Another arts season underway! Each year proves to be more impressive than the last. Powered by your support and outstanding arts leadership, our arts and culture community has grown exponentially with the goal of offering programming for everyone in our expanding and diverse community. When others aren’t capable, it’s up to artists to open up dialogue and solve through creativity.
There are so many things to celebrate, including several milestone anniversaries. Orlando Family Stage can be featured on The Today Show’s Smucker’s jar this year as it turns 100 years young. The theater’s longstanding partnership with UCF has resulted in outstanding offerings on stage, strong educational components and the launching of several celebrity careers.
We also feature the birthdays of Crealdé School of Art, which turns 50, CityArts, which turns 25, Central Florida Community Arts, which turns 15, and Opera Orlando, which turns 10. So many memories! This is certainly a time to reflect on successes, as well as to strengthen collaborations and look forward to the future. All of these organizations have built a legacy of shared experiences.
When planning this issue every year, I tend to notice trends. One trend in particular has struck a chord (pun intended) with me lately: jazz. You’ll notice so many new jazz offerings that range from Orlando Jazz Collective to Judson’s Live to Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. I’ve learned so much about the varied types of jazz, as well as the musicians and performers that will grace us with their talents this season.
It’s a time to appreciate growth and triumphs along the way. Make sure to peruse the Season Preview listings and events calendar so you can plan your date nights, purchase season tickets and enjoy the plethora of entertainment that our community offers.
One final note: Artistry has a bit of exciting news. We now have our very own website that will showcase our fabulous stories, as well as deadlines and other valuable information. Please visit artistryonline.org and let me know what you think. We hope it will be a useful resource for all to enjoy.
CINDY BOWMAN LAFRONZ
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ARTISTRY
