Port Charlotte

6 Let’s Go! E/N/C/V June 13-19, 2012
ROAD TRIP
Orlando Museum of Art features ancient American art
BY SUSAN E. HOFFMAN
STAFF WRITER
When we think of classical civilizations,
the Americas rarely come to mind.
Yet stretching from Mexico through
Central America and into the Andes were
exceptionally rich cultures, rivaling any from
Europe, Asia and Africa.
In its current exhibit, “From Aztec to Zapotec II,”
the Orlando Museum of Art shows off some of its
exquisite collections from the Americas, highlighting
how advanced, resourceful and varied these
cultures were. Spanning over 3,000 years, the more
than 180 pieces represent the artisans’ skills in pottery,
stone, textiles and precious metals.
Rather than grouping pieces by date or geographical
origin, the museum assembled displays
based on function, design or style. This allows you to
compare, for example, how Moche pots representing
animals compare with Chavin, Zapotec and
Colima ceramics with similar themes. You’ll see how
jewelry made of gold, silver or copper differed from
Colombia, Peru, Panama to Costa Rica.
Comparing a Maya pot from Guatemala with
one from faraway Teotihuacan illustrates how
artistic styles from the large Mexican city shot
through Mayan culture to its southernmost
reaches. Expansive trade routes allowed precious
materials to be marketed to distant cities, exchanging
beliefs and customs while they traded
jade, obsidian and pottery.
Throughout the exhibit, tags identify the
culture, location and approximate age of each
item, including a helpful photo so you can be
sure which item is referenced. Some of the tags
explain what or how the item would have been
used — for instance, a stone metate for grinding
corn or a gold nosepiece worn for ceremonial or
SUN PHOTOS BY SUSAN E. HOFFMAN
This exquisite tripod polychrome vessel was
produced by the Chorotega people, who fled
Mexico into Central America around 500 A.D.
This piece, from Guanacaste, Costa Rica, depicts
a snarling jaguar appearing to leap out of the
pot. Slits in the legs may have been used to
insert pebbles to turn the vessel into a rattle.
religious purposes. Descriptions are offered on
how certain of the items were made: some of the
pottery, for example, was created with molds or
stamped imprints.
The exhibit reminds you that many of these items
would have been used in daily life and gives you a
glimpse of how these ancient Americans lived. One
charming Nazca pot from Peru, dated between A.D.
1 and 700, depicts a doctor examining or treating a
patient with an eye problem. An incensario, or incense
burner, from Guatemala illustrates how the Maya
The Nazca culture from the southern coast of
Peru is known for creating giant line images,
or “geoglyphs,” visible from the air; but it also
produced delicate pottery such as this ceramic
drinking vessel in the shape of a fish. The piece
dates from A.D. 200-500.
This ceramic vessel, produced by the Moche
culture, Peru, dates to 450-550 A.D. and probably
represents a specific person, perhaps a
high-ranking individual based on the jaguar
headdress.
burned substances such as resin and paper to communicate
with the gods and ancestors. A large greenstone
“yoke” may have been worn around the waist by players
of the famous Mayan ballgame. Symbols carved in the
yoke represent the cosmic struggle of mythical beings
from the Mayan underworld, drawn from Maya legends
that date back thousands of years.
“From Aztec to Zapotec II” should give
viewers a new appreciation for indigenous
American cultures which conceived the concept
of zero centuries before Eurasian populations,
tracked the movement of planets and
stars with astounding accuracy, constructed
buildings of stone with exquisite precision and
developed one of only five original writing systems
created in human history. The exhibit does
justice to these vibrant civilizations and will likely
whet the desire to learn more of these cultures
from our own backyard.
“From Aztec to Zapotec II” is on display
through June 30. Also currently on display is “Reflections:
Paintings of Florida 1865-1965,” through
July 15, including paintings of the so-called
Florida School highlighting the grandeur and
power of Florida’s landscapes. Many of the paintings
are reminiscent of the Hudson River School,
and no wonder, as several of the artists came
from northern climes. “Living in Style: African Art
of Everyday Life” is also open through June 30
and features baskets, clothing and other beautiful
handcrafted household objects.
The Orlando Art Museum has several other
permanent collections as well as changing exhibits,
along with a gift shop. This gem gives you
another reason to visit Orlando.
Vacation with Harry Potter and friends at Universal Orlando
BY KIM COOL
FEATURES EDITOR
Universal Orlando recently announced
some summer vacation deals that include
new entertainment and dining experiences
plus early entry to some of the most popular
attractions.
Among the newest experiences are Universal’s
Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie
Memories and Universal’s Superstar Parade.
Both opened May 8 at Universal Studios Florida.
Characters such as Sponge Bob Square Pants
and Dora & Diego who are featured in the parade
also show up at Universal’s new Superstar
Character Breakfasts. These special breakfast
opportunities can be added to vacation packages
for $26.99 for adults and $10.99 for youngsters.
Spend your nights Italian-style at the super
deluxe Portofino Bay Hotel or enjoy South Pacific
luxury in the park’s partner hotel, Lowe’s Royale
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ASK ABOUT PRIVATE CHARTERS
FATHER’S DAY CRUISE - Sun. June 17th - 12:30pm - 3:00pm
Pacific. Live like a rock star at the Hard Rock
Hotel. Package deals include lodging at any of
these resort hotels plus early park admission to
the theme parks and specifically, “The Wizarding
World of Harry Potter,” one of the parks’ most
popular attractions. Hotel guests also enjoy VIP
viewing spots for the parade. Earlier this year,
Universal worked with one of New Orleans’ top
float builders to create floats for its Mardi Gras
parade. There are all new floats for the new summertime
parade.
Best of all, instead of dealing with the giant
parking garage, nice as it is, by staying at one of the
three hotels, you can either take a boat ride to the
parks or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lagoon that
borders and connects parks and hotels.
The boardwalk of Lombard’s Seafood Grille
is the place to be for the best view of the new
“Cinematic Spectacular” that honors Universal’s
100th anniversary in the film industry.
Sailing from Downtown Fort Myers
Adult $
27 50
Daily
Sightseeing
Lunch & Dinner
Cruises
Enjoy a 2 1/2 hour cruise on the Caloosahatchee River with a Buffet Lunch, Dancing & Sightseeing on our open 3rd deck.
SPECIAL
20% OFF
THIS DAY
ONLY
Adult $
26 00
WAS $
32 50
PP+TXS
Children $
16 00
PP+TXS
Capt. JP is a 500 passenger paddlewheel with two enclosed climate controlled decks, and a third deck outside.
We cater to small and large groups. Call for more details. JCC ruises.com 239-334-7474
PP+TXS
Children $
16 00
PP+TXS
PECK HARBOR LUNCHEON CRUISE - Tues. June 19th - 11:00am - 2:00pm
5 OFF $
20 00
$
PP+TXS WAS/
27 50
SPECIAL
25% OFF
THIS DAY
ONLY
ONLY
FRANKLIN LOCK LUNCHEON CRUISE - S at . June 30th - 1 1:00am - 3:30pm
Enjoy a 3 Hour Cruise on the River, Dinner, Dancing, Cash Bar,
& viewing fireworks on our Open 3 rd Deck!
Enjoy a luncheon buffet and music for dancing.
Open 3rd deck for sightseeing and sunbathing.
4.5 Hours - Sailing East to the W. P. Franklin Locks observe the
working of the locks, nature & homes along the rivers edge.
J uly 4 TH DINNER/DANCE FIREWORKS CRUISE - 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Adult $
37 00
PP+TXS + GRAT
The “Cinematic Dining Experience” includes
reserved space on the boardwalk plus dinner
for $44.99 for adults and $12.99 for children
at Lombard’s and can be added to the special
summer vacation packages.
Prices begin at $899, including tax for a family
of four, including four nights at a partner hotel,
three-day ticket to Universal theme parks and the
early admission to Harry Potter and one breakfast
per person at Three Broomsticks plus, until June
30, early admission to the Amazing Adventures
of Spider-Man, live entertainment at CityWalk.
Be sure to allow time for the new Blue Man
Group show in Universal’s CityWalk. It opened
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HARD ROCK - $20 PER PERSON
$25 Free Play - $5 Food Voucher
Thursdays & Sundays in June
6/17, 6/21, 6/24, 6/28
IMMOKALEE - $20 PER PERSON
$30 Free Play - $5 Food Voucher
M onday & Tuesdays in April & M ay
6/18,6/19,6/25,6/26
a little over a month ago with new music
and more but still with those heart-pounding
rhythms and all that paint. If you haven’t seen
a Blue Man show, that alone may be reason
enough to head to Universal Orlando this summer.
If you have seen an earlier show, this one
even has a new “environment” according to my
Universal source. I just find all that paint mesmerizing,
not to mention the group’s interaction with
the audience.
For information about Universal Orlando
Resort’s vacation packages, new offerings such
as the dining packages and more, visit
www.universalorlando.com.
All Around Tours Presents:
• Casino Trips • Sightseeing Tours
• Dining & Entertainment Outings
BRIGHTON CASINO - $20 PER PERSON
$20 Free Play - $3 Food Voucher
6/24 - $5 Off Bingo - $55 in Poker Chips w /$40 Buy
DAY TRIPS
6/28/12 - Grease @ Broadw ay P alm - $75
7/4/12 - Fourth of July on Starlite Princess - $99
8/16/12 Ikea $25
BILOXI - $199 pp/
Double Occupancy
JUNE 18-21 & JULY 23-26
4 Days/3 Nights 4-Star Deluxe
Accom m odations @ IP-Casino Resort &
Spa Fully Escorted-Lunch & Restroom
Stops En route - Fun & Gam es on Bus - $45
in Free Play - 2 Breakfasts & 1 Lunch
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
(Call for Flyer)
Oct 27- Nov 2 - Fall Foliage
Nov 26-28 Key W est
Dec 23-27- Christm as In N ew Orleans
4th of July
Dinner Cruise
$99
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Call For A Brochure: ALL AROUND TOURS 941-488-9393
License# ST313558 www.AllAroundBus.com