Charlotte Arts and Members Events
— Feb. 14 to 28, 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, Feb. 28. By Noon on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 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.
Reception : Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 to 4 p.m.
Art by Rita Schwab.
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 .

Sea Cow in my Canal by Karen Wood. Meet Karen at the reception on Feb. 26. See below for details.

January and February 2020
Receptions will be added to the website as details are confirmed.
  • Karen Wood at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte) Reception: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Lee Jones 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)
  • Sharon Stchur at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Betty Teramo at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Howard Spielman 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)
  • James Hollenbeck at Port Charlotte Library (2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte)

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
February Guest Artists: Joy Dibble, acrylic and watercolor artist, and Karen Cohen,enamel, beads and metal artist
Mermaid of the Ocean by Karen Cohen.
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Third Thursday open to 8 p.m. for Wine Walk
A Sunny Day by Michael Alexander. 2020 NAE Promotional Art.
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.

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)
  • 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
Friday, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 to Sunday, Feb. 23 and
2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 16, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 22
A super macho business executive suddenly has problems in the bedroom. He recruits his wife in to solving the problem through "Live Your Fantasy" sex therapy. The result is a comedy of fantasies gone wrong, taboos colliding with hidden yearnings, and sex-role switches run amok. Cost: $22, $11 students.
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.

See one-time events below for more events by
Charlotte Players and Lemon Bay Playhouse.
Lemon Bay Playhouse is hosting diverse entertainment, including Marcy Downey's Legends of Laughter and Song on Feb. 22.
Charlotte Players is hosting several concerts, including Liberace! on Feb. 25,
Icon of Love by Carolyn Dlouhy Walega will be on display at the Charlotte Arts Gallery.

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

Friday, Feb. 14, 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, Feb. 15, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Performs acoustic and classic rock and originals, including Charlotte Harbor Moon.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Lemon Bay Playhouse | 96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
Gid Pool appears on the Lemon Bay Playhouse stage with special guest Rosco Nash. Gid is the winner of two comedy festivals and was judged “Best of the Night” for his performance at the largest comedy festival in the world, the Edinburgh “Fringe” Festival. He has also performed at the world-famous Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Gid’s comedy has been showcased on the Today Show and written about in a feature article in the Wall Street Journal. Jane Pauley wrote about him in her book, “Your Life Calling.” Want to know why men don’t understand women? He knows and he’s talking. Cost.

Sunday, Feb. 16, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Monday, Feb. 17, 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.

Tuesday, Feb. 18, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4 to 7 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.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 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, Feb. 20, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Friday, Feb. 21, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Fostering Creativity in Later Life Using Artistic Approaches
Saturday, Feb. 22, Reception at Noon, Presentation at 1 p.m.
Kingsway Country Club | 13625 SW Kingsway Circle, Lake Suzy
Madeleine Hackney, Ph.D. will present a fascinating lecture designed to intrigue a diverse audience. Medical Grand Rounds is an innovative lecture series on the intersection of medicine and music founded by local neurologist Dr. Ramon A. Gil. The program benefits the Punta Gorda Symphony. Cost: $50 with lunch and cocktails.

Saturday, Feb. 22, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 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, Feb 22, 7:30 p.m.
Lemon Bay Playhouse | 96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
With a lifetime of show business experience, and an impressive list of stage appearances including New York, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, and Florida, Marcy Downey is the ultimate entertainer. Her singing voice has attracted critical acclaim from coast to coast, and her stage personality “lights up every room in which she appears.” Marcy will perform top hits and comedy bits from the best of the best in show business. Legends such as Dolly Parton, Barry Manilow, Diana Ross, Sonny & Cher, Frank & Dean, Liza Minnelli, Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Lily Tomlin, Phyllis Diller, and many more! Come hear the songs and comedy of legends! Cost.

Sunday, Feb. 23, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy the music of the 50s, 60s and country.

Sunday Feb. 23, 2 to 4 p.m.
Port Charlotte Town Center Mall
| 1441 Tamiami Trail between J.C. Penney and Dillards Featuring art by Betty Beasley, Karen Bell, Shelley Bell, Robert Broyles, Christine Brunette, Donna Dinneen, Carolyn Dlouhy, Adrienne Lasky, Lionel Lewis, Larry Palmer, Laura Pommier, Rita Schwab, Samantha Stone, Betty Teramo, and Gloria Urban, with music by Counter Parts Acoustic Sounds of Josh Rodrigues, Nate Bell and Steve Bell as well as wine and cheese. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
A little bit Classical, a little bit Rock and Roll, humorous and a whole lot entertaining. Back for their third appearance with PGICA, we welcome these classy musicians from across the Pond. If you’ve seen them, you know how amazing they are! Cost: $20.

Monday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You will be mesmerized by the sweet sounds of the Tsimbaly instrument from Belarus, so superbly executed by this astonishing musician.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, Noon to 3 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.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda
Martin Preston re-creates the magic of Liberace in a spectacular full-length show, complete with crystal candelabra, rhinestone-studded grand piano, and the flamboyance and excitement of Las Vegas' greatest musical showman. A classically trained pianist, Martin will astound you with marvelous musical memories, all performed live, of Liberace favorites. Cost: $15 to $34.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte
Come and see Karen Wood's batiks on display. She will be there to discuss the creation of these unique pieces and the process involved. And learn how you can own some of her "wearable art" from her online VIDA collection. Hosted by the Mid-County Regional Library and their Friends group.

Thursday, Feb. 27, 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, Feb. 27, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

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.


Select Future Events

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.

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.

Composer's Luncheon
Thursday, Mar 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, 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.

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.

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, 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.

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 Paul Cottrell (Noon to 4 p.m.),
Jimmy G (1 to 5 p.m.), Dave Heveron and Friends (1 to 5 p.m.), Kavanagh Porter Warren Academy Irish Dancers (4:30 p.m.), Lee County Pipes and Drum Parade (5:30 p.m.), Traditional Irish Music by Mark Fitzpatrick and Eddie Dillon (5 to 9 p.m.)

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

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 classes that begin after Feb. 28.

Stained Glass All Levels with Jill Beach
Every Wednesday, Feb. 19 to Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to Noon
This course covers beginning techniques through advanced 3-D projects – small to large, copper foil technique and basic lead design. Cost for class #707-2: $77 Cultural Center members, $85 others, $10 additional fee per student plus cost for supplies.

Acrylic Painting-All Levels with David Petrelle
Every Wednesday, Feb. 19 to Mar. 25, 1 to 4 p.m.
Students will learn how to pick what to paint, composition, and about subject matter including Landscapes, Still life, People, Seascapes, Decorative, Non-objective art, Realism, and other forms of expressional art. They also will learn how to achieve their objectives by learning the technical ability in each media and how to apply their personal expression into their work. Cost of class #314-2: $77 Cultural Center members, $85 others

Watercolor All levels with Skip Mattie
Every Thursday, Feb. 20 to Mar. 26, 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 #337-2: $77 Cultural Center members, $64 others

Fundamentals of Soft Pastels with Pam Cox
Every Thursday, Feb. 20 to Mar. 26, 2 to 4 p.m.
In this class we will cover the basics of drawing with Soft Pastels. We will mostly focus on learning to use the medium while exploring mostly still life and landscape subjects, paying attention to color blending and shading. It would be helpful to have some previous drawing or painting experience but not necessary. While this class is meant to be an introductory class, more advanced students are welcome and may draw along with the rest of the class or come with their own concepts and draw with a little instructor guidance as needed. Cost for class #341: $56 Cultural Center members, $64 others


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 theVAC 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.
Wednesday, Feb 19, 6 p.m. | Let's Get Splashed! with Marki Raposa
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. | Etched Wine Glasses with Belinda Duclos

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.