Orlando Fringe 2023 Recap – Part 1

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

The Orlando Fringe is in full swing, so here is my recap of the first week.

Thursday, May 18th was the Visual Fringe Gallery Opening Celebration. There are so many fantastic pieces of art in this year’s gallery and a HUGE variety of mediums on display. There is literally something for everyone! Low prices make the art affordable to every collector and when you make a purchase, 100% of that money goes right back to the artist. When you buy art, you support the local artists living and working right here in the Central Florida area!

Visual Fringe Headquarters is the place to be to find inspiration, a peaceful place to reflect and the opportunity to get creative. Craft supplies and coloring pages are always on hand for when the overwhelming urge for artistic expression strikes. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the fun photo op and grab something special from the Vexed Vending Machine!

VFHQ is also home to the Art Market with even more artwork available to purchase and the opportunity to speak directly with the artists themselves. The Art Market takes place every day of the Fringe festival.

This year I had the honor and privilege of being a small part of an incredible event… the Art + Improv Show! This FREE event took place on Friday, May 19th at 7:45pm in VFHQ and I am still reeling from all the hilarity!

Simply put, the Art + Improv Show explored the definition of “art begets art.” First, I was interviewed as one of the artists showing their work in the VF Gallery. I was asked questions about my paintings and my artistic process. Then, a group of incredibly talented actors performed sketches inspired by some of the things we discussed in my interview. It was amazing to watch and it was completely improvised right there on the spot!

While the actors were crafting some highly imaginative stories, local artist Gabs (@gabsilla on Instagram – follow her!) drew the actors and their shenanigans LIVE as they were performing!

If you missed this insane collection of creativity, have no fear! The video of the event is available for you to view on my YouTube channel. Here’s the link…

Major shout outs to VF Producer Melanie Leon and her impressive team of improv actors – Tim Watt, Chris Trovador and Bruce Costella. I won’t have to convince you of their comedic timing or skill because the video speaks for itself. Fair warning – you’ll be laughing out loud from beginning to end!

Here are a couple of Gabs’ illustrations created as the improvers were acting…

My sincerest thanks to the Visual Fringe team for inviting me to participate in this crazy event!

For more info on this year’s Orlando Fringe, please visit…

https://orlandofringe.virtuallyfringe.com/

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The Wandering Art Historian's avatar
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.