The 26th Bonita Springs National Art Festival

The 26th Bonita Springs National Art Festival
10:00am-5:00pm January 12-13

By Patrice Shields

January marks the Bonita Springs National Art Festival’s 26th festival at the Promenade, rated one of the top Fine Art Festivals in America by The Harris List and ranked 11th nationally by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Artists are chosen by a highly selective jury to ensure the highest quality craftsmanship in paintings, glass, jewelry, clay works, photography, sculpture, wood and more. The January festival is bringing a number of fresh new artists to join returning award winners.

Master of kiln formed glass, artist Scott Amrhein returns to the January festival where he won best in show in 2012. His glass sculptures show the hands-on care of an artist who has painstakingly created these timeless works of art. Scott fashions striking pedestals to complement his luminescent glass bowls. The result is Scott’s fine reputation for unique and exceptional handcrafted artwork that is known throughout the United States.

“It has been said that ‘man cannot duplicate nature but merely represent it.’ I hope that every piece I create, combining natural and man-made materials, is a reflection of that statement,” says Amrhein in speaking of the inspiration behind his work.

“Is it a painting or a photograph?” This is the most asked question about the larger than life oil paintings of Jeannie Maddox that have been capturing the attention of art festival crowds for over 33 years. Maddox work took Best in Show at the January 2011 Bonita Springs National Art Festival.

“To the viewer, my paintings appear to focus on photo realism. As an artist, my journey is through small abstract areas of shape, color and contrast, that, when completed and taken as a whole constantly surprise me by becoming hyper-real. I often say that I am a photo realistic painter who paints abstractly,” says Maddox.

In 1976 Maddox took some photographs of one of her young art students in a pool. The painting sold immediately and soon art show patrons were signing up on a two-year waiting list for a commissioned painting by Maddox, which took an average of 425 hours to create. In 1977 at Burdines of Florida bought her complete display during a festival show and continued buying for several years reproducing Maddox’s work to hang in the large atrium areas of the stores that were opening every six months across Florida. Maddox became one of the most recognized artists in South Florida.

“I believe there are many ways to express the art form known as jewelry,” says Jewelry Artist Kim Koch, winner of Best of 3D at the January 2012 Bonita Springs National Art Festival. “I choose quiet refinement, in which splashes of color radiate from my design through precise goldsmithing. My craftsmanship is a process; over three decades of working metals to fulfill my artist mission, while keeping sight of the enjoyment jewelry brings us.”

Koch is recognized nationally for innovative award winning design and craftsmanship, which he maintains by personally designing and creating each piece. His techniques include: casting, forging, fabrication, and multiple surface treatments, often all utilized in a single piece. Koch specializes in rare, color gemstones set in gold and platinum.

In addition to the Bonita Springs National Art Festival, Koch is three-time winner of Wisconsin Jewelers Association, AGTA Spectrum, Signity, and The Niche Award.

If Amrhein’s glass, Maddox’s photo realistic larger than life oil paintings, or Koch’s finely crafted gold jewelry are not intriguing enough, the 208 additional artists who passed the discriminating jury process for January’s festival will certainly offer fine art to make this a festival you will remember.

All proceeds from the festival support the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs programming and its mission to provide opportunities for education and artistic expression for everyone—regardless of economic ability.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have attended our 25 festivals at the Promenade. They come back each year because they know the art is great and there is something for everyone. It is like a walking tour of high quality art galleries, but this one is set up outside in sunny Florida,” said Susan Bridges, President of Center for the Arts.

The Bonita Springs National Art Festivals offer ample free parking on site with food and beverages available for purchase. While there is no admission fee for this event, the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs volunteers will be asking for an optional $5 donation, directly supporting the Center for the Arts programming.

The 26th Bonita Springs National Art Festival will be held at The Promenade located at 26805 South Bay Drive in BonitaSprings. It will run on January 12-13, 2013 from 10am-5pm. For more information, call 495-8989.

Those who join the Center for the Arts for the first time receive two tickets to one of this season’s Live at the Promenade events. The Center for the Arts offers this benefit for first time members only.

If You Go:
Who: Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
What: 26th Bonita Springs National Art Festival
When: 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday January 12 and Sunday January 13, 2013
Where: Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26821 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, FL
Cost: Free ($5 optional donation for admission to support the Center for the Arts of

An Evening of Jazz with Dan Heck and Rebecca Richardson

An Evening of Jazz with Dan Heck and Rebecca Richardson
October 18 at the Promenade at BonitaBay

By Patrice Shields

Local Jazz legends, vocalist Rebecca Richardson and guitar and bassist Dan Heck present, “The Jazz Forum, Live at the Promenade!”  Richardson and Heck offer a night of jazz featuring melodies that are epic and timeless, by composers including Duke Ellington and Cole Porter.  “We chose great songs with interesting changes for a soloist to work with,” explains Richardson.  “We wanted to offer the audience and evening of music that has a sub-melody or a story that wants to be told.”  The “Evening of Jazz,” is presented by The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs in their intimate café theater at the Promenade at BonitaBay on Thursday, October 18 at 7:00pm.

“The ‘Jazz Forum’ performances are fun, historical tributes that guests walk away from having learned something about the music and performers that they did not know before,” offers Craig Price, Performing Arts Director at the Center for the Arts.  “After intermission, Richardson and Heck briefly fields questions from the audience which adds layers to the listener’s appreciation of the music played in the last set.  We feel incredibly lucky to have such word class talent back again for a live performance this year.”  While Richardson and Heck have earned loyal local following, their talent and experience are earned through years playing jazz venues across the globe.

Richardson’s smooth melodic vocal style has been compared to popular jazz vocalist Diana Krall.  Rebecca earned her Bachelor’s of Vocal Jazz Performance from CornishCollege of the Arts and went on to study in New York, with esteemed jazz musician David Budway and attending master classes at the JuilliardSchool. Richardson’s career has spanned ten years, beginning in Seattle, where she performed jazz in popular venues including Tula’s, The Space Needle, and the Sorrento Hotel. It was in Seattle that Richardson met professional jazz Guitarist and Bassist Dan Heck, who would become her husband and musical partner. 

Recording artist, composer and educator Heck, graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston.  A move to Seattle in 1993, offered Heck the perfect opportunity to establish his professional jazz reputation. As a founding member of the band “Bebop and Destruction”, he experienced national success and recognition for his efforts, winning several awards and recording four critically acclaimed CD’s with the group.

After Seattle, Richardson and Heck spent five years pursuing their musical dreams in fabulous New York City, working in famous venues such as the blue Note, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Kavehaz, Flute, The Pierre Hotel, Cleopatra’s Needle, and the French Consulate with a wealth of incredible musicians.  Lured away from the grey skies of New York by the sun and surf of Naples, Richardson and Heck relocated where they continue to play together, solo and with larger groups.

The Jazz Forum is a relaxed evening for lovers of jazz. The Live at the Promenade performance space creates an intimate venue where audience and performers can relax together. Wine and hors d’oeuvres served before performance and during intermission. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs members and  $25 for non-members.  Last year’s performance sold out so advance reservations are suggested.

The Center for the Arts Live! Performances are generously sponsored by Northern Trust, FineMark National Bank & Trust, SWFL Arts & Attractions Grant and WGCU Public Media.  A full calendar of upcoming events, programming and classes at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs is available online at www.artcenterbonita.org or by calling 495.8989

Join the Center for the Arts for the first time and receive 2 free tickets to a Live at the Promenade performance, including this performance by Dan Heck and Rebecca Richardson.  The Center for the Arts offers this promotion for first time members.  Call the Center for the Arts at 239-495-8989 for more information. One membership per household.

IF YOU GO:

WHO: The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
WHAT: An Evening of Jazz with Dan Heck and Rebecca Richardson
October 18, 2012; 7:00pm

The Promenade at BonitaBay, Suite 114, 26811 South Bay Drive, BonitaSprings, FL
Cost: $20 members/ $25 non-members

Global Dance Comes to the Local Stage

Global Dance Comes to the Local Stage
“Dance around the World” with Angela & Jessica Hicks Live! at the Promenade

Patrice Shields

Since the beginning of time and across the globe, dance has been used as a form of expression and communication. Using both graceful and strong movements, the dancer can convey the abstract emotions and ideas that lie deep within the soul. It is a universal form of communication that can bridge social, economic and cultural barriers since everyone, regardless of race and social status, can experience the power of dance on the same level.  On October 11, 2012, locally renowned dancers Angela and Jessica Hicks transfer their multi-cultural expertise in dance to the local stage for “Dance around the World,” at the Promenade.

The performance offers the audience the opportunity to experience a night of traditions showcased by the passion and excitement of flamenco, belly dance, tango, salsa, sword balancing and more. Angela and Jessica captivate and mesmerize audiences as they take them through a journey around the world. The global dance experience is enriched with a mixture of live jazz and various cultural melodies sung by the Hicks sisters.  In their physical expression of dance lies the understanding of many cultures.  Angela and Jessica bring a lifetime of passion and practice in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, modern, ballroom and Latin dance to their “Dance around the World Performance.”  

“It’s not often that we see or meet an artist who has extraordinary capabilities that move across disciplines in such a powerful way,” says Susan Bridges, President of the Center for the Arts, of Angela Hicks.  “When we do, we’re often struck with awe that a single person can attain such a high level of craftsmanship whether they’re in dance, theater, or visual arts.  Angela is one of those unique individuals.  Her abilities stretch successfully across many disciplines.  A focused and dedicated performer, Angela is an accomplished visual artist, and a successful educator.   I have had the great pleasure to see Angela perform hundreds of times, and each time I walk away knowing I have experienced something truly wonderful.” 

The Hicks sisters have been honing their craft since they could walk. “The house I grew up in and my parent’s jewelry store were my first studios. Just counting training in dance schools, I have been dancing a total of seventeen years. At age five I started ballet in a dance academy. I then continued into pointe, jazz, hip-hop, modern, ballroom, Latin, and Polynesian. Along side of that, I also practiced belly dance from the instruction of my grandmother. She was a belly dance performer and instructor at a belly dance school that was next to her etiquette school in Michigan in the 70’s,” explains Angela.  “When I was thirteen years old, I was dancing behind my instructor in ballet, closely following her steps and thought, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life, be a professional dancer.”

As the Hicks sisters grew older, their passion for dance, music and theater grew stronger. Angela earned her B.A. in Art from FloridaGulfCoastUniversity and Jessica earned her B.A. in Theater.  Angela traveled in Florida, California and New York, performing with a Polynesian dance troupe, performing belly dance and sword balancing.  Jessica performed throughout Florida and toured Turkey with a flamenco fusion band as a vocalist and flamenco dancer.  Most recently Jessica performed throughout Argentina with her new band, “A Persuasive Reason.”

Angela’s captivating sword balancing dance, performed with her sister Jessica, mesmerizes crowds and was born from her desire to overcome aichmophobia, the fear of sharp objects.   While studying the different styles of belly dance and the props used for shows, she came across the idea of dancing with a sword. Initially Angela dismissed the idea due to her fear, however, one week later Angela had a sharp double edge Turkish Scimitar Sword in her hands and she was ready to break free from her fear. In 2001 Angela began the self-training process of sword balancing, using her grandmother’s old school etiquette technique of balancing books on her head for posture and grace.

The Hicks Sisters’ performance at the Promenade on Thursday night will incorporate the many styles of dance they have mastered.  Tickets are $15 for Center for the Arts Members’ and $20 for non-members. For more information and to purchase tickets contact the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs at 239-495-8989 or visit them on line at www.artcenterbonita.org.

Those who join the Center for the Arts for the first time receive two tickets to one of this season’s Live at the Promenade events. The Center for the Arts offers this benefit for first time members and it is for a limited time only.

 If You Go

What:   “Dance Around the World” with Angela and Jessica Hicks
When:  Thursday, October 11, 2012; 7:00p.m.
Where: The Promenade at BonitaBay, Suite 114, 26821 SouthBay drive, BonitaSprings, Florida
Cost:    $15 members/ $20 non-members

 

Andy Warhol’s 15 Minutes of Fame Continues for 25 years

Pop Art with Andy Warhol Exhibition at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
Opening Reception and Open House October 5, 2012 

Patrice Shields

Andy Warhol’s infamous statement, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes,” becomes ironic when applied the artist himself.  This pop artist’s fame and impact on the world of contemporary art has far surpassed the quarter hour mark to span a quarter of a century.  In the 1960’s, Warhol turned the art world inside out by elevating common objects into iconic works of art, giving birth to what is known today as the “Pop Art Movement.”

The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs celebrates the artists eternal 15 minutes of fame with their fun and interactive “Pop Art with Andy Warhol” exhibition which opens on October 5, 2012 and runs through January 5, 2013. 

The opening reception takes place from 6:00-8:00p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2012. The evening is free and open to the public and will feature live abstract artworks in music and dance and opportunities for visitors to create their own abstract imagery at unique ‘Creation Stations.’

This unique and interactive exhibition featuring the whimsical spirit of the art of Andy Warhol and the Pop Art movement is composed of three parts:

• The Silkscreen Studio. Here visitors can try a variety of art-making techniques used by pop artists, including silkscreen printing, stamping to make repeat patterns, and making objects using die-cutters like Warhol’s famous Brillo Boxes.
• The Factory.  Visitors can dress up like the characters they see in some of the Warhol artworks, play with toys like those collected by Warhol, and learn more about art and Andy Warhol through books and video installations.
• The Gallery.  Here visitors can view examples of Warhol’s iconic prints like “Marilyn Monroe,” and learn about the life of this unusual artist.

Throughout the exhibition the Center for the Arts offers Free Saturday Family Activity Days from 1:00- 3:00p.m.  Activities feature a mini-lecture of the exhibition, and a variety of artistic ‘Pop Art’ projects for children of all ages and families to create and take home.

“So, as the question goes, why Andy Warhol and Pop Art?” asks Susan Bridges president of the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs.  “Well, Andy Warhol was an accomplished advertising illustrator and graphic artist before he became well known as a Pop artist and celebrity.   The focus of our exhibition, two years in planning, is to feature the whimsical side of his artworks and his ideas.  His work is fun, entertaining and speaks to a number of ideas that at the time were even controversial.  For example, take any one of his pop art, mainstream, commercial-like images of products, people or places.  Questions asked are as often about the objects themselves as the fact he made art about them.  For example, a product so simple as a bottle of Coca-Cola.  Andy made suggestions like ‘the President drinks a bottle of Coca-Cola, Elizabeth Taylor drinks a bottle of Coca-Cola, I’m drinking one, and the panhandler you just gave a dollar to went into a store, bought one, got his change and he’s drinking one.  Regardless of who it is, it’s the same, we’re all equal.  Or, why should it be that in museums, the artwork that’s in them is just for those special, enlightened people.  Art is everywhere, everything and for everyone.   Fun things to think about while looking at Andy’s bright colors, entertaining imagery.”

The appeal of Pop Art and Warhol’s work is universal and continues to command attention with both popular culture and discerning collectors.  The Warhol foundation is selling several of his pieces through Christie’s Auction House, includes “Three Targets,” a large horizontal black-and-white canvas of paint and silkscreen depicting three targets with gunshots; which is expected to sell for $1-$1.5 million.  Campbell’s has turned the tables on Warhol’s packaging genius by introducing a special-edition can of its condensed tomato soup bearing labels reminiscent of the pop artist’s paintings.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has forty-five of Warhol’s works on display for their “Regarding Warhol,” exhibition which runs through December 31, 2012.

The “Pop Art with Andy Warhol,” exhibition is generously sponsored by the Sansom foundation and runs from October 5, 2012 through January 5, 2013.  The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs is open Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m.- 5:00p.m. and on  Saturday from 1:00-4:00p.m.  For more information contact the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs at 239-495-8989, or visit them on line at www.artcenterbonita.org.  “Pop Art! The Andy Warhol Studio” is circulated under the auspices of the children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

Those who join the Center for the Arts for the first time receive two tickets to one of this season’s Live at the Promenade events. The Center for the Arts offers this benefit for first time members and it is for a limited time only.

If You Go

Who:    Center for the Arts of BonitaSprings
What:   “Pop Art with Andy Warhol,” Opening Reception & Campus Open House
When:  Friday, October 5, 2012; 6:00 – 8:00p.m.
Where: The Center for the Arts of BonitaSprings, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Florida
Cost:    Free

 

 

Just Plain Fun Mudbone Live! at the Promenade September 20 2012

When you ask someone to describe a performance by the Southwest Florida “Super Group” Mudbone, the response will likely include, “it is just plain fun.”  Thursday night, September 20, 2012 at 7:00pm, Mudbone will bring their bluesy brand of fun to the Center for the Arts café theater at the Promenade. 

Comprised of some of the area’s most notorious musicians including Rick Howard, David Johnson, Bill E. Peterson and Mario Infante , Mudbone brings together a vast collective musical experience with an eclectic take on The Blues, adding elements of Funk, Jazz, Latin, Zydeco, Reggae and everything in between! The Blues will never be the same when Mudbone hits the stage.

“Blues is a music that affects the listener cerebrally, emotionally and physically on a very simple level. It’s easy to feel, easy to relate to,” offers guitarist Rick Howard. Howard’s forty five years of guitar playing and vocalizing have put him into every situation and every musical genre. At age fourteen Rick was performing at local functions and by seventeen playing parties and weddings. By nineteen he was getting his Jazz legs playing nightclubs while teaching guitar in a Brooklyn music school.

Rick first attended college in his twenties. The local 802 program for professional musicians at KingsboroughCollege gave him a chance to hone his arranging, composing and orchestration skills. The late seventies saw Rick form a group called “Whapp.” This Zappa influenced ensemble mixed intricate music with a humorous theatrical approach.
In the eighties, Rick applied his talents to doing session work, playing guitar on movie scores and jingles. He contributed to recordings by King Sunny Ade, Betty Wright, Bob Marley, and Shania Twain to name a few.

Rick toured extensively with artists such as the Drifters and Chuck Berry, and he has shared the stage with Keith Emerson, Birelli Legrene, Jeff Baxter, John Entwhistle and others. Rick was heavily involved in the jazz and blues scene, performing with his group “The Wolfpack.” Rick recorded two albums with his Latin Jazz group IGUAZU…the first self titled “Iguazu” in 1998, and the second, “All You Need” in 2003. “All You Need” featured guests Paquito D’Rivera, Slide Hampton and Antonio Hart. Iguazu played at many Jazz festivals sharing the bill with Acoustic Alchemy, Alex Bugnon and David Valentin, to name a few.

Rick Howard is known by his peers to be one of the most diversified and eclectic guitarists on the scene. He plays every musical style with authenticity and taste. Rick considers his style to be the culmination of all his musical experience and influences. These influences include Kenny Burrell, Larry Carlton, Carlos Santana, Frank Zappa, Herb Ellis,Tal Farlow, David Gilmour, Alvin Lee, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Pass.

Rick now resides in Southwest Florida, enjoying the tropical climate and playing and singing as much Jazz and Blues as possible.  The first set of Mudbone’s show at the Promenade on Thursday will feature all acoustic instruments performing authentic old time Delta Blues, Country Blues and Zydeco.  The second set will take you on a journey through Chicago, New Orleans, Texas and other areas of The Blues….funky, gritty down and dirty Blues, Mudbone style! Refreshments including beer and wine will be available at the show.

You don’t have to be a member to enjoy all of the activities at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs.  Those who want to become members receive discounts on classes, shows and other events.  Those who join the Center for the Arts for the first time between May 1 and September 30, 2012 will receive a free 4-, 5-, or 6-week class to be used by December 31, 2012.  The Center for the Arts offers this promotion for first time members.  Call the Center for the Arts at 239-495-8989 for more information.

WHAT:  Live! at the Promenade “Blues with Mudbone”
WHEN: September 20, 2012; 7:00pm
WHERE: The Promenade at BonitaBay, Suite 114, 26821 South Bay Drive, BonitaSprings, Florida
FEE: $15 members/ $20 non-members
INFORMATION: 239-495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org

Take the Uptown Express for a Night of Motown and Doo Wop Magic April 12 Live at the Promenade

by Krystal Butherus

Uptown Express takes the stage in the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs’ Live at the Promenade Performance Series on Thursday, April 12^th. Uptown Express has quite the reputation in theSouthwest Florida area and frequently sell out performances. This latest show will bring them to theBonitaSprings area in a one night only concert. Since 1985, Uptown Express has been performing in a variety of venues and have fine tuned their sound. With over 27 years of gigs, audience members are wowed by the polished sound of this ensemble.

             Ten musicians make up Uptown Express, which is a premier Doo Wop group, and they happen to be the oldest continuously performing oldies act inFlorida. Playing Chicago Rhythm & Blues, New York Doo Wop & Motown Soul, this dynamic stage show will even have a dance floor available at their performance at The Promenade.

             Not only do they perform doo wop, but Uptown Express sings your favorite Motown songs from the 50s and 60s. Uptown Express’ five vocalists are Tommy DeSantis, Tony Squitieri, Robert Atmore, Bob Stewart, and Nick Ticich. DeSantis founded the group and is a former member of The Enchantments fromNew York City. Squitieri is a former member of The Cameos, while Stewart was an original member of The Cordials in the 60s.

             Backing up the vocalists is Uptown Express’ band which rounds out the sound of their performances. John Cortese is on the drums, Ron Casella plays guitar, Rick Polce plays the saxophone, and Robby Cutler is on keyboard while Mike Marciano mans the bass guitar.  Cortese was a member of The Rogues and recorded with The Barons and The Crowns. Casella has performed with many groups such as Bo Diddley, The Chimes, and The Crests.

             “This is our 27^th year of performing together. We play music from The Crests, The Temptations, and more,” DeSantis said.

             Uptown Express plays Thursday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Promenade atBonitaBay. The Promenade is located at the intersection of U.S. 41 andSouth Bay Drive, approximately 1.5 miles north ofBonita Beach Road. The performance space is located at the northwest corner of the Promenade, space #114. Tickets are $15 for members or $20 for non-members. Refreshments, including beer and wine, will be available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and open seating is available.

             To purchase tickets or for more information regarding this performance, please call the Center for the Arts at (239) 495-8989. Those who join the Center for the Arts for the first time receive two tickets to one of this season’s Live at the Promenade events. Uptown Express does qualify for this promotion. The Center for the Arts offers this benefit for first time members and it is for a limited time only.

Moving Beyond Boundaries…The Art of Alan Pimentel

“Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.”

― Salvador Dalí

If you ask a successful artist, actor or musician what the key to success is, they will likely give you the same advice, “be yourself.”  The advice is sound, but difficult to follow unless you know who “you” are.  Artist Alan Pimentel has bravely externalized his journey of self-awareness in oil on canvas for over twenty years and through that journey he has met with success.

Pimentel’s most recent encounter with success was taking “Best in Show” at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs “Portrait and Figure” exhibition.  Pimentel’s oil on shaped canvas piece “Wrestling with Myself Again,” impressed Jack Thompson, author and artist who judged the show.  “I have always been drawn to artists whose artworks take a bit of a chance,” offered Thompson about Pimentel’s piece and the Portrait and Figure Exhibition.  “Certainly I’m schooled in the traditional sense of art and techniques, but there’s something about a person who, once really perfecting his or her craft, decides to step outside the box.”

The first of Alan Pimentel’s shaped canvases emerged over twenty years ago, as his journey into the observations of his emotional nature became the subject matter of his art. For Pimentel, the geometric boundaries of the traditional canvas became limiting as his personal awareness expanded. Moving beyond the constraints normally prescribed to painters, Alan’s work took a giant step towards altering the personal boundaries he felt were imposed upon him by the demands of modern culture.  Pimentel describes his style as “my own,” explains Alan.  “I think of it as a psychological, metaphysical, spiritual portrayal of growth.  My painting style is deeply rooted in realism, with the addition of variations in textural quality through intended or casual application.”

Pimentel’s unconstrained perspective is evident in his current works where the canvases continually get shapelier and the surfaces range from utter smoothness to rich dimensional application of paint and wax medium.  The luminous lighting and savory blends of color allow us to safely venture into a realm beyond the reach of the ordinary to observe emotions that reside in the shadows. 

Alan credits his creative gifts to his father’s drawing skills and musical talents, his grandmother’s aptness with a needle, and his maternal aunts’ dressmaking and culinary skills.  At the age of ten, Alan lost his father to a tragic car accident.  A neighbor who was aware of Alan’s interest in art suggested a class in oil painting offered by a renowned portrait artist and illustrator, Carroll Jones.  At the age of fourteen Pimentel began his formal training in oil painting.

Salvador Dali was the first artist to inspire Pimentel.  “I was eleven or twelve years old when I first visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” offers Alan.  “There I viewed the ‘Persistence of Memory.’  This painting reached me on so many levels that it affected my thought process in general, and I think that is the genius of Dali.”

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring artists, Alan responded, “Peruse, persist and listen to your own inner voice.”  Be yourself.

Pimentel’s work can be seen at his studio # 166 at the promenade inBonitaSprings.  The artist studios are currently open Thursday through Saturday from 10am – 3pm.  You can view Alan’s work and the work of over 30 artists at their studios at the Promenade during Art Walk on Thursday, September 29, 2011 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm.

Join the Center for the Arts for the first time and receive 2 tickets to one of this season’s Live at the Promenade performances.  The Center for the Arts offers this promotion for first time members.  Call the Center for the Arts at 239-495-8989 for more information.

The kids may be back in school, but the summer fun continues at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs.

The kids may be back in school, but the summer fun continues at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs. 

 Now through August 25, 2011 the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs’ August exhibition, “Mix It Up”, is open to the public during regular business hours at CFABS. The transition from summer to fall offers the perfect opportunity to “Mix it Up.”.  “Mix it Up” is an exhibition of mixed media and multimedia artworks created by regional artists.  The exhibition is open to all artists and all media, this exhibition features artworks that combine more than one medium.  This can be a combination of pencil and paint, or possibly clay, wire, wood, metal, etc.  It can be 2D or 3D.  This exhibition offered area artists the opportunity use collage materials that have been tucked away, dried tea bags, old love letters kept in a beautiful box in the garage, natural found objects or reuse items that have been discarded.  Come see what the artists have created!

 Now that the kids are back in school, it is time to treat yourself to the creative outlet you deserve.  On August 22, adult art classes begin.  So don’t forget to pick up a full list of workshops and classes.  Classes include Oil and Acrylic Painting as well as Mastering the Potter’s Wheel.  If your children need an after school activity, then look no further than the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs for fun things to do.  After School and Saturday classes for children ages 4 and up begin on September 6, 2011 and include fun activities like, Print Making & Silk-Screening, Cookonomics, Acting for TV & Film, Wheel Throwing Pottery, Movie Makers, Cartooning and every type of Dance you can imagine.  There is even a class called “Mommy & Me” for children ages 18 months through 3 years.  So don’t allow the words “I’m bored,” in your house this fall, send them to CFABS for afternoons filled with the word “fun.”

 “Cinemaistas” can find a haven with like minded movie buffs by attending the Center for the Arts Film Society’s “Films for Film Lovers” at the Promenade atBonitaBaybeginning on Monday August 15 at 7:00pm.  The series offers 22 films and runs through June of 2012.  Don’t sit at home alone waiting for your next Netflix movie to arrive, enjoy great films at CFABS cozy space at the Promenade to watch films on their giant 9’ by 12’ screen.  This year’s series brings you the best in films from around the world.  August 15, kicks off the series with “Black Book” a film from theNetherlandsabout a young Jewish woman who becomes a spy for the resistance during WWII.  “Ginger and Fred,” a film fromItalyfollows on August 22, 2011. CFABS Promenade Theater is furnished with comfortable chairs and tables.  Wine, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are available to enhance your movie viewing experience.  Bring a group of friends or come alone and make some new friends.  You can join in the lively, fun and entertaining discussion after each film, led by a Film Society Chairman and a Film Society Member.  General admission is $8 per person.  You can become a member of the Center for the Art’s Film Society and chose from any of the following packages that offer great savings and VIP seating as well as advance notice of film events, screenings and schedule:  22 Films (the full series) for $126.50, 11 Films (half-series) for $66 or 5 Films (starter-pack) for $35.

 Learn an ancient art while having fun on August 16, 2011 from 5:30-8:30pm at “Raku and You.”  Raku is a centuries old pottery glazing and firing process. The technique produces a lustrous, often metallic, finish. Raku & You is an evening devoted to this ancient process.Attendees choose from a number of bisque fired pots and are introduced to the history of Raku while glazing their pot in a simple or extravagant manner.

While the outdoor kiln heats up to the correct temperature; attendees enjoy a picnic-style meal. Then the fun begins as red hot pottery is plunged into metal containers filled with combustible material. The containers are lidded and the pots rest for a few moments before being quickly cooled with water. The results are spectacular and everyone is invited back into the studio to view each piece. Everyone goes home with their very own raku masterpiece.  The cost is $40 per person.

 Budding actors and actresses are in for a treat this fall with the Youth Theater Department of the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs.  If a Mime gets murdered at a fancy bed and breakfast, does he make a sound?  What if there is no murder at all, just a lot of laughter. Auditions for this “Who didn’t do it” comedy will be held September 7 & 8 by appointment. Auditions are open to ages 12+. The Youth Theater Department is free. Those who are selected to be in the performance will rehearse throughout the fall and will perform on November 4 & 5. Join director Craig Price for this fun musical theater production where students learn not only how to act and sing but also the basics of set and costume design and show promotion.

 Thursday, August 25, 2011 from 4:00p.m.-7:00 p.m., catch an evening summer breeze as you stroll through the Center for the Arts Studios at the Promenade viewing Center for the Arts Member artists at work in their studios.  Painters, sculptors, photographers and glass artists, display their work in various storefront locations at the Promenade atBonitaBay. Artists Studios are open Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. New exhibitions, and artists, occupy the studios every 30 to 60 days. The last Thursday of each month kicks off a new group of artists and exhibitions in an evening Studio Walk, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., accompanied by musical entertainment, light hors d’ oeuvres and wine.  This event is free and open to the public.

 Friday, September 2, 2011; join fellow art lovers from 6 to 8 p.m. for The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs’ “Portrait and Figure Exhibition,” opening reception.  Come see what area artists have been creating as they seek to capture the complex and amazing human form.  Peruse works in abstract and realism; enjoy paintings, photography, sculpture and more. Join the artists for hors d’oeuvres, wine and conversation at the opening reception as we learn what inspires them. The exhibition is open to the public during regular business hours at CFABS from September 2 – 29, 2011.  Admission is free.

 Thursday, September 15, 2011; 5:30-8:30 p.m., grab a group of friends and join artist Patty Kane at “Alla Prima, Alla Fun.”   Learn to paint in one sitting and have fun with friends at the same time. At Alla Prima, Alla Fun, painter Patty Kane will walk guests step by step through the painting process. Join friends for pizza, wine and painting. Since Alla Prima is a style of completing a painting in one session, guests will have a masterpiece to take home with them at the end of the evening. The cost for the evening is $42 per person and includes paint, brushes, canvas, aprons, wine, pizza and guidance. This month the painting selection is Flip Flops.

 AsSouthwest Floridaheads into fall, find a date and head to Live! at the Promenade.  The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs is proud to present internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Kelvin Fischer of Love Hunter for an evening of acoustic music from his new CD “Drawn to The Light”, as well as other favorites from the band Love Hunter.  The show takes place Thursday, September15 at 7 p.m. and tickets are $15 for members of the Center for the Arts and $20 for non-members.

 For those who join the Center for the Arts for the first time between May 1 and September 30, 2011 will receive a free 4-, 5-, or 6-week class to be used by December 31, 2011.  The Center for the Arts offers this promotion for first time members.  Call the Center for the Arts at 239-495-8989 for more information.

 For more information on any of these events call us at 239-495-8989 or visit us www.artcenterbonita.org or join us on Facebook at Center for theArtsBonitaSprings.  The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs is located at 26100 Old 41 Road,BonitaSprings.

Realize Your Dream at the Center for the Arts This Summer

Painting Class at the Center for the Arts in Bonita

WHAT:  Art Classes for Adults

WHEN: Adult Classes Begin the Week of July 5 –August 13, 2011

WHERE: The Center for the Arts ofBonitaSprings

FEE: Varies by Class

INFORMATION: 495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org

What have you checked off of your “bucket list?”    You know, the list of the top ten things you want to accomplish in your lifetime, but have been too busy supporting and raising a family to actually make happen?  The concept was made popular by the movie of the same name, where two men in a cancer ward find out their illness is terminal, so they come up with a “bucket list” and set out on an adventure to experience as many of the items on their list as possible.  For some the list includes writing a novel, for others it is skydiving, but surprisingly the most common unrealized dream is to learn to paint.

Realizing your dream in the company of other like-minded dreamers is just a short drive away at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs.  Start with the basics and take a “Drawing & Painting” class open to all levels of experience.  You can just drop in to this informal evening class which can help you with your drawing and painting projects.  Bring in a project you have started or begin a new one.   Do your dreams take on more pastel shades?  Then try out CFABS’s “Painting Pastels” class which runs on Tuesdays from 9:00 am –Noon, and journey through the vibrant world of art with pastels.  Learn about the proper use of pastels, the different types of paper and how the use of shadows and highlights create movement and excitement in your painting.

If your dream includes wearing a welder’s helmet and making sparks fly, then CFABS has the class to make your dreams come true.  Starting Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm the Center offers “Introduction to Metal.”  This course combines lectures, demonstrations and hands-on experience. Learn the basic techniques of cutting, forming, joining and finishing metal, and yes you do get to wear the helmet and use the torch.

If having your name up in lights on a Broadway billboard would check an item off your list, CFABS has a place for you to get started on the road to stardom with “Improv Workshop I.”  Actor, director and all around funny man, Craig Price teaches you the techniques he learned atSecondCityinChicagoand from the famous Del Close who trained comedians like Tina Fey, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner.

If you are looking for less “improv” and more acting then consider the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, “Readers Theater.”  In just two-hours a week for six weeks you’ll learn how to prepare a role for a staged reading, and then perform it on stage with others who are taking a first plunge into acting.   This class guarantees no memorization and no risks, just lots of fun.

If you have been waiting for the right time to fulfill your dreams and check at least one item off your “bucket list,” that time is July.  Your dream just got more affordable because for those who join the Center for the Arts for the first time between May 1 and September 30, 2011 will receive a free 4-, 5-, or 6-week class to be used by December 31, 2011.  The Center for the Arts offers this promotion for first time members.  Call the Center for the Arts at 239-495-8989 for more information.

A full list of Center for the Arts classes is available online at www.artcenterbonita.org or by calling 495-8989.

Free Class for New Members

Free Class for New Members

Join the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs for the first time between May 1 and September 30, 2011 and receive a free 4-, 5-, or 6-week class to be used by December 31, 2011.  Don’t miss this opportunity to support the Center for the Arts and take that Watercolor, Sculpting, Acting or Pottery class that you promised yourself for free!  Membership entitles you to discounts and exclusive opportunities while it supports the Center for the Arts.  Call 239-494-3999 or go to www.artcenterbonita.org