Charlotte Arts and Members Events
— Sept. 27 to Oct. 11, 2019 —
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, Oct. 11. By Noon on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 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 at the Charlotte Arts Gallery from Aug. 15 to Sept. 29 are Betty Beasley, Shelley Bell, Christine Brunette, Jesse Goodwin, James Hollenbeck, Larry Palmer, and Bette Teramo. See a sample of the artists' work .
Sunflower Studies by Bette Teramo.
Artists whose work will be on display at the Charlotte Arts Gallery from Oct. 3 to Nov. 10, 2019 , are Linda Ancil, Shelley Bell, Christine Brunette, Joanne King, Kitt Moran, Larry Palmer, Ron Sachen, Annita Survilla, and Betty Teramo. Visit the Charlotte Arts Gallery website after Oct. 2 to see the examples of their work. Reception : Sunday, Oct. 13, 2 to 4 p.m.

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.
September and October 2019
  • Linda Soderquist at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte) Reception: Thursday, Oct. 24, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Maryann Artesani at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Larry Palmer and Linda Soderquist at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Becky Van Pelt at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda) Reception: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Karen Wood at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda) Reception: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Kelly Reark at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • Larry Palmer, Sandra Manzke and Mary Lundeberg at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Nancy Thomas at Port Charlotte Library (2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte)
Sept. 5 to Oct. 3: Vicki Glynn, watercolorist, and Nancy Griffin, basket and box artist
Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
113 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda
Mardi Gras by Nancy Griffin.

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Inspired by Jill Lindsay in Color!
Sept. 10 to Oct. 3
Main Gallery: Color ! Color is splashed across all types of 2D and 3D media from paintings to sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and more!
Goff Gallery: Black & White Sometimes it's about what you leave out.
Rebecca Hall to Oct. 4: Lionel Lewis

Oct. 5 to Nov. 8 Reception: Thursday, Oct. 10, 5 to 7 p.m.
Main Gallery: Harvest of Art
Goff Gallery: Three Art Guys (Ralph LaGro, Doug Michalski and Dave Kelley)

Visual Arts Center Off-Site Exhibits
  • The Wyvern Hotel (101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
  • Nix & Associates Real Estate (2421 Shreve St, Unit 111, Punta Gorda)
Thursday to Sunday, Oct. 11 to 20 |
7:30 p.m. except 2 p.m. on Sunday
Langdon Playhouse, 1100 Market Circle, Port Charlotte
An outrageously hilarious race against the clock begins when Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycutt agrees to get her feisty mother all the way from Alabama to California in time for her brother’s wedding. Savannah’s problem: Mama won’t fly.
Tickets are $22, $11 students.
Wednesday to Sunday, Oct. 16 to Nov. 3, 7:30 | Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.
Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 West Dearborn Street, Englewood
A state senator has died in a ridiculous gun accident, and it has made him a national hero. Everyone is searching for something; the local political leaders are looking for someone to fill his seat, his ex-wife is looking for a bugler to play for his funeral, and a host of other zany characters are looking for love, votes, the right casket, and a purple squirrel named Mel. In this madcap comedy, love, politics, and, well…everything is not what they seem. Cost: $23, $14 students.

One-Time Events
in chronological order. Events at Fishermen's Village are weather permitting.

Meet local artists at any of the many receptions.

Meet artist Becky Van Pelt (left) on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home. See one-time events for more details.
Friday, Sept. 27, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Saturday, Sept. 28, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy the music of the 50s, 60s and country.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy variety music with a Caribbean flare.

Sunday, Sept. 29, 4 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years.

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 5 to 7 p.m.
Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home
9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda
Featuring Becky Van Pelt’s music on canvas paintings and jazz by Les DaCosta. Refreshments and open bar. Hosted by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home.

Friday, Oct. 4, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years.

Saturday, Oct. 5, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 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.

Sunday, Oct. 6, 4 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Music that crosses the entire spectrum.

Monday, Oct. 7, 5 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 9 to 11 a.m.
Florida SouthWestern State College (26300 Airport Rd, Bldg. O, Punta Gorda)
The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) will bring a wide variety of learning opportunities, including classes, trips, and special events, to Charlotte County this Fall. Classes are non-credit and either single session or short series – no exams and no papers, just learning for the fun of it. Topics range from how to write a memoir to how to play pickleball and much in between and are offered at minimal cost. All are conducted by volunteers who are experts in their fields and bring their passion to enrich and entertain in a stimulating, interactive setting. Most classes are held on the beautiful Punta Gorda campus of the Florida SouthWestern State College, where there is ample and accessible free parking. LLI invites the community to learn about the Fall schedule of classes and events and to register for one or more.

Thursday, Oct. 10, 5 to 7 p.m.
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Show will be open Oct. 5 to Nov. 8 |
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Main Gallery: Harvest of Art
Goff Gallery: Three Art Guys (Ralph LaGro, Doug Michalski and Dave Kelley)

Friday, Oct. 11, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy classic and original troprock music.

Select future events

Synchronizing the Symphony in Your Brain:
How neurofeedback can help 'tune' your brain
Saturday, Oct. 12, Reception at Noon, Presentation at 1 p.m.
Medical Grand Rounds Lecture
Kingsway Country Club
13625 SW Kingsway Circle, Lake Suzy
Learn about the intersection of medicine and music at this fascinating luncheon-lecture, led by guest speaker Carlos L. Maas. This popular series also includes music performance and Q&A. After attending this presentation, attendees will be able to (1) Understand how brainwaves relate to our behaviors and how quantitative electroencephalograms (qEEGs) can be used to 'map' your brain, (2) Understand the principles of neurofeedback and human behavior, drawing an analogy between the brain and an orchestra to assist with conceptualization, and (3) Briefly review the applications of neurofeedback and qEEGs. Cost: $50 with lunch and cocktails.

Sunday, Oct. 13, 2 to 4 p.m.
Port Charlotte Town Center Mall |
1441 Tamiami Trail between J.C. Penney and Dillards
A See a sample of the artists' work after Oct. 2. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Sunday Noon to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 5 to 7 p.m.
Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home
635 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda
Wine and cheese reception featuring the art of Karen Wood. Hosted by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home.

Thursday, Oct. 24, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte
Refreshments and open bar featuring Linda Soderquist's art.

Saturday, Oct. 26, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Dress in your favorite 50's attire and enjoy games, contests and live music featuring Nick Dattilo and the Legends Band, a tribute band to Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Ritchie Valens and The Beach Boys, Boomers, a 5-piece band playing music from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 to 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center (701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda)
Join Maestro Raffaele Ponti and the CSO for an unforgettable, pre-season teaser celebrating the most beloved film scores of our time — Star Wars, E.T., Pirates of the Caribbean, Spiderman, Harry Potter, Gladiator, Indiana Jones, and more! Cost: $55, $15 youth.
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 (424 W. Henry Street)
  • 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 Sunday, 3 to 4 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com .
WKDW Radio invites all writers to read three minutes of their family-friendly poetry, short stories or novel. Sign up at 2:30 any Sunday at Common Grounds Meeting Hall (12735 Tamiami Trail, North Port) to read during a live broadcast from 3 to 4 p.m. 
The public is welcome to the station's BYOB listening room during the taping.
Info: Linda Schell at 941-223-1262. Check for cancellations on  Writers on the Air Facebook page .

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 will meet at a different location each week.

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 Wednesday, Noon to 1 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com
Join hosts Marie LaBrosse and Loretta Martin as they explore the eye-opening journey into the creative world of art. Explore the world behind the scenes where the artists and business people create for our enjoyment. Info:  marie@kdwradio.com , 941-815-6230 or 941-624-2912.

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.

Every Friday, Noon to 1 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com
Join host Marie LaBrosse .

Classes and Workshops
Visit Charlotte Arts online calendar for more classes.

Check out Paint Pour Adventures: Abstract Flower with Pam Schmidt (left) on Oct. 4 at The Learning Place.
2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 941-625-4175 x223.

Introduction to Alcohol Ink Art with Rosana Halprine
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to Noon
Students will 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. Students should bring apron or wear old clothes. Cost for class #WS-1006: $30, $33 non-members.

Paint Pour Adventures: Abstract Flower with Pam Schmidt
Friday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This advanced level workshop is for those who have taken the prerequisite basic workshop of Acrylic Paint Pouring, also known as Fluid Art. Students will learn some different techniques in this hands-on workshop to make an abstract flower. 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 abstract flower 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 to make the abstract flower. Join in on the fun and adventure! Small supply list for students. Cost for class #WS-1015: $55, $58 non-members.

Learn How to Mix and Understand Color with David Petrelle
Every Tuesday, Oct. 8 to 29, 1 to 4 p.m.
The object of this class is to teach how to mix color and understand it. When you paint you also have to understand black and with values and all the tones in-between. Most people have trouble mixing color as beginners. They must learn the difference; how the eye mixes color, how each of us sees color, how color can change in different light and how it relates to its application in art. By understanding this they could isolate what colors they need to purchase to paint and how they can set up their palate which saves them money in the long run. Cost of class #380-1: $56, $64 non-members.

Drawing All Beginning Levels with Pam Cox
Wednesday, Oct. 9 to Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to Noon
This course will be an introduction to some basic drawing techniques using charcoal and pencils. Half the battle to drawing is seeing. In this class, we will do many exercises to push our eyes to see, to see shape, how light falls across the surface to create values and how to capture that on paper. The class focuses mostly on drawing with charcoal and pencil, with one excursion into using pen and ink. Lessons that will be included: intro to your drawing tools, how to use your tools to make values, how to capture curves and make a symmetrical form, lesson in scaling up, and intro to perspective. Cost of class #330: $68, $76 non-members.

Pottery Clay Wheel Throw with Pam Cox
Every Wednesday, Oct. 9 to Dec. 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This 8-week course will introduce the student to making pottery on the potter’s wheel. The student will learn how to make a bowl, cylinder, trimming, handles, and glazing. Cost for class #716: $136, $144 non-members.

Abstract Painting All Levels with Beverly Yankwitt
Every Friday, Oct. 11 to Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to Noon
This class is designed to help people create their own artwork with acrylic, oil, pen and ink, pencil or watercolor media. Each student will bring in the desired reference photos and endeavor to create a unique piece of artwork using his/her chosen medium. Since this is not a step-by-step instruction class, the student should be familiar with their chosen medium. The student will furnish their own supplies and can contact the instructor if any questions. If new to mixed media, we will be experimenting with relief painting with fast mache’ and Liquitex Super Heavy Gel. Cost for class #307: $64, $72 non-members.

The Gulf Shore Acrylic Painting for Beginners with Gwen Alvarez
Every Friday, Oct. 11 to Nov. 1, 1 to 4 p.m.
Introductory acrylic medium painting with focus on the beautiful Gulf beaches. Cost of class #317: $56, $64 non-members.

Introduction to Quilling with Carol Berntsson
Monday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Quilling is essentially the art of paper sculpture which can be mastered easily following the basic technique and using the materials provided in this introductory workshop. Students will be provided with the materials and equipment that will enable them to develop a hobby that produces lovely accents, ornaments, and 3D pictures to enhance gifts and cards. Cost for class #WS-1024: $35, $38 non-members.

Santa Face in Clay with Pam Cox
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2 to 5 p.m.
Create your own holiday keepsake. You will be shown how to make a terracotta Santa face full of personality using a clay slab. This workshop is for both beginners and experienced clay workers. Creativity and fun will be stressed while learning a new skill and having a good time. A great workshop to take with a friend. All tools will be provided but feel free to bring your own tools if you'd like. Cost for class #WS-1026: $38, $41 non-members.

Acrylic Landscape with Diania Croy
Monday, Oct. 21 to Dec. 2, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
This class will focus on techniques, composition, and perspective while using acrylics to paint landscapes. Emphasis will be placed on giving you techniques that are used in acrylic painting. These techniques will be used to form various images. You will be taught several techniques to form the same object using various tools. We will be painting at least 1 completed landscape picture. Cost of class #320: $77, $85 non-members.

Open Studio-All Levels and All Mediums with Donna Birchfield
Every Tuesday, Oct. 22 to Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to Noon
All media – oil, acrylics, soft and oil pastels, watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencils and drawing – and all levels of instruction provided. Beginners or students interested in getting back to painting would enjoy this class. Cost for class #335-2: $56, $64 non-members.

Lapidary-Cutting Stones with Tony Poliseno
Every Tuesday, Oct. 22 to Nov. 12, 6 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 #702-2: $61, $65 non-members.

Watercolor All levels with Skip Mattie
Thursday, Oct. 24 to Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to Noon
Learn the basics of watercolor painting, the equipment needed such as paper, paints, brushes, etc., how to prepare and get the image on paper, and how to do washes and detail work. We will complete some paintings and the student can paint a favorite subject with assistance. Cost of class #337-1: $56, $64 non-members.
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda

Anything but Canvas with Marki Raposa
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m.
Join our art and wine evening adventure, painting on anything but canvas (wood, glass, etc.). Each month is a fun new item. Cost: $40 includes supplies, wine and snacks.

Let's Get Splashed! with Marki Raposa
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m.
Join our art and wine evening adventure! The session begins with a glass of wine and ends with a finished painting - a new scene each month. Creative, entertaining and memorable! Cost: $40 includes paints, canvas, wine and snacks.

Color Theory with Mike Grecian
Beginner: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Advanced: Thursday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants take home a myriad of new ideas and free product samples to continue working at home. A few hours with Mike will provide inspiration for your next projects as well as a fun time with fellow artists. Cost: $120, $100 non-members.

Etched Wine Glasses with Belinda Duclos
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m.
Create a set of playfully etched wine glasses that make great gifts. Cost: $40 includes 4 wine glasses and etching supplies.

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.


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