Today we’d like to introduce you to Frankie.
Hi Frankie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Orlando in 1989, after spending all my life till 29 years old, in the culture of Louisiana, and Mississippi, rich with art, music, and colorful folks loving life in creative ways. I was soon attracted to, and was hired by Church Street Station, and then Disney in 1991. I was given the advice from a friend then, that I could work out at Disney, but DO NOT live the Disney Life. I found myself working as a server and coming home to downtown Orlando to a small garage apartment wondering where the art, music, and “charm” was happening in the city. I set out to find and support these things.I found some very interesting people in some historically culture significant spots in Orlando, such as Stardust Video, Austin’s Coffee, and small art spots, as the warehouse gallery, Gallery 611, and through many individuals that showed me the “real” Orlando arts scene. Namely Glenn Dobkin, Victor Perez, and Mendi Cowles. ( Orlando’s top Arts curator) of course later came Mr. Will Walker, of Will’s Pub fame. I kept supporting all the underground clubs, and venues, Yab Yum, the Go Lounge, Kit-Kat, The Sapphire, Big Bang, ( the one and only), Club Spacefish, and A Monday night arts gathering at a Granite building at colonial, and I 4,,, simply called Pop goes the Easel, OMA had put out a desire to bring in a younger crowd of patrons, thus I helped bring in the Art after Dark series ( later called First Thursdays).. Later as local artists support and walks started up. Third Thursday Downtown, and the Art and Wine walk at Thornton Park. I continued meeting and soaking in ALL I could. We used to walk from Thorton Park, to downtown, and there were like 42 spots, curating and showcasing local artists. Swamburger with the culture mart was a big influence on me, and I helped run a gallery called “the office” on the second floor of the fed ex at Magnola and Robinson streets. That was a blast, with many known artists today getting there starts there. G Lemus, Nyahzul art, and many more..
As far as my own,arts adventure, it is an almost 34 year old story, one I am really proud of. I kept looking for more art, music and poetry events, and kept finding myself wanting more. I was living in this small apartment on Cathcart Avenue in downtown Orlando. I was not happy in that apartment, and feeling quit alone. I called all my friends and told them we were having a party. “Why?” , to celebrate “us”. To celebrate what we were all doing, together. We called it “circle of friends” I took the name of my Apartment . Apartment “E”. to signify that we all have our own “places” our own apartments where we find ourselves, and do our individual passions. The name stuck. It could have just as well been Apartment B, or any other letter.. So We met up at Bull and Bush pub, June 1993, had a night of fun, stage antics, music, art, and community. There is a complete story of Apartment E at my website, and soon to be published book.
It has been many. many years of supporting Orlando creatives. So many stories, so many experiences. To go through all the years would take a very long time. So I will just say this. I am not stopping. Every chance I get to support locals, and the local scene, I try my best. We all have our things we are good at, I believe mine is connecting folks, pushing folks to be the best they can be, and being a local ” cheerleader” for the scene, and always trying to make creatives feel good about their artistic and musical journeys.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, It has been very smooth, I tackle new projects with wild abandon, I keep it real, not pretentious, and open to make everyone involved feel comfortable and loved. I just love live, original pursuits, Its what makes me tick. My saying is ” All that is not given, is lost” I truly believe this. Give what you got folks!. The world needs your special mixture that only you can give.There have been some struggles, only in the fact that some people want to make Apartment E events more than what they are. It is at it’s base Love, and Community. A lot of folks always ask,” have you made money” on this yet..I have not, Tried a couple times to open a brick and morter. To no avail. hahaa. “money”.. I have gained instead, wealth and integrity from traveling it around, a network and knowledge of so many locals. Many I would have never met, if I was in a stationary place. I have though built, what I call” a full ” integrity bank”. That is worth way more than any money value. People trust me, that I am true and honest. If I make a mistake I own up to it, I am a straight shooter. People, especially, creatives, are sensitive. I am careful of that. I am human, I make mistakes when dealing with the scene. I am man enough to know I make mistakes too. Their is always the “truth” in what I do. I am proud of that. Many of my interviews with locals are like chatting with your family around the kitchen table. I love interviewing locals, the most. Second thing I love most, is to just walk around an art show. ” alone”… that is a solitary guilty pleasure of mine. ” Go walk around by yourself too. Leave me alone with the art!. hahaah As far as any moments of struggle I may have had, yes, the entire beginning of Apartment E was a struggle. I was drowing in bills, too many unhealthy diversions personally, and I was fighting things inside myself, that I was not able to fully expose. Apartment E is very personal with me. I think others have felt that in themselves as well. I have many great friends, that Love the story, and that makes me really proud. The story is not finished. Let’s meet!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I call myself a pusher of arts and music. I love supporting local businesses, local charities, and non profits that do good for the community. Apartment E’s tagline now is Live Local Love.. and that is basically what it is. A roving event, entity, or just a spot where people can feel that there is support from the local scene. To make the local scene “pop” with diverisity, and real moments of charm. I have never run dry of new and incredible talents in this town. My 7 years at WPRK hosting a local radio show of locals, is on my podcast. I am continuing this series of interviews from my home now in Fall 2026. Apartment E live!.
What’s next?
For the future, I am continuing, with Apartment E events, also, I have my sites on opening a real venue, or packing it all in and traveling. ( I never really know). That is the charm of “E”. The history of Apartment E is not only my story, it is a small drop in all the many cultural things, people, events, offerings, that Orlando and surrounding areas offer. We have grown up, or we have ‘Arrived”. So much fun in this town now. I am still talking of the “real” Orlando. I love the attractions, but this is not their story. Ha!. Blanket Orlando is an event also, that will be in November this year again. I started this with friends, 15 years ago. A grassroots collection day where we collect, needed essentials, for those on the streets. We hand out all that is donated, right back out to those living on the streets, to make them feel loved,cared for, and not forgotten. More on this later. I also do a monthly true blue art opening with local artists at a restaurant in College Park, called the Current. Free art show, meet and greet. Always an enlightening time. I would really love if those that have experienced an Apartment E event or collaboration would go share their story with others, and also I am always down for new events and collabs, and chances to meet others pursuing creative lives of truth. I appreciate you all for reaching out to interview me. I a completly honored, and humbled. Lets go enjoy some “local” soon together.. All that is not Given, is lost. peace and love, frankie
Pricing:
- free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.apartmente.com
