• The Orchid Man by Herb SklarThe Alliance for the Arts’ February exhibit, Nonagenarians, features renowned photographer Herb Sklar. The show runs from Feb. 8 through Mar. 2 at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33919 and explores the vibrant lives of nonagenarians, or those aged 90-99.

Time may leave its mark on the bodies of the aging, but it will never mark their spirit. Explore the wrinkles, laugh lines, scars, spots, and smiles of The Swimmer, The Tennis Player, The Writer, and many others aged 90-99 in Sklar’s series, The Nonagenarians of Shell Point. The 20 black and white photographic portraits each tell a story of a long life well lived, highlighting the active aging population’s hobbies, spirits and souls.

This exhibit also features eleven other Shell Point photographers: David Tompkins, Don Adams, Dotty Morrison, George Waters, John Ippensen, Kirk Gulledge, Les Davison, Lester Lincke, Liz Noffsinger, Peter Martin and Sallie Rich.

The opening reception will be held on Feb. 8 from 5 – 7 p.m. and is open to the public. A conversational walk and talk with the exhibiting artists will be held on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. during Alliance for the Arts Weekly GreenMarket. Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public, but a $5 suggested donation helps keep arts programming accessible.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Alliance has partnered with Lee Health to present Art of a Healthy Lifestyle: The Fundamental Nature of Rest, Movement, and Nutrition. Jose Colon, M.D.  will educate attendes on healthy habits, essential skills and important tips to master the fine art of good health. The lecture takes place on Feb. 16 at 10:45 a.m. and is free to attend, although an RSVP is recommended at ArtInLee.org/Health.

For more information, call 239-939-2787 or visit ArtInLee.org/Nonagenarians.

The Alliance for the Arts is excited to announce it has matched and exceeded a $10,000 challenge gift from Parker / Mudgett / Smith Architects and the George and Mary Jo Sanders Foundation in its end of year campaign. The giving challenge raised over $30,000.

All funds directly support the Alliance’s mission to transform lives and improve our community through the arts. Since 1975, the Alliance’s year-round schedule of events have become a staple for the community through engaging gallery exhibitions, inspiring art classes from fine art life drawing to the art of beer-making and stimulating theatre productions that range from the classics to the cutting edge. Proceeds support a creative hub that spurs and supports self-expression, access and equity, imagination and individuality by connecting our community through the arts.

In 2018, the Alliance was honored to receive the Chrysalis Award in Cultural Achievement, Industry Appreciation Award for Small Nonprofit of the Year and a Community Service Award from the SWFL Council of the Blind.

The Alliance for the Arts offers camp options including Summer Arts Camp for grades 1 – 6 and Musical Theatre Intensive Camp for grades 7-12. Alliance member registration opens February 11. Non-member registration opens February 25.

Summer Arts Camps allow children to explore art, culture and performance during eight different weekly sessions for an exciting summer experience. Weeks are packed with an eclectic mix of performing activities like storytelling, improv games and stage combat. Campers will also have the unique opportunity to follow great traditional and contemporary art masters through sketching, mixed media, collage and more.

“Kids will love creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces, making new friends, exploring our galleries, learning from special guests and so much more,” says assistant director Brandi Couse.

Camp is held at the Alliance located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL. There is an art exhibition and final stage performance each Friday afternoon. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended care available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. for a fee. Summer Arts Camp is $160 per week for Alliance Members or $200 per week for non-members. You may become a member to receive early registration and a 20% discount. 

Themes include:

  • June 3 – June 7: Dali In Wonderland
  • June 10 – June 14: Greek Lightening and Roman Rumble
  • June 17 – June 21: Once Upon a Starry Night
  • June 24 – June 28: Glitz and Gritty in the City
  • July 8 – July 12: Knights of the Renaissance Table
  • July 15 – July 19: Enchanted Sands, Enchanted Lands
  • July 22 – July 26: Show Me the Monet
  • July 29 – August 2: ARTlantis

Musical Theatre Intensive camp is held at Broadway Palm’s rehearsal space in Royal Palm Plaza and offers students the unique opportunity to work with Broadway Palm’s resident choreographer and with actors from current Broadway Palm shows. Camp runs 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Daily arrival time 8:45 – 9 a.m. with no extended care available. There is a final performance each Friday at 3:00 p.m. Each week is $175 for Alliance Members or $220 for non-members.

Themes include:

  • July 8 – 12: Beauty and the Beast I
  • July 15 – 19: Beauty and the Beast II
  • July 22 – 26: Pop Rock
  • July 29 – Aug. 2: Let’s go to the Movies – Season Pass

Alliance member registration opens February 11. Non-member registration opens February 25.

For more information on Summer Arts Camp or Musical Theatre Intensive Camp, visit www.ArtInLee.org/SummerCamp or call 239-939-2787.

You may become a member at www.ArtInLee.org/Join to take advantage of discounts. Teen volunteer and scholarship applications are also available beginning February 26.

Summer Arts Camp is kindly sponsored by Family Thrift Center in Fort Myers.