Art news: Randy Wayne White coming to Naples, Marco

Doc Ford creator here

Florida novelist Randy Wayne White is coming to Marco Island and Naples to promote "Gone," the first in a new series with a female protagonist.

After nearly 20 bestselling Doc Ford novels, White will introduce readers to Hannah Smith, the descendant of generations of resourceful Florida women and a former fishing guide who inherits an investigation agency. Smith finds herself on the trail of a missing heiress that takes her from the enclaves of the rich on Captiva Island to the mangrove swamps of the Ten Thousand Islands and deep into the recesses of hidden Florida. "Gone" goes on sale Sept. 4.

White will sign books on these dates:

■ 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, Sunshine Booksellers, 677 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island

■ 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, Barnes & Noble, 13751 U.S. 41, Fort Myers

■ 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7, Costco, 6275 Naples Blvd., Naples

■ Noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, Doc Ford's Fort Myers Rum Bar & Grille, 708 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach

'Plaza Suite' auditions

Marco Players has set auditions for its production of the Neil Simon comedy "Plaza Suite" for 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 10 and 11.

Auditions will be at the Marco Players Theater, 1055 N. Collier Blvd.,Marco Island. The Players are seeking four women and 6 men of various ages for the show, a series of vignettes about what happens in the lives of different couples in a single suite at the Plaza Hotel.

Performances are set for Nov. 7 through Nov. 25.

Information: 239- 642-7270

Painting workshop

Ann Lippold, a certified Ross instructor, will offer a one-day workshop at the Art League of Fort Myers to benefit the league. The $60 cost includes all supplies and canvas. Lippold is a specialist in landscapes, florals and wildlife. The workshop is at the league, 1451 Monroe St., Fort Myers.

Information and reservations: 239-275-3970