CityArts — Attraction in Orlando

My other review was taken down for some reason, so I am reposting it. I am a local artist in Orlando. I participated in the Monsters and Dia de los Muertos art show last year. The exhibit had its pros and cons. Despite having hundreds of visitors on opening night, there were no gallery attendants walking around. The only gallery associates I saw were at the front desk, which had only 2 or 3 people working there. No associates were engaging with the artists. Except to take social media pictures. There were hundreds of artworks, but no one was promoting the art.

Not only that, but it genuinely seemed like all art styles and forms were accepted into the show. Which is either good, or bad, depending on what you look for when applying to exhibits. There were really novice paintings next to heavily detailed ones. Because of this lack of filtering, I believe that the gallery really just was interested in collecting exhibition fees from the artists, rather than being passionate about artists or art in general. I did not feel as if the gallery cared to nurture the artists' careers.

When I returned to CityArts to reclaim my unsold paintings, all I had to do was write my name on a piece of paper. They didn't ask for any ID. Zero questions were asked. I just walked up to the second floor (where I was alone) and took my paintings. A lot of artwork was up there, unattended. Anyone could pretend to be an artist and just steal the artwork, because after you take the artwork, they just let you walk out. I hope they updated this method.

However, on a positive note; I would recommend this gallery for beginner artists. Also, if you make art that is "palatable" (pop art, landscapes, or paying homage to artists like basquiat), then you would definitely perform well...

During our Saturday early afternoon visit, there were only one or two others. I attribute LOW ATTENDANCE TO ITS LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO- an area still working on getting weekend visitors. Front desk worker Tre was very CHATTY AND PASSIONATE ABOUT THE PLACE which features a continuously rotating cast of local, young and hip artists. CITYARTS IS ROUGHLY THE SIZE OF A SUBURBAN HOME with each room featuring an artist. Most of the medium is paint but it shows up in murals along the hallways, staring back at you from the water fountain, and within many frames. This place OPERATES ON A SUGGESTED DONATION of $5 (and they’ll validate a portion of your parking at a particular garage). I’m definitely interested in returning and seeing what new, local talent...

Historical plaque inscriptions: Englishman Gordon Rogers came to Orlando in 1886 and constructed this Queen Anne style building. The English club was located on the second story. The club sponsored dances, theater, and other events for the large British community. Reportedly, the metal siding and decorative details were manufactured in England. In 1907, the building housed the offices of the South Florida Sentinel, a predecessor of the Orlando Sentinel. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an Orlando Historic Landmark. The Rogers Kiene Building is the oldest commercial building in Orlando. It was restored and donated by local businessman and lover of the arts, Ford Kiene, before he passed...