Fall art classes abound
Both the Cape Coral Arts Studio and the Cape Coral Art League are staring fall classes next week, with a variety of offerings to fit any artists’ tastes.
Cape Coral Arts Studio
The Cape Coral Arts Studio kicks off fall classes on Monday,
The Studio is part of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation, and is at 4533 Coronado Parkway.
“The classes are very popular,” said Supervisor Cher Bell. “We’ve worked very hard to maintain our labs and equipment, for safety and for the artists so everything is working when they go to use it.”
She has been working with the department for 28 years, and has spent many years with the Studio. She encourages preregistration for all classes.
“It is better to pre-register, because if we do not have enough students, that particular class may not go on.”
Glass Beadmaking and Glass Fusing for different skill levels both start Monday, as do classes in jewelry and painting and Youth and Teen Cartooning and Mixed Media. Other classes in those areas, and classes in photography and clay start on other dates throughout the week.
“We encourage online registration, or for you to go in or call the Arts Studio,” Bell said, adding they accept all major credit cards.
“Most of our classes are for adults, but we have some for teens and youth. We offer classes all year round.”
They will also will offer “mini classes” starting in November. They are shorter and less expensive, a good way to get your feet wet, she said.
“We also have a fine art supply store, which a lot of people don’t know about, and we offer our students a 10 percent discount,” Bell said.
It is also open to the public.
“We also have a lovely little gift shop where everything is made by students and instructors.”
Most of the instructors have taught there for several years, some for many years.
“Our students range from beginners to professional artists,” she said.
There also is a gallery.
“Our gallery usually highlights local artists and changes every month,” Bell said.
For information or to register online, go to Capeparks.com or call 574-0802.
Cape Coral Art League classes
Last year, the Cape Coral Art League celebrated its 45th anniversary. The Cape Coral Art League is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the advancement of art throughout Southwest Florida. Located at 516 Cultural Park Boulevard, the League offers year-round classes for adults, youth and children, has seven major art exhibits annually, offers workshops with world-renowned artists and a scholarship program for high school seniors.
“We just put out our new schedule for fall classes on our web site,” said classes chairperson Pat Gilbert.
They kick off their classes next week on Wednesday, Sept. 26, with an All Mediums Class, with other classes starting the following week.
“We have our first general meeting the first Monday of the month (Oct. 1); all of our members or perspective members come,” Gilbert said.
A social time before the meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. “Guest artist Pat Johnson is one of our instructors and will be demonstrating her medium and her class that will be starting the next week – Oct. 8 – so it is perfect timing.” Gilbert said.
Classes are generally offered in four-week sessions.
“We also have what’s called Open Painting, Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come share whatever projects you are working on. There is no instructor, but just a great way to spend the afternoon,” she said.
You can register in person or over the phone, not online. But you can print the form off the web site.
“Also, every month we have an art show and wine and cheese reception. It is the first Thursday of the month. Our first show is called Color Our World and will be Thursday, Oct. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.,” Gilbert said.
It is open to the public at no charge.
“We have a little music, wine and cheese and nibbles, a nice way to meet the artists and see their artwork. It’s a different show every month,” she said.
This will be Gilbert’s fourth year at the Art League.
“I just love it, it’s a good way to make lifelong friends, I’ve been very fortunate with that.”
For information, call 772-5657 or email to CCAL@capecoralartleague.org.