— August 26, 2022 —
Charlotte Arts and member events through September 9, 2022

Click on underlined text to learn about:
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Click on the organization (underlined words) to learn more about any event.
Please confirm COVID-19 precautions in place with each location.
1951 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Enjoy music while eating in the restaurant. Reservations are required for some shows. Most shows are 6 to 9 p.m. Visit website for details.

Tony Boffa.

Bill Fredericks: most Fridays
Scott Earl Holman Trio: Friday, August 26

Mickey Basil Solo: most Saturdays

Tony Boffa Quartet: most Tuesdays

Tim Goodman's Jazz Jam Open Mic: most Wednesdays

Musicians change every Thursday.
Michael White with Mickey Basil Band: Thursday, September 1
Patricia Dean Trio: Thursday, September 8
Cool Vibes: Thursday, September 15
96 West Dearborn Street, Englewood

Dead Man's Cell Phone
Wednesday to Saturday, Sept. 7 to 25 7:30 p.m.,
Sundays at 2 p.m.

While at a café, a man dies. But his cell phone will not stop ringing. The woman at the next table picks up the cell phone and ends up in the middle of all his troubles. Dead Man’s Cell Phone contains adult theme, adult language and will use flashing lights that may bother those will photosensitivity. Cost: $25, $18 students.
Charlotte Harbor Event Center | 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda

Comedy for A Cause: Friday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m. for dinner ($90), 7:15 p.m. for show ($30 show only)
Learn more about this fundraising event by visiting Charlotte Players' website. Comedy Improve cast includes Justin Brand, Matt Butcosk, Jami Joannes, Blair Lovejoy, Ashley Maher, Dave Robbins, Jim Tietsworth and Darcy Woods. Improv director is Chris Constance.
Summer Chamber Music Series
Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus, Auditorium | 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda
Cost.

Flute Trio: Saturday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.
Discover the gentle and evocative artistry of the flute featuring Francesca Arnone, Bill Larsen, and Beth Larsen.
1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda

Live music is performed many days throughout the Village, often between Noon and 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Events are weather permitting. To learn more, visit their website.

Kit Jones: Friday, August 26, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy variety music performed by this musician singer.

Austin James: Friday, August 26, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy this singer-songwriter country music artist who recently moved to our area from Nashville.

Jimi Pappas: Saturday, August 27, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy live music featuring a trop rock flair.

Dave Lapio: Saturday, August 27, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy steel drum music.

Music Box: Saturday, August 27, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy variety and dance favorites featuring Jaime Garza and Jayar Mack.

Jimi Pappas: Sunday, August 28, Noon to 4 p.m.

Luke Perring: Sunday, August 28, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy country, variety, cover and original songs by this singer and guitar player.

Jeff Hughes: Thursday, September 1, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy high-energy variety music with flair. Joined by audience members on bongos and tambourines.

Yard Dog Charlie: Friday, September 2, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy uplifting Florida swamp music – a blend of Cajun, zydeco, folk, country rock and roll and comedy – from the heart with passion and a sense of humor.

Mark Gorka: Friday, September 2, 5 to 9 p.m.
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Dave Lapio: Saturday, September 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jimi Pappas: Saturday, September 3, Noon to 4 p.m.

Kit Jones: Saturday, September 3, 4 to 8 p.m.

Austin James: Saturday, September 3, 5 to 9 p.m.

Lee James: Sunday, September 4, 4 to 8 p.m.

Mark Gorka: Monday, September 5, Noon to 4 p.m.

Luke Perring: Monday, September 5, 2 to 6 p.m.

Mark Gorka: Thursday, September 8, 4 to 8 p.m.

Yard Dog Charlie: Friday, September 9, 4 to 8 p.m.

Dave Lapio: Friday, September 9, 5 to 9 p.m.

Tommy G: Saturday, September 10, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy vocal and guitar trop rock and variety music.

Mykal: Saturday, September 10, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy eclectic vocal and instrumental original music.

Beth Travers: Saturday, September 10, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy Englewood/Nashville-based singer songwriter whose unique vocal quality is enhanced by her skillful wordplay and creative melodies.

Lee James: Sunday, September 11, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy variety music performed by this musician singer.
2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda

PGICA offers a variety of classes and programs from art classes, crafting, and exercise classes, including yoga and dance, to lectures on health topics, members’ world travels, financial seminars, and town hall meetings. All are open to the general public. PGICA programs begin on Sept. 2! Some of the programs are listed here. Visit their website to learn more. Registration is required at PGICA.org.

LeBlast: Tuesdays and​ Fridays, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., $12 per class
LeBlast is a dance fitness, partner-free program based on all the ballroom dances you see on Dancing with the Stars. It combines partner-free ballroom dancing and weight training.
 
Meditative Arts: Suminagashi
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., $15 per class
Suminagashi is a Japanese style of marbling which involves floating consecutive rings of ink on a water surface and then lifting the ink onto paper. Because of the unpredictable nature of water, this practice offers a way to expand our ability to meet change with equanimity. Meditative arts aid in relaxation, release, and awareness. No prior art experience necessary. Materials will be provided. Instructor: Laura Eliason.
 
Custom Earring Making with Jillian: Wednesdays, Sept. 7 to 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m., $25 per class. Unleash​ your inner fashionista in this class! Jewelry maker and creative business owner Jillian James leads a one-of-a kind jewelry making class using polymer clay. You will leave with one stunning pair of handmade earrings and will be able to pick from three design options. Instructor provides all supplies.
 
Watercolor Portraiture
Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8 and 9, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $75 per class
Through the lens of portraiture, we will learn the fundamentals of watercolor. You will leave this class feeling confident to further explore this somewhat unpredictable medium. Students are encouraged to bring their own reference photographs. Instructor: Laura Eliason. Open to all experience levels, materials included.
 
Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Fridays, Sept. 9 to Oct. 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $200 for the six-week course
​This course will focus on the Principles rather than Rules of Design, Value, Color, Texture and Soul. The object of this course is to arrive at Thinking Outside the Box and an introduction to abstract thinking. Student provides own painting supplies. Instructor: Lionel Lewis
 
Oil Painting in a Day the Bob Ross Way with Jan
Monday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $60 per class
Students will paint the same painting with easy step-by-step instruction, completing the painting in one day. Instructor provides all supplies. Instructor: Janice Britland
 
Topics in Local and State History: Tuesday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $10 per class
The first in a six-month history lecture series (held on second Tuesday of the month) will examine topics pertaining to state, Charlotte County and Southwest Florida history. Instructor: Jennifer Zoebelein
 
Card Making with Patti: Thursday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to Noon, $20 per class
Connect in a special way with friends or relatives? Patti Boese leads a creative card making session that will make your correspondence feel special. You will create four cards using pre-cut designs while learning new techniques. Instructor provides all supplies. Questions? Contact Patti at 941/875-5850 or patti_boese@comcast.net.
 
Wreath Making: Wednesdays, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to Noon, $55 per class
Create your own beautiful, seasonally themed wreath for your door or inside décor. Instructor provides all supplies. Instructor: Catherine Perry. Questions? watersidewreaths@gmail.com.
 
Ladies Dance Class: Thursday, Sept. 29 through May 2023, 11 a.m. to Noon, $10 per class First class Sept. 29 is a free trial.
For those who want to learn ballroom and Latin dancing but don’t have a partner, and who are looking to improve coordination, balance, body movement and personal expression, this class is for you! You will dance fun variations of Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Broadway, Charleston, Swing, Paso Doble and the Waltz. It’s not a fitness class, but a dance class. Professional ballroom dancer and instructor: Nathalie Lemoine. Questions? lemoineswfl@gmail.com or 941/830-3151.
210 Maud Street,
Punta Gorda
Monday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Center will be closed Aug. 29 to Sept. 5.

Twilight Flowers by Kathy Wengel. Members Showcase People's Choice Winner.

Open House: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit with instructors in our pottery, jewelry and glass studios. Watch demos in a variety of media, try out new art techniques and enjoy complimentary mimosas.

Dave Pike Presentation: Wednesday, Sept. 14, 5 p.m.
Dave will relive his very personal 6,000-mile solo journey across 20 states from Michigan to Florida and back–with more 350 miles on the historic Erie Canal in a 15-foot inflatable dinghy, playing and promoting pickleball along the way. Enjoy his story, the art on display, and a glass of wine.

Battle of the Brushes Fundraiser: Tuesday Sept. 20, 5 to 7 p.m.
Six local celebrities are paired with six VAC artists who help them create a masterpiece that will be auctioned. Celebrities include Matt “Van Gogh” Nemec with Wyvern Hotel, Shawn “Dali” Gilstad with The Purple House, Ken “Abstractly” Lovejoy with iHeart Radio, Phyllis “O’Keeffe” Walker with McCrory Law, Pam “J. Mitchell” Monnier with Grand Care Plus, and Melissa “Louise Bourgeois” Lockhart with Helping Hands SW FL. The grand finale and reveal is Nov. 18.

Exhibits
Color! Sept. 15 to Oct. 12 in Main Gallery
Florida Water Color Society's 51st Annual Exhibition: Sept. 14 to Dec. 22 in Goff Gallery and Rebecca Hall.

Off-Site Exhibits
The Wyvern Hotel | 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Nix & Associates Real Estate | 2421 Shreve St, Unit 111, Punta Gorda

Classes and Open Studio
Visit the website for a full list of classes and details.
Open studios begin Sept. 12 and classes begin Sept. 19.
Fiber Arts Studios: Mondays and Fridays 1 to 4 p.m.
Pottery Studio: Tuesdays 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to Noon
2D Art Studio: Thursdays 9 a.m. to Noon.
Portrait Open Studio with Live Model: Thursdays 9 a.m. to Noon

Classes in painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry, glass, photography and fiber arts for four, six, eight and twelve-weeks.

Free art exhibits by visual artists at locations throughout the county. Please visit the website to see the locations now open and artists whose work will be on display.

Art by Lance Henderson. Art may not be representative of work on display.

Artists whose work will be on display:
  • Henry August (Aug), B&D Nature Photography (Sep), Lance Henderson (Oct), B&D Nature Photography (Nov), Kathy Przepadlo (Dec) at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Howard Spielman (Sep-Oct) at Port Charlotte Public Library (2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte)
  • B&D Nature Photography (Aug) and Howard August (Sep) at Punta Gorda Library (401 Shreve St, Punta Gorda)
  • Robert Broyles (Aug) and Rosana Halprine (Sep-Dec) at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Kelly Reark (Aug) and Tina Weida (Sep-Dec) at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • B&D Nature Photography (Aug) and Carolyn Walega (Sep-Dec) at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • Rosana Halprine, Larry Palmer and B&D Nature Photography at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Larry Palmer, Mary Lundeberg, Tina Weida, Robert Broyles and B&D Nature Photography at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Kelly Reark at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda)

Artist of the Month resumed in April 2022. The artist is recognized at a Charlotte County Board of County Commission meeting. See those selected from August 1998 to March 2020 and in 2022 on the website.

Charlotte Arts is pleased to provide an online directory of artists, cultural non-profits and cultural businesses. With up to four images from each one, you can attend a virtual museum of Charlotte County-area art!

Charlotte Arts' members art on display

Bird of Paradise by Howard Spielman

Award-winning artist, creator and executive producer of television shows and author Howard Spielman invites interested art collectors to his Port Charlotte home studio by appointment. Please Note: There is absolutely no obligation to purchase anything at a home studio visit. He is making this offer so as to make his neighbors in the surrounding community aware of his art. At your visit you can view more than 80 original works of art of varied subjects from florals to landscapes to abstracts and more. Receive a demonstration of Howard’s unique working method he uses to produce his art. Enjoy wine and cheese in a beautiful waterfront setting. Receive a studio discount on all art purchases. Custom sizes are available and art can be shipped. To preview Howard’s art or to make an appointment visit howardspielman.com, 941-875-3942 or highrdwest@aol.com.
Alex Haak is opening his home exhibit of more than 25 oil paintings every Saturday afternoon. Email him by Friday to confirm hours and directions to his Port Charlotte residence.
Marlene Jones, potter
Barbara Albin, acrylics
Sea Grape Gallery, a cooperative fine art gallery
113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda
Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Featured Artists: July 7 to Sept. 1
Barbara Albin, acrylics
Marlene Jones, horsehair and raku potter

Visit their website to see who'll be featured after September 1.
If you wish to have arts and humanities information
included in the next issue, please provide it in this online form.
The next email will be released Friday, Sept. 9. By Noon on Wednesday, Sept. 7 please provide information on Events, News and Opportunities for this e-newsletter (member events only), the online cultural calendar (all arts and humanities events), and member news and opportunities for artists (posted on website).
Support Charlotte Arts

  • Give a gift of membership to Charlotte Arts. The 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. Charlotte Arts is pleased to offer grants in support of teachers within Charlotte County Public Schools who incorporate arts and humanities into their curriculum. Charlotte Arts has awarded a total of $143,195 in grants, providing arts and cultural programs to more than 52,600 students. Charlotte Arts is anticipating offering grants for the 2022-2023 school year with support received from the Florida license plate.