maureen hudas
by Halee Sommer
An Artist Emerges
Anyone living in Orlando can feel the exponential rate of growth that
is occurring around us. Skyrise apartments, new arenas, lakefront din-
ing popping up across the city provide seemingly endless opportuni-
ties for spending leisure time and money. The rapid urban growth in
Orlando has had a tremendous effect on the arts, providing funding
opportunities for individual artists rarely seen across the state of Flori-
da. With Florida’s most recent headlines demonstrating the slashing of
its Division of Cultural Affairs budget, it’s encouraging to learn about
artists who continue to feel the support of their city. Orlando is unique
in that creative minds are nurtured and supported here in a way that
is different from most of the state. Artists in the City Beautiful have
traditionally had an abundance of lucrative opportunities, fueled by
the tourist industry, sustained by the city, and nurtured by our art
community.
below, Tall Boy, acrylic on canvas; opposite, Larry, acrylic on canvas
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