Letting out the inner artist on Pine Island
It has been said that within all of us lives and artist. While raising a family and building a career, however, it leaves little time for that budding artist to emerge, so may look forward to the day they retire to finally pursue that passion.
On Pine Island, aspiring artists have several outlets and will find a wealth of information as well as fellowship when pursuing this new venture. Among the creative avenues available to seniors on Pine Island is a group called the Order of the Golden Brush.
The Order of the Golden Brush is an assemblage of novice artists who get together each week to share ideas, tips and techniques in a relaxed atmosphere. There is no pressure within this group to earn accolades or enter contests — it’s a place where a person can express himself or herself free of critics.
The group meets each Tuesday morning year round beginning at 10 a.m. at the St. James City Civic Center at the south end of Pine Island. There is no fee to attend, however, all are asked to bring their own brushes and painting mediums.
In addition to regular meetings, club organizers also plan several special meetings throughout the year with host teachers who are noted island professional artists that provide hands-on classes for a nominal fee.
For more information about the Order of the Golden Brush, call Betty at 239-283-7981 or Linda at 239-283-5207.
Pine Island Art Association
One of the longest running groups on the island geared to the novice artist is the Pine Island Art Association. With more than 200 members, the Pine Art Association offer lessons to artists at every level of experience and in a variety of mediums.
The association came into being more than 20 years ago and soon found a need for more space to meet. Renting the former Matlacha Fire House in the Matlacha Community Park, groups meet Monday through Friday from January through April and two days a week during the off-season months.
In addition to regular classes, short-term workshops are often offered at the Art Association, which are provided by area professionals.
The highlight for the Art Association members each years is the annual Pine Island Art Association Art Show and Sale which takes place each February during a weekend-long event. This is an opportunity for members of the association to showcase their efforts and offer their creations to the public for sale. Each year, more than 100 novice and accomplished artists participate in the art show and sale which often earns them greater recognition for their talents.
The Pine Island Art Association holds memberships with the Arts Council of Southwest Florida, the Alliance for the Arts and the Lee county Arts Coalition.
For more information about the Pine Island Art Association, call 239-283-4432 or visit pineislandart.com