— June 3, 2022 —
Charlotte Arts and member events through June 17, 2022

Click on underlined text to learn about:
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Click on the underlined words to learn more about any event.
Please confirm COVID-19 precautions in place with each location.

Summer camp information is available from some organizations.
See end of this message for details.
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.

Crown Jewels by Howard Spielman. Meet the artist on Monday, June 6 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Mid-County Library.

Artists whose work will be on display from May through August 2022:
  • Rosana Halprine (May),Howard Spielman (July), Henry August (September) at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte) Reception: Monday, June 6, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Kelly Reark at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Robert Broyles at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Kelly Reark at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Tina Weida (May through June) Mid-at Port Charlotte Public Library (2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte)
  • B&D Nature Photography at Punta Gorda Library (401 Shrive Street, Punta Gorda)
  • B&D Nature Photography at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • B&D Nature Photography and Larry Palmer at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Larry Palmer, Mary Lundeberg, Tina Weida, and Robert Broyles at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, 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!
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. Closed on Mondays as of April 18.

Bill Fredericks: most Fridays

Mickey Basil Solo: most Saturdays

Tony Boffa Quartet: most Tuesdays

Tim Goodman's Jazz Jam Open Mic: most Wednesdays

Musicians change every Thursday
Jeff and Savannah of Tropical Avenue: Thursday, June 9
Summer Blooms by Beverly Yankwitt
Waddle, Waddle Everywhere by Vicki Bundy
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.

Florida's Best: May 7 to June 14
Art features 2D and 3D in all mediums but all are created with Florida in mind. Goff Gallery.
  • First Place: Summer Blooms by Beverly Yankwitt
  • Second Place: Pelican by Ruth Renshaw
  • Third Place: Last Sails by Kathryn Erickson

Artistry of Dance Photography: May 15 to June 13
Photographers on display in Rebecca Hall are Larry McNiff, Sorcha Augustine, Mark Schermeister, Angel Tisdale and Chase Rossman.

Water, Water Everywhere: May 18 to June 13
Judged and juried exhibit of 2D and 3D art of everything to do with water from boating, fishing, shells, beaches and sun.
  • First Place: Waddle, Waddle Everywhere by Vicki Bundy
  • Second Place: Gold Sky by Karen Stiglich
  • Third Place: Seashells on the Seashore by Nicole Sandling


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


Classes
Four-and six week classes and two-day workshops are offered this summer.
Visit the website for a full list of classes and details.

Portrait Open Studio: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to Noon
Develop your skills with a live model. All sessions welcome artists working with watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastels, colored pencils, scratchboard and more. Easels available for use during session.

Four-week classes include:
Pine Needle Baskets and More with Kathryn Erickson
Begins Saturday, June 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn the basics of weaving pine needles to make interesting bowls, baskets, and more.

New: Abstract Painting with Beverly Yankwitt
Begins Tuesday, June 15, beginners 1 to 4 p.m., advanced 9 a.m. to Noon
Students are encouraged to develop their own style of painting with a focus on composition and design principles using acrylics and watercolor.
 
New: Scratchboard Art-All levels with Sheryl Unwin
Begins Wednesday, June 15, 9 a.m. to Noon or 1 to 4 p.m.
Scratchboard is an illustrative technique using sharp knives and tools for engraving into a thin layer of white China clay coated with dark, often black, India ink. Learn to scratch off dark ink to reveal the image underneath. Discover board types, mediums, colorizing, and tools.
 
New: Intro to Photo Editing with Clyde Sweatt
Begins Thursday, June 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
All levels. Work with Adobe Lightroom Classic, a software program that provides the basic digital editing capabilities as well as tools to catalog your photographs along with other features.
 
New: Picturing Punta Gorda Photography with Clyde Sweatt
Begins Saturday, June 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Photograph Punta Gorda’s unique characteristics. Take advantage of the beautiful scenes throughout our city while learning how to shoot your best photos. This class involves classroom work and field work.

New: Intro to Acrylic Painting for Beginners with Patti Presseller
Begins Friday, June 17, 9 a.m. to Noon
Learn the basics of acrylic painting. Don't know which end of the brush to use? It doesn't matter, use both ends!

New: Mixed Media Watercolor-Draw & Paint with Joanne Stramara
Begins June 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn to add textures to watercolor to create interesting variations with depth and dimensions. A fun technique for the new or experienced artist.

Six-week classes include:
 Pottery Wheel All Levels with Steve Strunk
Begins Friday, June 3, 9 a.m. to Noon or Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn the basics of wheel pottery. This class caters to the beginner with a desire to learn the art and technique of creating pottery on the pottery wheel. Learn about different clays, glazes, and techniques. During this class you will learn how to make a basic bowl, cup, and plate.

Silver & Copper Studio-All levels with Belinda Duclos
Begins Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn to create jewelry using mixed metals in our metal studio equipped with the most popular tools for many metal manipulation methods. Solder, etch, texture, drill, form, rivet, cut saw, stamp, color, cast and more, as you acquire skills. Learn to use the rolling mill, bench shear, drill press, hydraulic press, buffer, bench sander, stamps, mandrels, hand tools with safe tool handling techniques. Must have taken Introduction to Jewelry or have experience with soldering and using an acetylene torch.

Silver and Copper Studio Experienced Class with Belinda Duclos
Begins Friday, June 3, 9 a.m. to Noon
Jewelry Studio for those with experience. Create jewelry using mixed metals in our studio equipped with the most popular tools for many metal manipulation methods: Solder, etch, texture, drill, form, rivet, cut saw, stamp, color, cast and more. Use the acetylene torch, rolling mill, bench shear, drill press, hydraulic press, buffer, bench sander, stamps, mandrels, hand tools with safe tool handling techniques. Tool kits provided or bring your own. Stones and metals are available for purchase.

Watercolor – All Levels with Linda Benson
Begins Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn basic brush techniques, color theory, gradients, and composition.

New: Fused Glass Studio-Advanced with Janie Duke
Begins Monday, June 13, 1 to 4 p.m.
After learning the basics, experiment with a new fused glass technique each session, including folding, forming and braiding. Must have taken introductory class first. This class is for the more advanced student who wants to create a more personalized fused glass piece. Registration requires approval of instructor.
96 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood

The Savannah Sipping Society
Wednesday to Sunday, June 8 to 26, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
In this delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by Fate—and an impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to jump-start their new lives. Together, they discover lasting friendships and a renewed determination to live in the moment—and most importantly, realize it’s never too late to make new old friends. Cost: $23, $18 students.

The first play of the 2022-2023 season, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, begins Sept. 7. The first showcase is Nov. 12.
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. Visit their website to learn more. Registration is required at PGICA.org.

Mary Taglieri.
A few upcoming classes are:
Foreign Language Film Series
Tuesdays, May 3 to 31 and June 7 to 28, 1 p.m.
Award winning journalist and local author, Naomi Pringle, hosts her popular classic and contemporary foreign language film series. Come see these outstanding films on the big screen in our building’s spacious, air-conditioned auditorium. Pre-commentary and a post group discussion are included. English captions are provided. Cost: $35 for five classes in May, $30 for four classes in June or $8 at the door for one class.

Landscape Painting in Oils
Need a few hours of delightful creativity? Join local artist Mary Taglieri for a series of lessons geared toward beginner and intermediate artists. Mary’s paintings radiate the beautiful places where she has lived. Her art degree and 40 years of professional experience have won her many awards and her works hang in private collections around the world. Choose Tuesday or Thursday, whichever fits your schedule. Contact Mary at 941-979-0901 for supply list. Cost: $175 for four sessions.
 
Oil Painting in a Day the Bob Ross Way with Jan
Monday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All students will paint and complete the same painting in one day. Easy step-by-step instruction by Janice Britland All supplies will be provided for the day. Cost: $60.

Card Making with Patti
Thursday, June 16, 10 a.m. to Noon
Want to connect in a special way with friends or relatives? Patti Boese will lead you in 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. Contact Patti at 941-875-5850 or patti_boese@comcast.net if you have questions.
Bion Cantorum, a non-profit vocal ensemble

Let Freedom Swell the Breeze
Sunday July 3, 3 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda, 25250 Airport Road

A totally uplifting Patriotic concert performed by Bion Cantorum with members from the First Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda Choir and Community Singers. The concert of patriotic music includes songs such as The National Anthem, God Bless America, Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless the USA. Meet the performers during an ice cream social after the concert. Cost: Suggested freewill offering of $15.
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.

Winter Scene by James Beech.

Featured Artists: May 5 to July 7
James Beech, watercolorist and acrylic artist
Nancy VanTassell, jeweler
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.

Yard Dog Charlie.

Yard Dog Charlie: Friday, June 3, 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.

Dave Lapio: Friday, June 3, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy steel drum music.

Austin James: Saturday, June 4, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this singer-songwriter country music artist who recently moved to our area from Nashville.

Rick Rourke: Saturday, June 4, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy music that’s a little bit of sassy with a little bit of blues.

Paul Roush: Saturday, June 4, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Dan Meadows: Sunday, June 5, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy variety music.

Beth Travers: Sunday, June 5, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy Englewood/Nashville-based singer songwriter whose unique vocal quality is enhanced by her skillful wordplay and creative melodies.

Paul Roush: Thursday, June 9, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Dave Lapio: Friday, June 10, 4 to 8 p.m.

Austin James: Friday, June 10, 5 to 9 p.m.

Music Box: Saturday, June 11, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy variety and dance favorites featuring Jaime Garza and Jayar Mack.

Paul Roush: Saturday, June 11, 4 to 8 p.m.

Rick Rourke: Saturday, June 11, 5 to 9 p.m.

Paul Roush: Sunday, June 12, Noon to 4 p.m.

Rick Rourke: Sunday, June 12, 4 to 8 p.m.

Jeff Hughes: Thursday, June 16, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy high-energy variety music with flair. Joined by audience members on bongos and tambourines.

Flatwater: Thursday, June 16, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy acoustic Country and variety music.

Dave Lapio: Friday, June 17, 4 to 8 p.m.

Paul Roush: Friday, June 17, 5 to 9 p.m.

Terry Dotson and Dave Heveron: Saturday, June 18, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy bluegrass and folk.

Dan Meadows: Saturday, June 18, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy variety music.

Southbound: Saturday, June 18, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy live music.

Dan Meadows: Sunday, June 19, Noon to 4 p.m.

Paul Roush: Sunday, June 19, 4 to 8 p.m.
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.
Summer Camps
Follow links to organizations to learn more about the summer camps.

Learn about art at Visual Arts Center.

Summer Music Camp will be June 6 to 17 in coordination with Charlotte Players Kids Onstage camp. Registration is open to all Grade 2-12 beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Summer Music Camp is a great way for students to stay social, creative, and engaged with an instrument while having fun!

The Lemon Drops Children’s Theater Camp, led by Cheryl Hastings, will include developing acting skills through team building exercises, theater games, improvisations, arts and crafts, and rehearsals. All campers will have a role in the play The Great Gotzalot Bash. This play is a comedy that takes place in The Roaring 20s. Some interesting characters include John Ringling, Mae West, Coco Chanel, Flappers and Keystone Cops. The camp will be 9 a.m. to Noon Monday through Friday from July 11 to July 29, ending with two evening performances on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30.

Art Explorer's Club Summer program for students from 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years old and Just for Teens (ages 14 to 20). Each day is a unique art experience with a different media (drawing, pottery, jewelry, clay, watercolor and more), instructor and project. Six one-week sessions will be offered starting June 6.

Kids On Stage summer workshops will be held June 6 to 10 and 13 to 17 for students entering first and second grade (9 a.m. to Noon), third through sixth grades (9 a.m. to Noon), and seventh through twelfth grades (1 to 4 p.m.). Students will have hands-on experiences in all facets of a theatrical production. Show dates are Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m.

Charlotte County Children's Theatre
Visit their Facebook page to learn about the 2022 summer program.
Watch for 2022-2023 season information:

The Charlotte County Jazz Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1990 to support and promote live jazz, provide financial assistance to help educate young musicians and to communicate with jazz enthusiasts everywhere.

Punta Gorda Symphony is Charlotte County’s premier professional orchestra. From presenting world-class musicians to enriching the lives of young people and adults through educational initiatives, Punta Gorda Symphony strives to foster vibrant community connections through orchestral music. Originally formed in 1978 as a small chamber group, we have grown in size to more than 70 professional musicians drawing audiences from around the world. Main stage concerts begin Nov. 20 and Jazz on the Lawn begins Dec. 3.

The Charlotte Chorale is vocal ensemble of more than fifty all volunteer singers who have been performing in Charlotte County for more than thirty years. For more information, call 941-204-0033.

 Paint every Monday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Anyone with a desire to paint outside may join. There are no fees and no instruction. For those who wish, at 11:15 a.m. paintings are shared and discussed. This group meets at a different location each week. Email peaceriverpainters@gmail.com. These events will resume Oct. 10, 2022.

Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte
The first play of the 2022-2023 season, The Play That Goes Wrong, begins Sept. 9. Cost: $22, $11 students. The first special event is Nov. 17.
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, June 3. By Noon on Wednesday, June 1, 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.