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Cape Coral Living Magazine

Appreciate the Arts in Cape Coral

Apr 11, 2023 02:13PM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan

Image courtesy of the City of Cape Coral.

Whether you are a novice painter or a highly skilled potter, there’s a class in Cape Coral to help you hone your skills. The Cape Coral Art Center offers a wide range of classes for adults and children, such as acrylic painting, watercolor, silversmithing, and jewelry and new classes, such as Relief Printmaking, Advanced Project-Based Pottery, and Introduction to Crochet. Additionally, there are new and reoccurring gallery exhibitions throughout the year in the Main Gallery and the Side Gallery. 

Exhibits feature solo, curated, open calls to artists and traveling exhibitions. There’s also a great gift shop. Also new this year is The June Bennett Pathway to Creativity.  Samantha A. Ellis, Senior Recreational Specialist, Acting Program Supervisor Cape Coral Art Center describes it as “A winding pathway with lush foliage of native fauna, abstract sculptures, and an artist palette-shaped patio designed for special events and outdoor classes.”  

Introduction to relief printmaking class. Image courtesy of the City of Cape Coral.

More than 30 native and ornamental plants and flowers, four permanent sculptures, two on loan, and small art installations make up the 8,878-square-foot area. Bennett a 30-year glass artist from England, began teaching glass fusing at the Art Center in 2004. There’s always something new to enjoy at the Cape Coral Art Center - 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral, 239-574-0802, capecoral.gov.

Another great choice is The Cape Coral Art League, which has been active in Cape Coral and Cultural Park since 1965. 

“As a neighborhood Art League, we pride ourselves on adult and children’s classes, workshops, and events that are informative, affordable, and fun. Our Open Painting sessions on Wednesdays from 1 pm-4 pm are filled with many of our neighbors that come weekly to thrive and visit in a safe and active senior community environment. For many, these opportunists are a lifeline,” says the League’s President Carmen Sprague. 

The sessions are open to the public. ($2 for members and $6 for non-members. Bring your art project and supplies. Adults only.) Art-loving children from ages six to 13 will enjoy the Student Sundays t from 1 pm – 4 pm, where a weekly art project offers the chance to learn the value of art, all while having fun. (No pre-registration necessary. $20 per session cash or check. Materials are provided.  October through June. Check website for details.)  

Students in a clay sculpture course. Image courtesy of Cape Coral Art League Inc. 

April offers classes in Zentangle, Acrylic Painting for Students with Some Experience, Digital Photography and Graphics, Adventures in Color Using Soft Pastels, and more. Events such as Celebrating Color- Joint Exhibit with SWFL Fine Craft Guild from April 3-April 27, and workshops such as Photography Trip to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve on Friday, April 14, and gallery shows, and a gift shop are just a few more examples of the exciting opportunities offered year-round at the League. Cape Coral Art League - 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, 239-772-5657, capecoralartleague.org

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