January on the Central Florida arts scene is anchored by Orlando Fringe’s Winter Mini-Fest at the start of the month (Jan. 7-11) and the Zora! festival celebrating the legacy of Eatonville author Zora Neale Hurston at month’s end (Jan. 29-Feb. 1).
But what’s happening in between? Here are five cultural events to check out between the big fests.
Pat Zalisko’s “Nothing Ventured” is part of the “Pattern & Pulse” exhibition at Solana Fine Art in Winter Park. (Courtesy Solana Fine Art)
‘PATTERN & PULSE’: Solana Fine Art opens “Pattern & Pulse,” an exhibition exploring rhythm and repetition through the work of three contemporary artists, with a reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 9.
The show brings together the bold architectural abstractions of Pat Zalisko, the flowing, nature-inspired paintings of Karlene McConnell, and the vibrant, layered compositions of guest artist Maria Kruschewsky.
“This exhibition is about the energy that lives inside the work — whether it’s the precision of a geometric form or the softness of a flowing brush stroke,” says Bob Jimenez, founder and gallerist at Solana Fine Art. “Pat, Karlene and Maria each bring their own rhythm to the canvas, and the way their pieces speak to one another creates a truly compelling conversation.”
“Pattern & Pulse” is on view through Jan. 31. Solana Fine Art is at 1104 Solana Ave. in Winter Park. More info: solanafineart.com.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will play music from Broadway blockbusters such as “Wicked,” pictured with Olivia Valli defying gravity as Elphaba. (Courtesy Joan Marcus)
‘DEFYING GRAVITY: BLOCKBUSTER BROADWAY’: The next concert in the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Pops Series turns its attention to Broadway. Sean Mayes conducts the orchestra, which is joined by vocalists Jessica Hendy, Kelli Rabke and Scott Coulter.
Songs from “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Annie,” “Jersey Boys,” “Chicago,” “Cats,” “The Lion King” and more are on the program.
There are two performances, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Tickets start at $23.60. More info: orlandophil.org/event/defying-gravity-blockbuster-broadway.
Rollins Museum of Art will open a travel-inspired exhibition in January titled “Souvenir.” Among the featured work: Carrie Mae Weems’ “Louvre, 2006,” The digital c-print is part of The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art. (Courtesy Carrie Mae Weems and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York)
‘SOUVENIR’: Who doesn’t love a nice snow globe? Opening Jan. 17, “Souvenir” is the latest exhibition at the Rollins Museum of Art. Drawn from artworks in the museum’s permanent collection along with loaned items, the exhibition explores the intertwined histories of travel and collecting.
Don’t expect literal souvenirs. Instead, contemporary artists offer a criticial perspective on the history of collecting and consumption. And remember, that’s how museums got their start: As “cabinets of curiosities” that displayed artifacts from the natural world and items obtained during a collector’s “Grand Tour.”
The museum is on the Rollins College campus at 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park, and admission is free. “Souvenir” will be on view through May 16. More info: rollins.edu/rma.
Jon Bennett, an award-winning Fringe favorite, is bringing 2 shows to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in January. (Courtesy Elly Freer via Orlando Fringe)
JON BENNETT: The well-known Orlando Fringe artist from Down Under has two shows on Jan. 22 in the Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts that aren’t associated with Fringe (although you may have seen the shows at prior festivals).
At 6:30 p.m., Bennett — whom I’ve described as “charmingly brazen and comically vulnerable,” will present “AmeriCan,” which tells of the Australian performer’s chaotic and absurd journey to make the U.S. his home.
Then, at 8:30 p.m., he’ll perform the scorchingly funny “Fire in the Meth Lab,” a personal and compelling story of how Bennett coped with his brother’s drug addiction. He’s “taking a serious subject and finding the humor around it,” I wrote in a review after seeing the gut-busting and heart-wrenching show. “Bennett achieves that in a blaze of glory.”
Tickets start at $29.50 per performance, and you can save 15% by booking both shows together for a double feature. More info: Drphillipscenter.org.
Jaimz Dillman, aka Lady Jaimz, will be hosting a new burlesque showcase, starting in January. (Courtesy Jaimz Dillman)
BURLESQUE SHOWCASE: Jaimz Dillman — the Lady Jaimz who brought us 10 years of the Corsets & Cuties troupe — is debuting a monthy burlesque showcase at 8 p.m. Jan. 25.
Dillman’s CnC Productions will stage the showcase on the last Sunday of each month at The Dust, 431 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. The plan is to include dancers making their debuts alongside seasoned artists as everyone celebrates the art of the tease.
“We want this to be a place where the entire community can gather, express and collaborate,” says Lady Jaimz. “Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or the hundredth, this showcase is a home for creativity, confidence and connection.”
Tickets are $20 at eventbrite.com.
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/05/orlando-january-arts-events/
