WGCU

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Listening to their renditions of choral music by Bach and other Baroque composers, you’d never guess that the members of The Bach Ensemble were all volunteers. Find out how this group of talented amateurs creates such beautiful music.

Resources:
The Bach Ensemble: www.thebachensemble.org or (239) 732-1055
The Philharmonic Center Adult & Youth Chorales: www.thephil.org or (239) 592-5398
New Horizons Band: Eric Ernst, ericekk@comcast.net or (239) 417-5499 or Bernie Ernst, oldernst@aol.com or (239) 293-7629
Naples Concert Band: www.naplesconcertband.org
Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus: www.naplesbarbershopchorus.org

Writer/Producer: Shawn Holiday

There is a kind music that comes from the heart, where the best stage is a porch or the shade of a tree. (NAT) Bluegrass music has been kept alive for generations, bringing family and friends together, sometimes just to listen, but more often to join right in. Check out Southwest Florida's Bluegrass scene.

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Learning to play an instrument isn’t easy at any age. But a determined group of retirees is pursuing the music of their youthful dreams through membership in the New Horizons Band at Imperial Wilderness.

Resources:

New Horizons Band: www.newhorizonsmusic.org or (239) 293-7629
Naples Concert Band: www.naplesconcertband.org
Philharmonic Center Chorale: www.thephil.org or (239) 254-2642 or (239) 592-5398

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

The Naples Artcrafters may be one of the most welcoming art organizations in town. Its members include painters, potters, jewelers – just about every artistic or craft discipline imaginable. Even those without an art or craft are welcome to join the ranks and help put on the group’s monthly outdoor shows.

Resources:
Naples Artcrafters: www.naplesartcrafters.com
Naples Art Association: www.naplesartcenter.org
Art League of Marco Island: www.marcoislandart.org
Seagrape Gallery, Charlotte County: www.seagrapegallery.com
Art League of Bonita Springs: www.artcenterbonita.org
Lee County Alliance for the Arts: www.artinlee.org

Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

Looking for an idea on your next art project?  Step outside.  A backyard, a beach, or a walk along a nature path can be the muse behind your next master piece.  Meet three regional artists who find a creative outlet through found objects in nature. Get inspired by these artists’ use of driftwood, tree trimmings, and gourds to create sculptural art.  Watch as metal is added to driftwood to make household décor, a palm tree limb transforms into a fish, and a gourd gets painted and engraved into a vase. 

Resources:

http://www.juliasarts.com/gallery.htm
Julia’s Arts Gallery:  A Gallery with an Eclectic Selection of Local Artists' Works

http://steelstyle.com/
Artist, James Ferrari’s official site

http://www.artworkbymary.com/ 
Artist, Mary Widmer’s official site

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Landscape photographer Clyde Butcher is well known for his compelling black and white photos of the Everglades and other natural areas. Now he’s taking others into the environment that inspires him in hopes of prompting an artful appreciation of nature.

Resources:
Dragonfly Expeditions: www.dragonflyexpeditions.com
Florida Trail Association: www.floridatrail.org
Friends of the Big Cypress: www.friendsofbigcypress.org
Friends of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve: www.friendsoffakahatchee.org
Friends of the Everglades: www.everglades.org
Eco-Quest Nature Tours: ww.ecoquestnaturetours.com

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?