Finding Strength in the Arts

Alliance inspires through creativity

The arts have kept the world entertained and inspired in this time of great uncertainty. During stay-at-home mandates we heard neighbors joining their voices from balconies, watched videos of frontline workers choreographing dances, explored the great museums virtually and even indulged in the release of the highly anticipated screen version of Hamilton.

While the 2020/2021 Southwest Florida arts and cultural season isn’t exactly business as usual, it hasn’t deterred artists and cultural entities from transforming lives and improving the community through the arts. The Alliance for the Arts, now in its 45th season, is on the front lines in this endeavor.

To support the creativity of the Southwest Florida community, the Alliance shifted to virtual classes, theater and events; a drive-through GreenMarket; and limited onsite programming. Today you can drive through the Alliance for the Arts campus on McGregor Blvd. and be inspired by outdoor exhibits and public art, including the newest addition, the “Caloosahatchee Water Wall” by artist Michael Singer. You can also experience the power of creativity while running errands with the Art Lives Here outdoor gallery, which transforms billboard space into public art.

Now more than ever, working with, listening to and celebrating each other as a community is vital. People need the arts to entertain, connect with and excite each other and will need the power of creativity to help reimagine the world for the future. While the Alliance staff is not certain what the fall brings, they look forward to continuing to create and to inspire all of Southwest Florida. We’re all in this together, even if we are six feet apart.

For more information, call 239-939-2787, visit ArtInLee.org, or find the Alliance on Facebook (Facebook.com/ArtInLee.org), Instagram (@AlliancefortheArts) or follow on Twitter (@ArtInLee).

will be able to enjoy creating works of art in a variety of media.

Students who want to go further with their art can enroll in youth and children classes that are offered year-round. This fall art classes for ages 7-12 are being held on Wednesdays from 4 pm-6 pm ($10 per session). The classes are taught by Betty Koscher, who lets each child pursue his or her own creativity.

For older students and adults one option is digital photography and graphics, where students learn the basics—camera operation, settings, frame placement, framing and the preservation of prints. The class, for ages 16 through adult, is held on Wednesdays from 3 pm-5 pm ($65/$85 per four-week session— members/non-members) and is taught by Carmen Sprague. Call the CCAL office or check the website for exact start dates.

For more information, visit capecoralartleague.org or call 239-772-5657.

The Alliance for the Arts is keeping the arts alive in Southwest Florida, pandemic or not, through public art programs like Art Lives Here, dressing up billboards (left); and outdoor art displays (far left).