The Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network Presents Bess Auer’s

Haunting Hope: A Multi-media Art Experience of Spooky Proportions

Opens October 20th @ Mills Gallery

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You are cordially invited to partake in this spectral affair as we delve into the twisted artistry that exposes the true monsters that haunt us.

  • 3 Featured Artists

  • 4 Distinct Mediums of Art

  • 5 Haunted Gallery Performances

  • 13 Gothic Literary Greats Reimagined

A portion of art sales go directly to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Maestros of the Monsters

Mills Gallery is proud to display the fine artistry and craftsmanship of three featured artists from October 20th through October 28th. A portion of the art sales will go to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Bess Auer

Gourd Artist / Sculptor

Using the gourd as an armature challenges Bess Auer to define shape and form in an entirely different way. She relishes transforming a gourd into something that surprises the onlooker and sparks new conversations.

Jim Hobart

Photographer

Photographer Jim Hobart has been working on a series of underwater photos of performers and artists. His recent Halloween-themed work adds a twist to the “Gourds & Monsters” exhibit.

Kelley Graham

Atelier

Costumer extraordinaire Kelley Graham is displaying true artistry with her 18th century ball costumes, allowing dark gothic fashion to be on parade.

Haunted Happenings

Put these special Gallery performances in your appointment book, if you dare, before they are gone forever.

Friday, October 20: Phantasmagoria

Central Florida’s Original Victorian/Steampunk Storytelling Troupe

Tales of the Undead have never been so dramatic as when told by the troupe from Phantasmagoria. A feast for the senses, join us for an unforgettable opening night. The Michelin Guide restaurant The Pinery provides a wine and cocktail bar to delight your tastebuds. This performance starts promptly at 7 PM.

Saturday, October 21: Don Price

Orlando’s Historian

You haven’t heard Orlando’s history until Don Price has spun his tale of true ghost stories. Recounting the City Beautiful’s founding fathers, Don brings the past to life in the most memorable of ways. This talk starts promptly at 7 PM.

Tuesday, October 24: Gothic Tales From the Heart

Park Maitland School

Be morbidly delighted with a charming performance by budding thespians from Park Maitland School. These young minds take on some of the great Gothic tales and give a rousing interpretation just for our Gallery visitors. This performance starts promptly at 7 PM.

Thursday, October 26: Ink & Shadows

Artist Talk

Many of the Gothic greats experienced dire tragedies in their personal lives. Delve into the tormented minds of literary giants as Bess Auer retells their haunting narratives. Explore where darkness and imagination intertwine to create timeless works of chilling brilliance in this intimate Gallery talk. This talk starts promptly at 7 PM.

Saturday, October 28: Rafael Cavero

Internationally-acclaimed Opera Singer

The Gallery experience closes on a hauntingly perfect note with the world-renowned tenor Rafael Cavero. Rafael has graced the great opera halls in Italy, Germany, and Spain and is now bringing his voice to Mills Gallery. Grab your seat and prepare to be mesmerized. The Pinery is back with the wine and cocktail bar to close the exhibit in a delightful tone. This performance starts promptly at 7 PM.

FAQ’s for the Curious of Mind

  • Gothic literature dates back to the early 1700s and celebrates spooky and macabre themes through shadow and suggestion. It differs from the horror genre, which focuses on an outward display of gore and the horrific. Edgar Allan Poe, Washington Irving, and Mary Shelley are just a few of the masters of Gothic fiction.

  • The themes explored by “Gourds & Monsters” are similar to what you might find in Disney’s Haunted Mansion. So we are rating it as PG. Some works of art or items discussed might be scary for young children. Parental guidance is encouraged.

  • You can visit the Gallery to view the works of art anytime during our regular hours. The Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Sundays. Reservations are not required for the special Gallery performances, but we are encouraging a head count via RSVP. All performances start at 7 PM.

  • Mills Gallery was voted “Orlando’s Best Gallery” by Orlando Magazine and is located in Mills Park at 1650 N Mills Ave., near the corner of Virginia Drive and 17-92. It shares a lot with Fresh Market, and the Gallery is located on the first floor of the luxury apartment building.

  • There is a valet in the evenings, or you can self-park in either the Fresh Market parking lot or the adjoining parking garage.

You are cordially invited to partake in these spectral affairs. Together, we can kindle hope amidst the darkness, unraveling the demons that besiege Central Florida. Embrace the enchantment, friends, for within each of us lies the power to banish these terrors and bring solace to those in need.