New group forms in Estero

The arts is important in Estero and it shows after the Estero Council of Community Leaders voted unanimously in June to create an independent entity named the Estero Arts Development Council, from its arts committee.

Frann Wagner, co-chair, hopes the new council will act as a collective voice for the arts, bringing in artists in the community and community members together.

The new group also wants to increase the interest of Estero residents in the arts, and assist artists in the community.

"We intend to respond to the needs of Estero's residents," co-chair Charles "Cas" Obie said in a press release. "Estero is still a new community and many artistic groups intend to call Estero home."

According to Obie, groups such as the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, which will play a series of three concerts in the new Estero Community Park starting July 2007, is just one aspect of an apparent need for an arts committee. He went on to point out that artistic groups like The Gulfshore Playhouse, who are planning to build a theater on the river in Estero, and developers contemplating The Art District at Rapallo with plans for a performing arts center prove that Estero "is buzzing with creative possibilities unique to this community."

The arts committee originally in place was responsible for the Arts in Estero day this past April. Hundreds of people showed up to the Hyatt to enjoy the art exhibits and performances.

Next year, according to Wagner, they are hoping to hold the Arts in Estero day at a time when the local schools can be more involved. This past April schools were out on vacation for the event, and did not participate.

"After that April program we mulled around the idea that perhaps a permanent community-based council might be viable. Now, here we are," Obie said.

Right now, Wagner and Obie are co-chairs for a steering committee that will help set the direction of the new council.

"None of us may end up on the board of directors," Wagner said.

Wagner, who has lived in Estero for 17 years, designs jewelry for crafts shows in the winter time. She was involved throughout high school and college in the drama club, and said she's always been involved in arts and crafts in one form or another, her entire life.

She got involved with the Estero Council of Community Leaders about five years ago, after her husband passed away, as a representative for her residential community, Corkscrew Woodlands.

"This is exactly what I wanted," Wagner said. "This should be a wonderful thing."

The six members of the committee have been meeting as often as they can to work toward creating the council. Once the council is created, they will focus the Estero Arts Development Council on artistic activities, maintaining mailing lists, registering artists in the area, publishing calendar of artistic events, and getting involved with festivals, concerts, and performances.

They also need members and interested parties who would like to vie for a spot on the council, including art, drama and music teachers; artists; singers; musicians; dancers; photographers; civic leaders; students; attorneys; members of the media; university faculty and anyone interested in arts-related activity in Estero.

The group is currently meeting at Obie's home, but is looking into a permanent location to have meetings at. For more information or to get involved with the newly formed Estero Arts Development Council contact co-chair Frann Wagner at f.wagner@att.net, or co-chair Charles "Cas" Obie at casobie@swfla.rr.com.