December 2023 AFTA at a Glance

AFTA at a Glance is provided to the media as a short summary of events and programming each month at the Alliance for the Arts. For additional information or coverage opportunities, please contact Therese McDevitt at [email protected] or Jen Falk at [email protected], or call 239-939-2787.

Name: Small Works Off the Wall

Date: On View Thursday, November 30-Saturday, December 30, Opening reception Thursday, November 30, 5:00-7:00 pm.

Time: Gallery Hours

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: Coinciding with the onset of the holiday shopping season, this gallery show features artworks of all mediums priced at $200 or less. All sales are “cash and carry,” meaning purchasers will get to take the piece with them when they buy it, instead of waiting until the end of the exhibit.

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/off-the-walls/

Name: Arts on Tap featuring JJ Grey & Mofro

Date: Friday, December 1

Time: 6:00-10:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: Arts on Tap is the Alliance for the Arts’ premier craft beer and music event. A must-attend event, Arts on Tap features a performance by Florida native JJ Grey & his band Mofro.Damon Fowler is the opening act. 

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/arts-on-tap-2023-featuring-jj-grey-mofro/

Name: Arts & Ends Holiday Sale and Craft Show

Date: Saturday, December 2 

Time: 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: AFTA’s annual Arts and Ends Holiday Sale returns December 2. This year’s Arts and Ends Holiday Sale is headed outdoors to the GreenMarket grounds. Located on walkways surrounding the Alliance for the Arts building, artists’ tables will be set up in the beautiful open air and sunshine.

Website: https://www.artinlee.org/event/artsale/

Name: Painting Project-Lazy Santa (18+)

Date: Saturday, December 2

Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: Join instructor/artist Pat Smelkoff as she guides you through creating this sweet acrylic painting, just in time for the holidays. All supplies provided.

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/painting-project-lazy-santa-ages-18-beginner-intermediate/

Name: The Art of Self-Care Workshop with Anna Withrow

Date: Saturday, December 2

Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description:This workshop is a lively blend of practical learning and introspective reflection. Whether you’re an experienced wellness enthusiast or new to the realm of self-care, we invite you to join us and spend some time connecting with yourself before the rush of the holidays begins.

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/the-art-of-self-care/

Name: World Aids Day

Date: Sunday, December 3

Time: 6:00- 9:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: AFTA is collaborating with Gulf Coast Leisure, SWFL Sistas Organizing to Survive, Lee County Outreach Task Force for this event. There will be food, music, a dance performance and speakers.

Website:  www.artinlee.org/event/world-aids-day/

Name: Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making Workshop

Date: Saturday, December 9

Time: 10:00am- 2:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: Basic wire working for beginners, with no experience necessary.

Students will be making jewelry using basic wire working techniques, and will learn to make earrings, bracelets and necklaces using wire and beads. All supplies will be provided by the instructor.

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/wire-wrapped-jewelry-making-ages-15-4/

Name: Wednesday Night Market

Date: Wednesday, December 13

Time: 5:00-8:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: Every second Wednesday of the month from 5 pm to 8 pm AFTA presents a pop-up Night Market featuring a selection of fresh produce, art for sale, live music, art activities for kids, food trucks and beer and wine.

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/night-market-2023-11-08/2023-12-13/

Name: Open Mic Night at Wednesday Night Market

Date: Wednesday, December 13

Time: 5:00-8:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: AFTA presentsOpen Mic at the Night Market, celebrating local musicians. Guests cannjoy live performances in a vibrant atmosphere. Performers can register online to participate. Basic sound system provided. Limited to one song or 5 minutes per performer.

Website: https://www.artinlee.org/event/openmicnight/2023-12-13/

Name: Art-Tini Night: Ceramic Trinket Dishes 

Date: Friday, December 15

Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: Join the Alliance every second Friday of the month as creative juices flow with craft cocktails and an art project. Each class will feature a different art project and three tasty ‘Tinis per participant. In December we’ll create ceramic trinket dishes –great for holiday giving.

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/art-tini-night-ceramic-trinket-dishes-ages-21/

Name: FREE Family ArtLab  

Date: Saturday, December 16

Time: 10:00 am – Noon

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: Families can drop in for free, hands-on fun with art from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids can explore something new every month like art making, gallery activities, games and more – all inspired by artworks on view in the gallery, famous artists, national holidays and artistic traditions around the world. December’s project will be creating paper ornaments and wrapping paper.

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/family-artlab-2/2023-12-16/

Name: Outdoor Bluegrass Concert featuring Duck Wallow Lane

Date: Friday, December 29

Time: 7:00-9:00 pm

Location: Alliance for the Arts

Description: We’re switching it up for December with The Future of Bluegrass. Every member of the Duck Wallow Lane band is under the age of 20.

Grab your chairs and coolers and join fellow acoustic music lovers outdoors on AFTA’s GreenMarket Stage for great live music by bands from southwest Florida and beyond. Presented in partnership with the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL.

Website: www.artinlee.org/event/outdoor-bluegrass-concert-featuring-duck-wallow-lane/