Tara's Essence by Jay Lana
Tara’s Essence by Jay Lana

For its October Juried Exhibition Mechanical, the Alliance for the Arts asked artists to create new works “Operated or produced by a mechanism or machine which relate to, are produced by, or dominated by physical forces.” This simple definition provides a basis for submissions under a central theme while leaving a large amount of room for interpretation. What constitutes a machine, and what forces will be imposed upon them?

Mechanical opens with a reception on Friday, October 2 from 5-7PM. Awards will be announced for Best in Show with a prize of $100, 2nd Place winning $75, and 3rd Place winning $50. The exhibit will be on display from October 2 through October 31. Juror Jonas Stirner will host a gallery walk and talk on October 3 at 10 am. On display in the Member Gallery will be art by Katherine Boren. The Theatre Lobby will display art by Mahrea Cramer Lehman.

Featuring Works by:

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Amy Matsumoto Urich
Andy Getch
Buck Ward
Carol Schmidt
Carolyn McGahey
Cheryl Fausel
Cindy Mecca
Dale Weber
David Hatchett
Del Holt
Guy Tieman
Jay Lana
Joan Benner
John Hutson
Kellen Beck Mills

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KiKi Brewsaugh
Krista Johnson
Leo Johnson
Lily Hatchett
Louis Ford
Marilyn Graham
Mark Holman
Mark Poucher
Mark Wlaz
Mike Kiniry
Patricia Esposito
Patrick Conolly
Richard Evans
Samuel Sewall
Scott Parker

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Mechanical juror Jonas Stirner is a third generation metal artist. His father, a metal sculptor was an Art Professor at Moore and Tyler College. They often work together critiquing each other’s work. Jonas’s father was recently honored by having a park named after him, the “Karl Stirner Arts Trail” in Easton Pa. The work of Jonas Stirner defies logic, inspires change and accomplishes resolution.
Jonas worked directly with Robert Rauschenberg as an Artist Assistant for fifteen years on Captiva Island. During that time, Jonas had the opportunity to create his own sculpture on the grounds of Rauschenberg’s compound. Rauschenberg himself became a major collector of Jonas’s work and today the collection is maintained by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. http://www.jonasstirner.com/

LCBA Golf Tournament Check PresentationThe Lee County Bar Association’s (LCBA) Fifth Annual Charity Golf Tournament, sponsored by Roetzel & Andress, was an enormous success. On September 18th, the LCBA presented a check for $20,500 to benefit the Alliance for the Arts’ Youth Scholarships and ArtReach educational programming.

“The arts are a critical necessity in our society, not a luxury. As Bar President, I feel that helping children acquire arts knowledge and hands-on theatrical experiences is a significant contribution to cultivating the next generation of leaders,” said LCBA President and arts supporter, Anne Dalton, Esq.

The Alliance for the Arts is the county’s local arts nonprofit dedicated to infusing the community with arts programming through a diverse, innovative and balanced program of performances, events, community building and educational projects that reaches the widest possible audience. The Alliance’s ARTreach program offers people of all ages and economic levels the opportunity to participate in artistic and cultural endeavors, mentorship opportunities, and provides a healthy and safe environment. Engaging the arts is proven to increase self-esteem and enhance quality of life.

“We are honored to be the beneficiary of the LCBA’s annual golf tournament. The funds they raised will be an enormous help in our mission to bring the arts to children who might not otherwise have the chance. We truly believe in the arts and can’t thank the LCBA enough for believing in our mission.” said Alliance Executive Director, Lydia Black.
Established in 1949, the Lee County Bar Association was formed as a voluntary organization of attorneys living and working in Lee County, Florida. Since its founding, the membership has grown to nearly 800, and includes attorneys in adjacent counties whose clients have business and court issues in Lee County. The purpose of the organization is to further the education of its members, create meaningful interaction among its members, and to inform the community on important legal matters. Learn more about www.leebar.org.

FFTA2The Alliance for the Arts is now accepting applications for Fall for the Arts 2015. This 13th annual free family festival from 10AM-3PM on Saturday, October 17 is a fantastic way for artists and cultural organizations to engage directly with families from across Southwest Florida. Artists can demonstrate their talents and sell their work, and organizations can present their upcoming seasons. Fall for the Arts features live performances throughout the day on the Alliance Margaret Morrow Frizzell Amphitheater stage, with games, craft stations, face painting and food on the field.

Online registration must be completed by August 10, 2015 to ensure inclusion in event marketing materials. The fee is $50 for Alliance member artists and organizations or $70 for non-members. The fee includes a covered 10’x10’ vendor space, 6’ table and 2 chairs. Click HERE for more information or to register online. Fall for the Arts 2015 is sponsored in part by Publix Supermarket Charities.

 

DSC_0028Registration for the 2015-16 Education Season opens August 1st. The new season features classes & workshops in drawing & painting, collage, photography, batik, fiber art, mosaics, yoga and much more. Classes geared specifically for youth & teens include drawing & painting, guitar, piano and drums. Click HERE for details on Adult and Teen classes. Click HERE for details on youth classes.

Join the Alliance’s growing community of artists, instructors, students and patrons this fall by taking a class or workshop. Alliance members receive 20% off classes, as well as many other benefits including exhibition opportunities, gift shop & event ticket discounts, and special deals at partner businesses around Southwest Florida. Click HERE to learn more or become a member now.

The Alliance for the Arts will present its annual fundraising extravaganza, “ABSTRACTION” on Saturday, September 26. Celebrate the abstract movement and help support the Alliance’s new effort to reimagine its 10-acre campus as a true cultural hub. The evening will be filled with interactive art, music and intriguing installations. Unique tapas will be provided by Southwest Florida’s finest chefs. Explore and engage your artistic nature and the abstract movement during this art party and celebration. The evening begins at 7PM. Tickets are $100 and are available online now. Event proceeds will go to matching the $50,000 Rauschenberg Foundation Challenge Grant supporting the new Alliance Campus Enrichment Plan.

The evening is proudly sponsored by Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC). Wicked Dolphin Distillery in Cape Coral is providing the signature drink. Our  culinary partners include Caffé Toscano Prawnbroker, Gloria’s la Trattoria Cafe Napoli, and Chef Pyro. Media sponsorship is provided by TOTI Media, Inc. and Happenings Magazine. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

ABSTRACTION poster final_071415_for web

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW