Saturday, August 8 is National Happiness Happens Day. Embrace the happy things in your life and put a smile on your face by responding to this question.

Responses and answers are 100% anonymous, so you may be as honest as you wish to be.

Most of us are spending more time at home than ever and it's going to be a while until we travel again. Let's fill that void in our wanderlust hearts by allowing us to look through someone else's window for a while! Submit a photo of the view out your window and tell us a little bit about it. Once we have enough images, we'll share them back to you.

We're delivering a (free) personal cookbook, powered by you! Get inspired by your friends and neighbors and try something new in the kitchen this week.

Thursday, August 13 • A free, virtual extravaganza jam-packed with magical mystery, clever circus and comedy delights that audiences of all ages will enjoy! This production ignites the imagination and sparks wonder by delivering an upbeat and unique evening!

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.