1st Thursdays

In 2000, the original “first” monthly art party and social event in Orlando was launched at the Orlando Museum of Art. With numerous “first” events following and copying this successful event over the years, 1^st Thursdays is back with a new and exciting look and line-up for the 2006-07 season.

Held on the first Thursday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., 1^st Thursdays events give the Central Florida community an opportunity to discover local artists, listen to live music and mingle with an eclectic mix of people. Admission to 1^st Thursdays is free for OMA Members and $9 for non-Members. Pay at the door; no advance registration is required. Beer, soft drinks and flavorful cuisine are available for purchase. Admission also includes access to OMA’s featured exhibitions. Parking is free at Orlando Loch Haven Park and overflow parking is available at the Orlando Science Center’s parking garage for $3.50 per vehicle.

MOZART 2006 – August 3, 2006 OMA joins in the worldwide celebration of the 250^th anniversary of Mozart’s birth with artists composing their own symphonic pieces by infusing musical instruments and other musical elements into their work. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibition, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Mister Seahorse and Other Friends: The Wonderful World of Eric Carle.

Art Academia – September 7, 2006 An investigation of the relationship between teaching art and the art of teaching, this event showcases the talents of those who share their passion for art by making and by instructing. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibitions, Paths to Impressionism: French and American Landscape Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum and Divine Revolution: The Art of Edouard Duval Carrié.

Visions of Gratitude – October 5, 2006 Artists share their visions of what they are grateful for in life using art as therapy, art as a new beginning, art to rejoice life and second chances. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibitions, Paths to Impressionism: French and American Landscape Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum and Divine Revolution: The Art of Edouard Duval Carrié.

Sculpture: Art in the Round – November 2, 2006 Central Florida’s sculptors carve, chisel, cast, mold and shape works depicting everything from religion to folk art. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibition, Paths to Impressionism: French and American Landscape Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum.

Moulin Rouge – December 7, 2006 Spectaculaire France and C’est Paris – the lifestyle, the fashion, the food, the dance and, of course, amour…love! Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibition, Paths to Impressionism: French and American Landscape Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum.

Letterhead – The Fine Art of Graphic Design – January 4, 2007
This event explores the use of graphic design techniques as a means of artistic expression. Admission includes access to OMA’s special exhibition, Seen in Solitude: Robert Kipness Prints from the James F. White Collection.

Chocolate: Food of the Gods and Lovers – February 1, 2007
Presented by OMA’s Friends of Art of the Ancient Americas, artists focus on chocolate, the world’s best-loved food, and every aspect of chocolate from its origins in the ancient Americas to today. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibitions, Gee’s Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt and Seen in Solitude: Robert Kipness Prints from the James F. White Collection.

Let’s Dance – March 1, 2007 Degas, the master of the human figure in movement, was fascinated by the art of dance. Held in collaboration with the Orlando Ballet, this event depicts that fascination in both visual and performance art. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibition, Gee’s Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt.

L.I.F.E. Love Is For Everyone – April 5, 2007 Works by painters, photographers and sculptors provide insight into how the artists were affected by the positive message of L.I.F.E. Love Is For Everyone. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibition, Gee’s Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt.

Art As Metaphor – May 3, 2007 From Van Eyck to Goya to Picasso, symbolism has played a role in the history of art. Works in this event utilize symbolism and metaphor as image. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibition, This is Our Land: Discovering America and the World Through Original Illustrations from Children’s Picture Books.

Reflections of Art in Glass – June 7, 2007 Delicate, fragile and reflective are just some of the intriguing qualities of glass. This event centers around all types of glass – architectural, decorative, stained, fused, leaded, blown and cast – and varieties of glass applications. Admission includes access into OMA’s special exhibition, This is Our Land: Discovering America and the World Through Original Illustrations from Children’s Picture Books.