Pitch in to help save the Art League

Now that the word is out that Project Rescue is underway, saving the Art League is now a mission, and if there can be a great side to such a devastating situation, it is that everyone can take part in saving this “jewel.”

There are so many opportunities that will be coming across to make it easy to take part in this great rescue plan, and the first two programs just announced go hand-in-hand: Island Wide 50/50 Raffle and 1st Tuesday Art @ Five Socials.

It is so encouraging to see so many of our local businesses getting behind the effort by hosting a 50/50 Project Rescue Jug in there place of business: stores, restaurants, salons and hotels; you get the picture, they are here to help. They are behind the success of this rescue mission and appreciate that this is going to take a community effort.

The great thing about the Island Wide 50/50 is it costs only $1. This provides an opportunity for the entire community to take part. Your dollar makes a difference and who knows, it might be the winning ticket. So to celebrate, each month, all tickets will be collected and returned to the Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts. This leads me to the second great program – 1st Tuesday Art @ Five Socials!

Each month, in addition to the drawing of the Island Wide 50/50 raffle, we will host a social that will, as November’s event is entitled, Expose Yourself… to the arts, that is! For a nominal fee, everyone is welcome to enjoy refreshments and meet our very own art celebrities. On Nov. 3, you will be able to meet up to 17 of our local celebrities who will be teaching here, beginning in January.

In a special exposition, the arts instructors will be on hand to make demonstrations, meet their fans and future students and just have fun, as they celebrate their community. The 50/50 drawing will take place there. I know you already heard the rules say, “need not be present to win,” but why miss the party?

As I have already been quoted, its time not only for us to, “continue to bring the arts to the community, but to bring the community to the arts,” and what better way than at a party?

Speaking of parties, thanks so much to all of you who are supporting The pARTy – A 40th Anniversary Celebration. Your response has been overwhelming, that I have become conflicted (sorry) and at the same time, happy, to say we are sold out on this event! I know that the Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts really appreciates your support and continued donations in lieu of reservations. There is still space available to be a sponsor of the Collaborative 40 installation, so just contact the Center you’re your inquiries.

In the meantime, keep an eye on the cultural calendar, as there is so much to do in our community to support the arts and there will be so many ways for you to take part in saving Marco’s Art League.

Visual Arts

Art League Marco Island’s Center For The Arts

1010 Winterberry Drive

394-4221

www.marcoislandart.com

Business Hours: 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday

”Outside” In Fine Art Exhibition: through Nov. 3. Sculptural exhibit featuring Florida Artists Peter Otifinski, Ellen Phaff and Clayton Swartz. Vibrant 3D exhibit of works that are suitable for indoors or out.

1st Tuesday Art at Five Social: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 3. Expose Yourself…to the Arts. Meet up to 17 of our very own artist celebrities as they provide a preview to the classes they will be teaching at the Center for the Arts beginning in January. $5/members; $10/guests, includes refreshments. Demos include Kim Adamson on her Harp.

Collaborative 40 Art Installation Project: through Nov. 7. 40 individual artists have each painted 40 12”x12” canvas panels that will ultimately come together to create one unified work. Sponsor a panel for $100 in an effort to purchase all panels as a permanent installation at the Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts. Info: 394-4221 or marcoislandart.com.

”Charles M. Wetzel Retrospective” Exhibit: Nov. 10 to 24. Exhibit of original works by the Art League’s first president. Features a major collection of paintings that represent the Seminole Indians and lifestyle during the 1960s to 1970s. The exhibit will be unveiled at the 40th Anniversary Celebration in which tickets and reservations are required.

Taste of Raku: 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 17. Although Raku is not to be eaten, it is a major part of the evening’s menu. The fun filled, creative, dining experience provides an original bisque fired clay piece, cooked up by Annabelle Johnson and Richard Rosen, that you get to glaze (this is the adding of color). While the pieces are fired in the Raku kiln, enjoy a fun meal and wine. Everyone gets a doggy bag as you take home your completed piece. $43 per person. Reservations required.

Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21. This intimate show features works by artist members of the Art League for one day only. Free and ample parking available. Suggested $2 admission charge. The event sponsored in part by Naples Media Group.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Adult Programs:

Open to students 16 years of age and up.

60 Minute Demos Program: Can’t decide what classes to take? Want to know more before you enroll? Join us for a 60 minute demo and meet the instructor. Admission, $5, advanced registration requested.

Oil Painting for the Beginner 3 p.m. Nov. 4, with Inez Hudson

Painting 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5, with Earl Peternell

Pet Portraiture in Pastels 1:30 p.m. Nov. 10, with Joan Scherer

Oil Painting for the Artistically Challenged 3 p.m. Nov. 10, with Phyllis Pransky

Watercolor on Canvas 1:30 p.m. Nov. 11, with Ricky Martin

Watercolor Painting Beach Treasures 3 p.m. Nov. 11, with Barbara Groenteman

Watercolor Painting for the Beginner 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11, with Judith Chinski

Fun with Pastels 6 p.m. Nov. 17, with Bill Moseley

Basket Weaving 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18, with Fran Foley

Painting 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18, with Diane Reed Eiler

Chinese Brush Painting 1:30 p.m. Nov. 19, with Edythe Newbourne

Harp Playing Made Easy 6 p.m. Nov. 19, with Kim Adamson

Pet Portraiture in Pastels 6 p.m. Nov. 24, with Joan Scherer

Clay on the Wheel 1:30 p.m. Nov. 25, with Sandy Howe

Stretch & Courage with Clay (wheel class): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Nov. 5, for 6 sessions. Instructor Barney Halaschak. $175 non-members; 131.25 members.

Try Pastels: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. One day workshop, Nov. 16. Introduction to the Pastel Medium. Instructor Karen Stone. All materials included. $75 non-members; 56.25 members.

Stone Sculpting for all levels: 9 a.m. to noon begins Nov. 16 for 5 weeks. Instructors Joe Cooper & Frank de la Roche. $195 non-members; 146.25 members.

Stone Sculpting for all levels: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. begins Nov. 16 for 5 weeks. Instructors Joe Cooper and Frank de la Roche. $195 non-members; 146.25 members.

Youth Programs:

Art Adventures: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 4, 11, 18, with Kim Burk. $40 per student, grades K to 5.

Creative Dramatics: 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19, with Irene Horowitz. $50 per student, grades 1 to 5.

Artist Colony at The Esplanade

Grand Opening Celebration Nov. 12. Call 775-6345 for more info. Visit the working artist studios now open. Wednesdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Amantea Gallery

190 Royal Palm Drive, 206-1940

amanteagallery.com

Visit Kathleen Douglas at her gallery located in The Shops of Olde Marco for an eclectic array of art and jewelry.

Blue Mangrove Gallery

Town Center, 1089 N. Collier Blvd.

Suite 437, 393-2405

bluemangrovegallery.com

Five Fabulous Femmes: Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 4, exhibit runs through Nov. 30. Phylis Pranskey, Tara O’Neill, Jo-Ann Sanborn, Inez Hudson and Betty Newman.

Energy Fair: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21. Call Nov. 1 to sign-up for 30 minute slotted spaces. Boost your inner emotional and physical health and well being. Chakra balancing with crystals, tarot card readings, angel drawings, ionic foot baths, tuning forks and more.

Marco Island Foundation For The Arts

Contact: Sandi Johnson

642-0015

Performing Arts

Marco Players Theatre

Town Center 1089 N. Collier Blvd.

642-7270

themarcoplayers.com

Evening Programs begin at 8 p.m.; Matinees Sundays at 3 p.m. Call the Box Office for tickets or Purchase online.

Jake’s Women by Neil Simon: Nov. 4 to 8; 11 to 15; 18 to 22.

Remember Me by Sam Bobrick: Jan. 13 to 17; 20 to 25; 27 to 31.

On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson: Feb. 24 to 28; March 3 to 7; 10 to 14.

The Fourth Wall by A.R. Gurney: April 7 to 11; 14 to 18, 21 to 25.

Cultural Events

Marco Island Historical Society

394-6917

themihs.org

Compiled by Christine Neal, executive director of Marco Island’s Center of the Arts. Marco Island’s Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive, 394-4221; mail@marcoislandart.com.

The Art League provides this column to keep you the readers informed about the organization. If your club or organization is interested in submitting a column or content, please contact Editor Bill Green at bgreen@marconews.com.