Mills 50, in conjunction with the City of Orlando, desires to create a Public Art Project that is all encompassing and seeks entries for a public exhibition in Orlando with a juried selection process to choose the artists. The purpose of the project is to create an environment which depicts the community’s diversity, creativity, commerce and neighborhoods. This project will enhance the aesthetic of our community for all to enjoy.

Ten (10) City of Orlando transportation engineering metal utility boxes, located in Mills 50, will be transformed into “Art Boxes”. Dimensions of the larger boxes: 56″ high x 28.125″ deep x 40.25″ wide; smaller boxes: 49” high x 17” deep x 30” wide. Artwork must include all five (5) surfaces (four sides & top) of the utility box. All artwork must be oil based paint to protect from the sun and heat exposure as a result of the Central FL environment.

Entries are open to all two dimensional artists living in Orange and Seminole Counties. The characters “Mills 50” shall appear within all submittals. A five (5) point system based on overall aesthetics and design will be employed. One (1) point will be deducted if “Mills 50” is omitted from the submission. One (1) bonus point will be awarded for local artists, i.e, a business within the District boundaries or a resident living within three (3) miles of the intersection of Mills and 50. The judging panel will determine which selected artist paints which cabinet. Each artist may paint only a single box but may make more than one submission.

Sketches and/or slides must be mailed to Mills 50, 1200 Weber Street, Orlando, FL 32803 or e-mailed to: director@mills50.org, no later than Friday, April 29. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if sketches and/or slides are to be returned.

Mills 50 will provide paint & materials, up to $100, plus a $100 gift certificate for each of the selected artists. Artist may exceed the paint & materials cost, but will not be reimbursed by Mills 50 for any costs exceeding $100.00.

Judging will occur the week of May 1; selected artists will be contacted by Wednesday, May 11.  Boxes will be painted May 20 & May 21.  All must be completed by Sunday, May 22.

Following are links to other Art Districts and their projects:

http://theboulevard.org/ArtDistrict/boulevardartdistrict_home.htm http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/switchbox/index.html http://www.downtownelcajon.com/arts_culture.shtml

Every year, Orlando Sentinel publishes Central Florida’s favorite picks of local dining, shopping, entertainment and attractions – chosen by the readers!  Be sure to check out the Mills 50 businesses  that were selected as a BEST BET!

Winner – Best Hole in the Wall – Will’s Pub

Winner – Best Tattoo Parlor – Ascension

Finalist – Best Bar – Will’s Pub

Finalist – Best Martini Bar – The Peacock Room

Finalist – Best Wine Bar – Funky Monkey Wine Company

Finalist – Best Vegetarian – Dandelion Communitea Cafe

Congratulations to all!

Three restaurants in the Mills 50 District took honors Sunday at COOK 2011, a food festival sponsored by the Human Rights Commission.  Congratulations to Funky Monkey and Executive Chef Matthew Slattery, winner of the Quick Fire Challenge!

(Pictured:  The Funky Monkey Wine Company crew)

Kudos also go to Shine Neighborhood Kitchen, second place winner and Tako Cheena, winner of the Customer Choice award!

On Saturday, March 26 from 8:30pm until 9:30pm, the City of Orlando will be turning off all non-essential lights in City Hall in support of the Earth Hour 2011 campaign.  Earth Hour is an event in which millions of Americans and billions of  people all over the world will turn out their lights for one hour in support of action on climate change and toward creating a cleaner, safer and more secure future.

In 2010, a record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action.  Iconic landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, Santa Monica Pier and Orlando’s own Sea World, turned off non-essential lighting for the hour.

Businesses and citizens alike…please join the City and pledge your support by visiting: http://cityoforlando.net/elected/greenworks/earthhour.htm.

Together, we can become a part of the solution!

If  you weren’t able to make it to GreenFest and the truckload sale on Saturday, you can still purchase a composter or rain barrel.  The composters are $47 and the rain barrels are $58.  Contact Mills 50 at: director@mills50.org.

Mills 50 Main Street, in conjunction with Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, OUC and My Green CFE, will host GreenFest this Saturday from 9am until 3pm at The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Avenue.

GreenFest features a backyard compost bin and rain barrel truckload sale.  Earth Machine compost bins will be sold for $47 and Systerns for $58.  Checks and credit cards accepted.  No cash.

In addition, vendors specializing in sustainable and/or all natural products, such as Pink Elephant Lighting, Coconut Clean, Earthy Habitats, Purple Sunflower Productions and Long Family Chiropractic, will be on hand.  Be sure to bring your appetite and enjoy hummus, baklava and falafel from Fantastic Hummus; egg rolls, summer rolls, spring rolls and Pappardelle’s Pasta from LotsAPasta; empanadas and arepas from Helados y Postres and fresh produce from Aubrey & Sons.

The first 300 attendees to stop by the Mills 50 booth will receive an eco-friendly shopping tote.