The Alliance for the Arts is proud to host four visiting instructors who will lead special workshops during January, February and March. These are great opportunities for local artists to work with, learn from, and be inspired by experts in their mediums. All four artists regularly teach in their home towns, as well as travel to teach whenever possible.

David Kessler paintingPainter David Kessler is based in Winston-Salem, NC. His 3-day Abstracts: Fresh & Loose Workshop on January 14-16 seeks to get student artists to loosen up their style and paint with more freedom and spontaneity. He says his workshop is not only about painting abstract compositions, but also learning to paint more freely. The workshop is $350 for Alliance members or $435 for non-members. More information about David is at www.davidmkessler.com.

WechslerS Large square mirror photo-2day_for webWorld-renowned mosaic artist Susan Wechsler is based in Denver, Co. She returns to the Alliance for a second season to present her 1 or 2-day Mosaic Workshop on January 23-24. Susan creates mosaics on items she finds at flea markets and antique shops using broken pieces of china, stained glass and gemstones. Attendees will learn to cut, glue and grout fine china, art glass and found objects to create their own beautiful keepsake mirror. Her 1-day workshop on January 23rd is $85 for members or $120 for non-members + a $55 supply fee. Her 2-day workshop is $245 for members or $310 for non-members + an $85 Supply fee. You can learn more about Susan and her work at www.mosaicsbysusan.com.

Ginnie Peterson encausticOn February 26-27 lifelong artist Ginnie Peterson from St. Paul, MN will present her Paint with Molten Beeswax-Encaustic Workshop. She says this medium is perfect for painters, sculptors and photographers of all levels. Learn to paint with beeswax that is melted and saturated with pigments like those used in oil paints! Most students leave with three finished pieces per day. The workshop is $250 for members ore $315 for non-members. A single-day option is available. Learn more about Ginnie and her work at www.ginniepeterson.com.

elio camachoFinally on March 1-3 San Francisco-based painter Elio Camacho will lead his Plein Air with Elio Workshop. Although Camacho came to painting later in life he has been a highly-regarded artist and instructor for nearly two decades. He says his goal is to help students capture the particular mood of a moment and to express themselves in bold and colorful ways, all while capturing the beauty and spontaneity of nature. His workshop is $375 for members ore $475 for non-members. Learn more about Camacho at www.colorrelations.com.

These workshops have pre-registration deadlines, so don’t hesitate to sign up if interested. The Alliance offers year-round classes for people of all ages and experience levels. Alliance members always receive 20% off all classes & workshops, among many other member benefits. Visit ArtInLee.org to learn more about the visiting artist workshops, or all of the fun and inspiring things happening at the Alliance all year long.

 

web bannerFlorida Repertory Theatre and the Alliance for the Arts are teaming up again in December for Winter Arts Camp 2015! Kids ages 5-17 will act, sing, dance and create during the four day session running from December 28-31. This year’s theme is Musical Theatre Adventures, a holiday workshop exploring the magic of musicals through the family friendly classic The Polar Express! With the guidance of professional instructors, students will discover the best of musical theatre, integrating drama, dance, music and art into their final product, an informal presentation showcasing the many things they learned during camp.

The 4-day session is $175. Camp runs from 9AM-4PM, with aftercare available for $5 per day. Call 239-332-4665 or go to www.floridarepeducation.org for more information, or click HERE to register online now.

Florid Division of Cultural Affairs081412On Wednesday, December 9th staff members from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs will be at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers presenting information sessions on the Division’s Strategic Plan and Grants processes. The first session, from 9-10AM, will focus on the Cultural Affairs’ strategic planning process and new initiatives to promote arts and culture in Florida. The second session, from 10:30-11:30AM, will cover their grant programming – including available grant opportunities, grants management, contract requirements and tips for submitting high scoring grants. Both sessions are open to all but the Grants session is primarily geared towards nonprofit cultural organizations. You can RSVP online HERE or by calling 239-939-2787.