At each Lunch with the Arts, we delve into a different artistic medium or genre with an interactive presentation on everyone’s lunch hour, led by an expert in the field. This month, just in time for Halloween, we take a look at the art of illusion with Bob Orndorff!
Bob will explore the ancient art of honest deception, and whether it is truly an art form or merely a craft. Why, in today’s high-tech world, do sophisticated people of all ages still react naively to the appeal of simple trickery? With the advent of technology and the ability to “Google†how anything and everything is done, one might think that the mystery behind performance magic is gone. Bob, aka “the Wizard,” says not so!
“The advancement of technology doesn’t seem to take away magic’s appeal, although technology has enabled magicians to improve some behind-the-scenes methods,†says Bob. “It also has led to tricks with cell phones and other such devices. I think magic is an escape for folks from today’s busy and technology-laden world.â€
His interest in magic started at a very young age, after receiving a magic set for Christmas. “As with other boyhood hobbies like stamp collecting and model building, I soon lost interest in the tricks and the set went under the bed or in the closet. Some time later, I saw a magician perform in a school show and my interest was revived. For a few years, most of my magic information came from books and catalogs, until I met the only magician here in town, Earl Law. He was well known in this area as a jeweler, a watch repairman and a magician.â€
Orndorff himself is much more than an amateur and semi-professional magician. The Danville native worked at newspapers in Louisville, Toledo and the Chicago suburbs before beginning a 26-year career on the University of Kentucky School of Journalism faculty. He is also past president of both the Louisville Magic Club and the Lexington Thoroughbred Magic Guild.
This Lunch with the Arts will include demonstrations as well as video and slides of magicians past and present, followed by a question and answer session from the audience.
IF YOU GO
Lunch with the Arts
Magic: Art or Craft?†with Bob Orndorff
Wednesday, Oct. 16, noon
$10, includes lunch (Register online by 5 p.m. Monday)
$5 at the door, no lunch included
COMING UP AT THE ARTS CENTER
Starter Steps Rumba (Beginner)
Thursdays, Oct. 17 and 24, 6 p.m.
$18 in advance or $10 each night at the door
Salsa Combinations Class (Advanced)
Thursdays, Oct. 17 and 24, 6 p.m.
$18 in advance or $10 each night at the door
Mask Building
Saturdays, Oct. 19 and 26, 11 a.m.
$25 (includes materials)
