Curb appeal, good bones, historical significance … these are all things I love about old homes. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had the privilege of building a new home and the result was very satisfying. However, renovating homes has always been a passion of mine.
Looking for those hidden treasures within the home that can shine again is gratifying. Often, older homes offer up a few quirky, humorous and charming features such as bomb shelters or dumbwaiters. Like novels, chapters unfold with stories and memories of characters that graced the residence.
In this issue, we showcase a home designed by James Gamble Rogers II, who hung out his shingle as an architect in Winter Park during the 1920s. For the next 60 years, he would be responsible for designing some of the most significant residential structures in that community.
One of the best-known homes designed by Rogers is Casa Feliz—now a community venue—which in 2020 was saved from demolition through grassroots support and the donation of land for its relocation by the City of Winter Park. “Rogers Renewed” shares the story of a lesser-known Rogers home, built in 1955, and its sensitive renovation.
Moving from old to new—and continuing the theme of homegrown talent—Orlando Museum of Art once again hosts the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, which will feature 12 artists this year whose work represents a diverse range of mediums and approaches. Learn more in “Sunshine State Showcase”.
It’s also that time of year when we, well, Fringe. Yes, “fringe” started out as a noun but now is frequently used as a verb. This year, celebrating its 35th anniversary, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival experienced a more than 20 percent increase in applications.
There’s always something for everyone—just not everything is for everyone, so please check out the guidelines and a sampling of the exciting offerings in “Weird World”.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention our country’s big birthday—celebrating 250 years of history this Fourth of July. Check out our cultural calendar for special celebratory offerings by our esteemed community organizations.
Happy Birthday, America!
Cindy Bowman LaFronz
Editor-In-Chief, Artistry
