A Shining Example of the National Arts Program® in Orlando

This was the City of Orlando’s Tenth Anniversary show and what a show it was! The exhibit, which included over 160 artworks, will hang in the City Hall Terrace Gallery through August 25th. This two month long exhibition commenced with a beautiful reception on Thursday, June 27th. At the awards ceremony Coordinator Paul Wenzel was honored with an anniversary award from the National Arts Program®, presented to him personally by Mayor Buddy Dyer. Paul commented that, "It was a pleasant surprise and an honor to receive it."

Orlando, always a large and very professionally mounted exhibition, has long been a shining example of the National Arts Program®. In the past they have surpassed 250 works of art in one show. Paul is certainly a wonderful coordinator, but he also credits having "good cheerleaders" as representatives in many city departments. These representatives are able to assist with the recruiting and ultimately help to get many new participants involved. This year there were numerous new artists from the Police, Fire and Parks departments. Using these reps is an excellent technique that we encourage all of our other venues to implement in 2014.

Paul was involved in 2003 when the City of Orlando first embraced our program and he continues to be the driving force behind this fantastic exhibition featuring the talents of so many employees and their family members. We look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with this wonderful city!

Coordinator Paul Wenzel accepting the NAP Anniversary Award
presented by Mayor Buddy Dyer.