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210 Maud St | Punta Gorda, FL 33950 | (941) 639-8810 www.visualartcenter.org

A Note from the Executive Director


Dear Visual Arts Center Supporters.


There are 90 days left in 2024. For some of us in SWFL, we can’t wait just to get to November 30th and the end of hurricane season. Hurricane Helene was devastating to so many of our instructors, members, friends, and family. I wanted to take a moment to relay how sorry I am if anything happened to you and yours during this storm. The bright side of this tragedy is the outpouring of love and support I see from the community. The Visual Arts Center didn’t sustain any wind or water damage but many of our VAC Family did. We have rallied to their cause with donations of furniture and household items. I have seen this across Charlotte, Sarasota, and Lee Counties. When our community is in need, we are there. So, thank you all.


Please take time for yourselves during your recovery. Standing in front of art for 20 minutes is mentally and physically healing. Our galleries are free to the public. We hope to see you soon.


Cheers,   

       Lisa                                                                 

 Lisa Gallucci, Executive Director


BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES:

Celebrity | Artist Matchup Results

The Matchup event happened last night, and the teams are busy deciding on a project. The Artist will coach the Celebrities who will be the ones making the work of art. The projects will be revealed on November 23rd at the Grand Finale Reveal party! There will be a live auction, DJ, Food, Open Bar, & More. $120 - Get your tickets now!

CLICK HERE - GRAND FINALE REVEAL TICKETS

BEST OF CHARLOTTE 2024:

Will you help?

The link below to the “Best of Charlotte” is open and the Visual Arts Center is not listed. Would you be willing to go in and do a “write in” for the Center?

I want to see us at least get nominated. Thanks so much! 

Voting for the Best of Charlotte 2024 is officially open! 🌟 This is your chance to support your favorite local businesses, restaurants, and services that make our community shine.

Why Vote?

Your vote helps showcase the best of what Charlotte has to offer. Every vote counts in highlighting our city’s gems and honoring those who contribute to our vibrant culture. 🏆

How to Vote:

Click the link below

The Best of Charlotte 2024

CLASS REGISTRATION:

The new Fall Session is available for registration. Sign up for 4- or 6-week art classes in pottery, painting, jewelry, photography, and more! Hone your skills or learn something new. Visual Arts Center Members receive 20% off.

Classes start the week of October 14, 2024. Sign up now!

REGISTER ART CLASSES - CLICK HERE 

CALL TO ARTISTS:

OPEN NOW:

Expressions of Gratitude - October 9th Deadline

Call to Artists: “Expressions of Gratitude” open until October 9th, noon.

On display in the Main Gallery of the Visual Arts Center October 16 - November 8, 2024

 For this exhibit we are inviting artists to reconnect with the community through artful expressions of gratitude expressed in their own medium. Thankfulness, kindness, niceties, appreciations, acts of service, & positive affirmations are some examples of 2D or 3D themes.

$775 prize money, 3 merits, and a People Choice award will be awarded at the reception on October 24th. Everyone is welcome to apply. 

REGISTER - CLICK HERE  - EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE

The Student Showcase - October 9th Deadline

Call to Artists: “The Student Showcase” open until October 9th, at noon.

On display in the Goff Gallery October 16 - November 8, 2024

We are welcoming all past & present Visual Arts Center Students into this exhibit. If you have taken a class here, we encourage you to enter. Open to Members & Non-Members, all 2D & 3D artwork accepted. Reception October 24th at 5:00pm.

REGISTER - CLICK HERE - STUDENT SHOWCASE

Holiday Showcase Under $200

Call to Artists: “Holiday Showcase under $200”

On display in the Main & Goff Gallery November 14- December 28, 2024

Open to Members & Non-Members, all 2D & 3D artwork for sale under $200 accepted.

REGISTER - CLICK HERE - HOLIDAY SHOWCASE UNDER $200

Holiday in the Halls

Call to Artists: “Holiday in the Halls”

On display in Rebecca Hall November 7- December 28, 2024

Open to Members only. Each display is approximately 5' wide and the artist sets up their display of holiday gifts. $12 per space

REGISTER - CLICK HERE - HOLIDAY IN THE HALLS

MAKE & TAKE - ART SOCIALS:

Make & Take, Create & Sip Art Social


 Join us whether you have never been creative before or you're a pro. Enjoy taking part in our art and drink adventures, hosted by talented instructors who will take you step-by-step through the process of creating your own masterpiece to take home that night.

$45 -$55 price includes all supplies, snack, and drink. (Non-Alcoholic beverages available)


"Baubles & Bubbly" with Bonnie Walker & Susan Priess - Jewelry art with champagne!

October 16th | November 20th | December 11th | 6:00 - 8:00pm

"Etched Wine Glasses" with Belinda Duclos - Etch Wine Glasses while sipping wine!

October 23rd | November 27th | 6:00 -8:00pm

"Canvas & Cabernet " with Robyn Strobel - Paint on Canvas & enjoy cabernet wine.

November 6th | December 4th | 6:00 - 8:00pm

"Mosaics & Margaritas" with Anna Hickner - Make a Mosaic piece & enjoy margaritas.

November 13th | December 18th | 6:00 - 8:00pm

REGISTER - MAKE & TAKE ART SOCIAL

OPEN STUDIOS:

Open Studios at the Visual Arts Center are for VAC Member Artists with some experience (not for the beginner). Join other artists, one week at a time, or sign up for multiple sessions. Open Studios do not include formal instruction, however, a VAC Coordinator is available to connect you to VAC resources, and may offer suggestions and critiquing, if requested.

Available Open Studios: 2D, Portrait, Life Drawing, Enameling, Alcohol Ink & Water Media, Pottery, & Fiber Arts


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please call 941-639-8810 to get on the registration list and pay at the front desk when you arrive.

Enameling Open Studio

Thursday, 1:00 - 4:00

IN THE GALLERIES:


THROUGH OCTOBER 11, 2024

  • PINEAPPLES IN PARADISE Exhibit & Sale

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 1, 2024

  • TRAVELING STORYTELLERS - Exhibit & Sale by Common Threads

OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 8, 2024

  • EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE Exhibit & Sale
  • THE STUDENT SHOW Exhibit & Sale

Open to the Public, FREE TO VIEW, admire, and purchase the stunning artworks by our exhibiting artists, on display at the Visual Arts Center.

Some Like it Hot by JAX

Traveling Storytellers Doll

RECEPTION:

You are cordially invited to the Award & Meet the Artist Reception OCTOBER 24th from 5-7pm. The event will feature the Expressions of Gratitude Awards ceremony, where prize money, ribbons, and a prestigious People's Choice award will be presented.

The Student Show, on display in Goff Gallery, will present a Prestigious People's Choice Award.

Traveling Storytellers will be on display in Rebecca Hall. This art doll exhibit by Common Threads explores the journey the dolls took to completion. A not to be missed exhibit.


FREE ADMISSION | EVERYONE WELCOME

Let us come together to celebrate the artists and revel in an evening of artistic appreciation.

Awards Reception - Pineapples in Paradise

1st - Nights Edge

by Lance Henderson

2nd - Beach House

by Tim Gates

3rd - Tiptoeing Across the Bay

by Jan Meades

Bowles Portrait - Resolution

by Dirce Kennedy

Merits:

Which One is Our House

by Mairin Wilson

Strolling in Punta Gorgeous

by Joy Carol & Dennis Bialek

Some Like it Hot

by JAX

Peoples Choice:

Amethyst Sage Garden

by Linden Elwood

Congratulations to all the participating Artists!

MARKET DAY AT THE VAC:

Give the Gift of Art


ARTIST OF THE MONTH:

Artist of the Month - Gift Shop


Susan Fraley


To learn more about Susan,

CLICK HERE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

October 1, 2024 -Traveling Storytellers opens in Rebecca Hall

October 16, 2024 - Expressions of Gratitude exhibit opens in Main gallery

October 16, 2024 - The Student Show exhibit opens in Goff Gallery

October 24, 2024 - Reception - Expressions of Gratitude | The Student Show | Traveling Storytellers

November 2, 2024 -MARKET DAY AT THE VAC - 10am - 3pm

November 7, 2024 - Holiday in the Halls Sale Opens

November 14, 2024 - Holiday Showcase under $200 Sale Opens

November 23, 2024 - Grand Finale Reveal Battle of the Brushes - 6:00pm

AMAZON WISH LIST:

Shop and help the Visual Arts Center.

Click the link to Amazon and see the list of things the VAC could use including office supplies, gift shop bags, water cooler, fans, and more.

AMAZON WISH LIST - CLICK HERE 
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The Visual Arts Center in your estate planning.

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The Visual Arts Center's Mission is to Inspire, Explore, Create and Promote the Arts in Southwest Florida. We rely on donations to keep our facilities open and provide state-of-the-art programs.