Preview reception at the Art of the Olypians Al Oerter Center late January
The Board of Directors and staff of the Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center of Excellence invite the community to a preview reception and ribbon cutting at the center in downtown Fort Myers Friday, Jan. 29, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center of Excellence is located in the former City Pier building directly on the Caloosahatchee River at the north end of Hendry Street next to the Fort Myers Yacht Basin. The preview event is free to the public a grand opening celebration with related international events and activities is being planned for the spring of 2010, when further exhibits and programming will be in place.
The preview reception will be catered by Hotel Indigo’s Vino de Notte restaurant and will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. There will be dancing by Olympian Queen Kyoma and the National Ballet’s “Dance Alive.”
Olympian javelin thrower Roald Bradstock (also known as the “Olympic Picasso” for his sports and art accomplishments) will drive, bringing coolers filled with snow balls made by him and his daughters, in from Atlanta to attempt to break the world record in snowball throwing.
Local dignitaries, including Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, Florida Gulf Coast University President Dr. Wilson Bradshaw, and Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall, will also be in attendance. Legendary Olympic ice skater Peggy Fleming will send a filmed message to be presented at the reception as guests tour the center. Fellow Olympians Cameron Miler and Pat McCormack will also join the celebration.
The opening of Art of the Olympians marks the fulfillment of both Olympians and Olympic enthusiasts who, along with the late four-time consecutive Gold medalist, Al Oerter, sought to use their passion for both art and sport to create and establish an arena that promoted and celebrated excellence. Following his passing in 2007, Oerter’s wife, Cathy Oerter, locally based Olympian and artist Liston Bochette, and a variety of friends and community leaders continued the vision through to completion.
Art of the Olympians will feature the art of worldwide Olympic medalists, educational programs for children and adults, and events that inspire creativity and motivate individuals to achieve individual excellence.
On Saturday, January 30th, the Center will be open to the public free of charge. Regular entrance fees will be $8 for adults, $4 for students with I.D., and no charge for seniors over 65 and children under three. Art of the Olympians Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.