Share in the spirit of the holidays during the December Art Night
An opportunity to listen to caroling, stroll among the brightly lit shops of Pine Island Road and finish up your holiday shopping during the December Art Night in Matlacha and on Pine Island will draw folks to the island this weekend.
Many of the participating galleries will feature displays depicting holiday images to help enhance the spirit of the season as well as offering specials, demonstrations and workshop. The following are a few of what the participating galleries and gift shops will have to offer visitors during this holiday Art Night to take place on Friday, Dec. 10:
n Island Visions, Matlacha: Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. Back by popular demand will be jewelry artist Beth Kauffman who will conduct a workshop for participants who will create their own Dichroic glass “patchwork” pendant. Kauffman will be followed by Sarah Kiser from 5 to 8 p.m. with a display of her painted works of art. During this time, Wilson Hawthorne will be signing copies of his latest book “The Last Pirate”. Festivities will continue on Saturday, Dec. 11, when Sandi Fisher will be demonstrating her Victorian-style feather trees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also on hand from 1 to 4 p.m. Judy Collette will be demonstrating her Green Bags, made from recycled plastic bags. For more information, call Island Visions at 282-0452.
n WildChild Gallery, Matlacha: On Friday, all are invited to an opening reception for featured local artists, Jean Workman and Nancy Cunningham, from 2 to 9 p.m.the theme of the reception is “Material Girls.” Throughout Art Night and the weekend, WildChild also will host numerous demonstrations by various artists including; Laura DeVoe with jewelry, Madelon Grosky with acrylic, Nancy Tome with oils, Annie Harrison with watercolor, Linda Koening with beading, Treasure Wolin with scrap-booking, Ann Schroeder with dolls, Heather Fortner with gyotaku and Galen Aune with jewelry. For more information, call WildChild at 283-6006.
n Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery, Matlacha: On Friday, Pine Bay will spread holiday cheer with a book signing and live music. From 5 to 7 p.m. Matlacha author, Robert Macomber will be at the gallery to sign copies of his latest book and share tales of his adventures while doing extensive research. Accompanying Macomber from 4 to 8 p.m. signer/songwriter, Annie Wenz will perform her original tunes for visitors to the gallery. On Saturday, Pine Bay will celebrate on old fashioned Christmas with vintage and antique gift ideas and ornaments throughout the day. For more information, call Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery at 283-1335.
n Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery, St. James City: At 8 p.m. on Friday evening, all are welcome to gather around the fire to hear stories presented by Calusa Ghost Tours and on Saturday and Sunday, join Earth and Spirit in celebrating “Local Meets Global.” This event will feature the inspired stone jewelry of Sally Braund along side SAFY co-op of the Philippines. For more information, call 282-1025.
This year’s participating Art Night galleries are :
Matlacha:
Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery
Island Visions
Matlacha Menagerie
Traders Hitching Post
WildChild Gallery
St. James City:
Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery
Paisley Parrot
The Potter’s Workshop and Gallery
Bokeelia:
Crossed Palms Gallery
Koucky Gallery and Garden