by A DTO LIVE! Art Display
2026 – This was an opportunity that was posted on the UnitedArts website for artists to apply to. The concept was to pitch an idea for a storefront display that could be installed in some of the vacant buildings in downtown Orlando. What a fun idea for creative placemaking!
My logic was: what makes more sense in storefront windows than mannequins?? I had already painted a number of mannequins for other private collections; this would be my biggest project yet. Multiple full-body mannequins! The proposal was intended to be scalable, meaning you wouldn’t know if you would have a small or large space until you were selected.
With my proposal, I wanted to paint each mannequin with one primary color so that when you first look at the display, you’re just captivated by the intricacies and beauty of the perfect-looking mannequins. But, the reason why I wanted to call it “Harder Than it Looks,” is that each color would represent a cause that may be lurking under the surface that people may have to struggle with ~ showing that life isn’t always as perfect as it seems.
Well, that day finally came and I got the call that my proposal was approved. I’d get to paint three mannequins to be installed in the old Irish Shannon’s space on Church Street between February 28th – March 28th. Be sure to stop by and see them while they’re on display!
Mannequins will be available for purchase for any interested buyers after the display concludes.
Email [email protected] to purchase or inquire about the cost + shipping. Thank you!
Past Mannequins
