Member News

FORT MYERS, FL (Dec 21, 2022)– Alliance for the Arts begins an Oral History Project titled Storm Stories, in response to the emotional impact of Hurricane Ian . 

“When our staff returned to the Alliance we all shared our experiences with each other and I have seen that need echoed in our community,” says Executive Director Molly Deckart. “It is cathartic to share your account and the emotions involved.”

“Storm Stories” will have a dedicated, unmanned voicemail, 239-744-3047, as well as a way to submit written and recorded responses, allowing you to share your unique experience and express your emotions. Anyone who experienced  Hurricane Ian is invited to participate. Both mediums launched earlier this month. 

“Just tell your story about your experience through and after Hurricane Ian in whatever capacity you feel fit—uncensored and unbridled,” explains Molly. “It could be stories of resilience or trauma or pain or loss. It could be a wide range of feelings. It is meant to be cathartic and therapeutic and shareable—something that we can all relate to in some form or fashion.”

Artistic leeway will then be given to local artists to better share these stories with the community. This project will culminate in a multi-media, artistic expression exhibition September 2023.

While this project already covers all of Lee County, Alliance for the Arts plans on expanding this project to the entire state of Florida. If you are interested in becoming a partner on this project, please contact Molly Deckart.

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts and cultural center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. For over 40 years, the Alliance has been charged with the mission to facilitate and nurture the creation,development, promotion and education of arts and culture in southwest Florida. For more information, please call 239-939-2787 or visit us at www.ArtInLee.org.

Trouble viewing this email? View in browser Dear Gulf Coast Symphony Family, This holiday season, Your Gulf Coast Symphony has delighted audiences of all ages with festive and joyous performances, sharing the power of music throughout our community as it heals from the after effects of Hurricane Ian. With only 9 days left in 2022, we hope you’ll join us by making a year-end gift. You can help us present inspirational music all year long—and realize a tax benefit, too. MAKE A YEAR-END GIFT The end of the year is the perfect time to take advantage of this opportunity and support the gift of music. We thank you for making it possible! If you have any questions, or would like to give by phone, please call our office at 239.277.1700 or e-mail us at [email protected] with the best time for us to call you. If you have recently sent a gift in the mail, thank you! We may not have received it yet. You will receive an acknowledgment as confirmation upon receipt. We apologize that this e-mail crossed with your gift. Gifts can be made online at any time but must be received by 11:59 PM EST on December 31, 2022, to be eligible for a 2022 tax deduction. Contributions made by check must be postmarked by December 31, 2022, to ensure acknowledgment for 2022 tax purposes. There are many other ways to make a gift to the Gulf Coast Symphony. You can choose to give stock, donate assets such as an IRA distribution, give through a donor-advised fund (DAF), and more.  Wire transfers and stock gifts must be in our account by December 30. Your gift today ensures we can keep Playing The Music You Love To Hear! We are so grateful to have such a wonderful community of music lovers. MAKE A MONTHLY SUSTAINING GIFT For questions or other assistance, please contact Tessa Lieber at 239-277-1700 ext 111 or [email protected] The Gulf Coast Symphony is a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. A copy of the Official Registration and Financial Information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 1.800.HELP-FLA toll free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.           Please us the following links to Unsubscribe or Update your email address and details. Additionally, here is a link to our Privacy Policy.   Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

FORT MYERS, FL (Dec 21, 2022)– Alliance for the Arts begins an Oral History Project titled Storm Stories, in response to the emotional impact of Hurricane Ian . 

“When our staff returned to the Alliance we all shared our experiences with each other and I have seen that need echoed in our community,” says Executive Director Molly Deckart. “It is cathartic to share your account and the emotions involved.”

“Storm Stories” will have a dedicated, unmanned voicemail, 239-744-3047, as well as a way to submit written and recorded responses, allowing you to share your unique experience and express your emotions. Anyone who experienced  Hurricane Ian is invited to participate. Both mediums launched earlier this month. 

“Just tell your story about your experience through and after Hurricane Ian in whatever capacity you feel fit—uncensored and unbridled,” explains Molly. “It could be stories of resilience or trauma or pain or loss. It could be a wide range of feelings. It is meant to be cathartic and therapeutic and shareable—something that we can all relate to in some form or fashion.”

Artistic leeway will then be given to local artists to better share these stories with the community. This project will culminate in a multi-media, artistic expression exhibition September 2023.

While this project already covers all of Lee County, Alliance for the Arts plans on expanding this project to the entire state of Florida. If you are interested in becoming a partner on this project, please contact Molly Deckart.

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts and cultural center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. For over 40 years, the Alliance has been charged with the mission to facilitate and nurture the creation,development, promotion and education of arts and culture in southwest Florida. For more information, please call 239-939-2787 or visit us at www.ArtInLee.org.

We can’t wait to spark your imagination, inspire reflection and deepen connections among our community in the New Year and always. This January, join us for an upcoming event or theatre production, an art class or gallery exhibition!

Changing Direction: National Associate of Women Artists

In the Gallery January 6 – 28 • The National Association of Women Artists was founded in 1889. It is the oldest professional women’s fine arts organization in the United States. It encourages contemporary and emerging artists while continuing to honor the long and important contribution of women to the history of American culture and art. This exhibition, juried by FGCU professor Morgan Paine, presents 50 pieces by NAWA members meditating on the theme “Changing Direction”.

The exhibition’s juror will host a panel discussion with several artists on January 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This discussion is free and open to the public, however a RSVP is strongly recommended.

Opening Reception: Friday January 6 from 5-7 p.m. See it first. See it free. This event is open to the public. Come meet your neighbors and enjoy light refreshments provided by Jayne Baker at this free event! While the gallery admission is free, a $5 suggested donation keeps the Alliance programming affordable and accessible.

Find Out More →

Panel Discussion RSVP →

Faceless by Selina Fillinger and Directed by Miguel Cintron

Performances January 19-29• On her way to Syria, Susie Glenn, a Caucasian 18-year-old from the Chicago suburbs, is arrested and charged with terrorism. Susie had been radicalized online resulting in her conversion to Islam. How does that even happen? That’s exactly what prosecuting attorney Claire Fathi, a Harvard-educated Muslim, would like to know. This courtroom drama delves into the many facets involved in this true story as it examines how Susie found herself engaged to an ISIS fighter through social media and believing wholeheartedly in radical Islam. It also examines the complex feelings of Claire, who wonders what right Susie has to profess herself as a true Muslim, along with knowing she herself is being used as a token in the prosecution of this case.

Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and available at ArtInLee.org or by calling the box office at 239-939-2787.Performances are January 19 – 21 and January 26 – 28 at 7:30 p.m. and January 29 at 2 p.m.

Please note: the approximate run time for this production is 90 minutes with no intermission.

Find Out More →

Purchase Tickets →

Storytelling Showcase: New Beginnings

Friday, January 6, 7:00pm • Experience the power of the spoken word. When was the last time that a story transported you into another world? Join us as our tellers get up on stage and tell their tales of new beginnings. In this first of a series of storytelling events, Storytellers of the Round Table and The Elephant Showcase Storytellers bring you stories in the oral tradition. Captivating, spellbinding, and entertaining.

Featuring Dr. Joel Ying, Mary Lou Williams, Rhonda Brazina, Marilyn Graham.

Tickets are $18 for Alliance members, $20 for non-members.

Purchase Tickets →

View All Events →

Freaky Friday the 13th

Friday, January 13, 6:00pm • Join us Friday the 13th for our Outdoor Double Feature. Gates open at 5:00 with Disney’s Freaky Friday starting at 6:00 pm. Then watch Jason terrorize Camp Crystal Lake, starting at 8:00. Food trucks and Beverages will be available

Bring your chairs and blankets. No coolers or pets.

Tickets are $12 for Alliance members, $15 for non-members.
Kids under 5 get in free!

Purchase Tickets →

View All Events →

Educate, Create, Congregate

Thursday, January 12 • Come rendezvous with your fellow creatives! Whether you are an instructor or an artist, this mixer is for you! Join us and meet some new faces and see some familiar ones while enjoying light refreshments.

While this event is free, an RSVP is required.

RSVP →

View All Events →

Citrus Circus: Into the Fruit Bowl

Saturday, January 7• Bring your blankets and chairs and come join the girls at Citrus Circus for an exciting journey into the fruit bowl, where the circus comes alive and your imagination sparks! Inspired by the beauty and fun of the tropics and the sassy sweetness of delicious fruit, this family-friendly production is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

From hula hoops to contortion to aerial acrobatics, this show has it all!
Citrus Circus is a local Southwest Florida circus troupe offering shows, acts for events, and classes around SWFL where YOU can learn the fun and beauty of circus, too!

Purchase Tickets→

View All Events →

Outdoor Bluegrass Concert (Lonesome Rangers & Frank Corso)

Sunday, January 8 • Join fellow music lovers for another of our popular Outdoor Bluegrass concerts. The concert will be held on our Green Market Stage. Gates open at 2:00 p.m. with Lonesome Rangers playing at 3:00 p.m. and Frank Corso taking the stage at 4:00 p.m. Chairs and coolers are permitted.

Purchase Tickets →

View All Events →

Fort Myers Fake Fest

Saturday, January 14 • Fort Myers Fake Fest, Tribute Bands and Beer Stands in Fort Myers, Florida, is a REAL festival showcasing nationally and internationally acclaimed Tribute Bands, along with one of the largest beer showcases in Southwest Florida!

A Family-Friendly Event at Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, Florida

Fake Fest is run by Nice Guys Production and is hosted at the Alliance for the Arts.

Purchase Tickets →

View All Events →

5th Annual TOUCH-A-TRUCK

Saturday, January 21 • Join the Alliance for the Arts at Saint Michael Lutheran School for their annual Touch a Truck Event! TOUCH-A-TRUCK is a hands-on interactive experience that allows kids to get up close with vehicles of all kinds. This event gives truck-obsessed toddlers and young children a chance to turn their imagination into reality. Kids can honk horns, open doors, climb into the driver’s seat, and learn from community leaders and vehicle operators. Outreach and Volunteer opportunities available!

Find Out More →

Volunteer Sign-Up →

Classes and Workshops This Month and Beyond

You now have 365 opportunities to take risks, hustle like a pro and hit all your goals with an art class! Upcoming lineup includes:

Adult & Teen
• Mosaic Mania
• Larger Than Life Watercolors (16+)
• Back to Basic: Acrylic Painting with Pat Smelkoff
• Fluid Art Series: Flip Cup Fun
• Zentangle for the Seasons
• Fine Art Acrylic-Plein Air Painting (18+)
• Neurographica (13+)
• Fine Art Acrylics (18+)
• Classical Painting with Terry Lynn: Morning Class, Afternoon Class or Painting Studio
• Paint like Bob Ross Package (13+)
• FUNdamentals of Painting Like Bob Ross “Fluffy Clouds” (13+)
• Paint Like Bob Ross “A Calm Day Sailing” (13+)
• Paint like Bob Ross “Sescape” (13+)
• Landscape and Drawing Perspective
• Draw and Paint Portraits (16+)
• Redefining Now: Female Artists in the 21st Century Lecture
• The Color of Music: Abstract Painting (18+)
• Meaning in Contemporary Painting (18+)
• Step-by-Step Batik-A Slice of Italy
• Fantastic Florals
• Getting Your Art Into the Retail Environment Series: Workshop 1-Demystifying Wholesale for Artists & Makers
• Intro to Leather Working-Small Journal
• Intro to Tribal Belly Dance
• Beginning Belly Dance
• Palette Knife Painting in Oil from Landscape Photography (16+)
• The Art and Craft of the Personal Story
• Playing with Pastel One Day Workshop
• Neurographica (13+)
• Mosaic Jewelry Making
• Out of the Shadows: Female Artists of the 18-20th Centuries Lecture
• Painting in Today’s World (18+)
• Jumpstart Watercolor Basics (16+)
• Can Control 101AM (13-18)

Youth
• Hula Dance (Ages 3-9)
• Hula Dance (10+)
• Homeschool Art Class (K-2nd)
• Homeschool Art Class (3rd-6th)
• Homeschool Art Class (7th-12th)
• Homeschool Open Studio (3rd-12th)
• ArtPlay: Visual Arts (8+)
• Painting with Eunique (ages 5-10)
• Rising Artist Experience-Mixed Media (Ages 5-9)
• Free Family ArtLab
• Manga and Pizza (12-18)

Register →

View All Classes →

Monthly Wednesday Night Market

Wednesday, January 11, 5-8:00 pm • Join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5 pm to 8 pm for our monthly pop-up Market. We feature a selection of fresh produce, art, live music, food trucks, beer and wine.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Email Emily at [email protected]

Find Out More →

View Photos from December's Market →

37th Annual All Florida Exhibition

Deadline to Submit is Monday, January 23 • This annual show is the most anticipated of the year. As the name suggests, this exhibition features pieces created by artists working in a wide variety of media from all over the 65,000 square miles that make up Florida. The juried entries come together for an award-winning and exciting exhibition representing today’s contemporary Florida artist

Find Out More →

Download Prospectus →

Storm Stories: Stories of Ian

“Storm Stories” is part of our Therapeutic Outreach, created in response to the emotional impact of Hurricane Ian. “Storm Stories” will have a dedicated voicemail, 239-744-3047, as well as a way to submit written and recorded responses, allowing you to share your unique experience and express your emotions. Anyone who had an experience, big or small, with Hurricane Ian is invited to participate. Both mediums launched earlier this month.

Artistic leeway will then be given to local artists to share these stories with the community. This project will culminate in a multi-media, artistic expression exhibition in September 2023.

Find Out More →

Share Your Story →

ArtPlay: We Need Instructors

ArtPlay camps and classes, in partnership with Family Initiative, are designed for students with with autism spectrum disorder to learn identity development, self-esteem and positive coping skills through visual arts, dance, acting, music and more!

We are looking to broaden our offering. If you, or someone you know. is interested in teaching one of our classes, please contact Jessica at [email protected].

We are in need of buttons for kid crafts at our outreach events! please consider dropping some off next time you are in the neighborhood!
Thank you! Questions? Email [email protected]

December 24- January 2 • In observance of the holidays, and to give our staff a well-deserved break, we will be closed from December 24th-January 2nd. We will reopen on January 3rd to begin our busy January!

Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org
239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers

Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre • Digital Art Lab

Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation
Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms
Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko

And incredible people like you!

Alliance for the Arts | 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Center donates thousands of toys to local children

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 22, 2022) – The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CACSWFL) hosted its largest toy drive this holiday season, collecting over 2,500 gifts for local families in need. The CAC also hosted its Adopt–A–Family holiday program that allows generous donors to sponsor local families. This year there were 28 families that received gifts for the entire household.

In addition to the toy drive, CAC’s spirit of giving turned into the spirit of gratitude during their community holiday event sponsored by Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. on December 10. This holiday party at East United Way House included food trucks, crafts, a DJ, and even Mr. and Mrs. Claus made an appearance. With all the generous donors supporting the toy drive, the CAC was able to distribute over 300 toys to community clients that day.

The CAC also set up a Toy Shoppe at their main campus where parents and children chose their favorite toys. Children’s Advocacy Center CEO, Julie Boudreaux, thanked donors for their continued support. “We are so grateful and have already collected over 2,500 gifts,” said Boudreaux. “We have seen so many parents and caregivers get emotional and hug our staff as they are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. Thank you so much for giving toys and other donations to put smiles on the faces of the children we serve.”

Since 1981, CACSWFL has worked to improve the lives of children and their families through a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect, offering them a safe and friendly environment in which to heal. CAC provides abuse determination services, pet therapy, therapeutic counseling, parenting education, and prevention programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte Counties. All services are provided free of charge thanks to the support of generous donors. For more information about CACSWFL or treatment options available, please call 239-939-2808. If you would like to support the children in Southwest Florida, consider making a donation at cac-swfl.org and sign up for the CAC newsletter.

About Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida

Since 1981, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, Inc. (CAC) has worked to improve the lives of children and their families through a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect, offering them a safe and friendly environment in which to heal. CAC provides abuse determination services, pet therapy, therapeutic counseling, parenting education, and prevention programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte Counties. All services are provided free of charge. For more information, please call 239-939-2808 or visit cac-swfl.org. CAC is a United Way Partner Agency.

Lee County Port Authority offices will be closed Dec. 26 and 27, 2022, as well as Jan. 2 and 3, 2023, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  

You are welcome to film in the public areas of the terminal while our offices are closed. The majority of the terminal is “public area.” There are, however, three notable exceptions:

1) The area within stanchions at the airline ticket counters;
2) The area beyond the security screening checkpoints; and
3) You cannot impede normal traffic flow at entrance/exit doors or in the baggage claim area.

To reach an airport spokesperson about breaking news during the holiday and after hours, please call 239-590-4504 and the on-call number will be provided.

LCPA will post parking and operational updates, as needed, on the airport’s website (flylcpa.com), Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep travelers informed.

For security-related information, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at tsa.gov.

Happy Holidays!

DEC. 22, 2022

Please note:  Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from Port Authority employees and officials regarding Port Authority business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may be subject to public disclosure.

JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 4

Music & Arts Community Center
13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers

“Smart and funny!”
– The Wall Street Journal

A hilarious, lighthearted musical about cheating spouses, affairs of the heart, and men all around.

Tickets starting from $39!

Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro
Music by Jimmy Roberts
Based Upon The Screenplay Men by Doris Dorrie

Tom is cheating on his wife Lucy (with several women). Lucy is cheating on her husband Tom (with Sebastian). Tom moves out on Lucy and, in disguise, moves in with Sebastian. These are the circumstances that set the mood of hilarious intrigue in this often moving – but always light hearted – musical about men.

239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org

It’s time to wrap up 2022 and unwrap the potential of 2023!
New year, new beginnings. Now is the perfect time to try your hand at a new skill! Join one of our classes designed for artists of all ages and skill levels and set free your creative potential!

Need a last-minute gift? We offer gift certificates that can be used for classes, theatre, gift shop, membership, etc.

MOSAIC MANIA

6 week class starting January 3rd • Learn how to create beautiful mosaic pieces in this fun 6 week class! Each week Nancy will guide you in how to design, cut and place pieces for the project of your choice.

Register →

View All Classes →

LARGER THAN LIFE WATERCOLORS (AGES 16+)

6 week class starting January 4th• Loosen up and allow the medium to express life for you by working large in watercolor. Instructor/Artist Zan Lombardo will help you fall in love with various images and show you how to treat each shape in a large work as a composition in and of itself.

Register →

View All Classes →

BACK TO BASIC: ACRYLIC PAINTING WITH PAT SMELKOFF

6 week class starting January 5th • Wanting to try something new? Then this class is for you- learn the basics of painting as Artist/Instructor Pat Smelkoff guides you through the process of how to undercoat, basecoat, float, double load, dry brush and to paint wet into wet.

Register →

View All Classes →

FLUID ART SERIES: FLIP CUP FUN

Thursday, January 5 • Looking for something a bit different? Give our “Fluid Art” series a try! Whether you are a beginner or advanced, these fluid art techniques will be fully explained, demonstrated and you will go home with two completed pieces.

Register →

View All Classes →

INTRODUCING OUR LECTURE AND CLASS SERIES WITH KEVIN COSTELLO

Beginning January 12 • Join us for a very special series led by Artist/Lecturer/Instructor Kevin Costello. Every Thursday we’ll start the day with a lecture on a variety of styles, mediums and artists. In the afternoon Kevin will lead a 4 week class in a particular style. January’s lecture is on Women Artists in the 21st Century, and the class is The Color of Music: Abstract Painting.

Attend just the lecture, just the class or both! Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be an illuminating experience.

Register for the Lecture →

Register for the Class →

GETTING YOUR ART INTO RETAIL SERIES

3 part Series Beginning Jan. 14th • Calling all Artists! If you’re looking for another opportunity to grow your creative business, consider wholesaling. Transforming your work into products and selling them to brick & mortar retail shops can be rewarding! This series of three online workshops by successful artist, Pamela Joy Trow, will demystify the wholesale process, and help you decide if it’s a viable selling opportunity for your art business. These workshops will benefit visual artists, crafters, and makers who are new to wholesale.

Register →

INTRO TO LEATHERWORKING

January 18th • Learn the basics of the time-honored technique of leatherworking from Instructor/Artist Mathew Halstead and create your own refillable leather journal. The versatile notebook can be used any way you’d like and once the journal is filled, just remove the pad of paper and start a new one!

Register → EXPLORE ALL ADULT AND TEEN CLASSES

LOOKING FOR CLASSES FOR AGES 5-18? Check out our January kids classes!

Our youth programming is bigger and better than ever for 2023! In January we’ll offer:
• Homeschool Art Classes (Grades K-12)
• ArtPlay: Visual Arts (Ages 8-22)
• Zentangle (Ages 13+)
• Neurographica )Ages 13+)
• Paint Like Bob Ross (Ages 13+)
• Hula (Ages 3+)
• Painting with Eunique (Ages 5-10)
• Intro to Leatherworking (Ages 12+)
• Manga and Pizza Night (Ages 12-18)
• Can Control 101 (Ages 13-18)
• And More!

For details and to register click here: EXPLORE YOUTH CLASSES

Educate, Create and Congregate

Thursday, Jan. 12th • Join us for a combined Artist and Instructor Mixer! We know there are many Artists out there that would make excellent Instructors and many talented Instructors who would be interested in displaying their work at the Alliance. This fun Mixer will give you the chance to meet new people and explore your options! Be sure to bring a friend for this fun, relaxed evening!

RSVP →

We can’t wait to make 2023 our most creative year yet, with YOU!

Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org
239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre • Digital Arts Lab

Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation
Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms
Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko

And incredible people like you!

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS NOVEMBER TRAFFIC

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 23, 2022) – During November, 812,305 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a decrease of 18 percent compared to November 2021; however, it was the third-best November in the 39-year history of the airport. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 3 percent compared to last year.

The traffic leader in November was Delta with 166,970 total passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (137,026), American (126,103), United (114,598) and JetBlue (91,018).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 7,486 aircraft operations, a decrease of 19 percent compared to November 2021. Page Field (FMY) saw 13,437 operations, a 5 percent increase compared to November 2021 and the best November in more than 40 years.

Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 10.3 million passengers in 2021 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

Hundreds of courses. Knowledgeable instructors.
Have it your way, online or in-person.

Support FGCU Academy | Make a Memorable Gift Now

The Academy’s program fees only cover a fraction of its operating costs. The Academy relies on the purchase of memberships and donations to carry us the rest of the way. Without your support, this vital community lifelong learning and outreach program would not be possible. Thank you for your generosity.

DECEMBER 2022

FGCU Academy
So much going on. Plan ahead. Register early.

Greetings, THE PROGRAM GUIDES HAVE ARRIVED! You may get a copy here at our Naples Center now located at:

704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N
Naples, FL 34102

We have a stand located outside of the building for your convenience fully stocked with catalogs. If the stand gets empty, we also have them outside our location on the 3rd floor.

They will be available at your local libraries for pick-up as well, but, probably not until next week or the week after.

Our offices will be closed from Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 2nd. You may register online for classes or call us when we re-open on Tuesday, January 3rd and we will be happy to assist you. We are very excited for the 2023 Winter/Spring Season and we hope you are too.

Free Gift with Purchase of a Membership

When you purchase a membership, you are supporting lifelong learning in the SWFL community. As a token of our appreciation, we have a free gift for all those who purchase a membership, in-person or online. Visit the FGCU Naples Center at 704 Goodlette Frank Rd North anytime after January 3 to receive your free gift. Happy Holidays!

PROGRAM GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE 2023 PROGRAM GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS ONLINE

Call us for assistance with registration – 239.434.4737

If you would like to have FGCU Academy provide programs at your community, click below and send us an email with your information: who the contact person is, their email and phone number along with name of your community. We will be happy to reach out and discuss the possibilities with them.

Schedule a Private Education Session
for Your Community!

JANUARY TECHNOLOGY LECTURES
Instructor: John Guerra

iPhone/iPad: Tips, Tricks & Secrets All Users Should Know in iOS 16
@ Siena Lakes – January 10 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Join this lecture-style presentation to learn all of the new features, upgrades and enhancements of Apple’s newest operating system for iPhone and iPad, iOS 16. We explore tips, tricks and secrets that make using your device easier, more powerful and efficient.

iPhone & iPad for Beginners
@ Naples Center / Online via Zoom – January 12 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.

The iPhone provides access to phone, voicemail, email, the web, photos, calendars, texting, maps, games and more. iPads have revolutionized computing since their introduction. With its larger screen the iPad is absolutely a viable replacement for your desktop or laptop! Whether you already own an iPhone or iPad, or are considering purchasing one, join us as we explore the capabilities of these remarkable devices. This lecture-style demonstration teaches you the important basics of: installing, reorganizing and deleting apps, using the touch interface, keyboard basics, text selection and editing, Spotlight, Apple ID, settings and more.

iPhone/iPad Apps: Apple Mail and Safari
@ The Commons Club at The Brooks – January 13 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Many iPhone and iPad users do not fully understand how to use Mail, one of the most important apps on their devices. Apple’s Mail app supports Gmail, Yahoo, Exchange, AOL and nearly all email platforms. We explore the detailed workings of the Apple Mail app showing you how to add new accounts and contacts, work with attachments, insert photos or videos, organize email into folders, eliminate junk mail, markup or sign attachments, scan documents and much more. Apple’s web browser, Safari, keeps getting faster and better. It sports a smart search bar, tabs, and a special split view version for iPad users. Save your favorite websites to your Home Screen or as Bookmarks. You can view Shared Links and add articles to your Reading List or access your saved passwords and credit cards through iCloud’s Keychain.

LOOKING AHEAD – See what January has to offer!

• Hans Holbein – Painter to the King
• Writers Collaborative Workshop (4-part series)
• “A Match Made in Heaven…or not?”
• The Wonders of Ancient Cambodia and Tibet
• Warren Buffet – The Oracle of Omaha
• A Different Look at Florida
• Spies and Espionage – Fact versus Fiction
• One Issue, Two Solutions: The Lives and Works of Booker T. Washington & W.E.B. Dubois
• Berlin’s Museum Island
• FBI: Politicization and Integrity
• The Need for Another Enlightenment
• Current Events: Discussion Group (2-part sessions)
• Balance University: Improve Balance, Posture and Flexibility (3-part sessions)
• George Washington at Trenton
• What Happened to the Ink on My Fingers – From Traditional News to Social Media

2023 Travel

Travel The World With FGCU Academy
Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living

View our
Pre-Recorded Travel Open House Presentation Now

INSIDER’S JAPAN – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
May 20 – June 1, 2023 | 13 days
It’s a land of delicate art and bustling commerce, of rich traditions and dizzying modernity; a jumble of sights, sounds, and tastes that for visitors are truly foreign – and truly fascinating. This well-crafted tour features the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, engages us in local life, and takes us off the beaten path to the lovely historic cities of Takayama and Kanazawa.

UNTAMED ALASKA – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
August 20 – 30, 2023 | 11 days
Awe-inspiring natural beauty and outdoor adventure await as we explore Alaska’s varied landscapes and noteworthy cities. From Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords national parks to the energy of Anchorage and scenic Seward, our small group encounters the breadth and beauty of America’s Last Frontier.

LEGENDARY TURKEY – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 1 – 15, 2023 | 15 days
Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic – and legendary – Turquoise Coast, Turkey engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group experience.

ACROSS SPAIN & PORTUGAL – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 10 – 26, 2023 | 17 days
Fortified cities and tiny fishing villages, rugged Atlantic coastline and commanding Pyrenees peaks, iconic shrines to both religion and fine art, and intimate lodgings in historic paradores and pousadas – it all awaits on this singular small group journey from Lisbon across the north of Spain, ending in vibrant Barcelona.

PEARLS OF DALMATIA – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 14 – 28, 2023 | 15 days
Independent, democratic Croatia welcomes visitors eager to absorb its remarkable history and culture – and its beautiful and unspoiled Dalmatian coastline. As our small group travels from historic Zagreb and beautiful Lake Bled to the Habsburg resort of Opatija, the island of Hvar, and beloved Dubrovnik, we see why this cherished region lays such a claim on the hearts of all who visit.

SICILY IN DEPTH – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
September 28 – October 9, 2023 | 12 days
Crossroads of the Mediterranean … the “toe” in Italy’s boot … “God’s Kitchen” … Sicily is all this, and much more, as we see on our stellar small group journey around this Italian island. It’s lively cities and ancient ruins, temples of man – and of nature, hospitable people and delectable cuisine … a feast for all the senses.

ISRAEL: TIMELESS WONDERS – View Full Itinerary/Travel Brochure
October 14 – 25, 2023 | 12 days
Encounter a land of extraordinary beauty and belief, of spirit and story, history and hospitality. From modern Tel Aviv to scen¬ic Upper Galilee, ancient Tiberias and storied Nazareth to Jerusalem, “City of Gold,” we engage all our senses in a small group encounter with this extraordinary and holy land, with a five-night stay in Jerusalem at the legendary King David hotel.

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FGCU Academy
Collier / Lee / Charlotte

FGCU ACADEMY NAPLES CENTER
704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N
Suite 330
Naples, FL 34102

239-434-4737

[email protected]

FGCU Academy | 704 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Suite 330, Naples, FL 34102