Cape Coral Art Center presents a few incredible art shows in the Main Gallery during January and February that residents won't want to miss. 

Headspace from January 6 - 26, 2023, showcases works by Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni who channel their mental health struggles through their expressive artwork. The theme bridges the gap between private experience and public communication regarding mental health.  The reception takes place on Friday, January 13, 5-7 p.m.

Don't Forget to Take Your Happy Pill. Courtesy of Artist Meg Brunner. 

Hands on Art from February 3 - 23, 2023, showcases work from members of the center’s nonprofit partner, the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild, where 2D and 3D artists come together for innovative approaches to their media. The reception takes place on Friday, February 3, 5-7p.m. The artwork featured in Hands on Art will be made from three-dimensional, non-traditional mediums. 

“Attendees will have the opportunity to see more than the traditional paintings and drawings shown at most art shows,“ says Samantha Ellis, Senior Recreational Specialist at the Cape Coral Art Center.

Art shows at the Cape Coral Art Center allows residents the opportunity to experience high-quality art right in their city. The gallery events are accessible to all people, and they are free.

“These shows also give local Cape Coral artists the ability to highlight their work without traveling,” explains Ellis. 

Till We Have Faces by Quinn Miller. Photo courtesy of the artist. 

Since 1977, the Cape Coral Art Center has been offering residents a chance to enjoy and participate in the arts by way of all-level and ages classes offered in well-equipped studios. Additionally, there’s a specialty art supply store for center classes and beyond, a gift shop featuring the work of students, instructors, and community partner member affiliates, a fine arts camp for kids with weekly themes designed to inspire one’s imagination, and two galleries—the Side Gallery that weaves its way through the halls and along walls and the Main Gallery housed in a separate space. 

Both galleries exhibit art throughout the year, including solo exhibitions, curated exhibitions, open calls to artists, and traveling exhibitions. Additionally, there are various annual special events, including the Fine Craft Expo offering community classes (Feb 4-5, 2023, swffcg.org/expo), Holly Daze Fine Art Sale showcasing work from the local community (November-December), and Open House events. For more information, visit capecoral.gov. 

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.