Robert Ross, an oil painter, will appear in various shows and events throughout Central Florida in the coming months. A 2011 Crealde Studio Artist, Ross is well known for his landscape and abstract paintings.  Four of Ross’ paintings are currently on display in the Maitland City Hall Chambers until June 1^st. If you can’t make it to Maitland, you can see Ross and his work first hand in the following shows this spring:

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa, Fla. – March 1-2, 2014

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Winter Park, Fla. – March 21-23, 2014

Main Sail Art Festival, St. Petersburg, Fla. – April 19-20, 2014

Ross is also hosting an event of his own on Saturday March 29^th from 6-9 p.m. The free spring open house will take place at McRae Art Studios in Winter Park. For more information, visit Robert Ross’ website.

Julie Kessler, a talented artist who began her mosaic craft after years in the medical field, will host a mosaic class for up to eight students beginning March 7^th through April 18^th. The classes will take place every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Julie’s advice and all the materials for the class are provided. Come learn how to make something beautiful that you will keep for a lifetime. The classes will be held at the City of Orlando’s Pottery Studio. For more information, visit the City of Orlando’s website.

The Winter Garden Art Association will open its new exhibit “Luck of the Draw” on March 6^th. The exhibit will run through March 29^th and is open for viewing during gallery hours, Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come mingle with local artists, view the newest pieces at the gallery and potentially take one of the for sale pieces home with you! For more details on the gallery exhibit, visit the Winter Garden Art Association’s website.

The Winter Park Public Library will host a “books and cooks” event on Thursday, March 6^th at 6 p.m. The event will commence at the Alfond Inn and will feature some of Central Florida’s top culinary talent such as John Rivers of 4Rivers Smokehouse, Brandon McGlamery of Prato and Luma on Park, Hollis Wilder of Sweet and many more. All chefs will participate in panel questions, meet and greets and book signings. Tickets are $25 and drinks and snacks will be served. For more information, visit the Winter Park Public Library’s website.