Art Beat - Wucf

Author Susan Hubbard in currently writing her third vampire novel in a series that is gaining worldwide acclaim. Listen in to hear what her fans are saying, and why some vampires just might turn out to be the good guys.

What happens when a reclusive introvert transforms himself into a man who embraces life? It makes for a quirky romantic comedy with an edge. Mad Cow Theatre's stage production of “Love Song” isn't your typical Boy Meets Girl; find out why Director Michael Marinaccio and Actor Josh Geohagan are so passionate about this project.

One orchestra and three choral ensembles combined into one? Sounds like the perfect recipe! UCF Choral Director Dr. David L. Brunner shares how the Orlando Philharmonic is joining forces with UCF, The Orlando Chorale and the Orlando Opera Chorus to perform Beethoven's “Symphony No. 9” - and why now, more than ever, “Ode to Joy” is so vitally important.

A Confluence - A flowing together of two or more streams. It's also the name of an exhibit at the Maitland Art Center featuring four distinct artists brought together in collaboration. Listen in to hear mother and daughter co-exhibitors Vicki Jones and Anna McCambridge give a candid account of the joys and struggles of creating A Confluence.

In an effort to reduce her carbon footprint Lisa Mills has spent the past three years riding her bicycle to work and home, 13 miles each way. Her new documentary film, “Dear Mr. Gore”, explores the physical challenges she's faced along the way but also the emotional changes that arose from this cyclist taking back her own personal power.

The Red Chair Affair is an annual gala that marks the beginning of the cultural arts season by bringing together artists of all mediums for one star-studded evening. Event Director John DiDonna shares a behind-the-scenes look into the madness that goes into making the magic. Pyrotechnics? Check! Altering space and time? Check!

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF – what exactly does that mean? Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director of Orlando Shakes and UCF Theater Instructor, explains. Also, a sneak peak at “The Big Bang”, a two-person musical hoping to tell the history of the world in 90 hilarious minutes.

It's time for the 3rd Annual Orlando Hispanic Film Festival. Festival founder and Executive Director James Schoepflin gives an insider's look at how partnerships with entities such as OCLS and UCF have helped bring it all together and how this year's event will be better than ever.

Orlando Sentinel Theater Critic, Elizabeth Maupin - since 1983 she's been telling it like she sees it. ArtBeat introduces you to the person behind the byline.

Textile artist Flora Zarate creates Arpilleras (multi-textured three-dimensional wall hangings) that extend in style and content far beyond her native home of Peru. Listen in to hear how this indigenous Inca woman approaches the world through her art.

Dulcimer innovator and ambassador Bing Futch finds himself on a surprising creative path. Signs point to “Yes” as this musician follows his bliss.

Artist Kelledy Francis spent years studying sculpting, but in college she stumbled upon a neighboring art department that prompted the artist to leave the Maryland Institute College of Art for an Orlando votech - for training that would dramatically change her life.

“Rat Race: The Secret Life of ThemePark” is a one-man play based on interviews with 60 theme park employees and guests. Funny, animated and sincere, actor/playwright Eric Paul Jakobsen offers insight into the shaping of the production itself and into the lives of the people he came to know. Imaginary hand puppets included!

Suburban Primitive painter Carl Knickerbocker resides in the Sunshine State, but it isn't his zip code that makes him a Florida artist – it's because of what he sees happening to the region and what he's got to say about it.

For eleven years multi-media producer Dave Segal's program, Bootleg TV, has helped document Orlando's local arts scene. Tough times brought him low but instead of giving up this artist raised his spirit by raising his expectations.

"The Evangelist, The Hit Man and The ACLU" - a documentary film about televangelist turned convicted felon, George Crossley, Jr. Listen in to hear how filmmaker TJ McCarthy IV had to put preconceptions aside in order to make the film that needed to be made.

"Hiding in the Spotlight” is the remarkable true story of a young Jewish piano prodigy whose musical gifts saved her life during the Holocaust. Listen in to hear author Greg Dawson explain why this book took 30 years to come to fruition; one reason stemmed from his mother's initial reluctance to share her story.

For visual artist John Whipple the finished product comes in second when place against this artist's fascination in getting from points A to Z. At once an arts educator and a creative nonconformist, he knows the rules, just as clearly as he knows he won't be following them.

Mixed-Media artist Lynn Whipple finds beauty in the lost and forgotten and gives new life to vintage curiosities. Though highly regarded throughout the nation, this artist is not content to rest on past accolades – and loves learning and continuing to explore her craft. Listen in to hear about Lynn's childhood and some surprising revelations her work has uncovered.

Singer, Poet, Mystic – it's beyond difficult trying to sum up Holly Riggs, but it's highly enjoyable trying. Hear how this vibrant and engaging artist is finding her true center.