Throughout May, the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at The Town of Oakland will feature more than 10 eye-catching oil paintings by two former Walt Disney Imagineers – Dave Minichiello and Joe Warren – in an exhibition called “Small Town Charm.” Visitors will have the opportunity to see their vibrant works of art on display from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Fridays. Plus, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy an Art Scavenger Hunt and live music by Mud Rooster, a HAPCO live Band, on Friday, May 28.
Dave Minichiello is a retired Walt Disney Imagineer and an alumnus of the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. During his time as an Imagineer, he worked with teams as the executive creative director to design, art direct and build many now-classic Disney-themed experiences and attractions around the world for more than 41 years. Dave has also had a passion for painting his whole life. He has traveled all over the world both personally and professionally and he documented his journeys by doing “plein air,” or outdoor painting on location and travel sketchbooks.
Joe Warren is a retired Walt Disney Imagineer, where he was the creative lead producing art and illustration as well as managing a team of artists and designers for 23 years. He also assisted with an artist development program which included plein air painting locally and in Montana. Before his time at Disney, Joe taught painting and was the head of the Art Department at Kenyatta University. He taught drawing at Wayne State University. He holds an MFA and MA in Art from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
On Friday, May 28, the Center and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host their first Art Scavenger Hunt. This free, COVID-19 safe activity will allow families and their children to learn more about the history of Oakland and Winter Garden while discovering artworks in a new adventurous way. Visitors will even receive a special gift – courtesy of Healthy West Orange – upon completing the scavenger hunt (while supplies last) at each location. They will also enjoy live music by Mud Rooster, a HAPCO live Band, while they participate in the scavenger hunt at the Center.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will be open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 27 and Friday, May 28. The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland is open on Fridays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. each week.
About the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland
The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center is committed to preserving Oakland’s past, present and future. The Center supports the mission of Healthy West Orange, a grassroots movement to inspire west Orange County to become the healthiest community in the nation. Working with its partners, the Center will provide important tools and social connections to help residents eat well, stay active and enjoy life. This project is funded in part by a $1 million lead grant from the West Orange Healthcare District, as well as funding from Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program and countless other donors. For more information, visitwww.oaklandfl.gov/artsandheritage and www.facebook.com/HWOAHatOakland.
About Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s mission is “to document and preserve the heritage and architecture of West Orange County, while creating new cultural experiences.” In support of this mission, the WGHF preserves historic structures, material, and artifacts; creates educational programs, publications, and exhibitions on the area’s history; operates the Winter Garden Heritage Museum and the Central Florida Railroad Museum; and produces cultural events that boost economic vitality. The WGHF partners with the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland by sharing, researching, and displaying items from Oakland’s rich history.
