WGCU

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Bringing theater into the classroom as a way to learn about recycling? That’s just one of several unexpected treats wrapped up in the Art Smart outreach education program offered by Gulfshore Playhouse.

Producer: Janina Birtolo

Pictures can inspire rhapsodies of words. Words can spark captivating paintings and sculptures.That’s the simple yet intriguing premise behind ArtPoems, a group of poets and visual artists who use one another’s works as springboards to creativity. Founded in the fall of 2006 by Sanibel poets Lorraine Vail and Joe Pacheco, ArtPoems seeks to explore and illustrate the art of creation.

Writer/Producer: Donna Roberts

It was inspired by “Autism: the Musical”…a film about the California-based Miracle Project, where the mother of a boy with autism witnessed her otherwise withdrawn son thriving when her actor friends came to visit.  She went on to create a musical written and performed by young people with autism. Fort Myers’ Florida Repertory Theatre heard about the project from a local mother of a boy diagnosed with autism. She approached the theatre to see if something similar could be done closer to home.

Producer: Rod Clarke

 Picture the tortured word artist: alone and isolated in his lonely garrett, carefully insulated from his readers and an obtrusive world. Meticulously pecking away at his masterpiece. Then when it's published, legions of loyal fans patiently cue up in a hushed book store while the writer dutifully autographs his best seller. Sorry, that's not Bob Macomber's style.

 Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo 

“Hi, my name is Judith, and I love peanut butter and jelly!”

“Hi, my name is Steve, and do you know what the secret to comedy is?”

“Anyway, so I –“

“Timing!”

Writer/Producer: Janina Birtolo

Opera is an elegant art form but one that requires some familiarity. Opera Naples, the first regional professional opera company in Southwest Florida, is determined to provide that familiarity – and to win new fans in the process. Find how this fledgling group is spreading the joy of opera throughout the community.

Resources:

Opera Naples: www.OperaNaples.com or 1-800-771-1041
Naples Opera Society: www.naplesoperasociety.org or 239-598-6110
The Philharmonic Center for the Arts: www.thephil.org or (239) 597-1900
Palm Beach Opera: www.pbopera.org or (561) 833-7888
Orlando Opera: www.orlandoopera.org or (407) 426-1700
Florida Grand Opera, Miami: www.fgo.org or (305) 250-5277
Miami Lyric Opera: www.miamilyricopera.org

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.

http://www.southwestfloridabluegrass.org/

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