Source materials from your surroundings and design something uncommon, artful and innovative. Look around your home for items to generate your very own piece of art - anything goes! Then, show us what you create and we'll share it with our Creativity Crate community.

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.

Thursdays, October 8 - 29 • In a nutshell – Breathing Techniques sessions will help you to rejuvenate your body, strengthen not only lungs and respiratory system but all vital organs. Some exercises will equip you with tools to manage different emotional states. You will experience relaxation and improved sleeping patterns.

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!

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!

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.

Playing Oct. 8 - 18 • Live theatre returns – outdoors and with social distancing – at the Alliance! We’ve been hard at work to create an intimate, open-air venue where our neighbors can safely enjoy live entertainment. And what better backdrop for a performance than the gorgeous Florida sky?

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.

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.