ORLANDO — The Mills 50 District is known for its unique restaurants, specialty shops, and bars that draw in big crowds. Now the district is looking for artists who can demonstrate what’s unique about this popular neighborhood in Orlando.
The Mills 50 District, which is part of the Orlando Main Streets program, is looking for artists and photographers to submit works for the district’s upcoming Picturing Mills 50 show, which will get exhibited at Quantum Leap Winery, 1312 Wilfred Drive, starting next month.
There will be an Artists Opening Reception on Friday, July 21 from 6-8 p.m.
What is the Picturing Mills 50 Show?
Once the artwork and photographs of Mills 50 have been chosen, the exhibit will run from Tuesday, July 18 through Saturday, Aug. 26. The exhibit hopes to capture a vibrant flavor of what this neighborhood is all about.
“How do you see Mills 50?” the district noted in a news release about the exhibit. “Is it the historic homes and neighborhoods? The iconic businesses? Is it events like the Lunar New Year Dragon Parade or Love Fest? Is it the people who live and play in Mills 50? However you ‘see’ Mills 50, we invite you to upload no more than 3 sketches, paintings or photographs no later than Sunday, June 18. If your submission is selected, you will be notified by e-mail no later than Friday, June 23.”
As Mills 50 noted, Sam Flax has generously donated a 12×12 or 16×20 canvas to each artist selected. All pieces submitted should be wired and ready to hang, and labeled on the back with the artist’s name, title and price. The chosen artists will get 100% of revenue from sale of their art. Artists are also being asked to submit a short bio. Submit your work here.
In the meantime, Mills 50 has other events coming up soon. As it turns out, the Mills 50 District is also looking for a signature cocktail.
Where Can You Submit Your Cocktail?
On Monday, June 26, join the staff from Mills 50 at The Sunroom, the cocktail lounge at 1315 N Mills, at 6 p.m. If you pay $10 at the door, you’ll receive a complimentary cocktail and have an opportunity to sample the cocktail recipes that have been submitted for this event.
“Entries include Solidago, MF Queen, All My Favorite Colors, A Fiery Passion, Mills Lemonade and Golden Hour,” Mills 50 noted. “The first 25 people to show up will be entered into a raffle to be a judge to select the winner! Be a part of the fun!”
What is the Mission of Mills 50?
Mills 50 represents this eclectic urban district, made up of local business owners and area residents, whose mission is to “foster Orlando’s most diverse neighborhood by stimulating business, creating a walkable community and promoting our creative culture.”
A Main Street America accredited program, Mills 50 has a commitment to creating high-quality places to live and to promote the businesses and social venues within the neighborhood.
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
