The Alliance for the Arts is thrilled to announce the participating artists ofArt Lives Here. The campaign transforms billboard space throughout Lee County into public art. It is made possible by Alliance season sponsor Carter Outdoor.
Of the submitted works, the Art Lives Here committee juried in local artists Tania Alves, Bruce MacKechnie, Doug Smithwick, Khaysie Tiburcio and Susi Wingenroth.
The project, now in its third year, aims to bring artwork outside of the traditional context of museum and gallery walls, bringing attention to emerging artists’ work and making the arts accessible to all.
I am inspired by the challenge of translating a composition created with mouse clicks into the physical world of paint strokes.
As subject matter, I am interested in how pure abstraction is so wide open to interpretation. For this reason, I enjoy playing around with shapes, colors, and compositions to see what comes out of the process—especially surprises and unforeseen meanings.
The billboard piece ended up having an exuberance and rhythm that seemed to express some sort of lively, joyful dance, hence the title, “Fandiggity Fandango.”
Frame of Reference 1 by Susi Wingenroth
This painting shows the morning sun radiating through the cypress trees in the wild heart of the wetlands.
It is intended as a call to those who see it to enjoy, care for and preserve these wild places.
When we look up from our busy lives and notice our home, beautiful living planet Earth, we see a frame of reference for making healthier choices to preserve the planet for all living beings and for future generations.
Sun Is Out by Doug Smithwick
This painting is reminiscent of happy times, like summertime in Norfolk, Virginia where I grew up.
My family used to take us to Ocean View Amusement Park just about every weekend. I’ll never forget the colors, the great rollercoaster, Ferris wheel and merry go round. I can still smell the cotton candy.
The 1950s were the happiest times in U.S history. World War Two had just ended and our economy was bouncing back. However, winters were grey and cold. We all went to Disneyworld during the winter when it first opened. No grey skies there! I was sold on Florida. I moved here in the 80’s and never regretted the decision.”
Blue Magic by Tania Alves
I’m often inspired by a color combination and my emotions.
I love the freedom of allowing the art appear as I mix the colors on the canvas.
I’m repeatedly surprised of where we end, the final work on the canvas and how my heart is full.
Art Within Their Souls by Khaysie Tiburcio
I wanted to create a piece that represented the impact that art has on the painter.
This artwork includes portraits of Basquiat, Picasso, and Andy Warhol, morphing into their masterpieces.
This is used as a metaphor to express how art becomes a part of the artist.
About Alliance for the Arts
The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts.
For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ArtInLee.org), Instagram (@AlliancefortheArts) or follow us on Twitter (@ArtInLee).
For those who are disappointed that the Cape Coral Art Festival is not happening this year, this should interest you!
Promenade at Bonita Bay (26795 S. Bay Drive) is preparing its open-air shopping center for a series of outdoor events through mid-March. First on the agenda is Bonita Springs Art Walk on Saturday, January 16th from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday, January 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Brought to the public by Boulderbrook Productions — a Naples-based gallery that produces art-juried events throughout the U.S. — this event is an opportunity for visitors to view a variety of works from local and out-of-area artists.
As guests stroll the pathways and walkways of the Promenade, they can meet each artist, while learning more about each work’s inspiration and purpose and having ample time to discover what they like. Displays include paintings, jewelry, sculptures and much more — all in a creative, unique and easy-to-navigate layout.
“We’re calling on Southwest Florida to experience never-ending culture and the great outdoors, as we continue to celebrate the promising year that’s in front of us,” said Nicole Panio, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator at the Promenade.
“My team looks forward to this event and others like it in the coming months.”
In accordance with the Promenade’s COVID policies, Bonita Springs Art Walk will promote social distancing for the comfort and safety of all guests.
For more information, call the Promenade at (239) 949-1573 or visit PromenadeShops.com. Details are also available on Facebook.
Florida Repertory Theatre will postpone its 2020-2021 Season for one calendar year. Announced in February, the nine-show professional season includes plays, musicals, and new works in the theatre’s two downtown Fort Myers venues, the Historic Arcade and ArtStage Studio Theatres.
In a statement to current season ticket holders on Tuesday, Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen said, “along with my team, I spent the summer weighing various options and have come to the tough, but necessary, decision to postpone the 2020-2021 Season. Rather than adapt the professional season to the changing times, we will move every production to the following year, 2021-2022.”
The box office staff is working to move existing reservations to the new season automatically, and customers will receive an updated order confirmation in the days following the announcement. Subscribers do not need to take any action if they do not wish to change their new order. Patrons wishing to make changes or discuss options for their household may call or email the box office at (239) 332-4488 or BoxOffice@FloridaRep.org.
Because of the uncertainty surrounding gatherings and public health, the theatre did not open sales for single tickets in July, as scheduled. New patrons can make reservations now for the 2021-2022 Season, and new blocks of tickets will go on sale later this fall. The decision to postpone the season and produce the same productions in the following year gives patrons more time than ever to secure seats for the professional subscription series productions now scheduled for September 2021 through May 2022.
Current subscribers also have the option to turn their 2021-2022 subscription into a tax-deductible donation to the theatre. Since closing its doors to the public in March, the theatre has sustained significant losses and laid off a number of staff members.
Longenhagen continued, “the best thing our season ticket holders can do to help us now is to leave their subscription dollars with us – either by rolling the reservation over to the 2021-2022 Season or by converting it to a tax-deductible donation. Anything you can do will help the theatre immeasurably as we navigate these difficult times. No matter what works best for your household, your generosity goes a long way.”
Postponing its professional season doesn’t mean Florida Rep won’t produce a 2020-2021 Season. In his statement to subscribers, Longenhagen said, “just because we can’t gather, doesn’t mean we’ll be silent!”
The theatre’s staff is busy planning a robust 2020-2021 Season that blends virtual content with the magic of live theatre – and is hopeful for a return to its stages in early 2021 as soon as it is safe for audiences and artists. Florida Rep is exploring every option available, from enhancing digital content to possible outdoor venues that will allow patrons to share in-person performances safely.
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia and Cat Country 107.1 welcome Clint Daniels to the Songs from the Sofa virtual concert series. The Instagram live event, hosted by DJ Mike Tyler from Cat County 107.1, will feature Daniels’s music, interviews and stories behind the songs.
Songs from the Sofa debuted in May with music sensation Sam James. The monthly live performances have included Jay Allen, Maia Sharp and Dave Pahanish. All performances are archived on the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Instagram page.
Clint Daniels is a BMI singer-songwriter and Island Hopper veteran, and a native Floridian. Daniels has co-written songs for dozen of country artists, including Eric Church’s 2019 No. 1 hit “Some of It,” Jon Pardi’s “She Ain’t In It,” “Brokenheartsville” by Joe Nichols, “Ready For The End Of The World” by George Strait and “Roll With Me” by Montgomery Gentry, as well as Brooks & Dunn’s 2008 “God Must Be Busy,” Josh Thompson’s “Cold Beer With Your Name On It” and Easton Corbin’s “I Can’t Love You Back.” Watch him perform at 8 p.m. (EDT) Thursday, Sept. 17 on the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Instagram page.
Celebrate with one of the singer-songwriters who will perform at Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 17-22, 2021, on Captiva Island, historic downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. For now, on the third Thursday of every month, Songs from the Sofa should provide an exciting way to experience a quality performance in your own home.
Island Hopper is produced by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Visit IslandHopperFest.com or access the media tool kit. Follow the festival hashtag #islandhopperfest as well as the event’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Lee County Tax Collector honors students, teachers
A perfect piece of art: happy children, proud parents, grateful teachers. The fifth annual Kids Tag Art (KTA) recognition event was held Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the School District of Lee County headquarters.
Fifth graders from around the county were recognized as “Award of Distinction” winners for their license plate designs and art teachers received much-needed funding.
Over 300 people, including teachers and families, attended the event, where two students from each of the 49 participating Lee County public elementary schools were recognized for their artwork. In all, 3,600 children submitted license plate designs.
Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart and Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Executive Director Marshall Bower presented the awards. KTA is a collaboration between the organizations.
Since the KTA program started in Lee County in 2016, over $150,000 has been raised to help teachers purchase supplies for art programs at each of the elementary schools. Statewide, KTA has raised $1.7 million. This year, each participating Lee County art teacher was presented with a check for $800.
Each of the plates from the “Award of Distinction” winners are available for purchase as specialty front-end license plates on the Tax Collector’s official website, leetc.com. All proceeds go back to the participating schools’ art programs. The Tax Collector’s Office also offers sponsorships for the program, raising even more money.
Sponsorship information is available by calling the Lee County Tax Collector’s Administration Office at 239-533-6060. For program information, contact Pleshette Mims-Roberts at 239-533-6068 or Beverly Burke of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. 239-337-0433.
The 35th Annual Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival, hosted annually by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, will take place this Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event takes place on Cape Coral Parkway in South Cape Coral between Del Prado Boulevard and SE 10th Place, and north to SE 47th Terrace.
Admission and parking are free for festival attendees.
The Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival is Lee County’s largest special event, according to the Lee County Tourist Development Council and the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Attracting more than 100,000 visitors, this annual festival brings together the works of more than 300 juried artists and artisans from across the country.
Exhibitors will showcase their fine art, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, metal works, mixed media, and much more. Food will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors via Little Joe’s Special Events.
New this year, the Rotary Club is partnering with iHeart Music to bring musical acts from every genre to the stage.
The largest juried art show in Southwest Florida will showcase live music talent on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Also, for the first time this year, the festival will be accessible to the visually impaired. During the festival, every exhibitor whose work can be enjoyed by touch will be encouraged to display a small banner or green ribbon that signifies their work is accessible to visually impaired attendees.
“As far as we can tell, this is the first major art festival in the nation that will also cater to the visually impaired,” says John Jacobsen, founder and chair of the festival.
This initiative was largely inspired by Jim Morgan, the Blind Clockmaker. Morgan is a local artist who was rendered completely blind after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Fort Myers Beach.
His clocks will be featured at the event and can be previewed on his website, www.theblindclockmaker.com.
Robin Rebeck has been selected as this year’s poster artist. An outdoor enthusiast who loves nature, Rebeck is a photographer whose work captures life in its many forms. Rebeck’s work was selected from the competitive pool of exhibitors by the Festival committee and is prominently featured on the event poster. The event poster will be sold for $20 at the festival and online at CapeCoralFestival.com or https://www.facebook.com/capecoralfestival/.
For more information about the Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival, visit CapeCoralFestival.com.
