Alliance for the Arts

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Chelsea from the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, FL for a tour of their facilities and a chat about what the Alliance is all about, and the amazing activities that are upcoming in Southwest Florida.

The Alliance for the Arts is a non-profit organization whose mission statement is to "facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture in Lee County”. At their campus, they offer three art galleries, a 150-seat Foulds Theater, youth education programs (including summer camps, after-school programs, and youth exhibitions), adult educational classes, and much more!

I was so excited to view the current exhibitions - Cone of Possibilities, with artists' work about hurricane season, and the Member Gallery, with Art By The disABLED. I was thoroughly impressed by the quality and beauty of both galleries, and by the talent that shows through adversity from the Art By The disABLED exhibit. The upcoming exhibit, entitled "What I Used To Believe" sounds so intriguing. I can't wait to see what the artists come up with!

The Alliance also finds art in food - yes, FOOD! Every Saturday morning from 8-noon, the Alliance is host to the GreenMarket, a farmers' market with locally-grown and organic produce, cheeses, seafood, flowers and herbs, breads and pastries, honey, eggs, soap, and much, much more! Check out their website (www.artinlee.org) for a full list of vendors, and be sure to stop by on Saturday mornings to listen to the live music and bring your kiddos so they can have fun too! I plan on attending next weekend with the Travel Tots, and we'll be sure to post the pics.

Upcoming Events at the Alliance:

October 4th - Italian Festival (presented by the Rotary Club) - a free family event with entertainment, kids area, and traditional food from local Italian restaurants

November 7th - Empty Bowls Luncheon is sponsored by the Harry Chapin Food Bank, and will feature a meal of soup and bread served in student-created ceramic bowls with entertainment and pottery demonstrations ($10 donation is suggested)

November 21st - Walk Through the Arts is a free family event that has artist demos, theatrical, musical, and dance performances, hands-on art activities for kids, chances to win gift certificates, and good and drink.