, and community. With an eclectic rock score including the international hit “Day by Day,” Godspell is certain to entertain and inspire all who experience its message of acceptance, hope, and love.

Both matinee and evening performances are available during its run from April 22 through May 23, 2021, at the historic Garden Theatre, 180 W. Plant St. Safety protocols, including physically distant seating, are adhered to provide guests a safe and enjoyable experience.

Purchase Tickets

Call to Artists

 

The Winter Garden Art Association is currently collecting art submissions for a variety of exhibitions that will be showcased for “Arts in April,” a month-long celebration of local artists:

*The World Outside at SOBO Art Gallery: 2D and 3D works related to getting outside again in life, thinking outside the box, or other fun interpretations of the outside theme. Submission deadline is March 8:  https://wgart.org/artists/call-to-artists/

*The World Outside Outdoor Art and Sculpture to be displayed in April and beyond. Looking for creative outdoor art, sculptures, installations, interactive art, etc. for multiple venues around the City and at SOBO Art Gallery for public display. To be featured in April, submit by March 17: https://wgart.org/artists/call-to-artists/

*Live Performance Art on April 17. Calling all live performing artists, including visual display arts, live music, immersive and experiential artists, to participate in Celebrating the World Outside on April 17. Submission deadline is March 8: https://wgart.org/artists/call-to-artists/

*Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest on April 17. Open to individual and group adults, middle & high school students, and families, participants will have a 6×6 square to depict the theme, “Garden Walk-Bright Colorful Flowers.” Judging at 4:00 pm, prizes awarded. Space is limited; applications must be received by April 5:  Chalkin-It-Up-Application-2021.  For more information, click Chalkin’ It Up-Arts in April Flyer  or contact Brenda Knowles at brendaknowles1257@gmail.com or 407-496-3428.

Volunteers are needed to serve as exhibit docents, gallery/business guides, art ambassadors, photographers, and registration assistants for day and evening shifts at the community celebration on April 17. If interested, please send email by March 30 to tgerhartz@cwgdn.com.

If you or someone you know is a talented artist that has some incredible art they would like to display, please check out this blog below to learn how to get in touch.

Artist Information and Registration

April 17th Community Celebration

Our community will celebrate “The World Outside” and World Art Day on Saturday, April 17th. Please plan on coming downtown to celebrate and support the local arts.

This celebration is part of the LOVE LOCAL campaign and April is Love Local Arts Month. On April 17th, there will be a day-long celebration with kids’ art, a community canvas experience, sidewalk chalk art, Plein air, and more.

All activities are FREE.

Click here to download the April 17^th Event Map and Guide

Art Activities during the Day:

• Chalkin It Up Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest– “Garden Walk-Bright, Colorful Flowers” will take place in front of City Hall presented by the Bloom and Grow Garden Society. To participate or learn more, Chalkin’ It Up-Arts in April Flyer and Chalkin-It-Up-Application-2021.
• En Plein Air Event throughout Downtown – The Winter Garden Art Association will have a Plein Air Event going on during the day. Stay tuned for more information.
• Kids Art at the Farmers Market – Free kids art classes for ages 4-12 at the Farmers Market on April 3 & 10 from 10 am-12 pm. The kids’ artwork to be featured in the Highland Building the evening of April 17. On April 17th, a special kids art activity is planned – Grow Your Own Art and Art Rocks! for ages 4 -12 at the Farmers Market from 10 am-12 pm.  Paint your own flower pot and paint a rock.  Presented by Paint Life Panache Events and sponsored by Healthy West Orange and Lowe’s Winter Garden.
• Scavenger Hunt – sponsored by the Winter Garden Art Association. Pick-up form at Hospitality & Information tent at the Parking Garage from 10 am-3 pm and start collecting your clues!
• “The Rock Lab” Kids Band at the Farmers Market — Rock with the Garden Music School students’ band from 10 am-12 pm.

All four MAIN EXHIBITS will be open and free during the day from 10 am – 3 pm:

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The World Outside Exhibit

• Where: SoBo Art Gallery    127 S. Boyd St.
• Description: 2D & 3D Works Related to getting outside again in life, thinking outside the box, or other fun interpretations of the “outside” theme.

Springtime in Winter Garden Exhibit

• Where: City Hall Gallery, 300 W. Plant St.
• Description: See your city through the eyes of local artists as they depict the spring landscape.

Beautiful Sights Children’s Art Exhibit

• Where:  8 N. Highland Avenue
• Description: A whimsical and glow-in-the-dark experience where you walk through this world of neon colors solely lit by black light to see the world through a child’s eyes. The last room has a blackboard and neon chalk to add your own glow-in-the-dark creation for all to see!

An Artistic Legacy Exhibit

• Where: Heller Hall at Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, 21 E. Plant St.
• Description: Come along with us as we embark on an artistic journey… Travel from the past to the present as you view work created by artists who teach, share, and practice their love of art and history.  A wide range of subjects in various media and styles on exhibit in the Downtown Historic District showcases the diversity of the artists and photographers who fostered and continue to create a vibrant record of life in West Orange County.  Work by earlier artists such as Joe Burch and Dorothy Kannon display talent that was appreciated by generations of residents, and interviews with art instructor Rod Reeves, photographer Peter Schreyer, and painter Catherine Hempel chronicle the ongoing process that keeps the legacy alive.

As a bonus, visit the Find Your Way Home Exhibit

• Where: Winter Garden Heritage Foundation– 21 E. Plant St.
• Description: Explore West Orange County’s iconic Cartographic History and view examples of rare maps from the Heritage Archive that date back to the West Orange settlement in the 19th century.

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Downtown Merchants Showcasing Local Art

Businesses will have local art that can be purchased in 20 different locations.  Look for this display in the window for participating businesses. Business hours vary.

• Crooked Can Brewing Company/Plant Street Market
• The Deli Downtown
• Doxology
• Driftwood Market
• Garden Theatre
• Garden Music School
• Melts on Main
• Pammie’s Sammies
• Pilars Loft
• Plantation Jewelers
• Rosallie Le French Cafe
• Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
• Ruby and Rust – artist showcase:  Caron Loveless @caronlovelessstudio and Olivia McGarvey
• The Sacred Olive
• Shoo Shoo Baby Boutique
• Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery
• The Whole Enchilada
• Writer’s Block Bookstore
• Urban Flats
• Winter Garden Wheel Works

Participating Businesses Just Outside of Downtown

• Betty J’s Florist at 403 S. Dillard St. will be showcasing works from artist Bruce Collins on Saturday, April 17 from 10 am until 4 pm

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Art Activities at Night: Art Night VIP

In the evening, Downtown will be aglow with color and pop up art on the streets bringing life and creativity to our Downtown.

Don’t miss the first-ever “Art Night VIP” Fundraising event to help support the arts. “Behind The Velvet Rope” VIP Access to Curated Immersive Art Experiences in several small COVID-safe boutique settings around historic Downtown Winter Garden. Additional information can be found at the “Art Night VIP” tab.

Space is limited so secure your spot today. To purchase a ticket, please click here.

Art Night VIP

In the evening, downtown will be aglow with color and art with the first-ever “Art Night VIP” fundraising event to help support the arts. “Behind The Velvet Rope” VIP Access to Curated Immersive Art Experiences in several small COVID-safe boutique settings around historic Downtown Winter Garden.  There will be pop-up art on the streets bringing life and creativity to our Downtown.

Tickets are limited so secure your spot below:

VIP Tickets

VIP Curated Immersive Art Experiences

SOBO Art Gallery – 127 S Boyd Street

“Behind The Velvet Rope” VIP Access to Curated Immersive Art Experiences with entertainment, silent auction, and a special presentation.

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City Hall Gallery and Plaza – 300 W Plant Street

An illuminated and immersive garden will lead you into the Springtime in Winter Garden exhibit in the City Hall Gallery.  See your city through the eyes of local artists as they depict the spring landscape.

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Highland Building – 8 N Highland Avenue

A whimsical and vibrant experience entitled “Beautiful Sights.” Walkthrough this world of color and contrast and see the world through a child’s eyes.

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Pilars Loft – 146 W Plant Street

Experience live art with special music by the Pilars Trio and drinks in the loft above Pilars.

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An Artistic Legacy Exhibit at Heller Hall – 21 E Plant Street

Come along with us as we embark on an artistic journey… Travel from the past to the present as you view work created by artists who teach, share, and practice their love of art and history.  A wide range of subjects in various media and styles on exhibit in the Downtown Historic District showcases the diversity of the artists and photographers who fostered and continue to create a vibrant record of life in West Orange County.  Work by earlier artists such as Joe Burch and Dorothy Kannon display talent that was appreciated by generations of residents, and interviews with art instructor Rod Reeves, photographer Peter Schreyer, and painter Catherine Hempel chronicle the ongoing process that  keeps the legacy alive.

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Crooked Can Brewing Company and Plant Street Market – 426 W Plant Street

Join us in a thoroughly curated experience with the best in local music from Layla Brisbois, award-winning local brews from one of the top breweries in Florida, and curated local art under the beautiful oak canopy.

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Garden Music School – 36 S Main Street

Experience the fusion of art and music in an intimate setting with music teachers and students from the Garden Music School with curated local art.  Get ready to discover a hidden gem and stage in Downtown Winter Garden at Garden Music. This one-way Immersive Art Experience will feature a live SOBO Life Drawing Class and model, artistic stage lighting, award-winning artists painting on easels while enjoying a glass of wine and listening to the sounds of a Jazz Trio featuring world-class musician and Garden Music owner Jorge Cid.

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Art Night VIP Map

Children's Activities

Beautiful Sights Children’s Art Exhibit

• Where:  8 N. Highland Avenue (across from City Hall on corner of Plant St. & Highland Ave.)
• When: SATURDAY, April 17, 10am-3 pm
• Description:  A whimsical and glow-in-the-dark experience where you walk through this world of neon colors solely lit by black light to see the world through a child’s eyes. The last room has a blackboard and neon chalk to add your own glow-in-the-dark creation for all to see!

Kids Art Sessions at Winter Garden Farmers Market & Beautiful Sights Children’s Art Exhibit

Complimentary Kids Art sessions will be held for children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old on April 3 & 10 at the Farmers Market from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. No pre-registration is needed. Children will be asked to create an object for the Beautiful Sights Exhibit. The bright neon artwork from the sessions will be displayed under black lights creating a beautiful world through the eyes of children for the community to see.* If your students would like to participate as a group in the exhibit, please email Elizabeth McKinney, emckinney@wgart.org, at the Winter Garden Art Association.

On April 17th, a special kids activity will be offered for children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old from 10 am until 12 pm entitled Grow Your Own Art and Art Rocks.  Paint your own flower pot and paint a rock.  Presented by Paint Life Panache Events and sponsored by Healthy West Orange and Lowe’s Winter Garden.

*The artwork will be kept and displayed at the “Beautiful Sights Children’s Art Exhibit” on April 17 at 8 N. Highland Ave. (Artwork can be picked up at City Hall from April 26-30, 2021).

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Farmers Market Art Sessions: Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave.

Saturdays, April 3, 10, and 17, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

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CHALKIN’ IT UP Sidewalk Chart Art Contest

For Middle & High School Art Students, Families & Adults

Titled “Garden Walk with Bright, Colorful Flowers,” individual and group categories available to win prize money. Participants will have a 6×6 square to show off creative talent. Chalk is not provided. Hosted by the Bloom and Grow Garden Society, space is limited and applications must be submitted by April 5, 2021.  for more information, see Chalkin’ It Up-Arts in April Flyer. Application: Chalkin-It-Up-Application-2021

For more information, please contact Brenda Knowles with the Bloom and Grow Garden Society at brendaknowles1257@gmail.com or 407-496-3428.

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Support the Arts

How can I show support year-round to the Local Arts?

Winter Garden has many organizations dedicated to arts and culture.  Here are seven ways to support local art in your community.

1. Donate to a local arts organization

• WG Art Association
• WG Heritage Foundation
• Garden Theatre
• Crealde School of Art – Winter Garden Programming
• Bloom and Grow Garden Society Monarch Butterfly Project

2. Become a member of a local arts organization
3. Attend local art events and take classes
4. Buy local art
5. Support local art programs and schools
6. Plan on attending one of the arts activities during the month of April
7. Buy a ticket to the Fundraiser Art Night VIP – Celebrating The World
Outside on April 17. You will receive an annual membership to the
Winter Garden Art Association with your ticket purchase.

Additional Ways to Support Local Arts:

Buy a ticket to see GodSpell at the Garden Theatre.  Purchase tickets here

Purchase an engraved brick at SOBO

Sign up for Volunteer opportunities

Become a Member of the Winter Garden Arts Association

Follow on Social Media:

• Facebook
• Instagram

Sign up to receive SOBO newsletter

Downloadable Event Map and Guide