For its October juried exhibit the Alliance for the Arts asked artists to create new works following the theme “Layers, Fiber, Collage & Assemblage.” 74 artists submitted 140 pieces representing a wide variety of 2D & 3D mediums. On Friday, October 3 the 39 pieces selected by juror Jeffrey Scott Lewis will go on display to the public during a reception from 5-7PM.

Participating artists include: Jayne Baker, Katherine Boren, Stacey Brown, KiKi Brewsaugh, Deborah Butler, Donna Chase, Dennis Church, Dan Cronin, Juan Diaz, Sheila Elsea, Patricia Esposito, Ronald Evans, Toni Ferrell, Karen Flanders, Lia Galletti, Katie Gardenia, Gay Germain, Andy Getch, Muffy Clark Gill, Donald Gilmore, Carolyn Gora, Leo Johnson, Mike Kiniry, Kim Goins Kosek, Julie Markytan, Polly Matsumoto, Carolyn McGahey, Kellen Beck Mills, Marilyn Niederman, Jeff & Dale Ocasio, Bea Pappas, James J.R. Roberts, Ava Roeder, Michelle Rothacker, Joel Shapses, Africa Valdez, Dale Weber, Beverly Yankwitt, Barbara Yeomans and Roseline Young.

Juror Jeffrey Scott Lewis is a visual artist and former Visual Display Artist for national companies such as Disney, Ace Hardware, and Ralph Lauren. He has an MFA in Media Design from Full Sail University and a BA in Liberal Studies Florida Gulf Coast University. He says the selection process was challenging. “While all the entries had merit, I chose works that seemed to achieve an excellence in terms of aesthetics or that interpreted the theme of the show in a new or unique way.  It is my hope that inclusion in this show inspires the artists to continue to strive for that level of excellence.”

In recognition of outstanding works, cash awards will be presented at 6PM during the reception for Best in Show, 2nd and 3rd Place. The exhibit remains on display until November 1. The juror will lead a Gallery Walk on Saturday, October 4 from 10-11AM.

Paintings by Andrew Hart will be on display in the Member Gallery during the exhibit. Hart works primarily with acrylic paint on mixed media paper, starting most works in charcoal. He says he enjoys painting portraiture, and recently has incorporated different and varying inspirations into his work, including black and white photographs, caricature, bold outlines, collage work, and splashes of vibrant color.

October 2014 flyerThe Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida presents three hours of live bluegrass music in the theatre at the Alliance for the Arts on Sunday, October 19 from 2-5PM. The concert features New Creek, Larry Wilson & Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Swinging Bridge. 

Tickets are $8 at the door, or $6 for Alliance members. Seating is open and first come, first serve.  Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Pre-sale tickets are not available. Doors open at 1:30PM.

Lee Krasner coverThe monthly Member Gallery Book club at the Alliance for the Arts continues on Tuesday, October 21 from 6:30-8:30PM with a discussion of Lee Krasner: A Biography by Gail Levin. Now celebrating its one year anniversary, the Alliance Member Book Club is a monthly exploration of arts-related literature. It’s one of the many benefits of membership at the Alliance for the Arts.

Perhaps best known as the long-suffering wife of Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner is now, finally, being recognized as one of the 20th century’s modernist masters. In Lee Krasner, author Gail Levin gives us an engrossing biography of the painter—so memorably portrayed in the movie Pollack by actor Marcia Gay Harden, who won an Academy Award for her performance—a firebrand and trailblazer for women’s rights as well as an exceptional artist who led a truly fascinating life.

Alliance individual memberships are $50 per year, families can join for $75 per year and college students can become a member for just $15. Membership benefits include 20% discounts on all classes & camps, FREE class Try It sessions and open studio sessions, discounts on concert and theatre tickets and special exhibition opportunities. Click HERE to learn more or become a member now.

September flyer2014bBluegrass music returns to the Alliance for the Arts on Sunday, September 21 when The Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida presents three hours of live music in the theatre beginning at 2PM. The concert features The Bugtussle Ramblers, Pete & Sylvia, and Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders.

Tickets are $8 at the door, or $6 for Alliance members. Seating is open and first come, first serve. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Pre-sale tickets are not available. Doors open at 1:30PM. The Sunday afternoon concert series continues on October 19, November 16 and December 14.