Beach Art Association offers classes, shows and more
Plans are being made for the upcoming 2011/2012 season at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association. Right now on Wednesday and Thursday mornings you can find artists painting at the gallery getting ready for the first show of the season. “Anything Goes” kicks off on Oct. 15 and will run until Nov. 10. The title means just that. You might find sculpture, photography or collage along with the wonderful paintings usually seen hanging. This show is open only to members and is not judged or juried It offers the opportunity for up and coming artists to participate.
Exciting things are in the works for the second annual “Paint the Beach..Sandcastles to Shrimpboats. A plein air festival in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.” Once again the “call for artists” has gone out around the country to bring plein air artists in to paint the beautiful town of Fort Myers Beach. Main sponsors Fish Tale Marina, Santini Marina Plaza and the Fort Myers Beach Art Association with contributing sponsors Holiday Inn, The Lighthouse Inn and Resorts, Smokin Oyster Brewery and World Championship Sand Sculpting are once again bringing in music and fine food to enhance the experience of the plein air artists. Artists will be painting around town Nov. 14-17 and present their work at the Collectors Preview Gala on Nov. 18. A quick draw event will be held on Saturday near the tent. There will be bands, plays and art for all to enjoy. For more information see the website at www.fortmyersbeachart.com.
Famous artists are coming to the beach to teach weeklong workshops. Bridget Austin, TWSA will kick off the season with a watercolor workshop Nov. 14-18, then Rose Edin TWSA NWS will teach Jan. 16-20 and finally Carol Frye ISEA on Feb. 13-17. Each artist will do a demo on the Sunday prior to his or her workshop. The art association brings these artists of national note to the beach to teach at very reasonable costs. Check out the website to see what will interest you or call Karen Borden at 463-0343.
Local artists also teach short workshops at the gallery each year and this is no exception. Kathryn A. McMahon, WAOW AIS PAAC ASMA IPAP, will hold a class in “Learning the techniques of Oil and Acrylic Painting” on Nov. 3 & 4. This will be followed by Pauline Healey teaching “Batik watercolor” on Dec. 2 and Sue Pink on Feb. 2 & 3 teaching “Collage”. All these classes will cost only $50 per day for expert instruction. Neil Walling will again teach his “Plein air painting” for three mornings on February 23,24 & 25 for only $20 each. We are very fortunate to have such highly qualified instructors here on the beach.
The art season at Fort Myers Beach Art Association will kick off with the Potluck on Oct. 27. Artists interested in the association are always welcome as guests. Watch for more information to follow.
The gallery on Donora and Shell Mound is open during the hours of 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays until mid October when winter hours begin. For more information please call the gallery at 463.3909 or visit our website at www.fortmyersbeachart.com.