Arts & Culture

The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida Southwestern State College is mounting an interactive exhibition that celebrates two artists who defined the underground art scene in New York City in the late 1970s and early ’80s. It's called “Klaus Nomi & Kenny Scharf: Time SPLAT!” and will be on view in the annex Aug. 20 to Dec. 5.

During the month of August, three exhibitions close and 25 others continue their runs at Southwest Florida art museums.

This week, three shows open, four shows close, two continue their runs and there are two limited engagements at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.

The final performance of the inaugural Sanibel Summer Jazz Concert series, July 31, features vocalist Dana Paul, bassist David Pastorius, pianist Stu Shelton, and percussionist Tony Vigilante. The concert series is presented by the Sanibel Jazz Society, LLC, founded by Amy Sbarra to promote the art of jazz and support student musicians.

Rookery Bay does more than manage coastal lands and promote a public sense of ownership of Southwest Florida’s natural resources. It also hosts art exhibitions, such as “Through the Light of the Estuary.”

The Florida governor’s war on street art hits Fort Lauderdale, where an artist says her rights were violated.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts an exhibition, this month, of works by fashion designed and self-described “debate artist” James Massacci. Titled “The Emotions of Everyday Life,” works in the show are predicated on simple images with powerful messages aimed at challenging viewers to engage with uncomfortable truths, and to, perhaps, reconsider ideological assumptions. We’ll talk with the artist about the show and about his unique approach to creating art.

Theatre Conspiracy is mounting a production of playwright Mark St. Germain’s romantic comedy “Dancing Lessons.” The two-actor play takes audiences on a deep exploration of vulnerability and risk as the characters’ relationship develops and as they help each other step outside their respective comfort zones. We will talk with one of the stars of the production, actor Steven Coe.

Southwest Florida-based singer/songwriter Melinda “Blou Note” Daniel performs live in the WGCU studio.

Players Circle Theater’s summer performance season continues with a production of the Tony-nominated one-man comedy, “Say Goodnight Gracie,” about the marriage and professional partnership of George Burns and Gracie Allen, whose groundbreaking comedy act evolved across vaudeville, radio, film, and television. We will talk with actor Pasquale LaCorte, who stars in the show, and Players Circle Theater Associate Artistic Director Ted Wioncek III.