Celebrating its 15th year, Nude Nite is a body-themed immersive
pop-up art experience. This talked-about art party, is held in a
20,000 warehouse with over 200 of the best nude artworks for sale
from artists around the country. The event features burlesque stage shows, world
class body painting, interactive installations, performance artists,
acrobats, stilt walkers, aerialists and a cast of painted characters
creating a stunning canvas for Insta-worthy photos. Nude Nite is a
multi-sensory art encounter that leaves you feeling hot with what
you’ve got.
Nude Nite has 3 full cocktail bars, gourmet food for
purchase and DJ music to ignite the vibe. Nude Nite is created with
conscious intention. It is female owned and operated, maintains a gender
equal model ratio meaning for every female there is a male. Nude Nite
models are all sizes, colors and genders. The event utilizes sustainable
products wherever possible.
For me the evening is always an inspiring and awesome sketching opportunity. Immediately when I entered I was attracted to this antique tub with a woman in it. The tableau was set up by body painter Nix Herrera. He said he had essentially used everything from his outdoor patio to set up the scene. The woman sat submerged in water at first in which floated ferns and flowers. When she stood, she would entice people to come closer like a siren. On her belly and legs were written phrases. I didn’t lean in to read them all and the only ones I put in the sketch was the surprising phrase, “You slut.” On her head was a miniature model of the greenhouse enclosure they were in. Behind her stood a stoic and still couple in masks. On the woman’s head was a crown which looked like a model of a cathedral spire wrapped in fabric. When people were not around I heard her giggle occasionally and touch her hand to her lips which never moved. Later when she looked over my shoulder at the sketch, she spoke and I finally realized that her lips were part of the mask. When posing she tended to curl her toes, which made me wonder if she was uncomfortable or cold. There was a space heater beside her. I also wondered about the temperature of the water in the tub. It is strange what you think about while you sketch.
While sketching, I was joined by local artist Erin Colleen who also had a sketchbook. I am very familiar with Erin’s work because of Facebook and was happy to meet her in person. Strange but because of social media I already thought I knew her, or at least her art. I am an antisocial machine when sketching but I did ask her a few questions. She used to work at Madam Tossauds wax museum painting the skin tones for the figures. She hopes to work with animatronics next which would be a pretty sweet gig. I bumped into her a second time while I was considering sketching Mandi Ilene Schiff who was body painting a golden man with a buddha on his chest.
In the center of the room was a peace and tranquility zone with a woman posed in a cross legged pose with a radiating golden crown. From a distance Erin noticed a photo in the exhibit of a woman covered in honey. She said that the photo was of the woman in the golden crown. I looked back and forth and the resemblance was amazing. I am a doubting Thomas however, so I had to walk up to the model and ask if it was indeed her. It was. Of course an artist who could paint wax figures of celebrities, making them come alive, could pick out a portrait from a distance. Erin is also a portrait painter. I was amazed and tickled. The photo as it turns out was by Mandi who had shot her model from a past body painting session. Photos are the only way to immortalize the art she creates.
I never did do a second sketch, I was satisfied with this one. Of all the art on display, I was most impressed by a painted drawing done by artist Broni Likomanov from Studio City California. Titled Nude 4 it had bold charcoal strokes and acrylic paint that created a vibrant Egon Schiele inspired pose. Everything about the piece was inspiring. If I had $500 in my pocket I would have walked out with it. This was a fun night full of surprises.
Tonight February 15, 2020 is the last evening for Nude Nite.
Admission is $35 and tickets can be purchased at the door. The event will not sell out.
There are cash machines on property if needed.
The industrial warehouse is on the site at the Central Florida Fairgrounds
4603 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32808
Open to the public. Because of nudity, the show is 21+ ID required.
Self Parking is abundant and complimentary.
Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Cell phone cameras are encouraged. DSLR cameras and video is not allowed.
Stage Shows begin at 9pm, 10pm and 11pm. Entertainment on the floor is ongoing throughout event.