Terry Lynn Spry-Soldier_smFor the past year travelers passing through Southwest Florida International Airport have had the chance to see the “Honor, Country & Heroism” public art exhibit along the walls of Concourses B & D. The exhibit is part of the Art in Flight Program, a partnership between the Lee County Port Authority and the Alliance for the Arts that brings artwork to the millions of people who travel through RSW every year. The Alliance worked with 32 local artists, including six military veterans, to bring this patriotic-themed art to RSW. The paintings in “Honor, Country & Heroism” have served as a welcome home for troops returning to Southwest Florida and a tribute to our veterans.

The “Honor, Country & Heroism” exhibit comes down at the end of October and it will then move to the Alliance for the Arts for a two week exhibition giving the public one last opportunity to experience it, or purchase the work. The opening reception is Friday, November 1 from 5-7:30PM. It runs through November 16. Work by Adrian Mata will be on display in the Member Gallery during the exhibition. James “JR” Roberts is featured in the Theatre Lobby.

“Honor, Country & Heroism” will be replaced at the airport by an exhibit created by Lee County art students and their teachers called “Oh, The Places You Will Go.” It goes on display at the end of 2013.

Clara and Mr. TiffanyThe Alliance for the Arts’ Member Gallery Book Club continues on Tuesday, November 18 with a discussion Susan Vreeland’s Clara and Mr. Tiffany.

Join fellow Alliance members in this monthly exploration of literature focused on art, artists, art history, and art appreciation.

During the Gilded Age just before the turn of the twentieth century, Tiffany forged his reputation in stained-glass. His highly recognizable style blended Art Nouveau, the exoticism of the Aesthetics Movement, and his own adoration of nature. Until recently, it was assumed that he was the designer of the celebrated leaded-glass lampshades. However, two collections of letters reveal that an unrecognized woman, Clara Driscoll, designed the floral shades as well as many of the bronze bases. Clara and Mr. Tiffany presents these two figures–one the giant of American decorative arts, the other unknown–as they engage each other, collaborating, probing and frustrating each other, stumbling over their passions.

The Member Gallery Book Club meets from 7-9PM on the third Tuesday of every month. Club members must purchase their own copy of each book. A discussion guide will be available for download at artinlee.org beginning November 1. Pre-registration is encouraged – an active Alliance membership is all that’s required. The club continues on Tuesday, December 17.

Alliance individual memberships are $50 per year, and a family can join for just $75 per year. Membership benefits include 20% discounts on all classes & workshops, a wide variety of FREE class Try It sessions, discounts on theatre tickets and youth camps, special exhibition opportunities and the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting a vibrant community of artists and art enthusiasts here in southwest Florida.

seedlingsThe Alliance for the Arts GreenMarket continues its Fall & Winter Growing Season Workshop Series on Saturday, October 19 at 10:30AM with a presentation on the basics of vegetable and plant propagation. Starting your own seeds and reproducing from cuttings is an affordable and rewarding way to keep your garden growing and to provide an abundance of plants to share with friends. This session will cover choosing your varieties, timing of plantings, container options, potting media, tips specific to different plant species and more.

This workshop is presented by Millisa Bell, also known as “The Unruly Gardener.” Bell is a Florida native, organic gardener, permaculturist, and beekeeper who shares her passion for local food production through speaking and teaching events. She believes there is nothing more worthy than devoting quality time to the food we eat, and that one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and our communities is an understanding of how to grow and cultivate a portion our own food supply.

The GreenMarket’s Fall & Winter Growing Season Workshop Series continues every 1st and 3rd Saturday through March. The series is intended to inspire the community into more sustainable practices, including growing their own food organically in small spaces like backyards and patios. The workshops are free, but a $5 donation is suggested, to help the Alliance continue to bring these programs to the public.