I’ve taken a few days to gather photos of my latest events. The last time I wrote, it was about pARTicipation at the Maitland Art Center. That event continued throughout last week and the grand finale was a Saturday night gala event.

But first, let’s fly over to the Lilly Pad. I was invited by the Downtown Arts District to do some live painting at Lilly Pulitzer in Bloomingdales at the Mall at Millenia.

Here’s some photos from the event:

The Arts District asked me to bring some samples of my work. So I brought a sampling of doodles.

Here, I start the painting. I decided to do something that would fit the setting (match the couch type thinking, I know).

The Lilly event was a fundraising opportunity for the Downtown Arts District. The “DAD” got 10% of sales that day. They did very well. The customers that I met, had all been invited, and they got to meet a Lilly designer:

There’s one of his dresses.

Designer food.

These little chocolate concoctions were ridiculously delicious.

Still painting.

Coming along.

Here, the finished painting, and the designer. He refused to ever really smile for photos. He had a lovely smile. I’m sure he has a good reason(?).

Now, pARTicipation.

One of the big events of the evening, was the opening of the Jules André Smith exhibit, the fella who founded the art center, then the Research Studio.

One of the interesting facts about Mr.Smith, was that he was one of a handful of field illustrators in the war.

We can thank this woman, Mary Curtis Bok, who helped fund the Research Studio. She is part of the Bok Tower family.

Here’s one of André’s pieces, with the only photo of me from the event. This is the only proof I have that I was actually there.

Auction items where on the lawn. The auction ended at 8pm that night. All the auction items were purchased.

There was a ceremony, where the Maitland Art and History Museums received the Mayor’s seal. The museum’s are now official “treasures” of Maitland and the city of Orlando. I think. I just know it was so nice to hear the museums getting appreciated. I also found out that the Maitland Art Center is considered “fantasy architecture”. Who knew?

One of my favorite decorations in the garden. The globes lit up when it got dark.

Here, a shot of the tables. It was packed!

I “hosted” table number 8, and brought little gifts for my “guests”. Everyone got a nun nut, a doodle, a nun sticker and some greeting cards. They were very well received. At the end of the evening, everyone got to choose a doodle stick:

It was a whirlwind day, and full of new acquaintances and art.

I’ll share Facebook doodles in the next installment of my blog.