By Sally Dehler
Art Columnist
Sally Dehler is a local artist and instructor who is a City of Sanford Public Arts Commission board member.
City of Sanford Public Art
Public art enriches the cultural fabric, strengthens community bonds, and stimulates economic growth. Public art can profoundly transform urban landscapes, fostering a sense of community and sparking conversations among residents and visitors alike. Art enriches everyone!
Sculpture: Check out our newest sculptures! “The Pledge” now proudly stands in front of the Sanford Museum at 520 East First St. “Feathers Three” is just south of the Steeple stained glass installation on Sanford Ave. Also, “Magnify” on First and Oak. “Icosahedron” is on First, just east of Laurel. And several new pieces including kinetic sculptures can be seen along the Riverwalk. By integrating creativity into public spaces, sculptures not only beautify cities but also inspire a shared sense of identity and pride among community members. Public art generates additional revenue for the city by attracting businesses and visitors. For more information go to www.sanfordfl.gov/publicart
City Murals: Two colorful new murals have been completed. They are located on the public restroom building at Marina Isle (painted by Nicole Lind) and on the public restroom building at Fort Mellon Park.
Utility Box Wraps: We now have 50 utility box wraps. For more information go to www.sanfordfl.gov/publicart
Employee Art Exhibit: Please join us as we recognize the many talents of our city employees in the Utility Department Hallway at City Hall 300 N. Park Ave, Sanford. For more information go to www.sanfordfl.gov/publicart
Mayor’s Gallery on the second floor of Sanford City Hall: Seminole State College Art Exhibit. Enjoy this collection of many mediums and styles. Open to the public during normal business hours Mondays to Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 300 N. Park Ave, Sanford. For more information go to www.sanfordfl.gov/publicart
Ongoing Call to Artists: City of Sanford is seeking local muralists and sculptors. For more information go to: www.sanfordfl.gov/publicart
Special Events
Saturday Feb 1, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Seminole Cultural Arts Council “Taste of the Arts” – Charity Gala. Celebrate 30 years of the arts in Seminole county with fine arts, performing arts, and culinary arts. A silent auction, live music, photo booth, awards, and more are included. Location: The Casselberry Art Center 137 Quail Pond Circle. For tickets go to seminoleculturalarts.org
Theater
Theater West End: “Next to Normal” rock musical about a family striving to hold it together through love. Friday, Feb. 14 through March 2. For more information and tickets go to [email protected] or 407-548-6285, 115 W 1st St. Sanford.
Ritz Theater: “SIX-The Musical: Teen Edition” through Sunday, Feb. 2. This new original musical is a global sensation! “Freaky Friday” the musical- Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 9. Tickets and more program details are available on the Theater’s website at www.ritztheatersanford.com or by calling the box office at 407-321-8111. Location: 201 S. Magnolia Avenue in historic downtown Sanford, FL. The box office ticket window is open Mon., Wed., Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 2 hours prior to each performance.
Galleries
Sunshine Gallery: Saturday, Feb. 1 to Friday, April 24 see the Sanford Seminole Art Association exhibit inside the Jean Rhein Central Branch Library at 215 N. Oxford Rd, Casselberry.
Maitland Library Exhibit: Through Feb 22, Mondays to Thursdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sanford Seminole Art Association presents over 60 artists 501 S Maitland Ave., Maitland.
Park Drive Gallery: Global gallery featuring numerous local artists including photography, paintings, and sculpture. 2557 Park Dr. Sanford. Call for hours (407) 487-0911
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art: Serendipity – Theresa Disney’s Annual Winter Show. Open Studio every third Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while you stroll the gallery and meet the artists. 211 E. 1st St., Sanford. Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m.to 6 p.m., Sundays, 12 to 5 p.m. [email protected] or 407-323-2774.
Hollerbach’s Arthaus (upstairs): Gallery Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 11a.m. to 10 p.m., 205 E. 1st St., Sanford.
Casselberry Art House: For more information call 407-262-7700 ext. 1122 or [email protected] , Located at 127 Quail Pond Circle.
Casselberry Sculpture House: For more information call 407 262-7700 ext. 1122 or [email protected]
Artistic Hand Gallery & Studio: Handcrafted jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, mosaics, stained glass, etc. 353 N. Central Ave., Oviedo. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact [email protected] or call 407-366-7882
Gallery CERO: Open Friday to Sunday noon to 7 p.m. Located at 1014 Miami Springs Drive (Wekiva Island), Longwood. gallerycero.com or 407 862-1500
Art Classes
Woman’s Club of Sanford: Sunday, Feb 2, 12:30 to 3 p.m. “Tree of Life Pendant Workshop” All are welcome to attend this upcoming class which benefits local charities. Enjoy socializing while you create in this beautiful historic venue. Make your own stunning pendant using wire wrapping technique. Choose your own colored beads. All materials are included in the tuition. Sign up online on Eventbrite for $35. Or pay $40 at the door. (Cash and PayPal accepted) Location: The Woman’s Club of Sanford 309 S Oak Ave., Sanford.
Park Drive Gallery: Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Couples Paint and Sip Party with DJ, catered refreshments, door prizes, and more. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2 to 4 p.m. Galentines paint party with instructor Joan Fonseca. Instructor led arts and crafts. Call to schedule a private paint party. 2557 Park Drive, Sanford. For more information call 407-487-0911.
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art: For information go to [email protected] or 407-323-2774 , 211 East 1st St., Sanford.
The Art Studio of Lake Mary – School of Art: 241 N. Country Club Road, Suite 1017, Lake Mary. Contact them at http://www.artstudiolakemary.com or 407-330-1135.
