Saturday, September 12th is National Day of Encouragement. This day is dedicated to uplifting people around us and making a positive impact. To celebrate, submit a piece of advice, an inspirational quote or a reassuring sentiment.

Responses and answers are 100% anonymous, so you may be as honest as you wish to be.

Music moves people of all cultures, backgrounds and ages. Over the past several months, music has certainly kept us company while cooking dinner, staring into space, walking around our neighborhoods, cleaning, showering, gardening and crafting.

Share a song (or two or three) - of any genre, length or style - that you enjoy. We'll compile a list to generate our very own Creativity Crate soundtrack, powered by you.

September 18, September 28 and October 5 • These behind-the-scenes looks offer unique insight into each artists’ inspiration, process and the context behind the work. Be part of the conversation, express your thoughts and ideas or simply sit back and enjoy the discussion.

Friends and Family Virtual Trivia

Saturday, September 19 • Join us for a night of virtual trivia fun for the whole family with a “Friends” twist! Questions will be a mixed bag this time around with about half of the questions about the king of 90s sitcoms “Friends” and the rest will be trivia for the whole family! Play and answer in real time with our live host, the Alliance for the Arts’ very own Technical Director, brewmaster and trivia guru, Adam Trummel. Plus there are prizes up for grabs!

Thursday, October 8 • Come tap into creativity by letting your love light shine with abstract artist Maria Collier and your favorite beverage! Raise your vibration by creating one of her popular pieces In Rainbows, considered a happy energetic dance of colors on canvas. You won’t want to miss this art party! Pour a drink, grab a snack and settle in for an exciting night of sipping and swirling with your friends from the Alliance!

Saturday, October 24 • Head to the Big Apple and (virtually) experience the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art with your friends from the Alliance. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lets you spend intimate time with highlights from The Met’s permanent collection through a live, interactive and virtual tour. Let’s learn something new, get a look at how artists and art enthusiasts see the world and explore the museum together.

Deadline: November 6 • This new exhibition opportunity, in partnership with The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, asks artists to dive into water - an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally and historically. Prizes will be awarded including $1,000 cash for Best In Show, $250 for 2nd place, $100 cash for 3rd place and Juror's Choice Award of $50.

Thursday, October 10 • Make a mossy knoll with mushrooms, bugs and blooms with exhibiting artist LeBrie Rich! You’ll learn all about needle felting: what types of fibers work best, selecting appropriate felting needles, and how to sculpt complex shapes. At the end of this class you’ll be equipped with the skills to do all sorts of needle felting projects. Better yet - all supplies are included and will be provided!

Drop off: October 26 • We invite our current members to submit one work following the theme of gratitude. This exhibition is aimed at highlighting the little and big things that bring us joy and strength while reflecting on what we are thankful for.

The Alliance needs your help. Expense reductions and conservative budgeting only get us so far in making sure the Alliance remains a beacon of hope and connection for all in our community. If you're able to do so, please consider making a gift, of any amount, to support the future of the arts in southwest Florida.

the @Alliance for the Arts and use the hashtag #CreativityCrate or encourage your friends to join by opting in to our emails at ArtInLee.org/CreativityCrate.