Artful Side

Discover the vibrant arts culture of Southwest Florida, from breathtaking galleries showcasing local talent to captivating performances. This artful community is pulsing with creativity, creating a space for education and imagination for people of all ages. Explore the dynamic arts scene that fosters collaboration and innovation. Whether you’re an artist or an admirer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Alliance for the Arts

Since the 1970s, the Alliance for the Arts has been a staple in the Fort Myers area, connecting the community through art and theater and opening a creative space for expression, imagination and beauty. Alliance’s mission is to transform lives and improve the community through the arts, inspiring artists of all ages. For winter, spring and summer break, Alliance runs art camps featuring all mediums and projects for young artists to enjoy.

“Marian, Or the True Tale of Robin Hood” offers a fresh and gender-bending twist on the classic Robin Hood story, showing from Dec. 6-8, between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The Outdoor Bluegrass Concert Series welcomes the Flatlanders, one of North Florida’s premier bluegrass and gospel bands, known for their tight harmonies and robust traditional sound, on Jan. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. The Youth Theatre will captivate audiences with Disney PIXAR’s “Finding Nemo KIDS” on Feb. 1-2 at 7:30 p.m., a 30-minute musical adaptation that promises enchantment for all ages. The ACMA Concert Series will be presenting The Honey Badgers and Fred Ball, bringing a sincere Americana sound to the stage on March 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. And not to be missed, “6 Guitars” by Chase Padgett on April 25 at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. is a two-act, one-man show blending music and comedy, where Chase Padgett masterfully embodies six distinct guitar-playing characters, each representing their own music genre.

10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 | artinlee.org

Artis—Naples

Artis—Naples, one of the premier destinations for visual and performing arts, aims to inspire, educate and entertain. In addition to the theatre, the Naples Philharmonic, a chamber orchestra and the Baker Museum, which showcases modern and contemporary art, are part of Artis—Naples. A vast array of programs are offered at Artis, including music, film, dance, comedy and exhibitions featuring talented artists.

The holiday season begins with “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 1, presented by the Naples Ballet and the Naples Philharmonic, featuring Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music in performances at 2 and 7 p.m. Art lovers will appreciate Becky Suss’ “The Dutch House” exhibition, inspired by Ann Patchett’s novel, which explores memory and perception through art until Jan. 5. The beloved musical “Mama Mia!” takes the stage from Feb. 4 to 9, promising a heartwarming tale of love, family and friendship. On March 9, the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra, led by Brandon Robertson, will delight jazz enthusiasts with a selection of timeless tunes. Finally, “Revolution: The Music of the Beatles,” from April 15 to 19, offers a unique rendition of the legendary band’s hits, performed by the Naples Philharmonic Pops and six top vocalists and musicians.

5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples 239-597-1111 | artisnaples.org

Arts Bonita

Arts Bonita offers programs to serve the educational and cultural needs of the community, focusing on visual and performing arts. Its mission is to create a space for artistic expression, education and appreciation for the arts. Arts Bonita offers both youth and adult classes for ceramics, dance, painting and drawing, glass, pottery and much more.

Upcoming events include the “Winter Serenade: Magic Holiday Memories” on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Hinman Auditorium, featuring a blend of classic beauty, jazzy sophistication and heartwarming American hits. Celebrating Broadway with Mark Sanders will take place on Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Moe Auditorium, where the music of Broadway comes alive. Love Letters, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, tells the story of lifelong correspondence between two childhood friends and will be performed on Feb. 14 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in Moe Auditorium. Gulfshore Opera presents Rusalka, Dvořák’s enchanting take on the Little Mermaid fairy tale, on March 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. Finally, Marlow Rosado: Encore Fiesta Latin Season Highlights on April 26 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. will encapsulate the essence of each previous performance in one unforgettable night of Latin music extravaganza.

Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road 
Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Road 239-495-8989 | artcenterbonita.org

BIG ARTS

BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island was created by and for the community and will endure forever as a warm and welcoming cultural center that celebrates the artist in all of us. Its principle remains to experience and celebrate the artist in everyone and to remind people of our shared humanity. BIG ARTS offers workshops and programs for artists of all ages.

From now through Dec. 15, the Dunham Family Gallery will feature “Ghost Horizons: Poetry and Printmaking,” a collaborative exhibition between poet Chanda Jamieson and visual artist Andy Owen, exploring themes related to the waters of Southwest Florida. Concurrently, Sanibel artist Lacy McClary will present a mural and 3D installation in The West Gallery, inviting viewers to find beauty amidst brokenness, through Jan. 31. The new year brings the Young Concert Artists on Tour on Jan. 21, showcasing classical music’s rising stars in a dynamic chamber ensemble performance. On Feb. 13, the Jupiter and Jasper Quartets will grace the stage with their award-winning artistry in a program of classic and contemporary octets. Finally, the Gulf Coast Symphony will perform on March 7, offering a rich blend of dynamic performances and unique collaborations.

900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 239-395-0900 | bigarts.org

Marco Island Center for the Arts

Founded in 1970, Marco Island Center for the Arts has brought art and culture to Marco for over 50 years, including art exhibitions, music, theater, comedy, film, adult art education, free children’s workshops, artist and author talks and events. The center and theater aim to inspire artistic expression, advance education and appreciation of the arts.

A call to artists will be running from Dec. 3-5 from 10 a.m. to noon for the Festival of Trees. Additionally, Musical Interludes will feature The Undercovers on Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m., offering an evening where Luke McMaster, Kevin Pauls and Joel Parisien reimagine timeless songs that have become the soundtrack of our lives. The exhibition “Transparency” will be running from Jan. 13 to Feb. 25, showcasing the work of Carol Wareing, Nan LaRosa, Conrad Williams, Giampaolo Curreri and Judi Heller. Neil Simon’s classic comedy, “The Odd Couple,” directed by Paula Keenan, will be exploring complicated friendships and reconciling differences from Feb. 5-23. Finally, “Four Old Broads” by Leslie Kimball, directed by Christi Lueck-Sadiq, adds a mix of mystery, suspense, and cruise ships to the lineup from April 2-13.

1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island 239-394-4221 | marcoislandart.org

Naples Art Institute

Naples Art Institute fosters creativity, curiosity and dialogue through contemporary art exhibitions, classes, workshops and art fairs. The institute aims to unite the community by championing inclusivity, promoting learning and enriching lives with art’s transformative power. To honor the 25- year anniversary, the institution’s exhibition features works by contemporary artists like James Rosenquist, Elsie Dorey Upham, self-taught artists and former students.

“An Adventure In The Arts: The Guild Hall Collection” will be on display from now through Jan. 2, showcasing highlights from Guild Hall’s extensive permanent collection, one of the nation’s first multidisciplinary cultural centers. The 29th Annual New Year’s Art Fair, occurring on Jan. 4-5 in Cambier Park, will exhibit the works of over 250 professional artists from 30 states and abroad, across a wide variety of unique mediums. Following that, the 46th Annual National Art Fair, a competitive juried event, will take place from Feb. 21-23 in Cambier Park, featuring a fine arts and crafts show in 17 different categories. The 37th Annual Downtown Art Fair is scheduled for March 22-23 in Cambier Park, where attendees can explore the creations of over 200 exhibitors and vendors. Additionally, Art In The Park will run from now through April, offering a series of juried art fairs known for their high-quality art, engaging artists and festive atmosphere.

585 Park St., Naples 239-262-6517 | naplesart.org

Visual Art Center

Built from the ground up by the community, the Visual Art Center offers open studios, on-site classes and three main exhibits featuring local art in downtown Punta Gorda. Artistic expression spans from drawing, painting, portraits, jewelry, glass, pottery, photography and sculpture. The center features a 12,000-square-foot facility with three galleries, six classrooms, a pottery studio, a glass studio, an art supply store and a gift gallery showcasing members’ artwork.

Get ready to unleash your creativity at the Canvas & Cabernet Create & Sip Art Social on Dec. 4, where a fun evening awaits with wine and painting essentials provided. Tune into the “Partnership for the Arts Radio Talk Show” on Jan. 22 to hear Victor Gartner discuss global art. Don’t miss “Dreamings – The Art of Aboriginal Australia” from Feb. 7 to April 4, showcasing an exquisite collection of Aboriginal art by Mary and Robert Harbour. Lastly, join the Fiber Arts Studio session on April 25 to work alongside fellow art enthusiasts on your project of choice.

210 Maud St., Punta Gorda 941-639-8810 | visualartcenter.org