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- Arts in April Activities
- Call to Artists
- Art Night VIP -- Immersive Art Experience Fundraiser
- Children's Activities
- Silent & Live Auction
- Sponsors & Partners
- Support Local Arts
Fun Events to Celebrate Arts in April 2023
In celebration of World Art Day, the Winter Garden Arts Association and community partners will host a series of events for all ages throughout the month of April. Browse through the tabs above to learn about all the Arts in April events. All of the events are FREE, except for Art Night VIP, an annual fundraiser to benefit the Winter Garden Art Association.
Events include
- Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest at Spring Fever in the Garden (hosted by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society) │ April 1
- Live Music at Fridays on the Plaza │ April 7, 14, 21, 28
- Kids Art Sessions at Winter Garden Farmers Market │ April 8, 15, 22
- Urban Sketchers Competition │ April 15
- Arts in April Light Show on SOBO Art Gallery │ April 29
- Featured Outdoor Live Artists │ April 29
- Art Night VIP on Saturday, April 29 – An Experience in Curated Venues in Downtown Winter Garden. Ticketed Event.
- Top Choice Annual Art Awards Shows at SOBO Art Gallery │ April 1 – May 27
- High School Top Choice Annual Art Awards Show at City Hall Art in Public Places Gallery │ April 3 – May 31
- And more!
Arts in April Activities
Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest
- Description: Bloom & Grow Garden Society presents the Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest at Spring Fever in the Garden. Come watch what these creative artists can do with piece of chalk. Each participant will have a 6×6 square in front of City Hall as their canvas and is asked to create something nature or garden related and appropriate for all ages to view.
- Where: City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
- When: Saturday, April 1│ Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest commences at Daybreak and Judging is at 4:00 pm / Available for viewing April 1 -2 (weather permitting)
- Free to enter. Deadline to register is March 17. Space is limited and an application is required.
Prizes will be awarded in numerous categories:
● Adult individual or group
● Elementary individual or group
● Middle School individual or group
● High School individual or group
● Family Group
● $400 for People’s Choice
● $700 for Best in Show
Be sure to bring the family by to see all the artistic creations in front of City Hall (300 W. Plant Street) during Spring Fever in the Garden, April 1-2.
Exhibition: High School Top Choice Annual Awards Show
- Description: A selection of local high school students’ 2D & 3D works from SOBO Art Gallery’s Top Choice Annual Awards Show will be on display at City Hall. Free admission always.
- Where: Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
- When: April 3 — May 31│Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (during regular operating hours)
- Free
-
2023 Accepted Artists of the High School Top Choice Annual Awards Show.
Exhibition: Top Choice Annual Awards Show
- Description: SOBO’s Annual Awards Exhibition showcases the best 2D & 3D Works. Awards are presented for Best of Show, People’s Choice, Curator’s Choice, and Multiple Medium Category Winners. Free admission always.
- Where: SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street
- Free
- When:
- Exhibit, April 1 — May 27 │ Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Opening Reception │ April 6, 5:30pm – 8:00 pm │Public Invited
2023 Accepted Artists of the Top Choice Annual Awards Show.
Opening Exhibit Reception: Top Choice Annual Awards Show
- Description: Opening reception to premiere the Top Choice Annual Awards Show that displays artists’ best 2D & 3D works. Awards are presented for Best of Show, People’s Choice, Curator’s Choice, and Multiple Medium Category Winners. I
- Where: SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street
- When: Opening Reception│ April 6, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
- Public Invited – Free
Kids Art Sessions at the Winter Garden Farmers Market
- Description: Complimentary Kids Art Sessions for children 4-12 years old. Instructed by Certified Art Educator Lenore Eastham. Come by the Art Tent to create some fun art! No pre-registration is required.
- April 8 – Watercolor Flowers for springtime
- April 15 – Wood Medallions
- April 22 – Recycled Art to Celebrate Earth Day
- Where: Winter Garden Farmers Market │Parking Garage Plaza, 160 S. Boyd Street
- When: Saturdays │ April 8, 15, & 22 , 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Free
Urban Sketchers Competition & En Plein Air Event at Winter Garden Farmers Market
- Description: Watch artists’ creations come to life as they sketch their surroundings right before your eyes.
- Where: Participating artists: check in at SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street. Bring blank paper or canvass to be stamped at check-in at SOBO Art Gallery. Create anywhere around Winter Garden Farmers Market/Downtown Pavilion (104 S. Lakeview Avenue) or along Plant Street.
- When: Saturday, April 15, 9:00 am (artists check in at SOBO) through 2:00 pm. DEADLINE: To submit, upload up to two photos of completed art (one artwork should include the SOBO stamp) at wgart.org/urban by 11:00 pm on April 15. Winners will be notified by email on April 18 and announced on wgart.org.
- Free
Congratulations to the 2023 winners!
Arts in April Light Show
- Description: An outdoor projection show with artists’ works illuminated on the façade of SOBO Art Gallery, creating a visually stunning immersive art experience. The public is invited to stroll by or bring a chair to enjoy the beautiful display powered by projection mapping.
- Where: SOBO Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd Street
- When: Saturday, April 29, 8:30 – 9:30 pm
- Free – public invited to watch show
Art Night VIP – an Immersive Art Experience in Curated Venues in Downtown Winter Garden (ticketed event)
- Description: Immerse yourself in the arts on this special night that grants VIP access to select venues throughout downtown for complimentary beverages and light appetizers, live entertainment, curated art exhibits, as well as a silent and live auction. The evening kicks off at Winter Garden City Hall with an Opening Toast, Wine & Cheese, and Live Music, and the High School Top Choice Annual Awards Show. Next, stroll to nearby Butterfly Sculpture Park to be amazed by Live Artists, Live Music, Light Refreshments, and select Cocktails. Next up is SOBO Art Gallery for a Live and Silent Auction as well as the Top Choice Annual Awards Show. The evening caps off at Pilars Loft & Roper Building for an outdoor Pop Art Exhibition, Live Music, Pilars Loft Participation Painting & Drawing, and Craft Cocktails from Pilars Loft.
- Where: Historic Downtown Winter Garden
- When: Saturday, April 29, 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Purchase tickets in advance at wgart.org/vip. 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.
ART CLASSES
Technique Tuesday @ 2pm at SOBO
- Description: A weekly “CREATE” event and opportunity for ALL SKILL LEVELS to learn, grow, and be inspired through the talents of other artists.
- Free for members, first-time visitors, and guest of members. Not a member yet, click here to join.
- Registration required at wgart.org/tuesday.
- Where: SOBO Art Gallery, Studio Room, 127 S. Boyd Street
- When:
- Tuesday, April 4 – “Tar Paper” with Artist Julie Kessler
- Tuesday, April 11 – “Acrylic Abstracts” with Artist Cindy Vener
- Tuesday, April 18 – “Alcohol Ink” with Artist Susan Grogan
- Tuesday, April 25 – “Pastels” with Artist Nicora Gangi
- 2:00-4:00 pm
Open Studio Saturdays
- Description: 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.
- Registration required at wgart.org/studio-time.
- Free for members, first-time visitors, and guest of members. Not a member yet, click here to join.
- Where: SOBO Art Gallery, Studio Room & Patio, 127 S. Boyd Street
- When:
- Saturdays | April 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Live Music at Centennial Plaza
- Description: All forms of art are celebrated during Arts in April, including music. Enjoy a line-up of complimentary live music performances every Friday night from 7:00 to 9:00 pm for the community to enjoy!
- Where: Centennial Plaza Gazebo, centrally located in historic Downtown Winter Garden
- When (7:00 – 9:00 pm):
- April 7- Sound Traveler Band (Acoustic, Pop)
- April 14- Bird Dog Bobby (Blues)
- April 21- Amanda & Steve Music (Acoustics, Covers)
- April 28- The Lynne Gibson Project (Folk, Bluegrass)
- Free
CULTURAL EXHIBITS
World War II and West Orange County at Winter Garden Heritage Museum
- Description: 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.
- Where: Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main Street
- When: Tuesday – Saturday | March 1 – May 31, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Free
Spring Open House at Central Florida Railroad Museum
- Description: 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.
- Where: Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd Street
- When: Saturday, April 1, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (extended museum hours) │ Special Presentation, 1:00 pm
- Free
LIVE THEATRE
Something Rotten — Live Performance at the Garden Theatre
- Description: 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?
- Where: Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant Street
- When: April 21 – May 21
- Buy tickets
AND MORE!
Keep an eye out for other “pop-up” art and cultural activities and events in Winter Garden during the month of April.
Stay tuned to this page and wgart.org and cwgdn.com for updates.
Call to Artists
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 on display at SOBO Art Gallery, April 1 – May 27. Entries are accepted March 1 – 8, 2023. For details and to submit artwork, click here.
2023 Accepted Artists of the Top Choice Annual Awards Show.
Call to High School Artists for High School Top Choice Annual Awards Show │ Deadline: Now – March 8
Open to all types of artistic entries. We are seeking your best 2D & 3D Works. Awards: Best of Show, People’s Choice, Curator’s Choice, and Multiple Medium Category Winners. For details and to submit artwork (max. two submissions), click here.
2023 Accepted Artists of the High School Top Choice Annual Awards Show.
Call for Chalkin’ It Up Art Contest │Deadline: Now – March 17
Hosted by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society as part of the annual Spring Fever in the Garden event, all ages (elementary school ages – adult) are welcome to participate (application required, limited space) in this annual event at Spring Fever in the Garden on Saturday, April 1. Participants are welcome to start their creation at daybreak. Judging at 4:00 pm.
Each participant will have a 6×6 square and is asked to create something nature or garden related and appropriate for all ages to view.
Prizes will be awarded in numerous categories:
● Adult individual or group
● Elementary individual or group
● Middle School individual or group
● High School individual or group
● Family Group
● $400 for People’s Choice
● $700 for Best in Show
Art Night VIP -- Immersive Art Experience Fundraiser
Immerse yourself in the arts on this special night that grants VIP access to select venues throughout downtown for complimentary beverages and light appetizers, live entertainment, curated art exhibits, as well as a silent and live auction. Purchase tickets in advance at wgart.org/vip.
The evening kicks off at Winter Garden City Hall with an Opening Toast, Wine & Cheese, and Live Music, and the High School Top Choice Annual Awards Show. Next, stroll to nearby Butterfly Sculpture Park to be amazed by Live Artists, Live Music, Light Refreshments, and select Cocktails. Next up is SOBO Art Gallery for a Live and Silent Auction as well as the Top Choice Annual Awards Show. The evening caps off at Pilars Loft & Roper Building for an outdoor Pop Art Exhibition, Live Music, Pilars Loft Participation Painting & Drawing, and Craft Cocktails from Pilars Loft.
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 Winter Garden Art Association, a 501c3 non-profit association dedicated to expanding public access to art.
Children's Activities
Arts in April will delight all ages, including children. Below are some of the events that will be of particular interest to children:
Kids Art Sessions at the Winter Garden Farmers Market
- Description: Complimentary Kids Art Sessions for children 4-12 years old during the Winter Garden Farmers Market. Instructed by Certified Art Educator Lenore Eastham. Come by the Art Tent to create a variety of art activities. No pre-registration is required.
- April 8 – Watercolor Flowers for springtime
- April 15 – Wood Medallions
- April 22 – Recycled Art to Celebrate Earth Day
- Where: Winter Garden Farmers Market │Parking Garage Plaza, 160 S. Boyd Street
- When: Saturdays: April 8, 15, & 22, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Free
Exhibition: High School Top Choice Annual Awards Show
- Description: A juried selection of local high school students’ 2D & 3D works from SOBO Art Gallery’s Top Choice Annual Awards Show will be on display at City Hall. Free admission always.
- Where: Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
- When: April 3 — May 31, Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (during regular operating hours)
- Free
Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest
Elementary school age children, middle school students, and high school students are welcome to participate (individual, group, or family) in the Chalkin’ It Up Art Contest, hosted by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society as part of the annual Spring Fever in the Garden event.
Each participant will have a 6×6 square in front of City Hall as their canvas and is asked to create something nature or garden related and appropriate for all ages to view.
- Description: Bloom & Grow Garden Society presents the Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest at Spring Fever in the Garden.
- Where: City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
- When: Saturday, April 1│Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest commences at Daybreak and Judging is at 4:00 pm / Available for viewing April 1 -2 (weather permitting)
- Free to enter. Deadline to register is March 17. Space is limited and an application is required.
Prizes will be awarded in numerous categories:
● Adult individual or group
● Elementary individual or group
● Middle School individual or group
● High School individual or group
● Family Group
● $400 for People’s Choice
● $700 for Best in Show
Be sure to bring the family by to see all the artistic creations in front of City Hall (300 W. Plant Street) during Spring Fever in the Garden, April 1-2.
Silent & Live Auction
The Arts in April Auction will be held online from April 1 at 9:00 am through April 29 at 9:00 pm.
Items are now being accepted for inclusion in the 2023 Arts in April Auction!
Submit by visiting wgart.org/auction
The Winter Garden Art Association is currently seeking items to be auctioned during Arts in April and the Art Night VIP event, April 1 – 29.
The public is invited to view and bid on the Silent Auction items available for preview at the SOBO Art Gallery starting on April 1.
A “Live Bid” Auction of several specialty items will be held during the ticketed Art Night VIP event on April 29. Art Night VIP guests may also bid on the silent auction items at that time. The Silent & Live Auction will end at 9:00 pm during Art Night VIP.
Please note that ALL SUBMISSIONS are 100% DONATIONS. All monies raised will support the WGAA as well as additional local art and cultural organizations.
To submit an item for the auction, please click here.
Don’t have Art Night VIP tickets yet? Click here to buy tickets.
Stay tuned to this page to view 2023 Auction Items closer to April.
Curious as to what was auctioned in 2022? If so, then scan the QR Code below with a mobile device: or visit 32auctions.com/wgart.
Thank You and Good Luck!
Sponsors & Partners
Founder Sponsors:
Sponsors:
Partners:
Sponsorship opportunities are available for Arts in April 2023!
Submit by using Arts in April 2023 Sponsorship Form or by visiting wgart.org/sponsors.
List of Sponsorship Level packages are also provided below.
Thank you to the Sponsors of Arts in April 2023 for your support!
Thank you to all the Partners that provide entertainment and support to make Arts in April 2023 a success!
Become a SPONSOR by submitting Arts in April 2023 Sponsorship Form or by visiting wgart.org/sponsors.
Support Local Arts
10 Ways to Support Local Art in Our Community:
1. Visit the SOBO Art Gallery (127 S. Boyd St.) and the Arts in Public Places Gallery at City Hall (300 W. Plant St.) regularly to see different exhibits throughout the year. Admission is always free.
2. Buy a ticket to Art Night VIP on Saturday, April 29. This Immersive Art Experience is the annual fundraiser for Winter Garden Art Association, a 501c3 non-profit association dedicated to expanding public access to art. A complimentary annual membership to the Winter Garden Art Association ($35 value) is included with your ticket purchase.
3. Bid on items in the Arts in April Auction. Visit SOBO Art Gallery April 1 -29 to view and bid on a wide variety of silent auction items.
4. Click here to become a sponsor of Arts in April, or submit by using Arts in April 2023 Sponsorship Form.
5. Support local artists by buying their art. (The art on display at the SOBO Art Gallery and Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall is usually for sale.)
6. Join the Winter Garden Art Association. Annual Individual membership is $35 and a Family membership is $50.
7. Sign up for Volunteer opportunities at SOBO Art Gallery.
8. Purchase an engraved brick at SOBO. Bricks are $100 each for 20 characters/three lines and provide a lasting, unique gift.
9. Sign up to receive the free SOBO newsletter to stay informed of local opportunities to see and create art.
10. Donate to a local arts and culture organization such as:
- WG Art Association
- WG Heritage Foundation
- Garden Theatre
- Crealde School of Art — Provides Classes at Jessie Brock Community Center, Winter Garden
- Bloom and Grow Garden Society Monarch Butterfly Project