“Coco” Inspired Ofrenda

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

It’s time for the big reveal!

As you know, from a few hints posted to this blog, I was invited to contribute a piece to the 3rd Annual Wine Box Art Show benefiting the Zebra Coalition of Orlando.  This fantastic fundraiser is organized by the owners of The Barefoot Spa to raise money for the Zebra Coalition, which helps the LGBTQ+ youth in our Central Florida community.  Local artists are invited to choose a wooden wine box, generously donated by another area small business – Quantum Leap Winery – and turn that wine box into a spectacular work of art.  The art wine boxes are then on display for a month where they can receive bids in a silent auction or can by purchased outright with a “buy now” price.  Every dollar generated from the sales of the wine boxes goes directly to the Zebra Coalition and in the previous two events, over $11,000 has been raised.

This year I wanted to push myself as an artist and try to “top” the “My Neighbor Totoro” themed wine box I painted for last year’s event.  I decided to use my wine box to create a Day of the Dead ofrenda inspired by the Disney Pixar film, “Coco.”  I am so pleased (and relieved!) to share that my wine box was purchased at the “buy now” price over the weekend.  As an artist, you never know if someone is going to connect with your work, even if you feel passionately about the subject matter.

It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to contribute something creative to such a worthy cause.  I also feel a strong responsibility to give back to the community that has been so supportive of me and my work.  If you are in the Central Florida area, I hope to see you tomorrow night at the final event for the Wine Box Art Show.  If not, please consider making a donation to the Zebra Coalition and keep the love going.

For more information on the 3rd Annual Wine Box Art Show, please visit…

https://www.facebook.com/events/904886346370199/

For more information on the Zebra Coalition and how you can help, please visit…

https://www.zebrayouth.org/

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.