Art Beat - Wucf

A year after the earthquake in Haiti, the 22nd Zora Neale Hurston Festival focuses on the favorite daughter of Eatonville's connection to the arts and culture of the Caribbean nation. We discuss Hurston's love of Haiti with the festival's main organizer N.Y. Nathiri.

Katie Ball fills in for Steve Mort to talk with Michael Edwards, Director of the musical "Five Course Love" - opening January 21st at the Winter Park Playhouse. Three actors portraying fifteen characters, in what's shaping up to be a very tasty production.

The work of UCF's "Hidden Artists" goes on display. A new exhibit from UCF faculty and staff members who create artwork on their own time opens at the University of Central Florida. Hear how the college setting acts as a catalyst for creativity.

A special New Year's Eve edition of ArtBeat looking back at some of the best ArtBeat interviews of 2010. We review the highlights of year in the arts at the University of Central Florida and around Orlando.

A conversation with UCF Musical Theatre major Rebecca Galarza who recently won the Best Female Performer in the World gong at the amusement park industry's top awards night.

The second in our series looking back at 2010 and ahead to 2011. We chat with Autumn Ames from the Arts And Cultural Alliance Of Central Florida about the state of the arts, plus review some of the area's festive offerings.

It's been a busy and eventful year for Central Florida's arts organizations. And none more so than the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. This year, the orchestra appointed a new concert master and delved into the world of opera which it plans to continue doing in 2011.

Presenting history using new media. UCF students prepare documentaries that bring events in local history to life using films and podcasts. We look at how the UCF RICHES program is promoting the collection and preservation of Central Florida history.

In this episode Katie Ball talks with singer/songwriter Rudy Stockhausen of The Knots about the band's origins, influences, and their "not-so-secret weapon". Featuring music by The Knots.

How Orlando's Downtown Arts District is trying an innovative approach to getting young people engaged in the arts community. We chat with executive director Shanon Larimer about a new program of mentoring.

Youngsters get involved in the performing arts through education and live stage productions. We'll talk with Katie Corrie from 'In The Limelight' - a theatrical company for kids and teens in Central Florida.

The UCF Jazz Ensemble prepares to launch a professionally produced CD, Jazz Town. Professor Jeff Rupert from UCF's Jazz Studies program joins us to discuss how releasing the CD is teaching students about more than just recording an album.

Surrealist works by students go on display at UCF's Center for Emerging Media. The exhibition is called 'Transformations' and includes photographs, paintings and sculptures. We're joined by one of the students, Heather Comparetto, who talks about the exhibit, her work, and her enthusiasm for surrealism.

The art of documentary filmmaking is explored in a new book by Emmy Award winning producer, writer and director, and Baldwin Park resident James Martin. We talk with Martin about his work and his storied career.

Emerging Orlando artists Sherri Bunye and Robert Ross make urban Orlando the focus of their works. We talk with the artists about their exhibit at the Avant Gallery at the City Arts Factory.

Short films from UCF’s past and present. The First Annual Fall Showcase takes place at UCF's Center for Emerging Media. We'll talk about the event which aims to open up the world of micro-budget and short filmmaking to the public.

The Crealdé School of Art celebrates 35 years in Winter Park with its annual auction event.

Play director David Lee talks with Katie Ball about time travel in "The Chimes," a production at the UCF Conservatory's Black Box Theater.

The Annual Global Peace Film Festival kicks off showcasing work from international and local directors. The festival, which originated in Central Florida, calls itself a place to honor those who promote global and community awareness of peace and environmental sustainability.

The University of Central Florida showcases diverse musical styles from Latin America to mark National Hispanic Heritage Month.