{"id":243011,"date":"2026-04-23T09:25:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T09:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/243011\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T09:25:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T09:25:08","slug":"mcrae-art-studios-kicks-off-40th-anniversary-with-open-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/243011\/","title":{"rendered":"McRae Art Studios kicks off 40th anniversary with open house"},"content":{"rendered":"

Four decades ago, George and Marty Whipple had a dream of opening a space where artists could create and inspire one another.<\/p>\n

That vision came to life in 1986 when McRae Art Studios<\/a> first opened its doors in a warehouse on McRae Avenue in Ivanhoe Village<\/a>, giving a creative home to creators working in painting, ceramics, drawing, mixed media, photography and sculpture.<\/p>\n

Over four decades and five locations, Orlando\u2019s oldest and largest professional artist collective has hosted more than 100 award-winning artists<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The current group of 22 creators kicks off the 40th anniversary celebration Saturday with a spring open house<\/a> at McRae\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

John Whipple<\/a>, a painter, mixed media artist and sculptor whose parents founded the studio, said the space inspires collaboration.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had hundreds of artists who have put their time and energy in here. It\u2019s collaborative; they all invite people who work to clean and fix it up,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a microcosm of collaborative living. It\u2019s a tiny little democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"JohnJohn 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)<\/p>\n

While the location and artists have changed over time, the studios\u2019 purpose has remained the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur 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,\u201d Whipple said.<\/p>\n

Current member artists will mark the anniversary with a new exhibition of self-portraits, \u201cThe Faces of McRae,\u201d which honors the studio\u2019s legacy and its future.<\/p>\n

\"22Twenty-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)<\/p>\n

The current collection of creators<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

When openings occur, new members join the space through a juried process, ensuring both artistic excellence and a diversity of perspectives.<\/p>\n

\u201cMcRae Arts Studio and its stable of practicing artists have always been one of Orlando\u2019s creative pillars. The diversity of content, skill & tradition has always been its powerful trademark,\u201d said member artist Rob Reedy in a Facebook post<\/a>. \u201cI love the fact that the artists and their work define this space \u2026 not words, status or politics. I\u2019m grateful for all the artists and will always count them as my friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TheThe 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)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Throughout 2026, the group of artists will commemorate the anniversary with a special edition of the annual 8\u00d710 sale in August and an even bigger celebration during this year\u2019s holiday open house.<\/p>\n

\"AA 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)<\/p>\n

Even though much has changed about Orlando in the last four decades, the spirit of artistic collaboration lives on at McRae.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe go out and paint together,\u201d said Lynn Whipple, John\u2019s wife. \u201cWe just have fun. We\u2019re able to share materials and ideas. We help each other all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you go<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

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