With the 2009-10 Creative Coast Weekend season in full swing, several island galleries will host openings for artists encompassing a wide array of mediums.

The November festivities will take place Friday, Nov. 13, and on Saturday, Nov. 14, when Matlacha and Pine Island galleries will offer extended hours, demonstrations, live music and more.

Friday evening, Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery in Matlacha will host “Tiara Princess Night” for princess, prince and queen wannabes. All are invited to dress for the occasion and be creative on this special occasion that will take place from 2 to 9 p.m.

Bonnie’s and Christina’s Gallery will feature the work of NBC Weatherman Robert van Winkle. According to Bonnie Beers, co-owner of the gallery, van Winkle’s work consists of a selection of whimsical birdhouses, flower pots and trinket boxes hand-painted and adorned with shells collected from local beaches. Van Winkle is known to many through his weather forecasts on NBC and ABC newscasts.

Across the road at Lovegrove Gallery and Garden, visitors Friday can enjoy live music in the garden with Pending Pictures, featuring Ricky Manning.

Those walking Pine Island Road will want to be sure to stop in at WIldChild Gallery for a live demonstration by artist Victor Barreto. His work in acrylic and oil depict scenes that are familiar in the Southwest Florida area. Friday’s demo will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by an open reception for the artist from 2 to 9 p.m.

The activities are not limited to just galleries. Also joining the festivities on Friday will be Andy’s Island Seafood in Matlacha. Those visiting Andy’s can participate in Cooking with Andy. The cost to take this unique cooking class is $25 per person and includes food and wine. The net proceeds from Cooking with Andy will benefit the Animal Refuge Center and the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife.

In Bokeelia, Koucky Gallery and Gardens will feature a Raku Workshop Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and again Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are invited to come and decorate a pot created by Chuck Koucky using horsehair and feathers.

At the Florida Gallery, located just north of the island center, both Friday and Saturday will be dedicated to a Thanksgiving Show featuring the Florida Landscapes from artist Ben Essenburg who will have limited edition prints available for purchase. The Florida Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Saturday, back at Koucky’s, join nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Annie Wenz for a special workshop. Calling her program “Plays Well With Others,” Wenz will guide percussion enthusiasts in using a variety of instruments from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Also featured throughout the two-day event will be handmade ceramic drums created by Chuck Koucky. A potter, Koucky also has had a long-time interest in drumming and has combined this interest with his passion and profession of pottery making.

Back in Matlacha on Saturday, Nov. 14, famed artist Leoma Lovegrove will present her legendary Pain Out Loud performance will all proceeds benefit ACT. The performance will take place at Lovegrove Gallery and Garden from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

For more information about Creative Coast Weekend visit floridascreativecoast.com.