Downtown Arts District

Today (It’s Not OK) A Special Exhibition by Parker Sketch at Side Gallery in CityArts
2026-06-18 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | CityArts, 39 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32801, United States
Today (It’s Not OK)
A Special Exhibition by Parker Sketch
Art For All Spaces presents Today (It’s Not OK), a powerful and timely exhibition by Orlando-based artist Parker Sketch, opening with a public reception on June 18th , 2026, in the Side Gallery at CityArts in downtown Orlando. The exhibition runs through July 11th , 2026.
Rooted in painting and art historical awareness, Today (It’s Not OK) reflects an emotional and political reckoning shaped by the turbulence of the present moment. The exhibition draws from abstraction and expressive mark-making while carrying a deeper conceptual weight—revealing works that appear visually inviting at first glance, yet speak directly to contemporary realities of chaos, oppression, and uncertainty.
As novelist and cultural icon Toni Morrison stated:
“All good art is political! There is none that isn’t. And the ones that try hard not to be political are political by saying, ‘We love the status quo.’”
That philosophy resonates strongly throughout this exhibition. Reflecting on the work, Parker Sketch shares:
“The past year has been challenging. World news and politics are depressing. Recently I have been avoiding conceptual art and pop art because working on these styles doesn’t feel right for me in this moment in history. Most of my recent work has been abstract and expressive. While I was working on these pieces, I found that even though I was trying to avoid it, I was creating extremely personal and political work. At first glance, these pieces seem like pleasant abstracts, but they are speaking to today’s world of chaos and oppression.”
About the Artist
Parker Sketch earned his BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has built a multifaceted career grounded in painting, art history, and professional arts practice. His experience includes working in galleries, frame shops, museums, and fine-art fashion studios, where he has served as an artist, designer, and project manager.
Now based in Orlando, Parker is a highly active figure in the local arts community. He exhibits regularly, curates exhibitions, and is a resident artist at FAVO, where he regularly hosts a monthly critique group for local artists. His practice reflects both deep technical knowledge and a commitment to critical engagement through visual language.
Sponsors
This special exhibition is made possible with the generous support of Roberta Alfonso, Baxter Systems, Vicki Green, and others, whose commitment to the arts helps bring important and challenging conversations into public view.

Third Thursday Opening Night Reception - June 2026
2026-06-18 18:00 - 21:00
Join us for Third Thursday at CityArts. Enjoy drink specials, curator conversations, artist connections, and seven new exhibitions. Meet the artists and explore what’s new in the galleries.
CityArts is a proud partner of the newly expanded 3rd Thursday Orlando: Arts. Making. History.
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Featured exhibitions at CityArts include:
Austin Commercial Gallery – “CityArts Retrospective: Celebrating 20 Years” Exhibition
Upstairs Signature Gallery – Art-ivism Group Exhibition
Side Gallery – “Today (It’s Not OK)” A Special Exhibition by Parker Sketch
CityArts Café Gallery – “State Flower Ladies”: Exhibition by June Bunch
The Mahesh Chaddah Family Trust Spotlight Gallery – Solo Exhibition by Roberto Gonzalez
New Art in the Young Artists Gallery & Redefine Gallery
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PARKING
CityArts provides parking validations for the Plaza Parking Garage ONLY. The validation reduces the parking fee to $4. The Library Parking Garage is closer, but CityArts does not provide parking validations for that garage. Metered street parking is free after 6:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________
Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors:
Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs
City of Orlando
United Arts of Central Florida
Downtown Development Board
Remixed

Art-ivism Exhibition Opens in the Signature Gallery on June 18, 2026
2026-06-18 18:00 - 21:00
Join us for the opening night of the 2nd Art-ivism Exhibition! Located on the 2nd floor of the CityArts Gallery.
Art-ivism explores the merging of art and advocacy towards a cause or topic that resonates deeply. Individuals have been empowered to amplify their voices and creativity as a means for social change within their communities for decades, and it is just as important today. This show is intended to create space for that connection, conversation, and learning.
The exhibition will showcase original 2D and 3D artworks exploring topics of relevance and importance to the artists who submitted to the open call for art. Artists were encouraged to think of messages they wish to share and topics they wish to stimulate conversation about. This year explores concepts involving ethics, human rights, animal rights, environmental conservation, as well as personal and collective development.
Opening Night: June 18 6-9pm
On View through July 11th
Curated by Alexis Collum
Featured Artists:
Achille Barbel | acidicsheep | Adam Matthew Smith | Alexander Lee | Alexandra Gravett | Alexis Marie | Alexis Collum | Alina Blaga-Smith | Allyssa Cili | Angel Anaya | Angelina Palmisano | Angelo Vazquez | Anthony R. Smith | ARCANAS | Bethany Bennett | Bethany Ingerham | Billiva | Brandi Cumberbatch | Bray Mua (Straight to Voicemail) | Carolyn Schultz | Cei Jonez | Dave Giesbrecht | David Dexter | David Ussery | Eric Way | Frederick Goldstein | Genesis Muñoz-Vera | Ginger Haggbloom | Gina Tyquiengco | Halley Spencer | James Booth | Johnny Coleman | Jordan Jones | Jonas | Joshua D. McBride | Keri Darlington | Lamont White | Lena Phillips | Lucas Ksenhuk | Lynsie Conn | Mac De Sol | Madison Ansley | Madison Peterson | McKenna Lynn | McKenzie Blu | Megan Elizabeth | Megan Hernandez | Nelson Cárdenas | Omowura Adedayo | Pabloadan | Philip Ringler | Recycled Horrors by Bryan Murch | Rokibat Salako | Ronnell Mitchell | Ryan Parker | sally alexandres | Sanjana Deshmukh | Sara Hollamby | Scott Paul Ampel | Shaina Davidovich | Shree Chauhan | Sophia Lucia | Stevens’O’smoore | Straun Wagner | Tina (Thien-Thanh) Tran | Tonya Van Ry | Tyler Blum | Vanessa Watkins | Vanicha Suwansiri | Vanna Yang | Victor V Wilson | Yuliya Popkova

CityArts Retrospective: Celebrating 20 Years Opens in the Austin Commercial Gallery on June 18
2026-06-18 18:00 - 21:00
The Downtown Arts District proudly announces the opening of CityArts Retrospective: Celebrating 20 Years, a landmark exhibition honoring two decades of artistic innovation, community impact and cultural leadership in Downtown Orlando. The exhibition debuts on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 6pm-9pm at CityArts Orlando.

This milestone celebration marks the beginning of a year‑long series of special events, including the release of a limited‑edition CityArts Retrospective wine, curated in partnership with Assemblage Wine and world‑renowned artist Boy Kong. Guests attending the opening will have the opportunity to taste the wine and purchase commemorative bottles featuring Boy Kong’s art on the label, with an intricate design symbolizing CityArts’ layered history, its iconic green building and the map grid of its downtown location. In addition to the CityArts Retrospective exhibition, guests will enjoy five concurrent exhibitions; Artivism curated by Alexis Collum, Redefine Gallery, Young Artists Gallery, Café Gallery (June Bunch), Roberto Gonzalez and the Side Gallery (Parker Sketch). The celebration will also feature live entertainment, including a performance by June Bunch and music by DJ Nigel, along with new limited‑edition merchandise designed by local artists Dawrby, Johnathan Stemberger and Etch.

A Legacy of Creativity and Community
CityArts first opened in June 2006 in the historic Webster Building at 29 S. Orange Avenue. Over the past 20 years, the organization has played a pivotal role in shaping Orlando’s creative landscape, supporting artists, cultivating new collectors and fostering a vibrant arts community.

CityArts Impact by the Numbers

20,000+ artists exhibited (1,000 annually)
36,000 artworks displayed (3,000 per year)
Over $1,000,000 in art sales and art services since 2006
1.2 million visitors welcomed
5,616 days open to the public
1,536 exhibitions presented
240 Third Thursday art activations produced
$50,768,000 in total industry expenditures
1,486.6 jobs supported
$35,036,977 in household income generated
$2,375,000 in local government revenue
$2,915,152 in state government revenue

On March 21, 2019, CityArts relocated to the historic Rogers‑Kiene Building at 39 S. Magnolia Avenue, donated by Ford Kiene to the City of Orlando for use as an arts space. With its Queen Anne architectural style and cultural significance, the building inspired the transition from “CityArts Factory” to CityArts Orlando.

“As a result of Orlando’s large creative class, there’s an abundance of talent in Central Florida,” says Barbara Hartley, Executive Director of the Downtown Arts District. “We celebrate all the artists and musicians who have participated, the leaders who have volunteered on the board of directors and committees, the dedicated staff and all of the individual and corporate sponsors and art buyers who have generously given their support.”

Event Details:
CityArts Retrospective: Celebrating 20 Years
Thursday, June 18, 2026 6pm-9pm
CityArts Orlando 39 S. Magnolia Avenue Orlando, FL 32801

For more information, visit https://downtownartsdistrict.com/.

Tastemaker Tuesday at CityArts
2026-06-23 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-28 18:00
A night of creativity, connection, and custom wine—crafted by you. Follow a guided workshop in tasting, blending, and bottling your own wine at CityArts Gallery in Downtown Orlando.

During this interactive workshop, you’ll:

Learn about the art winemaking
Tasted 3 red wines evaluating appearance, aroma, and body of each
Blend until you find the perfect recipe that matches your taste
Bottle it, cork it, name it and label it to take home

WHAT’s included:

90-minute guided wine blending session by our head winemaker and sommelier

(1) custom 750 ml bottle of your signature red blend
Artisanal snacks and palate cleansers
Access to the CityArts Gallery after-hours
Good vibes, great conversation, and new friends

Location: CityArts Gallery, 39 S. Magnolia Ave, Downtown Orlando
Parking: free on the Street or $4 at the plaza Parking Garage (15 S Court Ave, Orlando, FL 32801) with validation. Bring your ticket to Cityarts.
When: 6:00 PM to 8:00 pm (ish)
Price: $65 per guest
Policy: Reservation required. 24-hour cancellation notice to avoid fee.

Sort of Brutally Early Artist Meet-up
2026-06-24 07:30 - 10:00, 2026-07-22 07:30 - 10:00, 2026-08-26 07:30 - 09:00
Join us for our monthly “Sort of Brutally Early Artist Meet-up” It’s an artist, art lover, art administrator meet-up. That means everyone is invited. It is very informal. Attendees can come and go as they please. – Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries – Meet other artists, art lovers, and arts administrators – Check out the CityArts exhibitions. The Sort of Brutally Early Artist Meetup was created by curator, Pat Greene. This is a nod to renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist’s Brutally Early Club.

DTOLive! in the Courtyard - Samantha Lee
2026-06-25 16:30 - 18:30
Join us on Tuesdays from 4:30–6:30 PM in the newly renovated FORDify the Arts Courtyard at CityArts for live music and great vibes! Free event, open to all. Stop by, unwind, and enjoy the music!

Citrus Morning: Painting Citrus on the Vine
2026-07-11 10:00 - 12:00
This beginner-friendly acrylic painting workshop at CityArts Orlando invites students to create a bright citrus painting filled with simple circles, leafy branches, and fresh Florida-inspired color. The class offers a relaxed way to explore acrylic painting while learning basic layering, brushwork, and color mixing techniques.
For tickets, click here

June Bunch Gallery Talk and Mini Concert
2026-07-12 12:00 - 13:00
Artist Q+A with Botanical Illustrator and Singer-Songwriter June Bunch featuring her Live Music and Visual Art

This fun, free event features both live music and visual art of June Bunch as she dives into her illustrations after sharing original tunes.
In the exhibition, June Bunch transforms 50 state flowers into botanical ballerinas. Her illustrations combine figure drawing with floral theatrics, adding elements of vibrant colors and texture-rich embroidery to her work. In an instant, her images stretch the viewer’s eye past the present to see the blossom’s full-seasonal vitality, summarized in one frozen motion.
Bunch curates contemporary illustrations by studying plants’ “choreography” of growth, illuminating their dance with vibrant colors and clean lines. Her visual art remains rooted in botany and ballet, featuring postures that hold emotional richness, highlighting human nature and flora in a bold, empowering way.
The art is created first through expressive figure drawings and botanical sketches that are then translated digitally and drawn line-by-line with a pen-tool, tending to each marking with thoughtful detail.
To dive into the story behind each illustration, you can visit https://www.junebunch.com/illustration
About the artist:
June Bunch (@junebunchstudio) is a self-taught illustrator from St. Petersburg, FL. Her art focuses on natural growth, interpreting plants’ movement through human body language. She studied botany and illustrated for plant nurseries before moving to Juneau, AK as a naturalist guide. There, June grew inspired by the “choreography” of the natural world around her and humanized it, incorporating figure drawing paired with a love of dance.Her work has won an honorable mention at the Morean Arts Center and has been on display at the Imagine Museum, Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Five Deuces Galleria, Art@400, The Werk Gallery, and the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Gallery. She has recently been awarded a micro-grant from the Gobioff Foundation which sponsored a portion of the State Flower Ladies exhibition.

DTOLive! in the Courtyard - The Anthologist
2026-07-16 16:30 - 18:30
Join us from 4:30–6:30 PM in the FORDify the Arts Courtyard at CityArts for live music and great vibes! Free event, open to all. Stop by, unwind, and enjoy the music!

3rd Thursday Opening Night Reception - July 2026
2026-07-16 18:00 - 21:00
Join us for Third Thursday at CityArts. Enjoy drink specials, curator conversations, artist connections, and seven new exhibitions. Meet the artists and explore what’s new in the galleries.

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Featured exhibitions at CityArts include:
Austin Commercial Gallery – “Pitch Side” Group Exhibition, Curated by Kyle Eagle and Ashley Taylor
Featured Artists:
Dennis Ahearn | Taylor Battle | Reina Castellanos | Larry Cooper | Cristian Donoso | Victor Davila | Tyler Dumas | Steven Fessey | Lorna Galloway | Kyle Hager | Jennifer Izaguirre | Andres Isaza | Marcela Londono | Tom Macaluso | Alexis Montero | Christine McCarty | Dominik Pearce Chedier | Austin Petito | Nick Polania | Michael Scott | Mark Thor | Kath Reyes | Jason Scuilla | William Truran
Upstairs Signature Gallery – Sensory Overload Group Exhibition
Side Gallery – To Be Announced
CityArts Café Gallery – Solo Exhibition by Vaughn Belak
The Mahesh Chaddah Family Trust Spotlight Gallery – Duo Exhibition by Peterson Guerrier & Christopher Jones
New Art in the Young Artists Gallery & Redefine Gallery
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PARKING
CityArts provides parking validations for the Plaza Parking Garage ONLY. The validation reduces the parking fee to $4. The Library Parking Garage is closer, but CityArts does not provide parking validations for that garage. Metered street parking is free after 6:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________
Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors:
Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs
City of Orlando
United Arts of Central Florida
Downtown Development Board
Remixed

"Pitch Side" Opens at CityArts on July 16
2026-07-16 18:00 - 21:00
Pitch Side brings together artists shaped by the rhythm of the world’s game, where discipline, failure, and repetition become a language of making. Inspired by jogo bonito — the beautiful game — the exhibition captures the culture surrounding soccer, from street pitches to stadium lights, with a particular nod to the tactile energy of 90s play: oversized jerseys, heavy shin guards, worn fields, and long practices that blurred effort into identity. For many, the field was the first studio, a place where failure wasn’t an end but part of the process, where movement, timing, and instinct were learned through doing. Designers, photographers, videographers, and artists translate those experiences into visual form, exploring the moments just off the pitch where emotion gathers and the game reveals its deeper texture: passion, pride, frustration, and joy. Curated by Kyle Eagle and Ashley Taylor, Pitch Side is less about the spectacle of the game and more about its imprint, how it shapes the way we see, think, and create.
Featured Artists:
Dennis Ahearn | Taylor Battle | Reina Castellanos | Larry Cooper | Cristian Donoso | Victor Davila | Tyler Dumas | Steven Fessey | Lorna Galloway | Kyle Hager | Jennifer Izaguirre | Andres Isaza | Marcela Londono | Tom Macaluso | Alexis Montero | Christine McCarty | Dominik Pearce Chedier | Austin Petito | Nick Polania | Michael Scott | Mark Thor | Kath Reyes | Jason Scuilla | William Truran

Solo Exhibition by Vaughn Belak Open in the CityArts Café on July 16, 2026
2026-07-16 18:00 - 21:00
Vaughn Belak is an independent artist currently based in Orlando Fl. His work ranges from dark, pop surrealism to incredibly rich, textured abstracts. Vaughn has been a professional artist for over 2 decades and is always pushing himself to grow and improve by diving headfirst into uncomfortable new waters. These abstracts come from a deeply personal and intentional collection that has helped him navigate some major life changes and literally pulled Vaughn out of his old life and into a new one.

A Speakeasy-Inspired Portfolio Exhibition by H. Gorlitz Scott Presented by Art For All Spaces at CityArts Side Gallery
2026-07-16 18:00 - 21:00
Art For All Spaces proudly presents Bookaholic, a captivating solo exhibition by Orlando artist H. Gorlitz Scott, opening during the CityArts Third Thursday celebration on Thursday, July 16, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Side Gallery at CityArts in Downtown Orlando.
Part speakeasy, part creative sanctuary, Bookaholic is a richly imagined portfolio exhibition that invites viewers into the mind of one fantasy-loving creative whose passions for reading, writing, and illustrating collide in visually compelling ways. Drawing inspiration from literature, imagination, storytelling, and the atmosphere of hidden literary lounges and old-world intrigue, the exhibition reflects the artist’s deep affection for narrative worlds both written and illustrated.
For H. Gorlitz Scott, books are more than objects—they are portals. Bookaholic explores the intimate relationship between story and image, where characters, imagined realms, whispered adventures, and the visual echoes of fantasy culture come alive on the gallery walls. Whether you are a devoted reader, fantasy enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates imaginative art, this exhibition offers a welcoming escape into creative wonder.
H. Gorlitz Scott has developed a distinctive artistic voice that blends illustrative storytelling, fantasy influences, and personal narrative into a compelling visual language. This portfolio-style exhibition serves as both an introduction and an immersive experience into the artist’s world.
“Some exhibitions are about viewing artwork. Others are about stepping into someone’s imagination,” said Brad Biggs, Director of Art For All Spaces. “Bookaholic feels like being invited into a secret creative hideaway where literature, fantasy, and visual storytelling all sit at the same table.”
CityArts, located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, remains one of Central Florida’s premier destinations for contemporary visual art, drawing collectors, creatives, and curious visitors alike for its monthly Third Thursday events.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Exhibition Details:
Exhibition: Bookaholic
Artist: H. Gorlitz Scott
Venue: CityArts – Side Gallery
Opening Reception: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: CityArts, Downtown Orlando
Presented by: Art For All Spaces

DTOLive! in the Courtyard - Holly Cordero (Steamin' Jazz)
2026-07-30 16:30 - 18:30

Orlando Story Club: Salty
2026-08-05 19:00 - 22:00
Orlando Story Club is a live storytelling competition that takes place at CityArts Orlando (39 S Magnolia Ave). All regular shows begin at 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Every Orlando Story Club event has a theme. Anyone with a story that fits with that theme can enter by putting their name in the story hat. Ten names are drawn at random. Each storyteller is given 5 minutes to impress the audience, and the top 3 tellers take home prizes.

It’s a night of laughter, fun, and connection! Join us for our not-so-serious storytelling competition! Come laugh, listen, drink, and help build our community!

Purchase tickets at https://osc2026.eventbrite.com

Upcoming EventsAll regular shows start at 7:00 p.m.August 5: SaltyOctober 7: HarvestDecember 2: All That Glitters

If you aren’t interested in telling a story, we love story listeners! We have an activity that everyone can participate in. What’s a one-liner?

It is an anonymous story (true to the storyteller) that can fit on one notecard and relates to the theme of the evening.

For example, if the theme is “Past Our Bedtime,” a one-liner is: “I truly thought there were monsters under my bed until I was in high school.”

Who reads these one-liners? Our awesome hosts, Danielle and Bobby, read them in between storytellers. Don’t worry. They won’t reveal your name!

All regular productions are hosted by Danielle Ziss & Bobby Wesley

Orlando Story Club is a program of The Downtown Arts District

Orlando Story Club: Harvest
2026-10-07 19:00 - 22:00
Orlando Story Club is a live storytelling competition that takes place at CityArts Orlando (39 S Magnolia Ave). All regular shows begin at 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Every Orlando Story Club event has a theme. Anyone with a story that fits with that theme can enter by putting their name in the story hat. Ten names are drawn at random. Each storyteller is given 5 minutes to impress the audience, and the top 3 tellers take home prizes.

It’s a night of laughter, fun, and connection! Join us for our not-so-serious storytelling competition! Come laugh, listen, drink, and help build our community!

Purchase tickets at https://osc2026.eventbrite.com

Upcoming Events
All regular shows start at 7:00 p.m.October 7: HarvestDecember 2: All That Glitters

If you aren’t interested in telling a story, we love story listeners! We have an activity that everyone can participate in. What’s a one-liner?

It is an anonymous story (true to the storyteller) that can fit on one notecard and relates to the theme of the evening.

For example, if the theme is “Past Our Bedtime,” a one-liner is: “I truly thought there were monsters under my bed until I was in high school.”

Who reads these one-liners? Our awesome hosts, Danielle and Bobby, read them in between storytellers. Don’t worry. They won’t reveal your name!

All regular productions are hosted by Danielle Ziss & Bobby Wesley

Orlando Story Club is a program of The Downtown Arts District

Orlando Story Club: All That Glitters
2026-12-02 19:00 - 22:00
Orlando Story Club is a live storytelling competition that takes place at CityArts Orlando (39 S Magnolia Ave). All regular shows begin at 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Every Orlando Story Club event has a theme. Anyone with a story that fits with that theme can enter by putting their name in the story hat. Ten names are drawn at random. Each storyteller is given 5 minutes to impress the audience, and the top 3 tellers take home prizes.

It’s a night of laughter, fun, and connection! Join us for our not-so-serious storytelling competition! Come laugh, listen, drink, and help build our community!

Purchase tickets at https://osc2026.eventbrite.com

Upcoming EventsAll regular shows start at 7:00 p.m.December 2: All That Glitters

If you aren’t interested in telling a story, we love story listeners! We have an activity that everyone can participate in. What’s a one-liner?

It is an anonymous story (true to the storyteller) that can fit on one notecard and relates to the theme of the evening.

For example, if the theme is “Past Our Bedtime,” a one-liner is: “I truly thought there were monsters under my bed until I was in high school.”

Who reads these one-liners? Our awesome hosts, Danielle and Bobby, read them in between storytellers. Don’t worry. They won’t reveal your name!

All regular productions are hosted by Danielle Ziss & Bobby Wesley

Orlando Story Club is a program of The Downtown Arts District
