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).
Classic cars, German food, music, nature, and more.
Making weekend plans? Check out these 5 things to do this weekend inSWFL:
Music Walk
The River District comes alive on the third Friday of the month from 6 – 9:30 pm as local and regional musicians line the streets for Music Walk. From jazz and blues to rock & roll, many genres can be heard and vary each month. FREE to attend with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials.
Nature Explorers is an environmental education program series at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium that focuses on specific lessons to inspire students to connect with nature through interactive guided hikes, planetarium shows, environmental arts and crafts, and interactive roleplaying games and activities. This program is designed for children ages 5-11 and is just $10 per student. Bring a water bottle, and a mask, to the Calusa Nature Center on Saturday at 9 am. Pre-registration is highly suggested as the maximum capacity is 15 students per class. Themes will include: Predators, Prey, Florida Native Ecosystems, Florida Invasive Species, Reptiles, Mammals, Birds of Prey, Prehistoric Animals, Observation, Conservation, Hydrology, Fossils, Life Cycles, Astronomy and more!
The Cultural Center of Charlotte County will be hosting its very first Classic Car Show Fundraiser on Saturday at 10am. There will be music, food and drinks, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. All cars on display will be judged and prizes will be awarded. Admission is a $5 donation to the Cultural Center , Children 12-5 years of age are $2 and children under 5 are free. The Salvation Army will also be onsite accepting Donations of non-perishable food items to help feed those in our community. There is a $10 fee for entering your vehicle. Day of registration will begin at 9 am. Gates will open to the public at 10am.
Join the YMCA Camp Estero to celebratethe Family Fun Earth Day 2021! The day will be filled with nature-themed arts and crafts, kayaking, yoga, lawn games, scavenger hunt, and various other fun activities at our outdoor site. Fun for the entire family! This is a FREE event on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Activities will be outdoors with social distancing measures. A 45- minute long Kayaking Tour is available for a minimal fee. Kayaking Tours are given hourly by a YMCA certified Lifeguard. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Fee for the Kayak tour: $10/ person, max of 7 people per tour (special rate). Make sure to register to reserve your spot!
Come out to the German American Social Club on Saturday and Sunday and enjoy a great day with family and friends in our Bavarian Beer Garden as we celebrate Half Way to Oktoberfest! Free Parking! $5 admission at the gate, kids 12 and under free. Serving various German and Domestic beers and German food favorites, including schnitzel, potato pancakes, brats, and a variety of cakes. Enjoy live music both days, too. From 12 – 8 pm on Saturday, and 12 – 5 pm on Sunday.
The School District of Lee County has made the decision to discontinueLee Home Connect for the next school year.
“We understand that this may cause concern for families who wish to have their child enrolled in a virtual learning environment, however, Lee Virtual School will continue to be an option.” the district emailed.
Students who have been learning from home during the school year will automatically be transitioned back to face-to-face learning at their assigned brick-and-mortar school. No action needs to be taken for parents OK with the transition.
To enroll a child into Lee Virtual School for this fall, click here.
