November 2017 – January 2018 Calendar of Events at the Alliance

November 2017

Nov 3 – Dec 2 • Small Works Exhibit: 200 Pieces Under $200

Make supporting local arts top of the list this year by giving a gift that gives back! Purchase small works off the wall.

Coinciding with the onset of the holiday shopping season, this non-traditional art show features works of all mediums priced at $200 or less. All sales are “cash and carry,” meaning purchasers will get to take the piece with them when they buy it, instead of waiting until the end of the exhibit. This exhibit is sponsored by Clif & Tina Parker.

Exhibiting: November 3 – December 2
Opening reception: November 3 from 5-7 p.m.
Member Gallery: Bonnie Bohn
Theatre Gallery: Marcela Paz Soldan

Admission to the gallery is free, but a $5 suggested donation helps keep arts programming accessible.

Nov 3 – Nov 18 • Seven Guitars by August Wilson and Directed by Sonya McCarter

After serving jail time on a trumped-up vagrancy charge, blues musician Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton sets out to win back his girl and reclaim his pawned guitar, hoping to make a new hit record. Set in 1948 in the backyard of a Pittsburgh apartment house, Seven Guitars follows Floyd’s circle of friends and neighbors—the play’s seven voices—as they spin a rich tale of the deck that’s stacked against them, what they’ve lost and all they dream.

This lyrical play is part of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, which charts the African-American experience through each decade of the 20th century. This production of Seven Guitars is kindly sponsored by Noreen Raney.

Performances are Nov. 3-4, 9-11, & 16-18 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. Individual tickets to each show are $25, $11 for students or $22 for Alliance members.

Nov 5 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Taste of the Town Presented by the Junior League of Fort Myers

Restaurants from all over southwest Florida serve 2 to 4 different “tastes” of their best dishes…all you have to do is eat and enjoy!  We also present local bands throughout the day and provide a great array of children’s entertainment.

• All “tastes” cost between $2 and $5. Purchase food and beverage tickets and exchange them for the tasty flavors presented by our restaurants.
• You can bring your own chairs, umbrellas, beach towels, etc. No coolers, pets or outside food or drinks.
• This annual event raises funds for the community services program of the Junior League of Fort Myers.

Nov 11 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. • Arts & Ends Holiday Sale and Craft Show

Coinciding with the onset of the holiday shopping season, this event encourages purchasers to consider buying local art.

Local artists will present and sell hand-crafted items in a wide variety of mediums and styles. Attendees will see a wide range of artistic creations, including candles, sculpture, ornaments, picture frames, paintings, prints, jewelry and more. In addition, the artists attend in order to personally display their work, giving attendees the opportunity to meet them and discuss their creations in person. With dozens of vendors to explore in the comfortable setting of the Alliance gallery and gift shop, the event ensures many unique gift opportunities.

The art sale will also feature activities throughout the day, including a community collaboration project, a free holiday card making workshop, artist’s demos and live music.

11 a.m. Collaborative community art project

12 – 2 p.m. Free holiday card making activity with artist instructor Patty O’Kane

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Live figure drawing artist demo with Leo Johnson

5 – 7 p.m. Music with Rosada Project by Suzanne and Doug MacGregor

Featured artists include:

• Alicia Schmidt (small paintings and ornaments)
• Jayne Baker (jewelry, handmade candles, picture frames)
• Lucia Garcia (jewelry, leather purses and bracelets)
• Susan Mills (mixed media, purses, clothing, jewelry and furniture)
• Doug MacGregor (books, CDs and prints)
• Judith Stone (small framed artworks, mixed media pieces)
• Jeff and Dale Ocasio (masking tape sculptures)
• Union Artists Studios (small works, jewelry, mixed media works and paintings)
• Marta Sicajan (beaded jewelry and purses)

Nov 15 – 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Still Life 3-Day Workshop with Elio Camacho

A returning visiting teaching artist to the Alliance, Elio was born on the island of Madeira, south of Portugal and currently lives in San Francisco, CA.  Elio studied with Oyanes Berberian and has been featured as an “Artist to Watch” in Southwest Art Magazine.  His work is currently represented in galleries throughout the United States.

On Monday, November 13th from 1-5 p.m. Camacho will provide a free demonstration ($10 for non-Alliance members) for artists and art connoisseurs. The demo will showcase his Alla Prima style which captures the first impression and light on a given subject.

Camacho will also teach a 3-Day Still Life Workshop on Nov 15-17.  Students will receive hands on instruction with an emphasis on demonstrations, easel-side and class critiques. Based on each student’s level and goals Elio will develop a program improving each individual’s ability as a painter to capture the harmony and emotion color offers.

In his words: “Each time I paint, my goal is to capture the particular mood of the moment and to express myself in a bold and colorful way all while capturing the beauty and spontaneity of nature.”

Members: $375
Non-Members: $475

Nov 15 – 18 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. • Southwest Florida Storytellers Project Presented by The News-Press

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, come and break bread with us for another Southwest Florida Storytellers Project event that is sure to put you in the mood for the big feast. We have invited some passionate foodies – think local chefs, restaurant owners, farm-to-table entrepreneurs and just about anyone who has a love affair with food – to share their stories. The focus will be on food and how it connects a family during the holidays, or anytime! In Southwest Florida Storytellers, we’ll provide the full course and make sure there’s room for dessert!

Emcee:  Cory O’Donnell, digital engagement editor, The News-Press Media Group
Cost: $15

Tickets and seating are the event is offered on a first come, first-served basis.

Nov 19 from 2 – 5 p.m. • Bluegrass Music (November Concert)

A sensational fusion of American country music; Irish, Scottish and English ballads and traditional dance music; with a heaping helping of jazz influence makes our bluegrass concerts a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time. Join fellow acoustic music lovers in the theatre for three hours of great live music by bands from southwest Florida and beyond! Presented in partnership with the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL.

• Indoors in a max. 150 person venue
• Seating is first come, first serve
• Doors open at 1:30 p.m

Line-up features Kindred Spirits, The Other Guys and Sawgrass Drifters.

Cost: $10

Nov 25 at 8 p.m. • Square One Improv

Fast-paced, hilarious, musical, completely improvised comedy show. Square One Improv features the most talented cast of comedians performing in Naples, Marco Island, and Fort Myers!

No two shows are the same, and they are always packed with hilarious songs, sketches, and jokes made up on the spot based on your suggestions.

Cost: $15

December 2017

Dec 8 – Jan 5 • Fired Up: A Juried Exhibit

Fired Up invites you to risk stepping outside of what is expected. This is a juried exhibition for artists making works using fire and heat in their creation including ceramics, glass and welded pieces. It evokes visions that are traditional, experimental and everything in between. From 93 entries, 46 pieces were selected by the juror.

Featured artists: Thais Alvarez, Alyssa Baladad, JoAnne Bedient, Gianna Dubay, Patricia Fay, Ehren Fritz Gerhard, Eric Greenblatt, Carrie Keohane, Jay Lana, Sherry Lavendar, Felipe Maldonado, Sandra Fay Mark, Deborah Martin, John Merchant, Rick Plummer, June Powell, John O’Brien, Marcia Preisler, Mary Etta Rokusek, Ronald Sebring, Gale Shamblott, Joel Shapses, Barbara Simon, Toni Ferrell Sutton, Lynn Troyer, Mary Voytek, Beverly Yankwitt, Roseline Young  and Peter Zell

Opening reception: Friday, December 8 from 5 – 7 p.m.
Member Gallery: Martin Casanova
Theatre Lobby: Imani Gibbs
Juried by: Lee Brotherton

Lee’s fine arts career included serving as an elementary art teacher, art museum work, art gallery manager and sales consultant. During this time, she constantly dreamt of being a full-time artist. In her free time she continued to work in the arts, especially with clay.

Brotherton has over 20 years of creating, marketing and selling pottery recreations and original sculpture and paintings. Her sculptures are in private, corporate and museum collections throughout the world.

Admission to the gallery is free, but a $5 suggested donation helps keep arts programming accessible.

Dec 1 – 3 • Junie B. Jones by Marcy Heisler & Zina Goldrich Presented by Alliance Youth Theatre

It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.

Performances are December 1 at 8 p.m., Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10, general admission.

Dec. 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 4:30 p.m. • ASD ArtPlay Program

The Alliance for the Arts, in partnership with Family Initiative Inc., hosts visual arts classes for young artists with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) each Thursday in December. Classes are designed for students 8-17 and focus on identity development, self-awareness, self-esteem, and positive coping skills. Instructed by an experienced artist and Art Therapist, Monika Urbanski, with support from Board Certified Behavioral Specialists.

The cost is $10 per class, which includes art supplies. Pre-registration is required. Students must respond to verbal direction, independently toilet, and not require one-on-one supervision.

Dec 9 & 10 • Heathers the Musical (High School Edition) by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy Presented by Alliance Youth Theatre

Based on the classic 1989 film, Westerberg High is ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather, and Heather, the most powerful and ruthless clique in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place – six feet under.

Performances are Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Dec 10 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $10, general admission. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the box office at 239-939-2787 or visit www.ArtInLee.org.

Dec 9 at 7 p.m.  • Family Movie Night: A Christmas Story

Pack up your lawn chairs, coolers and blankets to enjoy this fun and endearing film under the stars with your family and friends! Movie starts at dusk.

A bespectacled boy named Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle! The infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, an irritable department store Santa, and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.

A $10 suggested donation helps keep arts programming accessible.

Dec 15 – 16 at 8 p.m.  • A One-Man Christmas Carol adapted by James Rana and Timur Kocak

Back by popular demand! With only the aid of a steamer trunk full of props, Timur Kocak plays all 24 roles in this dynamic one-man version of Charles Dickens’ 1843 holiday classic.

Individual tickets to each show are $25, $11 for students or $22 for Alliance members.

Nov 19 from 2 – 5 p.m. • Bluegrass Music (December Concert)

A sensational fusion of American country music; Irish, Scottish and English ballads and traditional dance music; with a heaping helping of jazz influence makes our bluegrass concerts a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time. Join fellow acoustic music lovers in the theatre for three hours of great live music by bands from southwest Florida and beyond! Presented in partnership with the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL.

• Indoors in a max. 150 person venue
• Seating is first come, first serve
• Doors open at 1:30 p.m

Line-up TBA.

Cost: $10

January 2018

Jan 2-5 • Winter Arts Camp: Adventures in Wonderland in Partnership with Florida Rep

(For ages 5-18) Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in a whimsical re-telling of Lewis Carroll’s most prominent classic; Alice in Wonderland. Students will be immersed in a series of scenes and songs showcasing some of Carroll’s famously zany characters as Alice and her friends journey to the world of Wonderland. Drop off begins at 8:45am with camp starting at 9 a.m. every day. Aftercare is available.

Cost: $185 for the week

Jan 6 at 8 p.m. • Diva Comedy Night III

Back by popular demand! Join us for a night of side-splitting comedy hosted and produced by funny and fierce females! These comics will commandeer the mic with gusto for a show that’s sure to fracture your funny bone.

Cost: $15-$20

Jan. 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 4:30 p.m. • ASD Improv & Acting Program

The Alliance for the Arts, in partnership with Family Initiative Inc., hosts improv and acting classes for young artists with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) each Monday in January. Classes are designed for students 8-17 and focus on social communication, engagement with peers, and working together as a group. Improv and theatre games used in this class will teach students skills such as accessing emotions and storytelling. This will be done in a safe and fun setting where the students can explore and challenge themselves. Instructed by Leigh Shein with support from Board Certified Behavioral Specialists.

The cost is $10 per class, which includes art supplies. Pre-registration is required. Students must respond to verbal direction, independently toilet, and not require one-on-one supervision.

Jan 12 – Feb 3 • Animal Life: Hattchett, Maldonado, Ocasio and Spry

Join artists Jeff and Dale Ocasio, Lily Hatchett, Felipe Maldonado and Terry Lynn Spry as they take you on gallery adventure.

Animals are wandering the walls of the Alliance!  This exhibit will showcase five artists who take animals to a different level.  Working in different mediums, these artists transform paper, canvas, clay and masking tape into a rampaging herd of artistic wonder.

Opening reception: January 12 from 5 – 7 p.m.
Member Gallery: Synergy: Educator/Student Exhibit

Admission to the gallery is free, but a $5 suggested donation helps keep arts programming accessible.

Jan 11-14 • Your Love, Our Musical by Rebecca Vigil and Evan Kaufman

Fresh off their successful run in New York City, comedic musical improvisers interview a couple in the audience about their relationship and spin an impromptu musical about the couple’s love story. If you like comedy, musicals, or just being in love, this show was designed for you.

 “The premise sounds nearly impossible, but the execution is reliably brilliant.” — The NY Times

Performances are January 11-13 at 8 p.m. and January 14 at 2 p.m.

Jan 20 at 7 p.m. • Classic Cabaret Presented by Gulfshore Opera’s Professional Artists in Residence

Gulfshore Opera’s Professional Artists in Residence performing an informal popular song concert with jazz combo. Come and socialize in between sets with wine and cheese.

Cost: $35

Jan 25 at 6 p.m. • Poetry Open Mic Night

Are you a poet looking for a stage? Or a fan of prose? Share your work at our Poetry Open Mic Night. Southwest Florida poets are invited to share their work at an open mic evening designed to bring together different generations, styles and approaches to poetry. The atmosphere will be casual fun for all ages.

Admission to the gallery is free, but a $10 suggested donation helps keep arts programming accessible.

Jan 27 at 8 p.m. • New Play Contest Fundraiser

The evening will begin at 7 pm with a reception in the gallery with food, wine and drink. At 8 pm there will be readings from the top three entries to the Annual New Play Contest. After the last play is read, vote for your favorite and determine the winner. That show will then be produced in August of 2018.

The New Play Contest, now in its 20th year, provides opportunity for audiences to get involved with the production process itself, rather than the end result. Finalists are selected from over 600 entries around the world.

Jan 31 at 7 p.m. • The Elephant: Stories You’ll Never Forget

Ten storytellers perform tales of laughter, tears, fun and excitement. From personal stories to tall tales, folk tales to fractured tales, and more… come join us for narratives you’ll never forget!

This storytelling showcase is produced by Storytellers of the Round Table.

Cost: $15-$20