A message from Frank Holt, Executive Director of The Mennello Museum of Art During the next several months, visitors to the museum will have the chance to see a really diverse body of art. 'Summer Fare' combines works owned by the City of Orlando, the Friends of the Mennello Museum and several private collectors.

Beginning in the late 1980s, through the Public Art Program, the City of Orlando began to purchase works created by artists living in Florida. It was felt that by doing so, the collection could be used for exhibit in city owned buildings, would fulfill one of the goals of the public art program and support Florida artists. Today more than 850 works in all mediums to include painting, sculpture, graphics, ceramics, glass and wood comprise one, if not the largest, municipally owned collection in the state.

This summer paintings by Florence Putterman, Shawn Sexton, Michael Sastre, Craig Rubadoux, Bill Schaaf and Stephen Moore are shown throughout the museum galleries. Drawings by Chip Gillespie and Stephen Moore hang with photographs by Dan Bifiere and graphics by Sandy Winters.

Horse sculptures by Michael Galletta (ceramic) and Bill Schaaf (bronze) are shown with some of the wonderful boat forms that have entered the collection. Harriett Bell (mixed media), Jim Bassham (wood), Tim Tyler (wood) and Tim Ludwig (ceramic) are represented with a body of work that includes both realistic and abstract versions of vessels that carry us physically and spiritually through space.

There are two wonderfully painted 'Noah's Ark' groupings by Lonnie and Twyla Money and J. R. Pruce. Both of them contain an interesting menagerie that includes camels, pigs, snakes, Dalmation dogs, and Florida alligators.

Drawn from the collection of the Friends of the Mennello are paintings by Lawrence Lebduska, a triptich by Dale Chihuly and watercolors by John Grabach and Henry Gasser. Michael A. Mennello and Judson and Joyce Green have also loaned their Grabach and Gasser paintings - combined this exhibit within an exhibit, showcase these two painters that used New York City and the states of New Jersey and Maine as points of inspiration for their paintings.

St. Petersburg artist, Duncan McClellan is well represented with two large, hand blown and etched, glass vessels. These were purchased with funds from The Honorable Marilyn Logsdon Mennello Art Acquisition Fund. Created as a memorial to one of the founders of the museum, the fund makes sure that the museum will have the ability to purchase outstanding examples of American art for the collection.

As always, our signature artist, Earl Cunningham, is well represented with a remarkable collection of paintings. Created with an eye to detail, his brightly colored landscapes and scenes of 'safe' harbors demonstrate and ensure that this 20th Century American 'modernist' will continue to appeal to a large audience.

And last, but not least, is the monumental sculpture "Interlace" created by Albert Paley. Combined with Paley's "Star", Deborah Butterfield's, "Big Timber", Donald DeLue's "Quest Eternal" and the mixed media "whimsies" of Paul Marco, there is truly sculpture for every taste.

So, now there is no excuse for not coming down, 'hang out' with really good art, enjoy the lakeside view, and, perhaps, best of all, spend some time in the cool, quiet atmosphere of the museum.

We hope to see you soon.

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