Behind the Scenes at the Alliance

LAEA Exhibit Coming April 10th!

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:52:00 +0000

If you want to see some talented students be sure to come to the Alliance for the Arts on April 10th. The 16th annual Lee Art Educators Association (LAEA) exhibit will be on display here at the Alliance from April 10th to May 10th.

This exhibit will feature students’ artwork from all over Lee County.

The elementary school student’s artwork will be on display beginning April 10th and the middle and high school show will premier on April 29th.

This is a great opportunity to come and see what students are doing in class!

summer camp is coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:27:00 +0000

And right now registration is now open for EVERYONE! We always give members the first crack at registration because the Alliance summer arts camp tends to fill up quickly. That said, you can register by downloading the form at http://www.artinlee.org/campandclasses/summercamp.html

Behind the scenes, we're updating our database software which should make the process of registering even easier. We're accepting scholarship donations and applications for financial aid, based on need.

Most exciting though, are the preparations for the actual activities. Scott Guelcher, a Lee County art teacher and professional artist, has put together a great team of instructors for the summer elementary arts camp. There will be theme-based paintings, literature, theatre, music, and dancing designed especially for each week!

On the Middle School front, the Musical Theatre Camp offered through the Alliance and located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre for the first time, starts on July 1st this summer. This specifically focused workshop style camp will give the budding performer great opportunities to shine and to work directly with professionals in the field.

This entire summer is going to be a great photo op!

Member Appreciation Party

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:20:00 +0000

The Alliance for the Arts will be hosting their annual invitation only Member Appreciation Party on Friday, March 7, 2008 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. If you come to this event you will get the chance to preview the newest exhibit “Hanging By a Thread” featuring fiber artists Polly Matsumoto and Michelle Sales. Polly Matsumoto also be at the party to meet the Alliance members. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served during the party.

Those at the party will have a chance to win a vacation package as well as a one night only ticket presale deals for the 5th Annual Angels of the Arts Awards and Art Royale 2008 tickets. In addition to these advantages members will also be given discounts in the Alliance for the Arts gift shop during the private party.

If you didn't get an invite this year make sure you become a member so that you can participate next year. To become a member please contact the Alliance for the Arts at (239) 939-2787 or visit www.artinlee.org for more information.

Interview with Cheryl Jones Evans

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:49:00 +0000

Here is a short interview that Cheryl Jones Evans was nice enough to give us. She will be teaching the class "Art: Making a Living and a Life" on Feb. 23rd. from 9am to 4pm.

1. What is the hardest part about making art your career?

"The hardest part about making art your career is the courage and self confidence to begin! Most of us already have the talent and the intelligence to have a wonderful creative life; we just need to get started."

2. What suggestions do you have for artists that are trying to turn their art into their career?

"Relax, enjoy and take it one step at a time. It truly takes more energy and effort to NOT lead your creative lifestyle. With your artistic passion and a simple plan a creative lifestyle becomes easy, profitable and rewarding."

3. What type of problems might people run into when first starting out?

"The most frequent problem is giving up. A creative lifestyle is different from typical jobs, there will be times of rapid growth, but it is also perfectly normal to have stagnant times, too. The slow times are a normal part of a creative lifestyle, not failure."

4. Does one have to know a lot about business to make a career out of their art?

"An art business, like all other businesses has to keep financial records. (The federal and state governments require it.) Maintaining a simple accounting plan will keep your business chores to a minimum."

5. How can an artist maintain their own style and still be successful?

"Only your style can bring you creative success! Anything else is just another JOB."

6. You mention marketing as a topic in your February class, is it difficult for an artist to do all of their own marketing even if they have no marketing experience?

"Absolutely not! Your passion for your work makes you, your most effect marketer. Slick marketing
campaigns will never overcome the true excitement and creative passion that only the artist can have."

7. How long have you been making a living with your art?

"I have been an artist all of my life, but I began making a creative living in 1994."

8. You are the owner of Studio e, do you feel that owning a business takes you away from your art?

"Studio e is just a name and a place, my art is the business! Most of us have bought into the “artists are lousy business people” myth. There are abundant examples of artists with great business skills! We just do not focus on them."

Art Avengers: Super Heroes of the Arts!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:05:00 +0000

Early Friday morning was the start of the transformation of the Art Avenger Tent for Art Fest 2008. Amy Smith and myself dragged all of our foam wristbands, superhero masks, craft kit complete with glitter and scissors and decorations for the tent. Then it was time for the enormous white tent to become a super hero art lair. We prepared for the Super art avenger kids arrival for the festivities on Saturday and Sunday.
Hundreds of kids came pouring in throughout the days ready to make their transformation into their art super hero. Masks, super power wristbands and necklaces of fortitude were made by the kids at different stations. Although it was a brutally hot day, the kids managed to have a blast!
Amy Smith was the brain and heart behind the super hero madness. And the event went off without a hitch! Here are some photos of Art Fest 2008!

Seminole Excitement!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:16:00 +0000

The Alliance is buzzing with people checking out the current exhibit, "Florida's Seminole Indian's: A Journey With the White Medicine Man." This is a culturally rich exhibit that is definitely not one to miss. It will be on display until February 29th.

Myself and Megan, another intern here at the Alliance, have been getting paperwork ready for the annual Angels of the Arts awards. Nominations are in, and we can't wait to find out who will go home with one of these covetted awards on April 13th!

As you might already know, the Alliance is available for rentals. You can rent the Foulds Theatre, the Margaret Morrow Frizzel Amphitheatre and Grounds, exhibition gallery, classroom, conference room, and meeting room. Be sure to pick up a brochure with updated rate fees when you come in to check out the Florida Seminole Indian exhibit!

4th and 5th Graders Had a Blast at the Alliance

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:28:00 +0000

Last Wednesday Woody Hanson, the grandson of the White Medicine Man, came to speak with about 100 4th and 5th graders who visited the Florida Seminole Indian Exhibit here at the Alliance. The kids seemed to really enjoy themselves and each got to take home a bag full of goodies. Here is a little video of Woody talking with the kids.

It's Friday at the Alliance...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:35:00 +0000

...And I have been busy at work getting together newspaper and magazine clippings for our next scrapbook! The Alliance and it's events have been featured in TONS of local publications, and that is definitely something to be excited about!

If you are interested in the events and the Alliance itself, you can even stop by to check us out and look through our scrapbooks!

Gift Ideas at the Alliance!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:58:00 +0000

Hi, everyone its Chelsea! Today my internship was a bit out of the ordinary. Instead of working at my computer I sneaked away to check out all the colorful and interesting pieces in the gift shop. Don't tell anyone, but I was doing some Christmas window shopping on the job.

I really loved these adorable little table and chair sets made out of wine corks and beautiful painted wine glasses.

Also, my best friend has a black and white kitchen, and these matching salt and pepper shakers would be the perfect complement.

I am definitely keeping the Alliance gift shop in mind for my Christmas shopping this year.

Wasn't this a Kick in the Pants?

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:38:00 +0000

We hope that you had a great time at ART ROYALE 2007.

The Alliance Cheerleaders thought it was a real "Kick in the Pants!"

Lisa Geertsen created this fun photo op as part of the event. Interactive at it's best, guests enjoyed posing for zany pictures all night long.

A few guests found a date and enjoyed the drama...

Above is Bachelor Number One (Alliance Board member Bill Goldman) chosen by the Bachelorette (SW FL Symphony Past President Carol Robinson) in the Art Royale version of "The Dating Game." Dressed as a Drama Queen is one of the Alliance's favorite volunteers Lana Vail.

Some guests rekindled their flame...Mark and Susan Moye celebrated their 29th Wedding Anniversary at the event. A love note to them was left in the Digital Sandbox interactive exhibit at the event (booth created by artist Gerard Damiano).

Other guests in costumes really got into Playing Games!

I hope you all enjoyed the evening, and if you missed it, I hope you enjoy this photographic re-run!

PICTURES FROM ART ROYALE 2007!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 03:25:00 +0000

ENJOY! :)

TOMORROW IS THE DAY!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:02:00 +0000

Preparations are underway for Art Royale 2007! The Alliance for the Art's campus is starting it's transformation for tomorrow night!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:58:00 +0000

With Art Royale only FOUR days away, the Alliance for the Arts is getting the last minute things together for the big event to occur. Art Royale 2007, The Games People Play, has left a lot of imagination and creation for everyone involved. In these below pictures you can see the soda being brought in, Joanne and her team working hard on the Auction baskets and some neat auction items that you must see. Here is a little sneak peak at some of the baskets and one unique item that will sure to blow your mind. It is a bread holder but when you open it up it is a miniture kitchen! These are just some of the games that people play but you have to come on Saturday to see more!! See you there!

Some baskets being put together for Saturday night!!

Hard at work!

Here is a sample of one of the Auction items...

EIGHT DAYS UNTIL ART ROYALE!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:32:00 +0000

Silent Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:19:00 +0000

ART ROYALE IS JUST A WEEK AWAY!

While you are at this gala event, make sure to check out the silent auction that will be going on in the Foulds Theater! Here is a slideshow of just a few of the items up for bid at the silent auction!

(AND keep in mind that at 8:15, there will be a live auction outside on the main stage)

November is a busy month!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:30:00 +0000

Along with Art Royale happening this month, the Alliance also has another event you should add to your calendar! It is called Transmissions and it is a juried competition.

The theme is "Communication: The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs."

Artwork can include photography, sculpture, painting (oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, mixed media), prints, and drawings.

Here is the breakdown of dates this is all happening:

November 26th: Artists deliver artwork to the Alliance between 9-5PM
November 27th: Artwork juried by the Exhibition Committee
November 28th: Notify artists and pickup of non-juried work
November 30th: Opening reception from 5-7PM

The artwork will be on display from November 30th through January 9th, 2008.

If you are interested in submitting your work to be juried, there are a few requirements.

All 2D artwork must be wired and ready to hang.
All 3D artwork must not exceed six feet in any direction or 150 lbs.
Artists must furnish pedestals.
All artwork must have been completed in the last two years and not previously shown at the Alliance.
Artists are responsible for shipping cost.

There is a non-refundable entry fee of $10 for Alliance members and $25 for non-members to submit work to this show. One entry can include up to three artworks.

Make November a month to remember and get involved with your local arts community!!

Get ready....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:26:00 +0000

15 days to go until Art Royale!!!!

Calling all Instructors!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsea) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:29:00 +0000

The Alliance for the Arts is currently looking for visual art instructors. The children's winter camp is quickly approaching and the Alliance is searching for enthusiastic art instructors to join our team. To qualify you must have experience working with children and an education and/or art background is highly preferred. The Alliance for the arts believes there is an artist in all of us and we want our educators to strive to bring out the creativity each camper. The more experience with a variety of mediums the better!

This year's winter camp will be held December 24 - January 4 from 9am -4pm. There are two sessions available, Monday/Wednesday and Thursday/Friday. December 24 and 31 will be half days 9am - 1pm, and December 25 and January 1 will be closed. The Alliance for the Arts offers $12-$15/hr depending on experience.

If you are interested please email our education coordinator Amy Smith at education@artinlee.org.

T-minus 16 days - Art Royale 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:43:00 +0000

Compiled with photos, video, audio, and talents of the Art Royale Media Collective, this video gives an example of what this signature event is all about. Although each year begins with fresh ideas, the excitement and originality of each year is intrinsic. Get this many creative people together with unique challenges, and an explosion of color, laughter, discovery, and buzz is bound to happen!

Check out more on this year's event Art Royale 2007: The Games People Play at www.artroyale.org. Tickets are also available here.

See you there!

Walk Through the Arts!!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:56:00 +0000

On Saturday, October 20,2007, Alliance for the Arts held it's 4th Annual Walk Through the Arts Event. With thirty companies partcipating, around fifteen demonstrations and ten performances, not even the rain could stop this event from being a huge success!! Family and friends gathered from all around to see what Southwest Florida arts has to offer.
Many people walked around the grounds to different tables for fun, entertainment and education. Here is a picture of the Aboriginals:Art of the First Person table.

Weavers of Char-Lee were also a huge hit with their demonstrations of Weaving and Spinning.

Guests also wandered into the Foulds Theatre for performances by Dance Bochette, Cypress Lake High Orchestra, Creative Theatre Workshop, Hot Flashz, Young Artists Awards, Ring of Emerald School of Irish Dance and Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.
Here are some pictures of Irish Stepdance, a scene from the Wizard of Oz from Creative Theatre Workshop and the winner from last years Young Artists Awards Scholarship.

Outside, the Schoolhouse Theatre and the Gulf Coast Symphony performed in the drizzling rain!

There were many amazing demonstrations such as Organic Floral Art, Book Binding, Fold-Forming, Storytime, Painting/Transfers, Acrylic Painting, Portrait Oil Painting, Art Quilts, Watercolor, Calligraphy, Watercolor, Weaving and Spinning, Clay Building and Wire Wrapping.
In this next picture, this guests had a little help from the instructors glasses to make sure that he was sewing his quilt just right!

Thanks goes out to all of the participants that helped to make Walk Through the Arts 2007 an amazing experience for all ages!Also a big pat on the back to Amy Smith for all of her hard work and dedication to this event!

Megan Jones, Events Intern

Play it again, Sam.

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:22:00 +0000

Well, it wasn't "Casablanca," but it was a classic evening. The audience who gathered to hear ABC Newsman Sam Donaldson make political predictions and off the cuff remarks enjoyed a refreshing and relaxed time. Several members submitted questions that local ABC Anchor (and one of the Gulfshore Life bachelors gracing the pages of the September issue) Len Jennings posed to Mr. Donaldson following his initial remarks.

Among his predictions: Hilliary Clinton will win the Democratic nomination, and it's unclear who will get the Republican nod, though he gives best odds to Mitt Romney. Donaldson also stands up in favor of compromise as the best method to move forward on issues such as immigration.

So what did all this have to do with the arts? The political climate in which we live is a heated, highly contested, and opinionated one. It seems just about every one you meet has a strong thought or persuasion about at least one issue: economy, global warming, pollution, religion, feminisim - you name it. These opinions are part of the cultural fiber of our world, our nation, and our communities. Because the arts reflect emotions, messages, and other conversation starters, these issues inevitably turn up on a canvas, in a play, inside song lyrics. The Alliance for the Arts organzed an event that helps start conversations on topics within our community that become part of our cultural identity. Art is everywhere.

Art, in the literal sense, was also present at Cultural Conversations. Above is one of 12 editorial cartoon contest student winners, Chelsea Manning of Cypress Lake Middle. News Press Cartoonist and local artists Doug MacGregor displayed is and other political cartoons created by Lee County Middle School students as part of a Ding Darling days contest, and Art Royale Artists lead by Steve McCarney, dressed as world political leaders and demonstrated a new game called "In Power," which is about navigating and negotiating current events. Just a couple of examples of how political culture infuses the local creative landscape.

Taking a Walk..

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:48:00 +0000

Well this past week has been pretty busy at the Alliance for the Arts. We have been working hard on getting the Art Royale invitations folded, sealed and sent out! I just can't wait for the November 17th event!!
Amy Smith has also been busy with the event that is happening tomorrow, Walk Through the Arts. This family event is going to be a blast. We have performances scheduled, demonstrations and amazing raffle prizes! We also have food and drinks and many of your local companies will be present with information for you!! So make sure you come out and take a walk through the arts! TOMORROW!!!

Thanks...Megan Jones, Events Intern

Spotlight on the Arts Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:14:00 +0000

October 14 - October 20 is...

Spotlight on the Arts Week: Creativity in Lee County Takes Centerstage

Because of the incredible season of offerings across Lee County, the Alliance for the Arts appealed to the Board of County Commissioners to proclaim a special week to really highlight our local arts scene. They agree that this is a great way to recognize all there is to do.

Above is a photo of Arts Coalition members (left to right) Sharon McAllister, ArtFest Fort Myers, Jason Parrish and Rachel Burtram, Florida Repertory Theatre, Kathleen Moye, Alliance for the Arts, and Michelle Patrick, Sidney and Berne Davis Arts Center with the Lee County Commissioners accepting the Proclamation this past Tuesday.

During this week, we'll have lots going on...check back for a detailed listing, but for now, save the dates for Cultural Conversations on Oct. 18th (http://www.artinlee.org/special_events/culturalconversations.html) and Walk Through the Arts (http://www.artinlee.org/special_events/walkthroughthearts.html) and get set for one AMAZING year in the arts!

Local Business Leaders at the Alliance

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:03:00 +0000

Wednesday October 10, 2007 was a busy day! Business leaders from Lehigh Acres traveled to the Alliance for the first half of their day full of arts and non-profit organizations learning. It's a part of the Lehigh Chamber of Commerce Leadership Development program: Leadership Lehigh.

First thing, the Southwest Florida Symphony presented to them about the opportunities in Symphonic Music. Then Gulfshore Playhouse talked about what it takes to start and grow a theatre. The Alliance for the Arts spent time telling them about the arts in Lee County in general.

Among the many brochures and fliers, one thing they mosts certainly took with them is a firm sense that there is PLENTY to do and get involved with around this area.

Also, contrary to popular saying, arts and culture is not the icing on the cake...it's the yeast in the dough that makes a community and its businesses grow and rise. That's certainly a cause worth supporting!

By they way, the play "Life (x) 3" closes tomorrow night at the Foulds. Be sure and get your tickets! The Lehigh Leadership group is posing on the play's set!

Pots, Prints, and Paintings OH YEAH!

noreply@blogger.com (Alliance for the Arts) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:16:00 +0000

Last night's opening reception featuring Artists Barbara Yeomans, Tim Lienhardt, and Stephen Johnson was stellar at the Alliance for the Arts.

Charlie Matthews and Barbara Yeomans

Tim Lienhardt and Madeline Plummer

Stephen Johnson

The Bettie Page Boys rocked the house...

And we learned that Art Apreciation starts early...

Overall, it was fun to see a few familiar faces from exhibits last year, including artists Jeff Mudgett and Dorothy Causey.

The next opening is on November 30th, for our juried show "Transmissions." There's also still time to get your artwork into this show, if you'd like. Just click on this link to download a prospectus! http://www.artinlee.org/special_events/upcomingexhibits.html

Till next time...
Kathleen