21st Century paintings compared to pioneers of Realism

The traveling exhibit of 21st-century realist artists at Appleton Museum of Art on Ocala also will display 'The Deepest World We Share' by Scott 'Kiche' Castro. (REALISMGUILD.COM / February 7, 2010)

The art work in the traveling exhibit "The New Reality: The Frontier of Realism in the 21st Century" at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala gives viewers a snapshot of how Realism artists are approaching their art form today.
Each of the 65 contemporary paintings by 56 international artists looks at the state of Realism painting around the world and compares those artworks with their historical predecessors such as Vermeer's classic "Girl With a Pearl Earring" with Ellen Catherwood's "Girl With Piercings."
The juried show by the International Guild of Realism features an array of media including oil, acrylic, egg tempera, graphite and colored pencil. Each artist was asked to identify one historical painting that can be used by museum visitors to compare and contrast today's work with the pioneers of this art technique.

The exhibit runs through March 21.
The museum, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., is operated by Central Florida Community College.
Details: 352-291-4455 or appletonmuseum.org.

ArtsFest in Minneola
The Community Art Connection of South Lake and Minneola will present its inaugural ArtsFest even from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Minneola City Hall, 800 N. U.S. Highway 27.
The event is part of ArtsFest, a celebration of arts and cultures in Central Florida sponsored by United Arts of Central Florida.
Activities will include music by singer/songwriter Chad Fernandez and Bethany Burnette, a display of artwork from the Thomas Kinkade gallery and other artists, AJ Grossman will demonstrate a new "green" medium of art, zumba dancing and a scene from Steel Magnolias presented by the South Lake Theatre Company.
For more information about the art connection's event, call 352-435-5415.
ArtsFest is a chance to explore some of the arts and cultural experiences available in Central Florida. ArtsFest, which runs through Sunday, offers events in locations in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake counties — all for free. For a schedule of events, visit artsfestfl.com.

Make a treasure box
South Lake Art League will host a treasure-box-painting party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at Cagan's Crossing, 16650 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Unit 304, Clermont.
The painted treasure boxes will be donated to the Shriners' hospitals for distribution to children, who were injured in the Jan. 12 and sent to the Shriners' hospitals.
The Shriners give the patients small toys or prizes to direct their attention away from the painful treatments or surgeries they undergo.
The treasure boxes are used to hold their keepsakes in their nightstands during their stay in the hospital.
Kathie Camara, an art league instructor and member, will host the event.
There is a $5 donation, or bring in two sturdy shoeboxes.
All paint, brushes, patterns and instruction will be provided.

Writer tells secrets
Want to know how to write a book? It's not just about firing up the computer or picking up a pen.
An Orlando-based writing coach, Diana Scimone, will tell you practical ways to get started at a workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Garden Gate Tea Room, 142 E. Fourth Ave., Mount Dora.
The workshop is aimed at fiction and non-fiction writers, and adult and children's books.
Cost is $45 in advance or $55 at the door, and includes brunch.
To register visit howtowriteabook.biz or make check payable to Peapod Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 951599, Lake Mary, FL 32795; and include name, address, telephone number and e-mail).
A portion of the registration fee will go to The Born2Fly project, a nonprofit organization to stop child trafficking.
Details: 407-333-3030.

Watercolor workshop
The Leesburg Art Association will present a watercolor workshop Feb. 18 and 19 at the Leesburg Cultural Arts Building, 201 E. Dixie Ave., in Venetian Gardens.
Tom Jones, a Central Florida artist, will teach the two-day workshop.
Cost is $145 for LAA members and $160 for nonmembers, and includes paint, paper and a print of Jones' work.
Class size is limited. To register, call Jann Barbieux at 352-360-4076.

Neil Simon comedy
The Villages Theater Company will present its production of Neil Simon's comedy Last of the Red Hot Lovers at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 through 22 at the Mulberry Grove Recreation Center, 8445 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane (off State Road 42), The Villages.
The play is about Barney Cashman, who has been married 23 years and is having a midlife crisis. He wants to have an affair but proves to be totally inept, as evidenced by his failure with three different women.

Tickets are available for $12 for residents of The Villages and $15 for nonresidents at The Villages' box offices.

For more information, call 352-753-3229.

Vineyard's annual Winefest
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards will have its annual Winefest and craft show Feb. 19 through 21 at the winery, 19239 U.S. Highway 27 north of Clermont.
The outdoor event will feature more than 100 artists and crafters displaying original works throughout the three-day event, winery tours, wine tastings and live music.
Wine, beer and a variety of food and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19 and 20 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21.
Admission is a $2 donation at the gate, which will benefit the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Bring a lawn chair as seating is limited. Parking is free. Details: 352-394-8627.
Items to be considered should be submitted to Debbie Manis, The arts in Lake, Orlando Sentinel, 1898 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, faxed to 352-742-5938 or e-mailed to dmanis@orlandosentinel.com