see the world: orlando
The search for the fountain of youth, a magical location with miraculously healing and youth-rejuvenating water, is interminable. Master magician David Copperfield announced to the world that he found it in Musha Cay, Bahamas. Some people believe that it’s in St. Augustine, Fla., while others believe it’s simply a metaphor for anything that promotes longevity. From Jan. 10 through May 10, optimists can continue the tradition of pursuing hope, discovery, ambition and destiny when they visit The Orlando Museum of Art where African American glass sculptor Therman Statom’s newest exhibit “Stories of the New World” will be on display. For a point of reference, Statom studied with Dale Chihuly, whose magnificent works of vibrant hand-blown glass flowers adorn the ceiling in the lobby of the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas.
Stories of the New World is a large-scale, multi-part glass installation, which transforms the museum’s galleries into a visually dazzling environment of light and color. The glass show features a mirrored maze, panoramic murals, video projections, blown glass sculptures and concludes in a room-size glass building filled with artwork and the artist’s rendition of the Fountain of Youth.
Celebrated author Zora Neale Hurston’s legacy also lives on in Orlando. The 20th anniversary of the Zora! Festival will be celebrated January 20–25 in Eatonville, Fla., and throughout Orange County. The weekend Outdoor Festival of the Arts attracts thousands of spectators and features performances by local, regional and national acts, along with artist competitions and an international marketplace and food pavilion. This year’s participants include poet Sonia Sanchez, gospel singer Dr. Bobby Jones, and honoree Dr. Maya Angelou. –yvette caslin |
