In partnership with

THE PROGRAM

Spark The Arts was a dynamic one-year pilot initiative launched in July 2024 between United Arts of Central Florida and Highwood Properties, transforming commercial spaces in Downtown Orlando into thriving art studios and galleries. This innovative initiative supported local artists while adding vibrancy and cultural richness to the city.

Learn more in the inaugural episode of the SPARK THE ARTS Podcast with United Arts President & CEO Jennifer Evins and Highwoods Sr. Vice President and Orlando Market Leader Steve Garrity.

Key Benefits

Artist Support
Spark The Arts provided affordable, subsidized studio spaces in prime downtown locations, offering local artists opportunities for exposure, collaboration, and networking.

Community Engagement
Through workshops and interactive events led by resident artists, the program fostered creativity and brings art appreciation to the heart of the community. It created cultural hubs where both residents and visitors could explore and engage.

Urban Revitalization
The program revitalized underutilized commercial spaces, enhancing the visual appeal and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Orlando.

Economic Impact
Spark The Arts attracted foot traffic to the area, benefiting nearby businesses and potentially boosting property values.

MEET THE ARTISTS

Damon DeWitt

I'm a native of Orlando with a fine arts degree from Florida State University. I have been making art for 15 years. I have work on public display throughout the United States. I have sold and shown throughout the world. I have been commissioned by corporate and private clients. My journey as a global citizen, my responsibility to my family, and the professions that supported and suppressed my practice have deeply influenced my artistic presentation.

Gisela Romero

Gisela Romero is a Venezuelan American Visual Artist living and working in Orlando, FL, who focuses her artwork on Drawings in any format, techniques and surfaces. Romero has a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute, New York, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with honors from the California College of Arts, Oakland, CA. With more than 30 years of experience, she has been communicating visual ideas through mixed media with a basis in Drawing as a medium for creating art.

Global peace film festival

David Wheeler, the Chief Executive Officer + Peace Practitioner at the Global Peace Film Festival, is a pioneer in the field of streaming video, having founded CareerTV. With over 40 years of experience in building businesses and managing organizations both domestically and internationally, Wheeler is recognized for his innovative thinking.

Orit Reuben

Award-winning artist Orit Reuben is an impressionist pastel painter. Born in Israel to a family of artists, Orit is greatly influenced by her late grandfather, who was also a painter. As a child, she painted at the side of her mother, who still paints. Orit loves to paint outdoors where she can truly experience her surroundings. Orit is represented by several galleries in Florida and is an active member of a variety of painting groups. She teaches workshops and participates in plein air events, drawing inspiration from the landscapes she encounters where she lives and on her travels.

  • Orit Rubin website
  • SPARK THE ARTS Podcast, Artist Interview, Orit Rubin

    • JoKeeta Savariau

    Artist and philanthropist, working with multiple mediums, while specializing in glass and metal art. Along with her artistic talent, she embarks on international mission trips serving the local people and collecting artifacts to incorporate into her artwork. Giving back is key to her lifestyle, which leads her to share her profits to help change the world one creation at a time. While she has been professionally trained and self-taught in a multitude of art mediums, she found a deep connection to stained glass focusing on history. Her artwork soulfully bridges the past and present to the audience. Ironically, the essence of the truth of the matter fluidly seeps in through abstract images.

    INVEST IN THE ARTS

    The arts are vital to the soul of our community. They inspire tomorrow’s leaders, nurture cultural diversity, drive economy and connect us together.

    We are grateful for the partnership of Highwoods Properties, without whom this program would not be possible. Additional thanks to sponsor OUC – The Reliable One (watch the conversation on the impact of art on the community with Linda Ferrone, OUC’s Chief Customer & Marketing Officer, and JoKeeta Savariau, Artist in Residence, on the SPARK THE ARTS Podcast).