In partnership with
THE PROGRAM
Spark The Arts is a dynamic collaboration between United Arts of Central Florida and Highwood Properties, transforming commercial spaces in Downtown Orlando into thriving art studios and galleries. This innovative initiative supports 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.
Studio Location, First Thursdays Open House and Gallery Hours
Location
Spark the Arts Studios are located at 300 S. Orange Ave., Ste. 150 on the first floor of the Bank of America building in Downtown Orlando (across from the Grand Bohemian). Enter through the Bank of America lobby or garage.
Parking is available in the Bank of America parking garage (entrance on W. South Street) or nearby street parking and garages.
First Thursdays
Join United Arts and Highwoods Properties every First Thursday of the month, from 4p-7p, for the Spark the Arts Studios Open House. Enjoy art, refreshments and conversation.
Gallery Hours
The Spark the Arts Gallery is open Monday-Friday from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Key Benefits
Artist Support
Spark The Arts provides 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 fosters creativity and brings art appreciation to the heart of the community. It creates cultural hubs where both residents and visitors can explore and engage.
Urban Revitalization
The program revitalizes underutilized commercial spaces, enhancing the visual appeal and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Orlando.
Economic Impact
Spark The Arts attracts 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.
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).
YOU can support our new generous partnerships with gifted studios and gallery space to help artists thrive by occupying commercial space with artist studios, galleries and providing workshops to the community.
Contact our team to schedule a call.
Audra Fern
Director of Creative Placemaking
audra@unitedartscfl.org
