The Alliance for the Arts is teaming up with Coastal Dayz Brewery as Alliance Executive Director, Lydia A. Black, serves as guest bartender on Thursday, Oct. 4 from 6 – 8 p.m. at 2161 McGregor Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33901. All tips from the evening will be donated to the Alliance for the Arts, a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center whose mission is to transform lives and improve the community through the arts.

“We are excited to partner with Fort Myers’ newest local brewery to support our local arts and craft beers,” says executive director Lydia A. Black. “Brewing beer is a form of creative and artistic expression. We see this as a chance to connect artisans with the amazing people who support them and show love to our talented local makers.”

The event comes alongside the announcement of the Alliance for the Arts second annual Arts On Tap Fundraiser on Oct. 20. Now in its second year, Arts On Tap is a taste of creativity in the Alliance gallery featuring the craft of local brewers including Coastal Dayz. Additional crafters include Big Blue Brewing, Bury Me Brewing Co., Eight-Foot Brewing, Fort Myers Brewing Company, Momentum Brewhouse, Palm City Brewing, Point Ybel Brewing Company and Scotty’s Bierwerks.

Who: Lydia Black, Executive Director of Alliance for the Arts
When:
Thursday, Oct. 4 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Where:
Coastal Dayz Brewery, 2161 McGregor Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33901

The Alliance for the Arts invites the public to its opening reception for Dia de los Muertos: A Juried Exhibit on Oct. 5. from 5 – 7 p.m. The free event features local and regional artists, face painting, interactive art projects, flower crowns, tequila tasting and light refreshments. The show exhibits from Oct. 5 through Nov. 3 at 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL.

In many parts of Mexico, South America and the United States, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of friends and family. More about reveling life than remembering death, this unique day encourages us to connect with loved ones while reflecting on the ties that bind the past to present.

“Community participation is a powerful part of this holiday,” says exhibitions coordinator Krista Johnson. “That’s why we’ve called on local artists to contribute to this lively and fun exhibit.”

All artworks must be submitted online no later than Sept. 20. Artists should create pieces that showcase traditional Mexican sugar skulls merged with the artist’s aesthetic. Categories are sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor and mixed media), photography, prints and drawings. To download the prospectus or submit artwork, visit ArtInLee.org/SugarSkulls.

Receptions are open to the public and do not require tickets or reservations. While gallery admission is free, a $5 suggested donation keeps Alliance programming affordable and accessible.

For more information about this exhibit, visit ArtInLee.org/SugarSkulls or call 239-939-2787.

Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts is holding an open casting call for Rancho Mirage by Steven Dietz and directed by Anne Dodd on Sept. 29 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers FL 33919. Actors are encouraged to have a prepared monologue between 1 minute to 2 minutes in length; if not, cold readings will be available.

Acclaimed playwright Stephen Dietz’ black comedy looks at affluent suburban couples whose truths finally catch up with them. At an ill-fated dinner party, these long-time friends are awakened to the secrets of their past with hilarious and farcical results. Written by one of America’s most widely produced playwrights, this National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere comedy asks what remains between us when youth, dreams, and the last bottle of wine is gone?

Available Roles:

4 Women, 3 Men

Diane and Nick Dahner
Louise and Trevor Neese
Pam and Charlie Caldwell
All the couples are in their forties

Julie, the babysitter, is 17

Performances are May 9-11 and 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. and May 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. This production is sponsored by Stephen Hooper & Ellen Poage.

The Alliance for the Arts is excited to announce the return of its annual fundraiser Arts On Tap on Saturday, Oct. 20 on the Alliance campus at 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919 from 7 – 10 p.m. Arts On Tap, now in its second year, is a taste of creativity in the Alliance gallery featuring the craft of local brewers benefiting the Alliance for the Arts.

Participating crafters include Big Blue Brewing, Bury Me Brewing, Coastal Dayz Brewery, Eight Foot Brewing, Fort Myers Brewing Company, Momentum Brewhouse, Palm City BrewingPoint Ybel Brewing Company and Scotty’s Bierwerks and culinary creations from Cristof’s and University Grill. For one night only, guests can delight their senses with locally-handcrafted beers, hand-selected wines and culinary creations against a vibrant backdrop of local art, our Dia de los Muertos Exhibit. The event also features two new brews from creative collaborations between the Alliance and award-winning brewmasters from Palm City and Point Ybel.

“The Alliance for the Arts is all about supporting small, independent makers who have a story,” says development and marketing director Jessica Wisdom.  “We’re excited to celebrate the art of craft beer for the second year in a row. In our never-ending quest to outdo ourselves, this year’s event will be bigger and better with more art, more food, more fun and of course more beer!”

Participating featured artists include David Acevedo, Cesar Aguilera, Jeff and Dale Ocasio, Guy Tieman, Amy Matsumoto, Rich Bravo, Terry Lynn Spry, Leo and Krista Johnson and Barbara Yeomans.

Last year, Arts On Tap attracted over 200 guests. Tickets are $75 and include unlimited tastings from participating breweries, wine, culinary creations, pub snacks, gallery admission, music, games, a silent auction and a raffle. The first 75 guests to purchase a ticket will receive an exclusive Support Local pint glass. Arts On Tap is for ages 21 and older. A state-issued form of I.D. is required.

Arts On Tap is a fundraising event for the Alliance for the Arts, a nonprofit visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers. Since 1975, the Alliance has been transforming lives and improving community through the arts. Event proceeds support a creative hub that spurs self-expression, imagination and individuality.

The event is sponsored by Briers CPA, Custom Packaging and Products , The Dorcey Law Firm, EnSite, GMA Architects & Planners, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Priority Business Solutions, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and Seminole Casino Hotel. Sponsorships and visibility opportunities are also available by contacting [email protected].