AIR DATE MAY 18, 2023
Title: Orange County Art Adventures
Emily is hopping between galleries and exhibits to better appreciate the Orlando arts scene.
Guests
Orlando Museum of Art, Associate Curator – Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon
Downtown Arts District, Executive Director – Barbara Hartley
Accessible Art Helps Each Community Embrace Individual Creativity
Coralie Claeysen-Gleason serves as an Associate Curator at the Orlando Museum of Art. “First of all, a lot of people don’t even realize there is an art museum in Orlando,” she said. “They will see over 30,000 square feet of varied space that has everything from pre-Columbian artworks or artifacts to an African art collection.”
Barbara Hartley is the Executive Director of the Downtown Arts District. “City Arts is located in the Rogers-Kiene building, which is the oldest one downtown,” she told me. “There are six galleries in the building, and we switch them out each month.”
The building sits at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Pine Street. It was built in the Queen Anne style, and the Victoria edifice was used for social gatherings by immigrants who came to the area in the late 19th century to become citrus ranchers.
Encouraging Local Art Through Programs and Opportunities
“We get involved in a lot of art programming,” said Hartley. “The Downtown Arts District started in 2000. Our goal was to create more place-making in the area through public arts programs. We continue the gallery experience to lift up local and visiting artists.”
Claeysen-Gleason talked to me about the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition. “It’s in its eighth year at the museum,” she said. “It showcases the work of ten Florida-based artists that are doing incredible work. It is of an international caliber.”
Coralie told me it could take several years to bring an exhibition to life, even if it comes from only a single idea. “We research the art and the artists, the pieces that would make the perfect show or exhibition, and it’s a synergy of networks that taps into the creative story being told.”
Being featured in galleries is a chance to get professional experiences while potentially selling some pieces.
“We are here for the community,” added Hartley. “We like to give emerging, beginning, and established artists the opportunity to show and sell their work while learning from each other.”
Supporting Local Artists Goes Beyond Buying Their Work
Although artists earn a living by selling their works, programs like the Orlando Museum of Art and the Downtown Arts District support several forms of art. Barbara told me they have everything from a busking program to traditional exhibitions to raise public awareness of what is available.
“If you’re an artist,” said Hartley, “come and show us your art!”
“We have a huge education program, creating options for specific audiences,” said Claeysen-Gleason. “The earlier you can be exposed to art, the better.”
To facilitate these programs, the museum tries to offer as much accessibility as possible. That includes having moms come with their little ones in strollers to explore their art. “Everyone is welcome,” she said. “We want them to have an opinion, to feel an emotion.”
More information about the Orlando Museum of Art’s programs is available at omart.org. You can also tap into the resources provided by the Downtown Arts District by visiting downtownartsdistrict.com.
