Forge & Scroll Exhibition

Be transported through two disparate worlds that converge, yet complement —an ode to nature through the eyes of an artist-poet where twisting vines and random blooms come to life on large-scale watercolor scrolls — and the tactile strength of metal forged into intricate sculptures that capture nature’s organic shapes & elements.

Zan Lombardo comes from a family of gifted story-tellers which serves her well as a teacher, an artist and a poet. She taught art for over 35 years in Illinois and Pennsylvania, retiring in 2016 as a Golden Apple teacher.  Now a resident of Pine Island where she has an art studio, she is the recipient of numerous art awards including the Robert Rauschenberg Power of Art Award and the National Energy Foundation’s Igniting Creative Energy Award.

Steve Kalb has been blacksmithing for over 15 years and has studied under some of the finest smiths both statewide and nationally.  He has led a career as a firefighter in Lee County which has given him a unique perspective on hazardous materials and processes of industry. By using upcycled metal and new technologies, he is working toward a carbon neutral blacksmithing shop and greener art.  He has taught across Florida and has held offices in the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association. His goal is to educate others about blacksmithing which includes volunteering on weekends at the Koreshan State Historic site where he has a coal forge to do demonstrations.

On Display: September 3 – 25, 2021
Opening reception: Friday, September 3 from 5-7 p.m. See it first. See it free. This event is open to the public. Come meet your neighbors at this free event!

Zan Lombardo will be onsite for gallery talks and poetry readings associated with her pieces on Sept. 11 and 18 from 9 – 11 a.m. during Alliance for the Arts weekly GreenMarket. Zan will also host an educational Mangroves as Poetry event on Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. that will feature poetry on her 15-foot mangroves watercolor while getting educated about the worth and beauty of the mangroves that protect our shorelines. Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public, but a $5 suggested donation helps keep arts programming accessible.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. during our weekly farmer’s market.

Admission to our galleries is free all day, every day. Help keep it that way! Your membership or donation enables us to present amazing exhibitions and engaging programs that make the Alliance an artistic, creative treasure.

Please note: If you are joining us for onsite programming, we ask that you adhere to signage and procedures posted on our campus. Masks are recommended. We can’t wait to welcome you!