Welcome to this week's Creativity Crate - this one is powered by you, your windows and your photos. Let's look through someone else's window, somewhere in the world, for a while.

- Diane Hanley, Fort Myers

"I've been adding to my faux gazing ball collection (they're bowling balls; left the original color or painted). The newest feature is the spray of glass bead sparklers in the back. It makes me smile every time I look out the window." - Paula Sklodowski, South Fort Myers

As I wash dishes at the kitchen sink, I look out into my backyard. I see my pond and waterfall covered by a pergola. There are passionflower vines and other flowers that attract tons of butterflies. I love the peace and beauty of the space and knowing that I designed and created the space with my family." - Amanda Zirzow, kitchen window

"My Tiite Baquero The Collector sculpture holding sign saying “Kindness Spoken Here” to remind all who enter." - BabS Snyderman

"Ships on the Columbia River, 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean." - Vicki Baker, Astoria, Oregon

"Back window , through lanai, looking at foliage and lake." - Sybil Tartaro

"This is the view from our townhouse condo where we spend summer months. We have spectacular sunsets, just like our home in Florida. These peaceful evening vistas provide the perfect retreat and time for reflection on all that is good. Hope you enjoy this scene from afar. Looking forward to reconnecting with my Alliance friends." - Anonymous, Maryland - Chesapeake Bay

"A view from door windows." - Dorothea, Hedgesville, West Virginia

"Someone said I couldn’t have a Zen Garden without Koi fish. Since my stream is made of dry rocks, I made ceramic Koi fish!" - Caren Pearson

August 17 • Learn how to take high quality digital images of your artwork for applying to exhibitions, building a website, or creating an online portfolio. Join us for this fun and simple workshop to get you on your way to taking better photos of your work right away!

Wednesdays, September 2 - 30 • Art and learning can be a welcome distraction or a method of healing in times of grief, distress, and strife. Connecting with others through art can also help ease us through this uncertain and sometimes lonely period. Each class will explore a poetic technique and provide exercises to develop that technique.

Tuesdays, September 9 - October 13 • If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at acrylic painting, now is your chance! Join teaching artist Erik Schlake online for a basic, beginner course on the ins and outs of painting with acrylics from color mixing, to application, to tricks and tips to get the most out of your painting experience.

Deadline: November 6 • This new exhibition opportunity, in partnership with The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, asks artists to dive into water - an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally and historically. Prizes will be awarded including $1,000 cash for Best In Show, $250 for 2nd place, $100 cash for 3rd place and Juror's Choice Award of $50.

The Alliance needs your help. Expense reductions and conservative budgeting only get us so far in making sure the Alliance remains a beacon of hope and connection for all in our community. If you're able to do so, please consider making a gift, of any amount, to support the future of the arts in southwest Florida.

the @Alliance for the Arts and use the hashtag #CreativityCrate or encourage your friends to join by opting in to our emails at ArtInLee.org/CreativityCrate.