Charlotte Arts and Members Events
— Feb. 28 to March 13, 2020 —
The Charlotte Arts website lists all arts and humanities events in its cultural calendar . Learn about Charlotte Arts news , member news and opportunities for artists .
Each event title below is linked to the website where you can learn more about that event.
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
The next email will be released Friday, March 13. By Noon on Wednesday, March 11, please follow "Submit Events, News and Opportunities" link above to provide information for both this e-newsletter (member events only) and the online cultural calendar (all arts and humanities events), member news, and opportunities for artists.
Ongoing Events and Performances
Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
| Sunday Noon to 6 p.m.
Port Charlotte Town Center Mall
| 1441 Tamiami Trail between J.C. Penney and Dillards
Artists whose work will be on display from Feb. 13 to Mar. 22 are Betty Beasley, Karen Bell, Shelley Bell, Robert Broyles, Christine Brunette, Donna Dinneen, Carolyn Dlouhy Walega, Adrienne Lasky, Lionel Lewis, Larry Palmer, Laura Pommier, Rita Schwab, Samantha Stone, Betty Teramo, and Gloria Urban.

Art by Samantha Stone.
Free art exhibits by local visual artists at locations throughout the county. Art changes as often as six times a year. See a sample of their work and learn about the locations .

Art by Lee Jones.

March and April 2020
Receptions will be added to the website as details are confirmed.
  • Karen Bell at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Robert Broyle at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda) Reception: Tuesday, March 17
  • Larry Palmer and Jill Lindsay at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Chris Brunette at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Lee Jones at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Shelley Bell at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • Larry Palmer, Tina Weida and Mary Lundeberg at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Sharon Stchur at Port Charlotte Library (2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte)
  • Betty Kern and Rosana Halprine at Punta Gorda Library (401 Shreve Street)

Abstract Paintings by Charlotte Arts member Rita Schwab
Monday through Friday, Feb. 1 to 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mason Financial Group | 447 West Dearborn St., Englewood

Floral Paintings by Charlotte Arts member Rita Schwab
Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Orchid Envy | 339 West Venice Ave., Venice
Art is on display through the season.
Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Third Thursday open to 8 p.m. for Wine Walk
113 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda
Feb. 6 to March 5: Beverly Yankwitt, mixed media artist, and Marlene Jones, horsehair pottery artist
March 5 to April 2: James Beech, watercolor and acrylic artist, and Nancy Giffin, Nantucket basket and Shaker box artist
February Guest Artists: Joy Dibble, acrylic and watercolor artist, and Karen Cohen, enamel, beads and metal artist
March Guest Artists: Eileen Amster, oil and acrylic artist, and Kathryn Erickson, pine needle artist
Woven Chalise by Nancy Giffin.
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 1, 8, and 15
Third Thursday open to 8 p.m. for Wine Walk

One Step Forward by Cheryl Fausel. Merit award.

Feb. 7 to March 25: The Biennial National Art Exhibition
This is one of the nation’s most prestigious juried exhibitions of two-dimensional media. Learn who was selected as exhibition winners.

Guided docent tours will be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 29, March 3 and March 13.

Evening of Poetry and Art | Wednesday, March 4, 7 to 9 p.m.
This free event will feature readings of selected poems inspired by the National Art Exhibition. By Feb. 26, all are welcome to submit a poem inspired by the art on display. ( Learn more on how to submit your poems.) Ten poems will be selected by a committee. Each poem will be read by the poet on March 4. Wine and light appetizers.

Visual Arts Center Off-Site Exhibits
  • The Wyvern Hotel (101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
Reception featuring art by Lori Potts: Monday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.
  • Nix & Associates Real Estate (2421 Shreve St, Unit 111, Punta Gorda)


Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port
Wednesday to Sunday, March 4 to 29
Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.
Lemon Bay Playhouse | ​96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world-famous Tito Morelli, known as Il Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as Otello. The star arrives late and, through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out. His pulse is so low that Saunders and his assistant, Max, believe he’s dead. In a frantic attempt to salvage the evening, Saunders persuades Max to get into Morelli’s Otello costume and fool the audience into thinking he’s Il Stupendo. Max succeeds admirably, but Morelli comes to and gets into his other costume, ready to perform. Now two Otellos are running around in costume and two women are running around in lingerie, each thinking she is with Il Stupendo. A sensation on Broadway and in London’s West End, this madcap, screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter. Cost: $23, $14 students.
Wednesday to Sunday, March 12 to March 29, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. except 2 p.m. on Sunday
This Neil Simon classic delightfully recalls the last time the Hines family gathered in the summer of 1953 in the Poconos. Burt Hines is convalescing from a second heart attack, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the ex-wife he still loves. Daughter Josie has just broken her engagement. Clemma, the black housekeeper at the center of the action casts an astute eye on the complications while facing her own unresolved past. Cost $22, $11 students.

See one-time events below for more events by
Charlotte Players and Lemon Bay Playhouse
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) has several concerts and cabarets open to the public. There is no assigned seating.
For cabaret-style events, bring your own snacks, beverages. Tables seat up to 8 people
Tranquility by Lori Potts.
See March 2 for details on a reception featuring Lori's art.

There are many receptions listed below where you can meet artists whose work is on display.
One-Time Events
in chronological order. Events at Fishermen's Village are weather permitting.

Friday, Feb. 28, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Performs country and rock of music by artists such as John Mellencamp, Jimmy Buffett, Jim Croce and Bruce Springsteen.

Florida Frontier Days
Punta Gorda History Park | 501 Shreve St.
Friday, Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 29, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Presented by the Charlotte County Historical Center Society and the Shively Charitable Foundation. Proceeds benefit promotion and preservation of Charlotte County’s rich history. Cost: $3, $2 children under 12. For information, call 941-613-3228.

210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Saturday, Feb. 29, 1 p.m.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, February 29, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Sunday, March 1, 1 to 4 p.m.
Port Charlotte Golf Club | Gleneagles Terrace off Conway Blvd., Port Charlotte
These are held the first Sunday of each month October through April. Cost: Free for members, $5 non-members.

Sunday, March 1, 1 to 5 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Monday, March 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
You will be mesmerized by the sweet sounds of the Tsimbaly instrument from Belarus, so superbly executed by this astonishing musician.

Monday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.
101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
C elebrate a new art installation with a "Passing of the Brushes" and toast to the new artists on display. Lori Potts will be featured in the Wyvern lobby as part of her debut as an emerging artist at the Peace River National Art Festival. The new display will also feature several Plein Air artists with paintings made from the Wyvern’s rooftop view. Light appetizers will be served.

210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Tuesday, March 3, 1 p.m.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Tuesday, March 3, 5 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Wednesday, March 4, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy diverse and unique blend of Standards, Pop, Country, Folk, Swing, R&B, Blues and Rock.

210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Wednesday, March 4, 7 to 9 p.m.
This free event will feature readings of selected poems inspired by the National Art Exhibition (Feb. 7 to March 25) one of the nation’s most prestigious juried exhibitions of two-dimensional media. By Feb. 26 all are welcome to submit a poem inspired by the art on display. ( Learn more. ) Ten poems will be selected by a committee. Each poem will be read by the poet. Wine and light appetizers.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Guided docent tours will be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 29, March 3 and March 13.

Composer's Luncheon
Thursday, March 5, 2020, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Punta Gorda Woman's Club, 118 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, USA
The Punta Gorda Symphony Friends, a volunteer group, holds a luncheon most months from November to March with guest speakers who provide insight into the next symphony. Cost: $15 for lunch. Reservations are required by Noon on Tuesday the week of the luncheon by leaving a message on 813-708-3292.

Thursday, March 5, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Thursday, March 5, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Thursday, March 5, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Bring your pet to the Salty Paws' Muttini Mingle (1-800-443-PAWS) and enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan by Jimmy G.

Thursday, March 5, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda
Between renditions of such classics as "That Old Black Magic," "The Days of Wine and Roses," "Satin Doll," and "When October Goes," among others, Kitt and the Mike Moran Quintet will look at Mercer's personal life and how it impacted the songs he wrote. Cost: $15 to $34.

Friday, March 6, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Florida SouthWestern State College Auditorium, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda
Raffaele Ponti, maestro of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, with guest artists will feature the music and composers of the CSO season. Cost: $20. Similar events will be held prior to each concert.

Friday, March 6, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Saturday, March 7, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy tropical variety music with the relaxing sounds of this duo.

Saturday, March 7, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
In this 90-minute presentation, Bill Gladwell will seemingly pull thoughts directly from your mind, predict what you’ll say before it comes out of your mouth, and read you like an open book. Cost: $22, $11 students.

Sunday, March 8, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy diverse and unique blend of Standards, Pop, Country, Folk, Swing, R&B, Blues and Rock.

Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.
In this 90-minute presentation, Bill Gladwell will seemingly pull thoughts directly from your mind, predict what you’ll say before it comes out of your mouth, and read you like an open book. Cost: $22, $11 students.

Sunday, March 8, 2:30 p.m.
2001 Shreve St. Punta Gorda
Always a joy to have Ireland’s Piano Man here to entertain us with his songs and his wit! In addition to his highly entertaining show, each year, Cahal leads our local Choir Play singers in original arrangements of popular and traditional favorites. Cost: $20.

Charlotte Performing Arts Center | 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda
Sunday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.
Pre-performance Talk: Musical Conversations from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Dvořák | Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”
Fuchs | Piano Concerto, “Spiritualist”
Jeffrey Biegel, Piano
Shostakovich | Festive Overture
Cost.

Monday, March 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
You will be mesmerized by the sweet sounds of the Tsimbaly instrument from Belarus, so superbly executed by this astonishing musician.

Cultural Center of Charlotte County Wakeman Theater | 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte
Monday, March 9, 7 p.m.
Diego Figueiredo is an extraordinary star among the world’s greatest jazz guitarists. His superb technique, timing and imagination have made him one of the hottest international names right now. He has unique skills and his concerts have been a great success in more than 60 countries around the world. Cost.

Tuesday, March 10, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center | 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda
This group of 10 seasoned entertainers who will take you on a musical journey through the career of one of the most successful bands of all time Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Respectfully paying tribute to all their classic details, capturing The Four Seasons' trademark vocal virtuosity, tight harmonies, and crisp choreography, this full-blown stage show and many more mega hits of the '60s. Cost $22 to $49.

Wednesday, March 11, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Thursday, March 12, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Thursday, March 12, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Friday, March 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
You will be mesmerized by the sweet sounds of the Tsimbaly instrument from Belarus, so superbly executed by this astonishing musician.

210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Friday, March 13, 1 p.m.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Peace River Wildlife Center's Sunset Celebration
Friday, March 13, 5 to 7 p.m.
Peace River Wildlife Center | 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda
Sandra's artwork will be on sale with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Center. Some pieces will also be included in a silent auction. Bidding closes at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, March 13, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Performs acoustic and classic rock and originals, including Charlotte Harbor Moon.


Select Future Events

Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda
Experience the brilliance of composers Franz Joseph Haydn and Marvin Hamlisch with the award winning Charlotte Chorale, who will once again showcase both classical and modern composers accompanied by symphonic musicians. The performance will feature compositions by Haydn and composers he influenced and works by Marvin Hamlisch, one of the most prolific and influential composers of the twentieth century for both Broadway and Hollywood. A professional-level, seventy-voice chorus of local singers dedicated to the enrichment of music of all genres, the Charlotte Chorale is under the outstanding direction of Dr. William Dederer. Cost: $25, $10 students
www.charlottechorale.com e mail: thecharlottechorale@yahoo.com

Tuesday, March 17, Noon to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Celebrate all day with music of:
• Singer/Guitarist Paul Cottrell, Noon to 4 p.m. in the Village Courtyard
• Island Sounds of Jimmy G 1 to 5 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee
• Vladimir Gordokin performing on Tsimbaly Noon to 4 p.m., third section of Village
• Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Step Dance 2 to 2:30 p.m., Center Court
• Lee County Pipes and Drums, parade through Village at 5:30 p.m. followed by performance in Village Courtyard
• Traditional Irish Music by Mark Fitzpatrick and Eddie Dillon, 5 to 9 p.m. in the Village Courtyard

Thursday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center | 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda
Late Nite Catechism returns with Denise Fennell in Sister’s Easter Catechism. Celebrate the Easter season as Sister answers time worn questions like “Why isn’t Easter the same day every year?” and “Will my bunny go to heaven?” Part pageant and wHOLY hysterical, this latest Late Nite Catechism show unearths the origins of Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter bonnets, Easter baskets, and of course those yummy Easter Peeps. Sister answers questions about pet heaven and those adorable baby chicks! Classroom participation is a must, so don’t forget to wear your Easter bonnet and join Sister for this seasonal treat! Cost: $19 to $49.

Friday, March 20, 7 p.m.
2001 Shreve St. Punta Gorda
Love folk music? The local trio of John Welsh, Marsha Carpenter and Dave Heveron will fill your heart with their familiar repertoire and down-home charm! Cost: $15.

The Charlotte Performing Arts Center (CPAC) | 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda
Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15

Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
Visual Arts Center will host artists will display and sell their fine art, sculptures, jewelry, fiber ware and much more. Food, beer and wine are available. Kid friendly. Art glass, fiber arts, jewelry, leather goods, metalwork, oil paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, abstracts and watercolor will be represented by 60 artists. Free admission. Food, wine and beer for sale. Kid friendly. Artists Lori Potts and Kathy Wood are this year’s featured artists. Lori uses her art to express her passion for nature, beauty, and color. Her mediums range from oil paint, acrylic paint, alcohol ink, resin epoxy, and gold leaf. Kathy Wood is a mixed media artist producing functional art.

Visit Charlotte Arts member Gloria Urban who’ll display her art at both festivals.

Englewood Fine Art Festival
Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dearborn Street Plaza
This is the 39th year of the Rotary Club of Englewood’s juried art show and presents art available for sale in all mediums, including sculpture (metal, wood and glass), paintings (watercolor, acrylic, oil and pastel), jewelry (gold, silver and gemstones), photography, pottery and ceramics, and mixed media. The festival is held along pedestrian-only West Dearborn Street where there are unique shops and restaurants. Cost: $2 donation. 

Sunday, March 29, 3 p.m.
Maestro Roy W. Engler will speak about the music you will hear at 2:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda, 25250 Airport Road
Even casual music listeners probably know that this year is important as the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. Forget the scowling, wild haired, deaf old man. Hear an Italian comic song about a lovesick hunter by a very young composer, as sung by Bion Cantorum. Also on our program will be Eric Whitacre’s Five Hebrew Love Songs , accompanied by violinist Karen Gettel-Bell, and works by Gabriel Faure, Randall Thompson, Daniel Elder, Johann Michael Haydn and John Rutter, as well as Patti Drennan’s arrangement of the Irish folk song, Wild Mountain Thyme . Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne gets the Beethoven choral treatment too. Cost: $15 adults, $10 15 and under. Purchase at brownpapertickets.com or call 941-206-2071.
Events Held Each Week

Seven informal, philosophical discussion groups are held each week.
  • Café Philo: Every Friday, 10 to Noon, Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo, Every Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Punta Gorda Public Library (401 Shreve St.)
  • Café Socrates, Every Friday, 2 to 4 p.m., Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo, Every Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, South Port Square, Gables East Building (23023 Westchester Blvd, 4th Floor, Charlotte Harbor)
  • Café Theo. Every Saturday, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo. Every Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Florida Community Bank (125 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Café Philo, Every Wednesday, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Englewood/Tringali Library (3450 N. Access Road, Englewood)

Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to Noon, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Join an eclectic group of painters, jewelry makers, and other crafty artisans who come together to create and share constructive advice. Cost: $2 donation.

Every Monday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Anyone with a desire to paint outside may join us any Monday October to May. There are no fees and no instruction. For those who wish, at 11 a.m. paintings are shared and discussed. This group meets at a different location each week.

Every Monday, 10:30 a.m.
Mid-County Regional Library | 2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Genealogical Society offers these free workshops to assist others in their quest for genealogical and historical information.

Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.
Mid-County Regional Library | 2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Genealogical Society offers these free workshops to assist others in their quest for genealogical and historical information.

Every Tuesday, 2 to 3 p.m.
Listen to Dave Bise and Catherine Lucas talk about art from around the world.

Every Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m., 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Join other artists in Goff Gallery and work on your portrait skills in any medium with live portrait models. Cost $5.

Every Thursday, 9 a.m. to Noon, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Join other artists in Goff Gallery and work on your portrait skills in any medium with live portrait models. Cost: $5.
Classes and Workshops
Visit the online calendar for more classes.


Three-hour art classes for four or more students. Students provide their own materials, although I do help out beginners until they learn what materials they need.
Cost: $15.


Charlotte Arts Member Rita Schwab
Art classes are offered by abstract artist Rita Schwab. Contact Rita at earthelements01@gmail.com or message 845-667-0166.


5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port
Classes offered range from Photoshop to pottery to painting and more.


2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 941-625-4175 x223.
Visit the online calendar for additional classes.

Open Studio All Levels with Donna Birchfield
Every Tuesday, March 3 to March 24, 9 a.m. to Noon
All Media, oil, acrylics, soft & oil pastels, watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencils, drawing. All levels of instruction provided. Beginners or students interested in getting back to painting would enjoy this class. Cost for class #335-3: $56 Cultural Center members, $64 others

Fairy Garden Miniatures in Clay with Pam Cox
Tuesday, March 3, 1 to 4 p.m.
Have fun making miniatures for your fairy garden. We will work in terra-cotta to make a variety of different cute and adorable things for your fairyscape. From making doors and windows for your fairy house trees in your yard to small miniature arrangements that you can make in a planter. Bring your ideas and see what you can make. Cost for class #WS-0303: $30 Cultural Center members, $33 non-members; $6 clay and firing fee is payable to the instructor the day of the workshop.

Lapidary Cutting Stones with Tony Poliseno
Every Tuesday, March 3 to March 24, 5 to 8 p.m.
This class teaches the cutting of natural stones, including preparation of faceting stones into angles and shapes and into sparkling, polished gems for jewelry. Cost for class #702-3: $56 Cultural Center members, $64 non-members; plus $5 maintenance fee.

Paint Pouring Adventure: Swiping Using Everyday Objects with Pam Schmidt
Friday, March 6, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
This advanced-level workshop is for those who have taken the pre-requisite Paint Pouring Adventures: The Basics. Students will learn the beautiful swiping technique in this hands-on workshop by using some everyday objects provided by the instructor. Come on the adventure known as Acrylic Paint Pouring, the techniques that are taking the world by storm. You will quickly become addicted to this art form and amazed at the beautiful patterns that you will create. This is the ultimate in controlled chaos, and you never have to pick up a brush. Your hands and the paint will do all the work. You will learn the different techniques and also learn how to manipulate the canvas to alter the flow and shape of your artwork. Join in on the fun and adventure! There is a supply list and $25 fee to Instructor for supplies she will provide. Cost for class #WS-0305: $30 Cultural Center members, $33 non-members; plus supply list and $25 to Instructor.

Staghorn Ferns with Kate Preston
Wednesday, March 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a hands-on demonstration of how to divide and propagate Staghorn ferns. During this class, you will learn what Staghorns are, how to grow them and many creative ways that they can be displayed. Starter Staghorn ferns will be available for purchase for $17. These make great gifts for the holidays for friends and loved ones. Kate will demonstrate how to add an orchid, rhipsalis or Hoya to your work of Art. Kate is a Botanist and former curator of Ferns, cycads and economic Plant collections at the U.S. Botanic Garden in D.C. Kate also started the staghorn collection at the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda. Cost for class #WS-0320: $15 Cultural Center members, $18 non-members.

Intro to Alcohol Ink Art with Rosana Halprine
Wednesday, March 25, 9 a.m. to Noon
Learn about the materials and supplies used in alcohol ink art. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques and the students will practice on scrap, photograph or yupo paper. The students will produce three alcohol ink masterpieces: one on yupo paper, one on photograph paper and the last piece on tile. Cost for class #WS-0365: $30 Cultural Center members, $33 non-members; $22 cash to Instructor for supplies.


Florida Southwestern State College, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda

Three Novels About Art
Every Wednesday for four weeks starting Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to Noon
Noted educator Joan Mountford will be presenting three novels about art in four sessions. Ms. Mountford brings a rich knowledge base to the subject developed over a career of teaching English. When we view a painting, most of us admire the skill of the painter or connect its subject to our own life experiences. But paintings have their own stories that are well worth the telling. In the first class, Ms. Mountford will discuss Tracy Chevalier's Girl With a Pearl Earring, the award winning novel about the girl who inspired Vermeer's famous painting. Subsequent classes will cover Lydia Cassat Reading the Morning Paper by Harriet Scott Chessman and My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. Participants should read the novels before the classes. Cost: $15 LLI members, $25 others.

Marbled Paper: Taming a Riot of Color with Steve Pittelkow
Tuesday, March 17, 10 a.m.
Mr. Pittelkow, a master in his field, has demonstrated marbling at the Museum of Art in NYC among many other venues here and abroad. Marbling was invented by the Turks in the 1500's it was called ebru, or cloud art. Mr. Pittelkow will discuss the history and uses of marbled paper, and will demonstrate the process of producing these beautiful works of art. Cost.


210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Visit the VAC website for additional classes.

Wine and Painting Parties
Anything But Canvas, Let’s Get Splashed and Etched Wine Glasses
Most Wednesday evenings. Cost: $40 includes supplies, wine and snacks.

Alcohol Ink Workshop with Jill Lindsay
Beginner and Intermediate: March 30 to April 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Advanced: Feb. 17 and 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn how to create both abstract and realistic pieces with a unique and versatile medium. Cost: $315 members, $350.
Support Charlotte Arts

  • Become a member of Charlotte Arts. Your membership helps ensure the success and vibrancy of the entire cultural community. Memberships for artists, individuals and families are $50, nonprofit, government and university-based organizations are $75 and businesses are $100. If you already are a member, thank you. Please encourage others to support Charlotte Arts by becoming a member.
  • Are you shopping on Amazon? Amazon will donate 0.5% to Charlotte Arts of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.
  • Purchase the "State of the Arts" license plate tags. A portion comes back to Charlotte County to support quality arts and humanities programs, including Arts in Education classroom grants.