Alliance for the Arts

09/08/2026

Ready to unravel the mysteries of knitting?

Whether you’ve never picked up a pair of needles or just need a refresher, Knitting 101 will teach you the basics in a fun, hands-on four-week course.

Learn to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off while creating your very own wearable cowl. You’ll also learn how to read yarn labels, fix simple mistakes, and choose the right tools for future projects.

No experience necessary.

Learn more at artinlee.org/classes

09/04/2026

Mend & Make New is a six-week creative repair course where students learn to refresh, reinforce, and reimagine well-loved clothing. Explore invisible mending, patchwork, embroidery, darning, and creative redesign while learning practical repair techniques and developing your own style.

The series blends hands-on skill-building with experimentation, culminating in a final project that combines multiple techniques to celebrate the character of repaired garments.

Register today and make something new from something loved.

Learn more at artinlee.org/classes

09/03/2026

Ready to refresh your watercolor skills or try something new? Join artist Linda Benson for a six-week hands-on watercolor series designed to help you build confidence, develop technique, and create along with Linda in the classroom.

Explore brush techniques, color theory, perspective, gradients, and composition, with a new lesson and reference handouts each week. Linda will also share the tips, tricks, and painting secrets you won’t find in a book!

Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking to strengthen your skills, come create, learn, and be inspired.

Six Weeks | Hands-On Instruction | All Skill Levels
Thursdays starting Sept. 17th 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Register at artinlee.org/classes

09/03/2026

Meet the 2026–2027 Alliance for the Arts Member Card, featuring artwork by Linda Benson!

Selected through an open Call-for-Artists for active Alliance members, Linda’s artwork rose to the top of 19 submissions and received more than 60% of the public vote on Facebook.

Congratulations, Linda, and thank you to all of the talented Alliance members who submitted their work!

Want the new card? Become an Alliance member today and enjoy the perks of being part of our creative community. Learn more at artinlee.org/membership

Please note the updated gallery and administrative office hours: Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

09/02/2026

Ready to take your oil painting skills to the next level? Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to strengthen your technique, this 7-week Oil Painting Basics course will help you build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the medium.

Through personalized instruction and guided exercises, students will explore color mixing, composition, value, light, and brushwork while working from direct observation. Subjects will include still life, landscapes, self-portraits, and live models, helping you move beyond painting what you think you see and learn to truly observe and translate what’s in front of you.

The first two classes will focus on a limited black-and-white palette, giving students a strong foundation in value, light, and form before introducing color.

By the end of the course, you’ll have several original paintings, a solid foundation in oil painting fundamentals, and greater confidence to continue creating independently.

Saturdays | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
September 12–October 24, 2026
7-week course

Perfect for beginners through experienced artists.

Learn, experiment, and discover your own approach to oil painting at the Alliance for the Arts.

Learn more at artinlee.org/classes.

09/02/2026

The Alliance for the Arts is grateful to receive a $5,000 grant from the Sadako Judd Fund for the Arts, a fund of Collaboratory, providing valuable general operating support for the Alliance.

Generous support like this helps us continue creating opportunities for artists, families, and our community to experience, participate in, and connect through the arts.

We are deeply grateful to Collaboratory and the Sadako Judd Fund for the Arts for investing in the arts and helping the Alliance continue our mission: For Families. For Community. For Creatives.

Thank you for believing in the power of the arts!

09/01/2026

What happens when we look at the world through both an artist’s eyes and a philosopher’s mind? This series invites homeschool students, ages 9-11 and 13-18, to explore big ideas and fascinating subjects through conversation, creativity, literature, and hands-on art.

Each class explores a different theme- from nature and identity to beauty, perception, culture, and technology. Classes draw inspiration from Waldorf-inspired curriculum and literary works, using stories, imagination, and artistic exploration as starting points for deeper thinking.

Students will ask meaningful questions, consider different perspectives, and turn their ideas into creative expression. This isn’t about finding the “right” answer- it’s about learning to think critically, see differently, and create boldly.

No previous art experience required, just curiosity and an open mind! Register or learn more at artinlee.org.

09/01/2026

GREASE, ROCK ’N’ ROLL & GOOD TIMES!

Get ready to twist, shout, sing, and dance your way back to the ’50s and ’60s at Summer Nights Sock Hop: The Ultimate Retro Dance & Karaoke Party!

Join us Saturday, September 19, from 8–11 PM at the Alliance for the Arts for a night packed with retro music, dancing, and karaoke fun!

Dance the night away in the Alliance Gallery as our live DJ spins rock ’n’ roll classics and favorite dance hits from the ’50s and ’60s. Plus, learn the Hand Jive and show off your best moves.

Grab the mic in the Foulds Theatre for karaoke, or join in for a special Grease sing-along featuring the songs you know and love.

And don’t forget to dress the part! Leather jackets, poodle skirts, saddle shoes, vintage dresses and retro-inspired looks are encouraged.

Bring your friends. Warm up those vocal cords. Find your dancing shoes.

It’s time to sock hop!

Saturday, September 19 | 8–11 PM
$18 General Admission | $14 AFTA Members
$20 Day of Event
All ages welcome! Get your tickets early and save!
Artinlee.org/events

Visit Fort Myers

09/01/2026

Give yourself the space to pause with Sound, Breath & Body, a six-week adult wellness series exploring the connection between sound, breath, movement, and mindful awareness.

Each week, you’ll be guided through gentle movement, breathing practices, sound-based experiences, meditation, and reflection designed to help release tension, quiet the mind, and reconnect with your body.

Whether you’re navigating stress, burnout, grief, anxiety, a period of transition, or simply craving a more holistic reset, this series offers a welcoming space to come as you are and move at your own pace.

Tuesdays, 5–6 PM
September 8–October 13, 2026
Series: $175 Members | $215 Non-Members
Single Class: $45

Come slow down. Find your breath. Reconnect with yourself.

08/31/2026

Team Work Makes the Dream Work! The Alliance staff spent the day at the IMAG History & Science Center exploring, meeting some amazing critters, enjoying lunch together and getting creative with a Bob Ross-inspired painting session — where we each painted our own colorful sunset!

A big thank you to the IMAG History & Science Center for hosting us and giving our team a fun day to connect, create and enjoy some time together outside the office!