In case you haven’t heard ArtsFest has started today! Over 200 performances at over 80 venues around Central Florida. And they are all FREE!

The Top 5 has already posted a family-friendly guide to some great performances to take your youngest ones to, so we’re now posting our top picks for “True Art.”  First, we have to define what art is, right?  Nope, because every event listed here totally defines “true art,” so take a look.

Saturday, February 5

1:30 pm: txt
Telephone Museum at the Maitland History Museum, Maitland
See performance artist Brian Feldman in action as a mysterious character named Txt recites absurd dialogue via Twitter. (Bring your phone as you will be writing the show as Brian performs!)

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Poetry in Motion
Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park
Emotions Dance comes together with local band, The Forefathers, and Orlando’s top spoken word artists to bring you stories of the human experience.

Sunday, February 6

8:00 am – Midnight: Win Brian Feldman!
Stardust Video and Coffee, Winter Park
Say what? Brian Feldman will remain inside of a playable skill crane machine for 16 hours in a re-creation of a 7-year-old Timmy Novotny who proceeded to climb inside of a skill crane machine through its prize slot because he “just, like, wanted to go in there.”

Okay, we googled this one, and apparently little Timmy and Brian Feldman are not alone with their fascination with skill crane machines. Don’t believe us? Do a search on youtube, where we found this video:

12:15 pm: William Waterhouse’s Birthday Celebration
Waterhouse Residence Museum, Lake Lily in Maitland
A one-man play depicted Mr. Waterhouse’s life as a Union soldier who moves his family to Maitland. (Birthday cake will be served!)

2:00 pm- 3:00 pm: 9/11 an American Movement
Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park
Central Florida Ballet’s original production which captures the poignancy of tested and proven American patriotism; her courage, resolve, and pride in response to the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001.

Wednesday, February 9

11:00 pm – Midnight: Riff
Cameo Theatre, Orlando
Walk into a wet, sexy rock ‘n roll experience with dancers, live music, flying powders and splash zones. (High school and up)

Friday, February 10

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Duel of Fools
Sak Comedy Lab, Orlando
Central Florida improv professionals duke it out in a high energy competition.

Saturday, February 12

All day: Winter Park Scenic Backyard Art Boat Ride
Scenic Boat Tours, Winter Park
Cruise the beautiful lakes of Winter Park while peering into the backyard art installations of institutions and residents. Guided by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Director Terry Olson.

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Battle of the Sexes II
Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
Powerful and thrilling choreography match the men and women of Orlando Ballet up against each other.

Sunday, February 13

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Sacred Slave Stories
Osceola Center for the Arts
The Center for Contemporary Dance presents Moore Dance Project in a contemporary ballet inspired by compelling interviews with more than 2,000 formerly enslaved African-Americans.

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Florida Cracker Tales

Mennello Museum of Art
Hear authentic tales of some of Central Florida’s earliest settlers.

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Clouds of Love
Steinway Piano Gallery, Altamonte Springs
Featuring a neo-soul performance by MoZaic and Orlando’s best Spoken Word, this performance will be making ture love connections blossom.