Four decades ago, George and Marty Whipple had a dream of opening a space where artists could create and inspire one another.
That vision came to life in 1986 when McRae Art Studios first opened its doors in a warehouse on McRae Avenue in Ivanhoe Village, giving a creative home to creators working in painting, ceramics, drawing, mixed media, photography and sculpture.
Over four decades and five locations, Orlando’s oldest and largest professional artist collective has hosted more than 100 award-winning artists.
The current group of 22 creators kicks off the 40th anniversary celebration Saturday with a spring open house at McRae’s 10,000-square-foot converted garage space in urban Orlando. The event features a chance to meet artists, see studios and purchase original artwork, plus live music, a cash bar and refreshments.
John Whipple, a painter, mixed media artist and sculptor whose parents founded the studio, said the space inspires collaboration.
“We’ve had hundreds of artists who have put their time and energy in here. It’s collaborative; they all invite people who work to clean and fix it up,” he said. “It’s a microcosm of collaborative living. It’s a tiny little democracy.”
John Whipple works on a new collection of sculpture at McRae Art Studios in Orlando on April 21. The studios are open to the public from 6-9 p.m. April 25. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
While the location and artists have changed over time, the studios’ purpose has remained the same.
“Our main function is to try to make this the best possible place for artists to do their work and to thrive and to find community,” Whipple said.
Current member artists will mark the anniversary with a new exhibition of self-portraits, “The Faces of McRae,” which honors the studio’s legacy and its future.
Twenty-two member artists make up Row Collective at McRae Art Studios in Orlando. The studios are open to the public from 6-9 p.m. April 25. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The current collection of creators includes Cindy Anderson, Stephen Bach, Susan Bach, Donne Bitner, Kate Carney, Chris Carr, Janas Smith Durkee, Todd K. Fox, Mimi Hwang, Robb Johnson, Marlene London, Martha Jo Mahoney, Maurizio Maso, Fern Matthews, Brian Miller, Debbie Miller, Carla Poindexter, Rob Reedy, Robert Ross, Jim Whipple, John Whipple and Lynn Whipple.
When openings occur, new members join the space through a juried process, ensuring both artistic excellence and a diversity of perspectives.
“McRae Arts Studio and its stable of practicing artists have always been one of Orlando’s creative pillars. The diversity of content, skill & tradition has always been its powerful trademark,” said member artist Rob Reedy in a Facebook post. “I love the fact that the artists and their work define this space … not words, status or politics. I’m grateful for all the artists and will always count them as my friends.”
The work of 22 member artists can be seen by visitors at McRae Art Studios in Orlando. The studios are open to the public from 6-9 p.m. April 25. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
As McRae Art Studios marks 40 years, the collective is in the process of reorganizing as a nonprofit aimed at strengthening the Orlando arts community.
Throughout 2026, the group of artists will commemorate the anniversary with a special edition of the annual 8×10 sale in August and an even bigger celebration during this year’s holiday open house.
A new assemblage by Rob Reedy will be on display for an open house at McRae Art Studios in Orlando. The studios are open to the public from 6-9 p.m. April 25. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Even though much has changed about Orlando in the last four decades, the spirit of artistic collaboration lives on at McRae.
“We go out and paint together,” said Lynn Whipple, John’s wife. “We just have fun. We’re able to share materials and ideas. We help each other all the time.”
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
If you go
The McRae Art Studios spring open house is from 6-9 p.m. April 25 at 1000 Arlington St. in Orlando. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Visitors ages 21 and older can also enjoy libations from the donation bar. More information: mcraeartstudios.art