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Podcast

Episode 110: Victorious McLeod

Visual artist and Filmmaker, Victorious McLeod shares his story in a whole new season of Artistic Spot. Discover Victorious story up close. For more information visit: victoriousmcleod.com
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Podcast

Episode 108: Ken Austin

Watercolor Master Ken Austin, joined us to discuss the highlights of his career, and his pathway in arts for the past 60 years.

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Podcast

Episode 106: Cheri Riechers

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Art

The Art of Coca-Cola Zero’s Deliciousness

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar – Now More Delicious decorating an art sculpture outside Byron Walker’s Studio at The Faith Arts Village Orlando.
Photo Credit: Jose Rodriguez Marmol

For some visual artists at the Faith Arts Village, Coca-Cola is not only a thirst quencher. It is also a medium in the process of storytelling through the world of painting. 

For the Director of Facilities at the Polasek MuseumByron Walker, “everything is a medium when telling stories. From the cans to that small amount of liquid that is left after opening and drinking a Coke.”

A can of Coca-Cola before being used by Artist Byron Walker
Photo Credit: Jose Rodriguez Marmol

For the Director of Facilities at the Polasek MuseumByron Walker, “everything is a medium when telling stories. From the cans to that small amount of liquid that is left after opening and drinking a Coke.”

Coca-Cola is more than a drink. There is a story. There is a brand that is recognized worldwide. As artists, we are responsible for telling new stories. I have used Coca-Cola to paint, especially to recreate landscapes. It all started one day that I ran out of brown. I could have mixed colors and created it on my own. Instead, I decided to use some of the Coca-Cola Zero that I was having at that specific moment. To my surprise, it added a beautiful color scheme to my canvas,” said Byron.

Jose Rodriguez Marmol and Byron Walker having a conversation about upcoming art pieces

Byron is currently working on his version of Vincent Van Gogh’sStarry Night.’ “I am using approximately 100 cans of Coca-Cola that I have in my studio here at FAVO. I have cut them open and shaped them as stars. My version of Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ will feature cans of Coca-Cola as stars. I am so excited to finish my mixed media masterpiece and share it with you all,” said Walker.

In the world of visual arts, everything is possible. Art is subjective, and it is in the eye of the beholder.  The artist is free to use the media he feels most comfortable with using.

Fellow artists, now it is your turn to discover the new and ‘more delicious’ flavor that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has. Its design and how you can use your favorite drink in your next masterpiece.

Coca – Cola Zero Sugar under the spotlight
Photo Credit: Jose Rodriguez Marmol

For more information on Byron Walker’s upcoming Art with Coca-Cola visit his website http://www.bwalkerart.com/gallery.html. Stay tuned for more information and the release of his upcoming artwork.  

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Podcast

Episode 105: Chris M. Gray

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Art

Discovering the Artist within during JJ Art and Design Productions Studio Opening

The dream of local visual artist JJ Gonzalez Acosta became a reality with the opening of his studio on a colorful opening night on Friday, October 1st, during FAVO’s first Friday of every month Art Show. Studio 253 at FAVO – Faith Arts Village Orlando will now be the home to art classes and workshops for students of all ages.

‘JJ Art and Design Productions’ was founded by Gonzalez Acosta in 2018. “I am a visual artist. I was born in Valencia, Venezuela. Since the age of five, I have been playing with colors and paintbrushes. One of my goals coming to the U.S. five years ago was to teach art techniques and help others discover their artist within. I am very happy to have a space where people can come and enjoy the beauty of art,” said JJ.

It was a night of color, music, and dance. The opening of the Studio was full of happiness. Ilia Torres, assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was among the special guests that were present in the event, “I am honored to be here tonight. JJ is a wonderful visual artist. We are honored to have him as part of our community. It is a pleasure to be here tonight and support him during this important milestone for his career and his small business.”

JJ Gonzalez Acosta during his opening speech on Friday, October 1st.

Before the ribbon cutting ceremony took place, Ilia Torres, gave JJ Art and Design Productions a ‘Congratulations Certificate’ signed by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

Since the beginning, ‘JJ Art and Design Productions’ has hosted art classes and workshops for kids and adults.

The goal of the company is to help others discover their artist within. “We are all artists. In my career as a visual artist, I have seen people heal through art. I have seen students who never painted come out with beautiful masterpieces that tell their life stories. Art heals. Since the 19th century, art has helped people heal. I want this space to help others heal. I want my studio to make others feel they are real artists and that their stories can be told,” said Gonzalez Acosta.

Ilia Torres, JJ Gonzalez Acosta, Jose Rodriguez Marmol and Will Benton during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Will Benton, Executive Director of FAVO, is happy to have JJ Art and Design Productions as part of this creative village. “We are proud to have JJ with us. He is very talented. We are blessed to have him as part of our creative community,” said Benton.

“I am so happy for the opening of my studio at FAVO. I am inviting you to come, and discover this amazing creative village,” said JJ.

The opening ceremony ended with a beautiful Venezuelan dance called ‘Merengue de Antaño’ by Antonieta Armas from ‘IslaDanza – Venezuela, Arte y Cultura’.

The Studio is officially open. Information on upcoming classes and workshops will be announced soon. For updated information on upcoming art classes that will help you heal and discover the artist within, follow JJ Art and Design Productions on Instagram, visit the company’s website, and sign up for the weekly newsletter.

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Podcast

Episode 103: The Ladies of Crealde

The Ladies of The Crealde School of Arts shared their stories while exhibiting their art pieces in Studio 244 at FAVO.

Come and discover these wonderful fellowship students, and studio artists.

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Podcast

Episode 102: Eric & Kathy Blackmore

Eric and Kathy Blackmore are connected by love and passion for the arts. Join us in discovering the story behind these two talented human beings.

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Podcast

Episode 101: Jonathan Perez

Orlando artist Jonathan Perez joined us for Episode 101 of Artistic Spot. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover his story as an artist, and the importance of TODAY.

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Podcast

Episode 100: Reunion

Join us in celebrating Episode 100 with these wonderful special guests that have been part of our story! In Artistic Spot, where you are also the artist!