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Gulf & Main Magazine

Appreciate the Arts in Fort Myers

Apr 11, 2023 08:00AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan

Learn the ancient art of bonsai in Bonsai Workshops that are taught by local Michael Lane. Image courtesy of Alliance for the Arts.

The Alliance for the Arts is a creative hub where art lovers gather to relish art shows, partake in events, enjoy entertainment and theater, engage in exhibitions, and take classes and workshops on everything from Woodturning taught by woodworkers Oliver Martin and Joe Payne of Woodturners of Southwest Florida to Bonsai Workshops taught by local Michael Lane to Painting with Terry Lynn Spry. 

In the Painting Nocturnes workshop you will paint beautiful nighttime scenes with amazing results. Image courtesy of Alliance for the Arts.

Spry is a long-term instructor and fine art painter working with oils on canvas. Her work has been exhibited in national and local juried art exhibitions. At the Alliance, Spry teaches painting classes with mediums of the student’s choice, such as acrylic or oil. Other interesting classes offered this spring are Step-by-Step Batijk and Zentangle for the Seasons. Batik is a technique that originated in Indonesia using Ginwashi rice paper as templates.  

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn and fun method of drawing a collection of patterns.  In addition to classes, exhibits, such as The Future of Art: Student Exhibit, run from April 5 to April 29, theater lovers can enjoy August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, directed by Sonya McCarter. The show examines slavery and explores the difficulties for Black Americans seeking equality. 

There is also a Monthly Night market on the second Wednesday of each month from 5 pm-8 pm.  Guests will enjoy fresh produce, art, live music, food trucks, beer, and wine (https://www.artinlee.org/event/night-market-2023-04-12/). 

Check the online calendar to see what is up ahead. Alliance for the Arts - 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, 239-939-2787 https://www.artinlee.org

By Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.