Casselberry Art House Review

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Casselberry is a small town in Seminole County, which is Northeast of Downtown Orlando. The Art House is owned and managed by the City of Casselberry. What makes the Art House unique is the art exhibits, art classes, lectures, and much more.

The Art House is easy to get to. They are located at 127 Quail Pond right near Casselberry City Hall off of State Highway 17-92. Just look for the colorful art deco style house. There is plenty of free parking nearby. They are open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm.

There is a lot of history behind the Art House. The city opened the Art House in 2002. With the 2,500 square feet of space, the city wanted to use the space for many functions. The house is nestled in a quiet, park-like setting on Lake Concord, the Casselberry Art House continues to provide a wonderful opportunity for residents, Central Florida businesses and other organizations to enjoy and appreciate art.

Throughout the year the Art House has many different types of art exhibits. Many of the art exhibits are from professionals to amateur artists. These art exhibits are free to view. Some art exhibits have 80 – 100 pieces on the wall along with sculpture works as well.

One can even take an art class for fifty dollars for a six-week class. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to be an artist and learning the craft of creating a masterpiece. The Art House offers oil paining, watercolor painting, drawing, and much more. To register for a class go to https://apm.activecommunities.com/casselberryparksandrec/Home

For more information on the Casselberry Art House go to http://www.casselberry.org/index.aspx?NID=338 . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

 

 

Photojournalist Nathan Wertheimer will showcase his photos at Casselberry City Hall

Photo courtesy from icflorida.com by Nathan Wertheimer

“Photography is more than just art.” – Nathan Wertheimer, 2017

(Seminole County – May 24, 2017) Casselberry City Hall is having another quarterly art exhibit featuring Photojournalist Nathan Wertheimer along with a few other artists on May 29, on view until July 27, 2017. The Casselberry City Hall art exhibit is open during regular business hours Monday thru Thursday. Wertheimer was previously invited back in 2015 will once again invited to participate in this year’s art exhibit in Casselberry. He will feature his 24-framed color 8×10 photographs of cars and various music concerts. This art exhibit is theme around the Rock N Blues Concert and Car Show, which is being held on May 29, 2017, from 5pm – 9pm, at Lake Concord Park. Come meet Wertheimer at this event.

There will be a mixture of color photographs showcasing Wertheimer’s work on the walls at Casselberry City Hall. Viewers will see some local music concerts along with car show photos too. Here are a few samples of some of Wertheimer’s music concerts photographs from Vince Neil, The Blues Traveler, Craig Chaquico, and much more. These photos will bring the viewer closer to the music stage filled with energy and excitement. Besides music concerts there will be hot rods, classic cars, and vintage cars photos from various car shows from around Central Florida area. Some of the featured car shows sample photos are of the Batmobile®, VW Bugs, c1967 Blue Chevy Nova Custom, and much more.

Photo courtesy from icflorida.com by Nathan Wertheimer

About Wertheimer
Wertheimer has always had a passion for photography. As a kid, he was always looking through pages of magazines, books, and newspapers, and he was captivated by the wonderful world of photography.

Wertheimer very first camera was a Kodak Disc 3100, given to him on his birthday. From that point forward, he always had a camera with him. In high school, he was a yearbook photographer, capturing the great photo moments at his institution. Those photos still live on.

After high school, he attended Seminole Community College, which is now Seminole State College. One of his first college courses he chose was PGY Photo 1. That class expanded his knowledge and skills and knew he wanted to learn more. While in college, he became a freelance photojournalist for the college newspaper covering many fun, college-related events.

After he graduated Seminole State College, he transferred to Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, to work on his B.A Degree in Graphic Design, with a minor in Fine Arts and Illustration. While at Flagler, he was a staff photojournalist for the college newspaper covering sporting events to special features. After he graduated from Flagler College, he went into the commercial art field to hone his skills as a designer. With some of my free time, he did a home study program from Penn Foster Career School and graduated with a Career Diploma in Photography.

His drive in photography did not stop there. Once he transitioned from being a graphic designer to becoming a school portrait photographer for a while. Then he got his big break by working as a photographer and designer. After leaving the design field for a while, he still had the itch to continue his personal photography at various events throughout Central Florida.

While doing his personal photography, he was noticed by one of the staff members of WFTV Channel 9 and icFlorida.com for his wonderful images. From then on he has been a freelance photojournalist for icFlorida.com. Plus, he own and manages otownfun.com since 2015.

One will never know where he’ll show up next in the Central Florida area. Just look for the guy with two DSLR cameras on a shoulder harness, wearing a fanny pack, kneepads, and a bonnie hat, and that’s likely him on assignment. Look for more of his photos on www.icflorida.com and www.otownfun.com ,

One fun fact about Wertheimer is that he has a distant relative, Alford Wertheimer (born Nov. 16, 1929 & died on Dec. 19, 2014); he was a famous photojournalist for his work in concert photography. He also photographed numerous celebrities throughout his life. One of Senior Wertheimer’s famous photos he captured was of singer Elvis Presley. Younger Wertheimer also would wants to become a great photographer and follow in his footsteps.

“The camera is only a tool. One must have a great eye for capturing the moments! My work will live on through my photographs.” – Nathan Wertheimer.

For more information contact Nathan Wertheimer directly at otownfunnow@gmail.com
If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

2017 28th Annual Spring Fiesta in the Park in Orlando Preview

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Orlando, FL – It is now that time again to enjoy spring with Orlando’s bi-annual Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola Park and Robinson Street. This event runs from April 1 & 2, 2017, from 10am – 5pm. The Fiesta in the Park Committee along with a group of volunteers and sponsors come together to help produce this annual event to support the Greater Orlando area. This event is FREE and open to all families, adults, and children.

The Fiesta in the Park Committee’s mission is to bring family and pet friendly arts and entertainment to Downtown Orlando each Spring and Fall season, while promoting local urban development in the City of Orlando and through the Orlando Community & Youth Trust.

If driving a vehicle in downtown Orlando going to this event. Parking is very limited around Lake Eola Park. There are public and private parking garages that are available for a fee. If you’re looking for free parking park, there is some in the residential area, which is a short walk to this venue. It is recommended to arrive early at the beginning of this event. Crowds tend to peak in the middle to the end of the day.

Bring your family down for a fun filled day at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. There are plenty of activities to see and do. Take in the various fine artists and crafters booths on displaying their handmade works of art. This is a juried art show and awards are given out on Sunday for the top artists. If good music is your thing than check out the WMMO radio station with local singers who will be performing live on the small stage. If you come hungry to this event, there are plenty of food vendors to choose from. Plus there are various commercial vendors selling their goods and services. Don’t miss a moment so plan a day at this year’s Spring Fiesta in the Park.

For more information go to www.fiestainthepark.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

Sources of information from fiestainthepark.com

 

 

 

 

2017 5th Annual Altamonte Springs Uptown Art Expo Preview

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Altamonte Springs, FL – This annual art festival is held at Cranes Roost Park next to the Altamonte Mall. The venue has free admission and parking. This event is being held on March 25 & 26, 2017. So mark your calendar and come on down to this weekend event.

It is just an easy drive from Orlando to get to Altamonte Springs. Take I-4 going east. Then take exit 92 off of I-4. Look for the Altamonte Mall signage. There is plenty of free parking at the Altamonte Mall. It is advised to park in the Northwest side of the mall, which is close to the park. Check your GPS for the best travel route to Cranes Roost Park.

This art show is set near the lakeside area featuring a walking path, plaza with fountain show & amphitheater with live entertainment. While walking around beautiful Cranes Roost Park there will be many artists and vendor booths lined up on Cranes Roost Blvd. The Art Festival will feature 150 juried art & fine crafts with displays of glass, jewelry, mosaics, paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture and more all available for purchase.

This year’s music on stage is Rick Derringer Band presenting Storyteller – Alive and Well Performance. Derringer is a Legendary Guitarist, Singer, Producer Hear the stories behind the Hits! Some of his hits are “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo”, “Hang on Sloopy” “Frankenstein”, “Free Ride”, “Real American”, “Still Alive and Well” and many more!

Another big music headliner is the tribute band The Long Run – A Journey Through The Music Of The Eagles! This band tours around the world and has played over 400 shows worldwide. This band has appeared on over 30 albums with many famous singers and bands. What makes this band unique is that they perform on many cruise ships around the world. Some of the band members Randy Ridenour and Chuck Kirkpatrick have ties to Florida. The Long Run has performs many of the Eagles greatest rock music hits. Listen to this tribute band play the songs such as “Hotel California”, “Take It Easy”, “Lyin’ Eyes”, and much more.

Another popular feature at this art festival is the sidewalk chalk paintings. Many local artists with different ages from all walks of life compete for awards for the best chalk painting. One will see a variety of subject matters. These sidewalk chalk artists start in the morning and end in the early evening. There is a limited amount of time to complete one sidewalk chalk painting. When these sidewalk chalk paintings are finished one will be amazed of how they created a masterpiece within a short amount of time. This is a must see when attending this venue.

For the hungry festival attendees – International Street cuisine and good old-fashioned Festival Foods along with Craft Beer featuring Bold City Brewery, Islamorada Beer Company, 3 Daughters Brewing Company, Kona Brewing, Bud Light and Wines – Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Merlot. Prices of food will vary.

This event is produced by Orlando Art & Living Expo, Inc., and is a non-profit corporation, whose mission is to bring art and music together, and enhance the quality of life in Central Florida. For more information on this art show go to www.uptownartexpo.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

Sources of information from uptownartexpo.com

 

2017 58th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Preview

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Winter Park, FL – Come on down to this year’s annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. This is a high end art festival filled masterpieces, great entertainment, and food. This venue is being held on March 17-19, 2017, in the heart of Downtown Winter Park. Only the best-selected artists will have their work shown. This art festival is free to walk a around. Here is just a sampling of what is going on.

This art festival was named America’s Best Juried Fine Art Fair (Art Fair Calendar, 2013 & 2014), The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. It is also ranked the #1 Best Fine Art and Design Show in the southeast and #5 in the Nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, 2014. The Festival debuted in March 1960 as a community project to bring local artists and art lovers together. The Festival is produced by an all-volunteer board and draws more than 350,000 visitors each year. This year, more than 1,100 artists from around the world applied for entry. An independent panel of three judges selected the 225 artists exhibiting their works. The Festival is also recognized as “Central Florida’s Best Festival,” Orlando Magazine, 2013 & 2014; and “Best Winter Park Event/Festival,” The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Winter Park / Maitland Observer, 2013 & 2014.

This event is only a short drive from Orlando. Parking is very limited around this art festival. Festival goes are able to find parking at many of the public lots and public parking garages. There is some street parking near this venue. Parking tends to fills up fast. It is recommended to arrive early when the festival opens. If you come in the middle of the day expect to drive around looking for a space to park. Avoid bring a vehicle if possible. Sunrail is running on Saturday only. Check http://www.sunrail.com for train schedule. There are other forms of transportation to take such as ride sharing services and or even riding your bicycle. Plus, there is a bicycle valet to park your bike at this venue too.

This is a must see event for this weekend. Come see some of the best artists and their works from around the country. There will be all different medium and styles of art from sculptures, paintings, photography, drawings, jewelry, and much more. This year festival artists complete for 63 awards totaling $72,500. The Best of Show winner is purchased for $10,000 by The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Board and donated to the City of Winter Park. Previous Best of Show winners are on permanent display at the Winter Park Public Library. A $5,000 “Art of Philanthropy” Purchase Award is sponsored by the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. A $2,500 “Distinguished Work of Art” Award is presented through The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. There are 10 Awards of Excellence of $2,000 each, 20 Awards of Distinction of $1,000 each and 30 Awards of Merit of $500 each.

Don’t forget to check out the children’s artwork on display in several large tents near the Winer Park Post Office. Most of these art students show some great talent with their artistic ability. Their artwork is juried too. So come down and take some time to enjoy their artwork too. Early Sunday afternoon some of the teachers start taking the grade school children’s artwork down. It is best to see if on Friday and Saturday. Awards for the children’s art show will be posted on late Saturday afternoon.

There will be many different types of food to choose from. The Food Court is located in in the middle of this venue near the train station. Puffs and Stuff Catering, runs this year’s festival food concessions. There is a largest selection of food to choose from. Choose from BBQ, fish, burgers, chicken, salads, and much more. It is advised to bring cash, however some take credit cards. Plus, there are a few ATM machines throughout the festival.

Besides the food, there is always great free entertainment. Get there early for the best seats in the house. The main stage is located on the eastside of the park. There will be a variety of acts live on stage. Check the art festival website for schedule of music and entertainment. Bring a folding chair or blanket and relax with some great entertainment.

For more information on this art show go to www.wpsaf.org . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Photos courtesy by icflorida.com

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

Sources of information from wpsaf.org

2017 20th Annual Mount Dora Spring Fest Preview

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Mt Dora, FL – The downtown streets come alive with crafters and artists displaying their works for show and sale. It’s a fun, two-day, open-air event celebrating the arrival of Springtime with historic, downtown Mount Dora as a backdrop. Bring the family, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to shop ’til you drop! This Show is held at the beginning of Spring on the streets of historic, downtown Mount Dora. Event held on Saturday and Sunday, March 18th & 19th for a fabulous weekend of shopping.

Formerly the Mount Dora Spring Collectibles, Crafts and Antiques Show, the all-new Mount Dora Spring Fest in it’s 20th year draws thousands of visitors and 250+ exhibitors. Due to the decline in participation from “antique” and “collectible” vendors at the Mount Dora Spring Collectibles and Crafts Show and the desire to bring in more high quality, hand craft exhibitors, we will be revising the 2017 footprint for the event and re-branding it as the Mount Dora Spring Fest. The number of “Antique, Collectible and Buy Sell” exhibitors will be limited and assigned in an area separated from the now juried hand craft exhibitors at this 2017 event.

Driving to Downtown Mt. Dora from Orlando is only a short 30-minute drive. Take Highway 441 North from Orlando and one will hit the Mt. Dora City limits. Look for the Downtown signs to point you in the right direction. It is recommitted to make it a day trip. There is much to see and do in Mt. Dora. Parking may be an issue, but please don’t let it stop you from visiting this arts festival. There is some free parking in the residential side of town. Also, there are some business and homeowners who are charging a fee to park on their property. Another alternative is to use the satellite parking lot that uses buses to bring people to and from this event.

This year’s festival will take on a whole new experience. Most people might compare this festival to the Mount Dora Arts Festival. However, it does have the same feel, but smaller in smaller venue. The layout of this festival stretches from Macdonald Street to Tremain Street. There is a Food Court which is located on South Donnelly Street and variety of foods to choose from. If beer and wine is your thing, then check out the beer-wine area located on Alexander Street and Fourth Avenue.

For more information on this event please visit www.mountdoraspringshow.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

Website graphic courtesy from Mt Dora Spring Show

Sources of information from http://www.mountdoraspringshow.com

2017 Lake Mary Heathrow Festival of the Arts Preview

 

Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Lake Mary, FL – Most people will notice that this arts festival has moved to the from the Fall to the Springtime. It will be great weather for this arts festival on the weekend. Come out and support our professional artists. The arts festival is being held on March 4^th and 5^th, 2017, at Oval Park near AAA.

Lake Mary is only a short drive from Orlando. Just take I-4 going East to Exit 101A then take a left onto H.E. Thomas Jr Highway Next, take a left onto International Parkway. Look for signs directing drivers to park. There is very limited free street parking available. Most art patrons will pay and park across the street on a commercial office building property. If you live in the area, some festivalgoers will walk or ride their bike down to this venue.

One will notice artist Ed Sanderson, which depicts a very colorful city scene, was selected 2017 arts festival poster. These posters can be purchased at the information both. There is much to see and do at this year’s art festival. Catch the 100+ fine artists and crafters, grade school fine arts on display, and live entertainment on the main stage.

For a list of arts, event details , and sponsors please visit www.lakemaryheathrowarts.com . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .