I have given many video workshops and taught video classes in many venues. The Alliance for the Arts is one of the best organizations I have ever worked with. They provide amazing facilities in a very nurturing environment for both student and teacher.
I look forward to continuing my relationship with them and spreading the word that art, and particularly through the medium of video, is an important component of communication and expression in today’s society.
This will be my second year teaching Watercolor at the Alliance. Immediately as I walk in the door I feel welcome. The directors are all helpful. The painting room is bright and happy. There are many tables and chairs so my students can have lots of room to paint. The cabinets are new and come with many sinks.
There is no other place in Lee County where artists feel as appreciated and integrated. The staff at the Alliance for the Arts truly support the community by consistently finding ways to promote the local artists. This center is active and inspiring to everyone who lives in the area. Their efforts are noticeable and there can't be an artist in our city who has not benefited in one way or another from the hard work and dedication of this great organization.
I've been an artist for most of my life and yet have never taken formal art classes. I joined the Alliance to take a painting class and was welcomed so generously by the teacher and students. I immediately felt at ease and that everyone in the class was accepted for their level of skill, including myself. The teacher was encouraging and I learned a lot. I also took tap dancing classes and had so much fun.
I've been a volunteer at the Alliance for the Arts for more than three years. The very small staff (along with a very small budget) produces an incredibly robust special events calendar and diversified and extensive class schedule. The monthly exhibits in the gallery constantly amaze all who enter. It's a delight being affiliated with the organization and the staff!
I am proud to be associated with the Alliance for the Arts. Over the last 8 years as a volunteer at the Front Desk and as an Event Greeter, I have met thousands of people -- artists, art lovers, families and visitors -- who leave with a smile after a class or a workshop, an art gallery opening or a cultural event. The Alliance is THE hub of our art & cultural community for thousands of good reason -- from educational & cultural programming - to support of local artists & art organizations - to inspiring our youth through creative classes, camps, scholarships & outreach programs. I consider myself lucky to be a part of this wonderful organization that is such a positive force in our community. Marilyn Mecca
Several months ago after having relocated to Fort Myers, I made it a point to begin to explore the community to better acquaint myself with the lifestyle and people of this area. Almost immediately I had the good fortune to “discover” the Alliance For the Arts. I was warmly welcomed by the front receptionist, thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the exhibition and gift shop, and knew almost immediately that I had found a new place to call “home.” That day I became a member and shortly thereafter was honored to become a volunteer, as well. What a great staff! The museum’s mission to facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion, and education of arts and culture is dear to their heart which is evident in the diverse programs and events, theatre, weekend activities available to the public and summer children’s programs. It is refreshing to have found an organization and staff so appreciative and believing, genuinely caring, and exuberant in the undertaking of their goal.
Ft Myers had been my home for over thirty years. I have attended many openings, shows, concerts, green markets and classes at the Alliance. In addition, my children have both attended classes and been volunteers for the camps held here. Although it is a stellar arts organization it is also a gathering place that strongly supports the arts and continually strives to provide what this growing community needs..culture that feeds the mind and soul. I am honored to be a part of this organization and even more delighted to be able to count on the many, many services they offer. You will feel welcome and content any time you set foot on this campus for ANY reason!!
Volunteering at the Alliance of the Arts is not only fun, but it is a culturally-broadening experience. The enormous variety of events, programs, and activities keeps one challenged - each day is very different. Besides art classes for adults and children, there are concerts (indoor and outdoor), theater, gallery openings, and poetry readings. The Alliance is also a gathering place hosting a book club and a Saturday morning green market with locally-grown produce and other products. The Alliance is a place where the volunteers receive more than they give!. The Alliance staff, led by Lydia Black, is incredibly talented, smart, patient, and delightful.
My experience is from that of teaching artist/instructor. Never and I do mean never have I felt so much a part of the "family" of an art association. From the top down and the bottom up, all are over the top accommodating. Administration offers guidance without stifling or smothering or micro-management. That freedom to teach out of the box filters through myself as a teaching artist to my classroom artists. They are so relaxed and genuinely interested in how classes are coming along. The administrators truly have the mindset of artists. They get it. Art students. Wow, what an eclectic mix of talent, experienced artists and rookies. In my classes they were eager, attentive, trusting and produced the quality of art that an instructor dreams about! Another bonus with these artists taking classes is that they actually do go home, practice, produce art and are using the techniques and theories being taught. Art students going home and actually using what they learned??? It just says something about the caliber of artists that are participating. In other venues, I haven't had that kind of result. Now, I want to talk about support staff. I so so so very much appreciate Deter. (not sure that is spelled correctly) He is there, checking in to see if I need anything, but usually, he had already met and exceeded my needs. Friendly, willing to work/help support staff is so valuable to an organization. Reception people as I enter the building, immediately greet and ask how they can help. Having that kind of attentiveness as soon as anyone enters the building? Yes, it can make or break the entire experience. First impressions are just what our mothers told us. I don't personally know any of the volunteers by name, but, I have seen them scurrying about.
I will take a moment here as I close to say a special thank you to Brandi and Lydia. You both hold my hand when I need it AND let me work freely. Bless your hearts for being so good to me. Patty O'Kane
The Alliance of the Arts offers a wide variety of high quality arts programming and services that benefit people of all ages and abilities within our community. The staff and volunteers are welcoming, generous, and knowledgeable. It is evident that the Alliance of the Arts, including the dedicated staff and volunteers, truly believe in the power of the arts to enhance and positively impact the members of our community. The Alliance is an enormous asset to Lee County.
I’ve had the pleasure of being a member of this outstanding arts organization for several years. I applaud the friendliness and warmth shared so generously by the highly professional staff, volunteers, and everyone that makes this organization such a success. I’ve been gratified, over the past eight months, to be teaching specialty classes on the campus; and have witnessed first hand the dedication of Lydia Black and her staff. In recent times, the Alliance has become known to one and all as the overarching arts venue in our region. Here is a unique place where one’s social or economic standing is neither benefit nor liability. The common bond is art in all its variety. Community outreach has achieved new heights. The joy and good will shared by the Alliance is becoming legend.
The Alliance of the Arts provides a valuable service for artists and the arts community through outstanding programs, support and an experienced staff of skilled professionals interested in promoting the arts in Lee County. All of my dealings with them have been positive. Most recently the Alliance was a partner in the creation of the first annual Paint the Cape plein air competition and exhibition in Cape Coral. The support of Lydia Black and other members of the organization helped make the event a success! Thank you!!!