Art League of Bonita Springs: Deadline nears for birdhouse competition

Friday, June 30, is the drop-off date for those of you building birdhouses for the "We're Going to the Birds" competition and auction. Completed birdhouses may be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Winners of the competition, which is co-sponsored by the Art League and AIA Florida Southwest, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, will be announced at a reception to be held from 6-8 p.m. July 7 Nearly $1,000 will be awarded in prize money and the birdhouses will then be auctioned to benefit Art League programming.

The public is encouraged to attend the reception, enjoy the current exhibit, Imaginary Spaces & Places: The Magic of Architecture, and participate in the birdhouse auction.

As with all Art League of Bonita Springs' exhibitions, there is no admission charged. The architectural exhibit consists of award-winning designs from a competition by Architectural Digest. The doll-house sized models include a whimsical House of Cards, a magical folding house by Catherine Clarisse of France and a one-bedroom castle from England. The exhibit will be on display through Aug. 18. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays noon to 5 p.m.

Aspiring actors ages 8-15+ can hone their talents during a two-week theater camp beginning July 10. "Not So Mellow Drama" will bring your child's imagination and creativity to life with singing, dancing and acting. Campers will present a mini-musical for family and friends at the end of the two-week camp.

Other camps coming up in the next two weeks include: July 6-7 (two-day camps because of holiday), Young at Art -Preschool (ages 4-5); Mo Art -Level 1 (kindergarten through second grade); Mo Art -Level 2 (grades 3-6); Chinese Brush Painting -Level 3 (ages 12-15+); and Bumpy Bead Bracelet -Level 3 (ages 12-15+). July 10-14, Young at Art -Preschool (ages 4-5); If You Build It-They Will Come -Level 1 (kindergarten through second grade); Amphibians, Reptiles, & Bugs -Level 1 (kindergarten through second grade ); Space, Place, & Time -Level 2 (grades 3-6); Go Tribal -Level 2 (grades 3-6); and Throw in Mud -Level 3 (ages 12-15+). For a complete listing of Summer Art Camps and all Art League events, call 495-8989 or visit online at www.artcenterbonita.org.

Art League staff and members have recently lost a very gifted artist and treasured employee, Leslie Comerford. Leslie was hit by a drunk driver over Memorial Day weekend and later died of her injuries. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The Leslie Comerford Scholarship Fund has been created by family and friends to further Leslie's love of art by providing funds for area students pursuing a career in the arts. Donations may be sent to the Art League of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Please make a notation that your donation is for the Leslie Comerford Scholarship Fund.