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.

 

V&R coverThe Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida presents three hours of bluegrass music in the theatre at the Alliance for the Arts on Sunday, November 8 at 2:00PM. This month’s show features two sets with bluegrass trailblazers Laurie Lewis & Kathy Kallick. They will take to the stage after blues guitarist Frank Corso.

These bluegrass icons first met as founding members of Good Ol’ Persons in 1975. This influential band ushered in a new wave of West Coast bluegrass as well as paving the way for women in bluegrass music. Both performers have won a Grammy as well as each receiving two awards a piece from the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). This is the concert that no fan of bluegrass, folk, or country music will want to miss.

Tickets are $15 at the door, or $13 for Alliance members. Seating is open and first come, first serve. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Pre-sale tickets are not available. Doors open at 1:30PM. The Sunday afternoon concert series continues every month throughout the 2015-16 Season. To learn more about the Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida visit www.Palmgrass.org.

6Avoid the malls and retail stores this holiday season and find locally made, truly unique gifts for your loved ones, or something special for yourself, all while supporting local artists during Gift Shop Explosion at the Alliance for the Arts. On Saturday, November 14 from 10:00AM-1:00PM more than a dozen local artists will display their hand-crafted items throughout the Alliance gallery as coffee and refreshments are served. Alliance members receive a 10% discount on every purchase. Every item in the Alliance gift shop is created by local artists and artisans, so your purchase helps support the local economy.

Participating artists include:

Aboriginals -jewelry, masks, sculpture
Alicia Schmidt -small paintings, ornaments, pins
Jayne Baker -jewelry, handmade candles, picture frames, boxes
Lucia Garcia -jewelry, purses
Susan Mills -purses, clothing, ornaments, jewelry, furniture
Gay Cable -jewelry
Patricia Johnson -alcohol ink paintings on ceramic
Patricia Viela -jewelry
Stacey Brown -jewelry, purses, paintings, prints
Rose Young -fiber, shawls, purses, ornaments
Solymar Creations -Marcella Paz-jewelry, ornaments, glass window pieces, clocks
Susan Vorobel -fused glass night lights, artwork,
Diana Urso -Handwoven Designs by Diana -fiber
Union Artist Studios
VEMA

During the Gift Shop Explosion the Alliance GreenMarket will take place outside from 9:00AM to 1:00PM, with a free yoga session beginning at 9:30AM

 

Poetry and Pizza flyerPoets are invited to read their work at the Alliance for the Arts during “Poetry & Pizza” on Thursday, October 22 from 7-9PM. This spoken word and poetry open mic is designed to bring together different generations, styles and approaches to poetry. The event is free and open to everyone, but a $5 suggested donation is encouraged to support future Alliance programming. The evening is presented by the Poetry Alliance, a group of poets who meet monthly at the Alliance to share their work and advocate for poetry.

The Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida presents three hours of bluegrass music in the theatre at the Alliance for the Arts on Sunday, October 11 at 2:00PM. This month’s show features Bob & Lucia, Banyan Bluegrass, and Highway 41. 

Tickets are $8 at the door, or $6 for Alliance members. Seating is open and first come, first serve.  Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Pre-sale tickets are not available. Doors open at 1:30PM. The Sunday afternoon concert series continues every month throughout the 2015-16 Season. The November concert features Grammy Award winners Laurie Lewis & Kathy Kallick from San Francisco. Visit ArtInLee.org or call 239-939-2787 for more information. To learn more about the Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida visit www.Palmgrass.org.

October 2015