Attorney to Artist
Back in 1995, attorney Madeliene Abling appeared on the cover of Watermark as one of just a handful of locals who were “out at work.” Times have changed – in more ways than one. Last week Abling returned to Orlando to attend a Jan. 25 gallery show and reception at Quantum Leap Winery featuring her artwork. She moved from Orlando fifteen years ago and lived on a boat, migrating up and down the East coast before deciding that she wanted to paint. She now works from studios in Provincetown and Fort Lauderdale. “I paint what I love: adult beverages, musical instruments, strong coffee,” Abling shared.
Dress for Success
Nestled amongst the bars, restaurants and shops on Thornton Park’s Washington Ave. is a little shop with a unique clientele. Regalia Magnificent Attire caters almost exclusively to beauty pageant contestants. Earlier this month co-owners David Lang and Carry O’Neal scored the trifecta: newly crowned Miss America Mallory Hytes Hagan, as well as the first and second runners-up, all wore gowns from their boutique. The partners were profiled in a Jan. 25 Orlando Sentinel cover story. Regalia has dressed five Miss Americas since 1993, including Rollins College student Leanza Cornett and UCF’s Ericka Dunlap. “To get one, two and three was just fantastic,” Lang told the Sentinel. “We never thought we’d do that.”
Dance Class
On Jan. 22, more than 100 ballet fans gathered around the stage at The Abbey in downtown Orlando for a lesson courtesy of the Orlando Ballet. Artistic Director Robert Hill was a charismatic tour guide as he guided the company of dancers in a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of a dance program. The charming dancers, from Florida to as far away as Brazil and Japan, also talked about their process. “Orlando Ballet Uncorked” programs are just one of the innovations created by a company that is earning the attention of the dance world. Their next show is “Hollywood en Pointe,” Feb. 15-16. Based on the sampling at “Uncorked,” you won’t want to miss it. (orlandoballet.org)
On the Lamb
Very soon Orlando will have a new bar for the LGBT community to call home. The Hammered Lamb passed its health inspection on Jan. 23, putting in on track to open (hopefully) sometime in February. The new club at 1235 N. Orange Ave. is in Ivanhoe Village and is operated by Jason Lamb, hence the very clever name.
Photos of the bar’s progress and teasers to its bartending staff have been posted on its Facebook page, but details are still under wraps – at least until a grand opening date is actually announced. What we do know is that the club will be open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m., according to that Facebook profile. For details and updates, check them out online.
