WGCU

Join host Jim McLaughlin for a look at local kids’ theater opportunities. Whether they’re aspiring stars, or just looking for another way to explore their own imaginations, the theater is a great place kids to release their abundant energy, as well as learn how to commit to something bigger than themselves, and work others.

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Ordinary people with a love of art and history are sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm by volunteering as docents at local museums. Find out how they do it – and how you can get involved.

Resources:

Naples Historical Society & Palm Cottage: www.napleshistoricalsociety.org
Philharmonic Center for the Arts & Naples Museum of Art: www.thephil.org
Southwest Florida Historical Museum: www.cityftmyers.com/museum/index.html
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers: www.fl-arts.org
Collier County Museums: www.colliermuseum.com

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

In Naples, monthly art nights and gallery walks are offering the opportunity to socialize, enjoy new works by local and international artists and meet their creators, in a manner reminiscent of a progressive dinner. Find out how to get involved in this enjoyable scene.

Resources:

Phil Fisher Gallery, Naples: www.philfishergallery.com
Dennison-Moran Gallery, Naples: www.dennisonmorangallery.com
Richard Rosen, Rosen Art Studios, Naples: www.rosenraku.com
Sweet Art Gallery, Naples: www.thesweetartgallery.com
Longstreth-Goldberg Art, Naples: www.plgart.com
Naples Art Association: www.naplesartcenter.org
Art League of Marco Island: www.marcoislandart.org
Seagrape Gallery, Charlotte County: www.seagrapegallery.com
Seaweed Gallery, Sanibel and Pine Island: www.seaweedgallery.com
Art League of Bonita Springs: www.artcenterbonita.org
Lee County Alliance for the Arts: www.artinlee.org

Writer/Producer: Shawn Holiday
 
Acting is like playing the cymbals.

It’s not the mistake that matters, it’s how you react to it.

Everyone loves applause.

These are just a few of the axioms that apply to children’s theater. It’s a privilege to see talented youngsters find their own voice in a world crowded with noise and dazzle. Check out how the oldest form of communication lives on in pockets of Southwest Florida, places where the imagination thrives and tales awaken the child within all of us.

Resources:

Naples Players
701 5th Ave S
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 263-7990
Rhona Saunders, PR  ext. 37
rsaunders@naplesplayers.org

Shawn Holiday
1717 Sunset Place
Fort Myers, FL 33901
239/332-7992
shaholiday@aol.com

Michelle Hamstra
www.creativetheaterworkshop.com

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Want to take an art course but not interested in painting or drawing? The art leagues and associations in Southwest Florida are increasingly expanding their classes to include instruction in lesser known arts that fulfill a different artistic vision. Today, it’s as easy to find a workshop or course in stone sculpting or bead making as it is to explore traditional arts. Learn about the opportunities at the Art Center of Bonita Springs and get inspired!

Resources:

Art League of Bonita Springs

Art League of Marco Island

Lee County Alliance for the Arts

Naples Art Association

Seagrape Gallery, Charlotte County

Forum Topics:

• What art classes have you taken or wanted to take?
• Why do you think art classes are so popular in Southwest Florida?
• If you were the director of an art center, what would be the most important things for the center to offer?

Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

A warm and sunny day provides the incentive for many regional artists to take their easel and canvas outdoors and paint in a style known as “Plein Air,” which is French for painting “in the open air.”  Learn how anyone can get started in capturing Southwest Florida’s landscapes by taking a few classes, as well as observing professional artists while they work alfresco. 

Resources:

Learn about Plein Air painting events across Florida.

Official site for Plein Air artist, William North.

Learn how to paint in the Plein Air at any of the following art clubs: 

Cape Coral Art League

Big Arts, Sanibel Island

Fort Myers Beach Art Association, Fort Myers Beach

Naples Art Association

Forum Topics:

• Where have you found picturesque scenes that would make a great painting?
• Why do you think it’s important for Southwest Florida landscapes to be preserved through paintings?
• Have you ever painted outdoors?  What advice can you give a beginner?
• Where are the best places to buy painting supplies?
  

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Check out various venues where Southwest Florida artists pool together to retail their works of art. From the Seagrape Gallery in Punta Gorda to the Seaweed Gallery on Sanibel, artists find the right place to co-create and share in their creative wealth.

Resources:

Richard Rosen

Seagrape Gallery

Seaweed Gallery

Tower Gallery

United Arts Council of Collier County

Art League of Bonita Springs

Art League of Marco Island 

Lee County Alliance for the Arts 

Naples Art Association 

Forum Topics:

• Where’s your favorite place to view art: a museum, a gallery, an indoor or outdoor exhibition, the artist’s studio or your home?
• Does the term “local artist” have any strong connotations for you?
• Do we need more art in our lives?

Join host Jim McLaughlin for a discussion about local efforts to get community members engage the local arts community. We’ll take a closer look at the Naples Players adult education program, and talk to an instructor and student. And we’ll hear from the Gulf Coast Writers Association about this local resource for aspiring authors, playwrights and poets.

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Find out how you can expand your horizons on the dance floor through various classes in the region. From ballroom dancing, to musical theater dance to more exotic movement through classes in belly dancing, Southwest Florida offers many options to explore.

Resources:

Collier County Adult Education

Lee County Adult Education

Naples Players

Sherry Coffey Belly Dance

Ansuya Rather Belly Dance

Forum Topics:

• What value do you find in taking a group class?
• Do you know of other dance classes offered in the region?

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

See how you can get involved with a community theater group through a visit to the Sugden Theater where the Naples Players reside. From behind-the-scenes to center stage, community members share in the fun and rewarding process of bringing theater to life.

Resources:

The Naples Players

Marco Players

Pelican Players (Naples)

Cultural Park Theater (Cape Coral)

Stage 88 (Bonita)

Lemon Bay Playhouse (Englewood)

Forum Topics:

• What are your community theater experiences?
• Is it better to be on stage or behind the scenes?
• From an audience perspective, is there any difference between community and professional theater?

Writer/Producer: Libby Boren McMillan

Learn how joining a writers' group can help inspire and motivate you to achieve your dreams of putting pen to paper. Members of the Gulf Coast Writers' Association, the Peace River Center for Writers and the Sanibel Island Writers' Group provide insight on the value of improving their craft by sharing works with fellow scribes.

Resources:

Gulf Coast Writers' Association

Peace River Center for Writers

Sanibel Island Writers' Group: Call Lorraine Vail, 395-3479 or Joe Pacheco, 472-1280.

Gulf Coast Authors

Forum Topics:

• How has being a member helped out your craft?
• Are there other writers' groups in the region?