July-August 2013

Stuart Davis (American, 1892-1964). Pad No. 4, 1947. Oil on canvas, 14 x 18 in. (35.6 x 45.7 cm).

Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Edith and Milton Lowenthal, 1992.1.5. Art © Estate of Stuart Davis

/ Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY.

The American Moderns exhibition is part of The Ringling’s 2012-13 Art of Our Time season, supported in part by a grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The exhibition is also made possible through the generous support of the Amicus Foundation and is paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

This exhibition presents fifty-seven artworks from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum in an exploration of the myriad ways in which American artists engaged with modernity. Ranging widely in subject matter and style, the fifty-three paintings and four sculptures were produced by leading artists of the day, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Milton Avery, Marsden Hartley, Stuart Davis, Arthur Dove, Rockwell Kent, Joseph Stella, Elie Nadelman, and Norman Rockwell. Significant works by these and other artists in the exhibition exemplify their unique contributions to modern culture.

American Moderns, 1910-1960: From O’Keeffe to Rockwell has been organized by the Brooklyn Museum.

GALLERY WALK AND TALK

Museum of Art, Searing Wing

American Moderns: 1910-1960

Thursday, July 18, 6:00 pm

Thursday, August 29, 6:00 pm Bite size talks with museum staff that cover some of the dramatic developments of the modern era as expressed through selected works in the exhibition.

COLLECTING RECOLLECTIONS

Historic Asolo Theater Sarasota in the Age of American Moderns

Informal and informative one hour interview sessions focusing on the Sarasota School of Architecture and its important contribution to the modernist movement in Sarasota.

John Howey, Tuesday, August 13, 10:30 am

Tim Seibert, Tuesday, August 27, 10:30 am

Joseph Stella, (American, born Italy, 1877-1946). The Virgin, 1926. Oil on canvas, 39.6875 x 38.75 (100.8 x 98.4 cm), Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Adolph Lewisohn, 28.207.

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‘Dogs I’ve Nosed: Photography by Jack Kenner’ is on view thru July 22 at Physicians Regional Healthcare System in Naples. For more information, call the Naples Art Association at 262-6517.

RinglingExhibit Showcases Modern American Art

The Ringling Museum of Art’s new exhibition, ‘American Moderns, 1910-1960: From O’Keeffe to Rockwell’ brings more than 50 works by some of the most influential American artists of the 20th century to Sarasota thru the summer. Artworks include paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe, Joseph Stella, Norman Rockwell, and Milton Avery, among others, as well as a few sculptures

Between 1910 &1960, American society, culture and art underwent a tumultuous transformation, becoming a world industrial, military and political power –surviving two World Wars, adapting to new technologies and acclimating to major societal changes. Art also witnessed dramatic changes, with artists rejecting traditions, reflecting on modernity and exploring new technologies.

“The first half of the twentieth century, after the Colonial period, is perhaps the most compelling and dynamic epoch in American

Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the artists represented in the exhibit, ‘American Moderns, 1940-1960.’ at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Call 941-359-5700 for information.

history,” explains Matthew McLendon, curator of modern and contemporary art at The Ringling. “Artists in America began responding to the changing world around them, often rejecting and reformulating artistic traditions to better reflect contemporary life.”

He continues, “The wide spectrum of work is treated in thematic sections such as ‘Cubists’ Experiments,’ ‘Nature Essentialized’ and ‘Americana.’ The American city is a common motif, as are landscape and stilllife paintings. Some works address modern life and some are steeped in nostalgia.

The exhibit also investigates an array of styles, including Cubism, Synchronism, Precisionism, Expressionism, and Social realism.

The Ringling Museum will supplement the exhibition with permanent collection highlights celebrating ‘Sarasota in the Age of the American Moderns.’ From 1910-1960 Sarasota was emerging as one of the nation’s

leading centers for art and entertainment. Installations and programs in the Ringling Circus Museum, The Ringling Museum of Art, and The Ringling Ca’d’Zan reflect the development of modernism.

‘Circus Moderns’, an exhibition of posters dating from the 1910s through the 1940s will feature legendary stars of the 1930s & 1940s in the Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center. The lithographs illustrate the transition from Jazz Age and its Art Deco styling to the flat colors and simplified shapes inspired by abstract art.

The museum will also present the exhibition, ‘The Sarasota School of Architecture.’ Among the many tropical beach communities that sprang to life in Florida during the 1950s, Sarasota was distinguished for its high concentration of artists, writers, and architects. Some architects would give rise to what would become known as the Sarasota School of Architecture, with its distinctive open floorplans, use of glass, and clean, functional lines. The Sarasota School remains one of the defining characteristics of this city’s history.

‘American Modern’ is on view thru September 8.

The Ringling Museum of Art is located at 5401 Bay Shore Rd. in Sarasota. Museum galleries are open Daily 10a-5p, until 8p Thursdays. For more information, call 941-359-5700.

Arts for ACT Hosts Preview Reception for Gala Auction Fundraiser

Abuse Counseling & Treatment and the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Edison State College will host a reception at Edison State’s Rush Library on July 12, previewing artworks to be auctioned at the Arts for ACTGala fundraiser in August. The preview reception, showcasing 50 live auction and more than 50 silent auction items, will be held 6-8p. The Six Artists of ACT – David Belling, Cheryl Fausel, Pat Cleveland, Lisa Freidus, Honey Costa, and Doug Heslep – will be appearing at the preview reception. There will also be music and refreshments. Funds raised will benefit ACT, the domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking

center serving Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties.

The Rush Library is located on the campus of Edison State College, at 8099 College Pkwy. SW in Fort Myers.The preview is free and open to the public.

The 2013 Arts for ACT gala & auction fundraiser, being promoted as ‘Moulin Rouge –An Evening at the Cabaret,’ will be held the evening of August 10 at the Harborside Event Center on the riverfront in Fort Myers’ historic River District. In past years the guest auctioneer has been Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, and Sharon Stone. This year’s guest auctioneer has yet to be named.

For more information about ‘Moulin Rouge,’ the Arts for ACT fundraiser, or the preview reception at the Rush Library, call 337-5050.

ArtFest Fort Myers Opens Poster/T-shirt Competition

ArtFest Fort Myers, Southwest Florida’s premier fine art festival, has announced an all new poster/t-shirt competition for the 2014 festival. “This competition is open to all professional artists, not just those applying to

participate in ArtFest Fort Myers 2014,” explains Sharon McAllister, Executive Director.

The artist whose work is selected for the poster/t-shirt will be featured in print and online promotions preceding festival weekend, and continuing throughout the year, as well as a free booth space at ArtFest Fort Myers 2014 and a complimentary three night stay at our host hotel.

Submissions for the contest must represent original artwork with a Southwest Florida theme. Entries will be accepted thru August 20. Images can be submitted by email. For more information, call ArtFest Fort Myers at 768-3602.

Proceeds from the sales of the Commemorative Poster and TShirt help to support the ArtFest Fort Myers’ art education outreach programs: the After School Art Clubs, the Boys & Girls Art Club at Shady Oaks, the Visiting Artist Program, and Art Supply Grants.

ArtFest Fort Myers is scheduled for February 1 & 2, 2014 in the Fort Myers River District.

Marco Museum Showcases Marie Adams Photographs

The Marco Island Historical Museum is hosting ‘Florida Shorebirds & Birds of Prey,’ photographs from Marie Adams, thru August 30. An opening wine & cheese reception will be held on July 11, 5-7p, in the Marco Island Historical Museum. The reception is free and open to the public.

For the last twenty years Marie Adams has served as the Fort Myers City Clerk. Since 2007, she has spent her offhours photographing Southwest Florida’s shorebirds and birds of prey in all seasons and from dawn to dusk. The photographs depict the lives of these birds in their natural environments, capturing flight and landing, mating rituals, nest building, feeding their young, seasonal plumage and more.

The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive on Marco Island. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 9a-4p. Call 642-1440 for information.

Mango Mania Returns to Cape Coral

Acelebration of Pine Island’s mangos and tropical fruits, Mango Mania returns to the German-American Club in Cape Coral the weekend of July 13 & 14 with a full schedule of tastings, contests, games, live music & entertainment, kids’ activities & carnival rides, face-painting, arts & crafts, educational presentations, and its famous Mermaid Parade featuring a new Mango Queen.

Some of the more popular events are the Precision Mango Toss (for kids and Adults), Mango Pie Eating Contest, Mango Hat Parade, Mango Hat Judging, World's Largest Mango Contest, Mango Juggling, and the World's Longest Mango Throw.

The Mango Mania tropical fruit fair runs 10a-7p on Saturday, July 13 & 10a-5p Sunday, July 14.

The German-American Social Club is located at 2101 Pine Island Rd. in Cape Coral. Call 283-0888 for information.

BIGARTS Offers Classical Music Scholarship

Talented high school and college students from throughout Southwest Florida wishing to pursue their classical music studies and training may apply for BIGARTS’ Classical Music Scholarship Award.

Students who play classical musical instruments including piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, flute, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and percussion are eligible, as well as students studying composition and conducting.

The scholarship is awarded to one student annually, with a cash prize of up to $5,000.

All application materials must be submitted to BIG ARTS no later than 3p on October 4 to be considered for this scholarship.

Applicants may pick up a copy of the scholarship application at BIGARTS, located at 900 Dunlop Rd. on Sanibel, Monday-Friday, 9a-3p. For more information, call 395-0900.

Gulfshore Playhouse Announces First Annual New Works Festival

Gulfshore Playhouse has announced their first annual New Works Festival, planned for August 12-18, with rehearsal and writing time, culminating in three public readings, August 16 at 8p & August 17 at 3 & 8:00p at The Norris Center in downtown Naples.

Bringing together three playwrights and a team of actors and directors, this week-long festival will offer a place for each of the playwrights to hone their plays and then present their work to an audience.

“We are committed to fostering the growth of new works and supporting emerging playwrights, says Kristen Coury, Founder and Producing Artistic Director. This New Works Festival is evidence of our deepening commitment to the growth of American Theatre.”

The Norris Center is located at 755 8th Ave. S. in Naples. Call 261-7529 for information.

Marie Adams’ photographs of Florida’s shorebirds and birds of prey is on view at the Marco Island Historical Museum thru August 30. Call 642-1440 for information.

on the Gulf

Jazz at Sunset in Naples

For the 28th consecutive year, the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is presenting SummerJazz On The Gulf, a series of free outdoor concerts.

Each concert is held on the resort’s picturesque Watkins Lawn, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, from 7-10p. This year’s schedule of concerts is:

July 20 : Late Night Brass

August 24 : Vodkanauts

September 21 : The Betty Fox Band

Late Night Brass returns to SummerJazz for the fifth consecutive year, featuring a four-piece horn section and four-piece rhythm section, with male and female vocalists.

Vodkanauts blend jazz and rock & roll.

The Betty Fox Band, which is known for its blues and funkinfused soul, has been voted ‘Best of the Bay’ as Tampa/St. Petersburg’s ‘Best Local Blues Act’ in a reader’s poll.

Parking is available at Lowdermilk Park, just north of the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, with free trolley service to the resort and back. Lawn chairs and blankets are advised, but no outside food and beverages are allowed on resort grounds.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. in Naples. Lowdermilk

Ringling Museum of Art Exhibit Honors World War II Veterans T

The Betty Fox Band, playing September 21 at The Naples Beach Hotel &Golf Club’s SummerJazz, was voted ‘Best Local Blues Act’ in Tampa/St. Petersburg. Call 261-2222 for information.

Park is located at 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. in Naples. Call 261-2222 for information.

he John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is hosting the exhibition, ‘Witness to War: WWII Photographs from the Collections of Veterans’ thru October 27 as part of the Legacy of Valor Campaign, honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. Included in the exhibition are a selection of photographs from The Ringling’s permanent collection, the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience at Florida State University.

Featuring snapshots, candid portraits and pictures documenting action on the front lines, ‘Witness to War’ is comprised of photographs from the personal collections of veterans and offers a unique

historical perspective of World War II from individual servicemen.

“The ‘Witness to War’ exhibitionat The Ringling honors U.S. veterans through a gripping visualaccount of World War II via the lenses of soldierphotographers who documented their first-hand experiences at war,” explains Steven High, Executive Director of The Ringling. “We are fortunate to have access to the archives from both our recent collection of photography from Warren J. & Margot Coville, as well as our partners at Florida State University. We look forward to sharing these rarely-seen images with our audiences.”

During World War II, Coville was stationed in England. As the Allies ramped up aerial raids over Europe, he photographed perilous bombing missions in action from his position within a B-17 ‘Flying Fortress.’ The Coville collection includes many images from those air raids while other images provide invaluable documentation of the unique culture and daily life of American airmen during their

deployment at this critical moment in history.

Other photographs on loan from the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience at Florida State University document the service and sacrifice of GIs in the European and Pacific theaters.

“The Institute is loaning World War II memorabilia from our remarkable collection that tells the personal accounts of the everyday men and women who helped to win the war,” say Kurt Piehler, Institute Director & Associate Professor of History, with the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience at Florida State University.

The museum is offering Gallery Walk & Talks, with museum staff and content experts discussing the photographs in the exhibition, as well as the personal stories of the soldiers who captured the images. Gallery talks are scheduled for July 11 & August 1 at 6p.

In conjunction with the exhibit, The Ringling is also planning a series of screenings of films from the early 1940s at The

Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater. The schedule of films is:

August 4 : Wake Island

August 11 : So Proudly We Hail

August 18 : Destination Tokyo Reservations are suggested. ‘Witness to War’ is on view at the Ringling Museum of Art thru October 27.

The Ringling Museum of Art is located at 5401 Bay Shore Rd. in Sarasota. Museum galleries are

“Witness to War’ an exhibit of photographs by World War II soldier-journalists, is on view at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota thru October 27. For information, call 941-359-5700.

open Daily 10a-5p, until 8p Thursdays. For more information, call 941-359-5700.

Renaissance Academy Hosts Foreign Film Series

The Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Department of Continuing Education is presenting a Summer Foreign Film Series at their Naples Center and at The Atrium Executive Center in Fort Myers. The series presents award-winning foreign films and documentaries, with an introduction before the viewing and a discussion afterwards. Refreshments will be served.

Schedule of film screening at the Naples Center:

July 14 : Turtles Can Fly (IRAN). A drama that mixes humor and tragedy in a timely masterpiece about children struggling to survive in an endless war zone.

July 21 : Capturing the Friedmans (USA). A documentary on the Friedmans, a seemingly typical, upper-middle class Jewish

family living in Great Neck, NY whose world is instantly transformed when the father and his youngest son are arrested and charged with child molestation.

July 28 : FLAMEAND CITRON (DENMARK). A drama about two members of the anti-Nazi Danish resistance during the Second World War. Their activities predominantly consist of hunting down and rubbing out Denmark's most prominent Nazi collaborators.

August 4 : Strangers in Good Company (CANADA). A drama about eight women, strangers, who find themselves depending on each other and becoming fast friends when they're suddenly stranded in the rural countryside.

Screenings hosted by Moderator John Guerra.

The Naples Center is located at 1010 5th Ave. S. in Naples.

Schedule of film screenings at The Atrium:

July 14 : La Vie En Rose (FRANCE). Winner of two Academy Awards, for Best Actress and Best Makeup, this film follows the trials and tribulations of Edith Piaf from being raised in a brothel as a street performer to a world-

famous, accomplished chanteuse.

July 28 : Local Hero (UNITED KINGDOM). Burt Lancaster stars in this quirky film about a small Scottish town that clashes with an American oil company trying to buy its island.

Screenings hosted by Moderator Shelly Kaufman. The Atrium Executive Center is located at 8695 College Pkwy. in Fort Myers.

All films begin at 1p. Registration is suggested. For information, call FGCU’s Renaissance Academy at 425-3272.

FGCU’s Renaissance Academy is showing ‘La Vie En Rose,’ starring Marion Cotillard, on July 14 as part of its Summer Foreign Film Series. Call 425-3272 for information.

EDISON STATE COLLEGE

www.edison.edu

800-749-2322

8099 College Parkway

FORT MYERS

239-489-9300

7007 Lely Cultural Parkway

NAPLES

239-732-3700

26300 Airport Road

PUNTA GORDA

941-637-5629

1092 E. Cowboy Way

LABELLE

863-674-0408

With Bachelor and Associate degrees, certificate programs, continuing education, Edison Online, two collegiate high schools and dual enrollment for high school students, Edison State College is Southwest Florida’s most accessible higher education institution. With three campuses, a center and a residence hall, Edison State is your college where you can become ‘A Higher Degree of You.’

Guideto FLORIDA

EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY

www.evergladesuniversity.edu

888-226-8604

BOCA RATON CAMPUS

5002 T-Rex Avenue • Suite 100

Boca Raton

BOCA RATON ONLINE

5002 T-Rex Avenue • Suite 200

Boca Raton

ORLANDO CAMPUS

887 East Altamonte Drive

Altamonte Springs

SARASOTA CAMPUS

6001 Lake Osprey Drive • Suite 110 Sarasota

Everglades University is an accredited, no t-for-profit 501(c)(3) University offering Bachelor's Degree programs in Crisis & Disaster Management, Alternative & Renewable Energy Management, Construction Management, Business Administration, Applied Management, Av ia tion Technology, Aviation Management, and Alternative Medicine. Everglades also offers Master's Degree programs in Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, and Aviation Science.

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

www.fgcu.edu

www.fgcu.edu/ced

10501 FGCU Boulevard South FORT MYERS

239-590-1000

CONTINUING ED

Atrium Executive Center

8695 College Parkway • Suite 1181

FORT MYERS

239-425-3270

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Herald Court Centre

117 Herald Court • Suite 211

PUNTA GORDA

941-505-0130

CONTINUING ED

Naples Center

1010 5th Avenue South Naples

239-434-4737

Established in 1997, Florida Gulf Coast University is a vital institution fostering innovations in academics, sustainability and community engagement. With 52 undergraduate, 31 master’s and 3 doctoral degree programs, FGCU has grown to 13,000 students who are as committed to hitting the books as they are to hitting the beach.

HODGES UNIVERSITY

www.hodges.edu

NAPLES CAMPUS

2655 Northbrooke Drive • Naples 800-466-8017

FORT MYERS CAMPUS

4501 Colonial Blvd. • Fort Myers 800-466-0019

PASCO HERNANDO–NEW PORT RICHEY Learning Site

10230 Ridge Road • New Port Richey 888-440-1788

PASCO-HERNANDO – BROOKSVILLE Learning Site

11415PoncedeLeonBlvd. • Brooksville 888-440-1788

IMMOKALEE AT JUBILATION

Learning Site

1170 Harvest Drive • Immokalee 239-657-7710

FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Learning Site

5901 College Road • Key West 305-295-8881

SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE

Learning Site

600 West College Dive • Avon Park 239-450-1441

PASCO-HERNANDO - SPRING HILL Learning Site

450 Beverly Court • Spring Hill 352-340-4865

Hodges University, founded in 1990, has emerged as a leading institution of higher learning, with main campuses in Naples and Fort Myers. Its mission is to offer Associate, Baccalaureate and Graduate degrees as well as other programs, which enhance the ability of students to achieve personal or professional objectives.

RASMUSSEN COLLEGE

www.rasmussen.edu

239-477-2100

9160 Forum Corporate Parkway

Fort Myers

An innovator of higher education, Rasmussen College is a career-focused, private college that specializes in offering the most in-demand degree programs in a highly supportive, student-centered environment. Our Fort Myers campus offers on-campus and online degree options in business, health sciences, nursing, technology, design, education, and justice studies. Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

2 nd Place – Non-Fiction

I Just Want to Know

by Patricia Herchuk Sheehy

My husband says that when I die my headstone will read: she just wanted to know. He’s right. I do just want to know. I’m always questioning, always asking, always seeking answers to the unanswerable. Like, What happens when we die? Is it simply all over? Or do we exist in some afterlife, strolling along a place called Karmic Boulevard, waiting for the right time to reach out to our loved ones, maybe even planning a comeback? It’s one thing to have these questions on some esoteric level for intellectual discourse. It’s another thing to have them because there’s a hole in your heart and all you want to do is hear, one more time, from the people you’ve loved and lost. That’s where I was at when the calls started to come.

There’s no linear way to tell this story. So, instead, I will tell it to you as though we are sitting together at the kitchen table, enjoying a cup of morning coffee or, if you prefer, that afternoon glass of wine. I will tell it to you in a way that makes sense to me, and you will see how the universe has, in a small and very personal way, responded to my need for answers.

The first thing to tell you is this: our daughter has died and the pain of it is still raw. On February 5, 2012, at precisely 12:08 a.m., we were sitting with Patty in the bedroom that once held her teenage dreams, stroking her sweat-soaked hair, listening to the “death rattle” Hospice warned us about, when she gave up the fight and took her last breath. Diagnosed just six weeks earlier, at age 51, with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, the doctors said it would be fast and brutal. And it was. One minute we were planning her wedding, the next her funeral, with no time to process; there was only time to react, to do what needed to be done in service to the one who is dying, nursing day and night, praying for her relief, praying for her survival, praying for answers to the unanswerable.

Patty was my stepdaughter, with the same name as me — Patricia Ann — a name my husband loved before we ever met. Within months of our marrying, a rebellious thirteen-year-old Patty (and her fourteen-year-old sister, Ann) moved in with us. There they were, daughters of my heart, challenging this new bride to suddenly be a new mother. Together, we forged a family. It’s here in our home that we hold the memories of our efforts, of their proms and parties, of report cards and boyfriends, and, now, of Patty’s excruciating journey into death.

For all of our years together, Patty and I had a private greeting whenever we phoned each other. It went like this: “Hi Patricia, it’s Patricia.” A simple phrase. Nothing special in the eyes of the world. And yet, to us, invisible glue within the texture of our relationship. Planting flowers at the cemetery a few months after her death, I told

Ann how much I missed Patty’s voice. How much I missed our silly, decades-old greeting.

Hold these thoughts and travel with me, now, back in time . .

Shortly after my dad died – twenty-five years ago, at the age of 66 – I wrote an essay for our morning paper, admitting that I needed to know where my father might be – see, there’s that need to know thing again – how much I wanted a phone call from him, telling me he’s doing okay, maybe even making plans to see me again. I so wanted that call. For days after the piece was published, I received calls from strangers offering to share their faith and insights, their version of the Truth, including one from a man who introduced himself as “Elvis, no relation, Presley.” But nothing from my dad. Not then anyway.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2010: I was cooking dinner and missing my mother terribly. She’d died a few years before, right around Thanksgiving, after a series of strokes over several years. I basted the turkey, went upstairs to take a shower and the phone rang. The elderly, female voice on the other end said exactly this: "This is your mother. Do you need any help?" Not a simple, "hi" or "how are you?" but, "this is your mother." She was calling her daughter and dialed incorrectly. Or did she? That was call Number One.

Three days later, my cell phone rang. I rarely use my pay-asyou go phone. Few people have the number. I turn it on only when I’m on the road. Apparently I’d forgotten to turn it off after traveling to a book signing the night before. I raced toward the unfamiliar sound and answered without putting on my glasses to see who was calling. The man on the other end said, "You sound better today."

"Who’s this?" I asked.

"This is your father. You sound better. I’m glad."

Hmmm. It took 25 years to get that call. But it came.

Now, back to the beginning of this story. To our daughter Patty’s death and my overwhelming need to hear from her. To feel connected. To hear our private greeting one more time. A few days after planting those flowers at her grave, I came home to a voice message from a woman I'd been e-mailing. Patty DiFazio and I were finalizing a date for me to attend her upcoming book club meeting. Instead of e-mailing this time, she decided to call. And this is what she said: "Hi Patricia, it's Patricia."

This woman didn’t know me. Didn’t know my history. My sorrow. My deepest need. Yet there it was: “Hi Patricia, it’s Patricia.”

Call Number Three. Simply coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. Some call it synchronicity. Others call it angel tracks. I call it an answer to my deepest need, a message from the invisible world, letting me know there is something more. For now, that’s all I need to know.

www.gulfwriters.org

2 nd Place – Poetry

Study in Gray

by Mar y Beth Lundgren

Gray, singularity among colors, appears nowhere on a wheel but has an achromatic scale of a hundred shades that open a mote darker than white; end a fleck lighter than black.

Taste that bottle of Goose in your freezerits bite and a bit of smoke unlock memories of gray: Playing golf in wispy fog that floated over the valley course at dawn. That year when smog, heavy as a wooly mammoth, smothered the city. Brakes screeched, traffic stopped as wildfire leapt the highway inches away. Heady aroma of tobacco trailing us home from that cigar bar near the river.

Gray's textures range from silky – talc-smooth ash that fills an urn –to rugged: Think custom-tailored business suit with strength to shatter ceiling glass.

Listen to Lady Gray croon the blues when sleep turns us down, loss descending in darkness. A phantom tabby, fearful of strangers, she hums tunelessly, slips shadow to shadow in glimmers of a new-minted moon.

Gray, at her most powerful, inhabits that ground between right/wrong, yes/no, and black/white. Gray embodies free will, its essence, its truth, and its soul.

Like homespun cloth, soft and shy, gray never screams, shouts, or laughs aloud. Occasionally though, at dusk, she perches in an oak tree, side-by-side with an owl and whispers, "Why? Why me?"

1st Place – Poetry

The Bridge

by Joan Heller Winokur

Today I take the road that runs alongside the river. Park at the base of the bridge. Mist thick as flannel. I can barely see the opposite bank. I can barely see.

The river courses with the force of a burst water mainnot caring about anything in its path, not caring that it took your nothing-daunts-me smile. The river has its confidence-killerscurrents, hidden rocks, deep beds.

They found piecesof your boatnot you.

I climb the steel. The river is shrouded in grey. In its bed, your laugh.

www.gulfwriters.org

ANDREW ELIAS

2 nd Place – Fiction

HLove in the Lily Pond

by Carmine Lombardo

owdy, my name is Professor Barnyard Wise. I was born and bred in these Tennessee hills, and I’m the only owl on ol’ Mr. Bates’ farm. Good ol’ Mr. Bates loves animals, his land and his family. Why, he’s got more wisdom than a heap of folks with all their learnin’.

I just love his son, Teddy, cause he’s just like his dad. You can see him here fishin’ in that ol’ pond Mr. Bates had dug out for the cows. That’s where our story begins.

One day I was flyin’ around takin’ in some of the beautiful scenery when I see these two country boys, Wart and Freddy, mozeyin’ down the path. They must’ve been laughin’ ‘bout somethin’ cause Wart was practically bendin’ over.

Suddenly Freddy stopped. He popped his big ol’ brown frog eyes and stood fixed like a Greek statue.

“Golly, what’s happenin’ to you, Freddy?” yelled Wart.

“You goin’ crazy or somethin’?”

“Shh,” replied Freddy. “Don’t you hear it?”

“Hear what?” asked Wart.

“That song! That voice!”

“Oh, that! It ain’t nothin’ but some ol’ fat frog croakin’ somewhere.” exclaimed Wart.

“Now wait a minute, Wart. I knows what I hears, and what I hears is beautiful, simply beautiful, and what’s singin’ it ‘s got to be the same. Come on! Let’s see where it’s comin’ from.

“Oh, all right if’n that’ll please ya,” grumbled Wart.

So Freddy and Wart jumped off the road into the nearby bushes and made their way toward the pond.

Well, don’t you know, there on the other side of the pond was the prettiest little frog ever to sit on a lily pad singin’ so sweetly I thought Freddy was goin’ to melt. Not far above her, on a long branch of an ol’ hickory tree, Benny and Bertha Bluejay were busy carin’ for their young uns.

Freddy’s eyes rolled back, his heart started pumpin’ like a hammer poundin’ on an anvil while his jaw dropped like a bale of hay thrown from the loft of ol’ farmer Bates’ barn.

“I’ve just got to have her, Wart,” Freddy moaned. and holdin’ his stomach as if he had cramps, he swooned “She’s sooo purty. Why, I think I’m fallin’ in love.”

“Love?” cried Wart. “You just sees her and you’re in love?”

Now love is great, but sometimes it don’t come easy. I guess ol’ Freddy didn’t notice that lurkin’ behind one of the big rocks around the pond, slithered Slinknaster, a nasty, mean-ol’-frog-eatin snake figurin’ how he was gonna get two frogs for the price of one.

Freddy, completely out of it, could have been hit with a sledge hammer, and it wouldn’t have bothered him. His eyes, fixed on his sweetie, didn’t see danger comin’ closer and closer. Slinky, that’s what I call him for short, licked his lips when Wart yelled, “SNAKE! SNAKE!”

Freddy got the message and like a jet streakin’ across the blue jumped into the pond. His legs pumped like a paddle wheel on an ol’ Mississippi River boat and before I knew it, Wart was helpin’ him up to safety. Whew! That was close. For a minute there, I thought Freddy was a goner.

Freddy soon composed himself, sat down on a toad stool and talked to Wart. “I’ve got to have her, Wart, but with that ugly snake facin’ us, it don’t seem likely.”

“Now hold on thar, boy, suggested Wart. “Nothin’s impossible, and where thar’s love, love finds a way. You’re gonna have to hide your feelin’s for a while.”

“THAT’S IT! HIDE!” shouted Wart. “Freddy, we’ll camouflage you behind some leaves on an ol’ tree limb. Slinky won’t see you, and you can

slowly paddle your way across the pond to the girl of your dreams. What do you think?”

“Might just work,” nodded Freddy. “I’m willin’ to try anythin’.”

Soon they found a broken branch full of leaves, launched it, and Freddy started to paddle his way across the pond.

Now Benny and Bertha Bluejay just came back from food huntin’ when they spotted Freddy movin’ across the pond.

Slinky also saw Freddy comin’ across the pond, and he knew what he was up to. Poor ol’ Freddy was headin’ straight for trouble, and his name was Slinky.

Benny and Bertha Bluejay, who know what love is, became frantically angry at Slinky. They quickly picked up some nuts from the ol’ hickory tree and dive-bombed him. BOING! BOING! BOING! BULLS EYE! Poor Slinky. He never had his head conked like that before. Did it stop him? Uh! Uh! Seems like Slinky had a hard head.

So Benny and Bertha zoomed down toward Slinky and with a swish and a swash, they pecked at his head. Well, that was enough for Slinky, so he slid behind a rock to find safety. Wouldn’t you know, Freddy didn’t even know what had happened.

It wasn’t a good day for Slinky, because it so happened that Teddy and his friend, Tommy, were out snake huntin’. Seems like they were fixin’ to bring a squirmin’ critter to school to show their science teacher; also probably to scare a lot of the girls.

They had a head hook at the end of a long broom stick that pulled tight with a little effort. Slinky popped his head to see if all was clear and ZAP! The boys got him. Slinky squirmed and fussed, but it was too late. In no time the boys put him in a sack and off to school he went.

You can’t imagine how Freddy and Wart felt when they saw that sneaky ol’ snake all caught in a burlap bag. Why, I’m telling ya, they laughed so hard, they cried. In fact, Wart even did cart wheels.

Now Freddy was free to do his courtin’. He picked a beautiful pink daisy from a nearby pink daisy patch and happily hopped toward his love. She was so delighted to see him, and when she told him her name was Frieda, Freddy rolled his big ol’ frog eyes and swooned. GOLLY, AIN’T LOVE GRAND?

The courtship lasted for a short time, and soon they were married. Frieda was the prettiest bride of the year. Freddy, handsome as ever with a white daisy in his lapel, grinned with pride as his young bride walked down the aisle. Wart, Freddy’s best friend, performed the weddin’ ceremony. Benny and Bertha Bluejay, also a part of the weddin’ party, were thrilled for the happy couple.

It was such a beautiful day. Everything was perfect. Love had come to Lilly Pond.

Freddy and Frieda went on their honeymoon alone in the marshes of ol’ Mr. Bates’ farm.

Many nights passed and we all heard their sweet song of love.

Soon winter rolled around, and all became still at the farm. The pond became stiff and each night the peaceful reflection of the moon on the sparkling ice made me wonder ‘bout Freddy and Frieda, ‘bout Slinky, Benny and Bertha. What would the next season bring?

Well, spring came sooner than I expected and with it, the fruits of love. Why, the pond was crawlin’ with tadpoles, offspring of Freddy and Frieda. Even Benny and Bertha had new ones.

The farm became alive again, and I just had to fly around and take it all in.

One day, as I flittered to one of the upper branches of the ol’ hickory, my keen eye caught sight of a flickerin’ tail. Was that Slinky? How did he get away from those boys? What was he up to now, especially with a heap of young uns in that pond?

Well, friends that’s another story. Till then, you all take care! Hear?

Dear New York Times Best Selling Author

by A.J. Coulter

I appreciate a good jaw drop or dead protagonist as much as the next reader stuck at Dulles, but I still have sixty pages left for you to lure me down this corridor of the White House to story’s end, and already I have waltzed with third-world leaders and double-agent prostitutes in Swiss ballrooms, witnessed the First Lady pay off mafia goons who are somehow linked to underground Nazi groups that once held Hitler’s secrets. And don’t forget Jesus and his Coptic monks who save cryptic drawings, which when folded in rare Japanese origami shapes provide answers to life, happiness, and Amelia Earhart. The next chapter is titled “Shock and Awe”, but I want the cuffs slapped on someone’s wrists already, better yet hanged, whacked, or zapped for the heinous crimes against our national security and that poor dog named Warren. Gruesome. Please, sir, let’s turn the page on this one, close the files and cash that check already because I’ve flipped to 429 and know that America wins again, and the terrorists are stopped by that reporter whom you cast as yourself in the made-for-TV movie. Random House is half-right anyway, so let’s be done, board the flight, and land this plane. I’m a fan.

www.gulfwriters.org

3 rd Place – Poetry

3 rd Place – Non-Fiction

Cole’s Barn

by Martha Jeffers

One Indian summer afternoon, I pulled my rental car off a two-lane country road in southern Ohio to search for a familiar friend. Fifty years had passed since I’d visited my old neighborhood, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The sun’s rays streamed through the glass, and I squinted, shielding my eyes from the glare. Then, amid a scattering of golden-leafed elms, the tumbledown barn came into view. I could barely make out the peeling white letters on what was left of the roof: “Cole Farm, EST 1896.”

In bygone days the old barn stood proudly, its sideboards strong, its tin roof reflecting the sun. Once, suntanned boys and girls romped inside. I can almost hear their laughter as they leap from lofts into mounds of freshly-mown hay. Where is that laughter now? Chances are, the storms of life have taken their toll on those little ones, just like on that ramshackle barn. Crumpled walls have caved from neglect and the passage of time, but Cole’s barn patiently waits.

Fat white chickens flapped and pecked at the cool earthen floor for scraps from their latest meal. We called their young ones “biddies,” and they were tiny and soft and buttercup yellow.

I look closer and imagine a man in a shabby hat, a farmer, stooped by the weight of years. We all called him Grandpa Cole. Silently, we watched him from our hiding place in the tack room behind the russet saddles, the air heavy with the scent of leather and tobacco juice.

There was a peculiar quietness, the only sounds the buzz of a few deer flies and the scrape of Grandpa Cole’s ragged work shoes as he shuffled past the horse stalls. Whiskbroom tails flickered. Ears quivered. Heads turned slightly to track his every move. Where is Grandpa now? Did he know we discovered his stash of moonshine under those loose boards in the wash house?

I remember Pat, a shorthaired black mongrel. That dog was Grandpa’s constant companion – a long-legged shadow behind the plodding figure. The day Pat died, I saw Grandpa cry.

And Bob, the swaybacked coffeecolored workhorse. He lumbered up and down that dirt driveway with three of us perched on his sweaty back. What ever happened to Bob? Are he and Pat buried side by side in the stubbled stalks of the cornfield?

Grandpa Cole’s barn. You look so rejected, collapsed against that hillside, where wind and rain bluster and swirl through your splintered doors and windows. Are you still waiting, watching for Grandpa and that lanky Pat? Do you yearn for eventempered Bob to make another loop around the drive? For one more summer when children will frolic in the hay?

I eased my car back onto the highway, and felt a sense of contentment. I’d paid my respects to an unchanging memory. So long old barn, old friend. For me, you still exist, as tall and strong and proud as you were when I was young.

www.gulfwriters.org

ILLUSTRATIONBY ANDREW ELIAS

Piano Men

by Andrew Elias

Christian McBride has long cemented his legacy in the pantheon of great jazz bassists, yet he continues to create music that is new and exciting. McBride has two new releases: Out Here , with his Trio, and People Music , with Inside Straight, a quintet featuring vibraphonist Warren Wolf. Both are outstanding, as expected, but Out Here is spectacular. And although McBride, as always, plays with class and heart, both plucking and bowing, much of the credit must go to the young pianist, Christian Sands . Sands plays with athleticism and soul, driving through jazz classics like ‘Hallelujah Time’ and ‘Cherokee’ as well as Johnny Taylor’s funky hit, ‘Who’s Making Love?’. He and drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. have both been playing in McBride’s bands for years and the chemistry is especially apparent on their version of ‘My Favorite Things.’ Out Here is one of the best jazz albums of the recent past – and Christian Sands is a pianist worth keeping an eye on.

Aaron Diehl’s outstanding debut studio recording, The Bespoke Man’s Narrative, is a smart, stylish and thoroughly modern outgrowth of the music Diehl grew up on –Duke Ellington and the Modern Jazz Quartet. It, too, features Warren Wolf on vibraphone. Diehl and band are as comfortable revisiting ‘Moonlight in Vermont’ and ‘Bess, You Is My Woman Now’ as they are reimagining Ravel’s ‘Le Tombeau de Couperin.’ And yet, it’s his original composition, ‘Stop and

Go’ that may be the highlight of the album, with Wolf matching him at every improvisational turn. An exciting debut that teases at the great music yet to come from a promising new pianist.

WILL CALHOUN Life In This World (MOTEMA)

MARC CARY For The Love Of Abbey (MOTEMA)

AARON DIEHL

The Bespoke Man’s Narrative (MACK AVENUE)

Another young pianist worth watching is Roberto Fonseca , a Cuban pianist who incorporates African elements into his urban Latin jazz. Fonseca’s new album, Yo was recorded in a single week in Paris with musicians from Cuba and Africa, and exudes spontaneity and energy. Fonseca plays with power and speed (‘80’s), and yet can be delicate and romantic, too (‘El Sonador Esta Cansado’ and ‘Asi Es La Vida’). Another highlight is ‘Gnawa Stop,’ featuring the kora, a 21-string African harp. Yo is different, original and intriguing.

ORRIN EVANS “...It Was Beauty” (CRISS CROSS JAZZ)

ROBERTO FONSECA Yo (CONCORD)

CHRISTIAN McBRIDE TRIO Out Here (MACK AVENUE)

JOSHUA REDMAN Walking Shadows (NONESUCH)

CHUCHO VALDES & the Afro-Cuban Messengers Border-Free (JAZZ VILLAGE)

FRANK WESS Magic 101 (IPO)

I am sure that Fonseca grew up listening to and influenced by one of the great Cuban pianists, Chucho Valdes . Valdes, 71, has a new album himself – Border-Free – and it’s a winner. Valdes and his Afro-Cuban Messengers have fused Cuban and hard-bop jazz traditions with flamenco and Moroccan Gnawa music –even a little Bach and Rachmaninoff –to create an album that pays homage to both his musical roots and his personal roots (with songs dedicated to his father, his mother and his grandmother, as well as several musicians he has known). Highlights are three tracks recorded with saxophonist Branford Marsalis (‘Tabu,’ ‘Bebo’ and ‘Abdel’), who has never sounded better, and ‘Afro-

Comanche,’ an 11-minute tour-de-force with hints of Native American musical elements. Border-Free is one of the best jazz releases of the year.

W ill Calhoun is best known as the drummer in the rock group, Living Color. W ith his new album, Life In This World , Calhoun returns to his bebop roots for a collection of first-rate tunes that, with the help of trumpeter Wallace Roney, evoke the best of the late-60s Miles Davis recordings. Calhoun’s original compositions are excellent, but the best tracks on the album are covers of the jazz standard ‘Love for Sale,’ Coltrane’s ‘Naima,’ Monk’s ‘Evidence’ and Wayne Shorter’s ‘Etcetera.’ Calhoun propels the music, offering it up to Roney, Donald Harrison, and the nimble and adventurous pianist Marc Cary to color and sculpt. Excellent modern bebop.

Marc Cary has his own new release, For the Love of Abbey , a solo recording and a real showcase of his many and considerable talents. Pianist for the late Abbey Lincoln for more than a decade, Cary has created an intimate and soulful tribute to the singer, mentor and friend. The 14 tracks are extremely varied, in tempo and in emotion, but ‘The Music in the Magic’ (one of Lincoln’s signature songs), ‘My Love Is You’ and ‘Conversation With a Baby’ are standouts. A very personal

recording and virtuoso performance by an intelligent and sensitive artist.

Years before Cary was accompanying Abbey Lincoln, Kenny Barron played piano in her band. At age 70, he is still going strong, as charming as ever, joining 91-year old Frank Wess on the tenor saxophonist’s new release, Magic 101 Wess, known for his bluesy tone and mellow style, reminiscent of Hank Mobley and Coleman Hawkins, sounds like a musician a quarter his age – strong and mischievous – but plays Irving Berlin’s ‘Say It Isn’t So,’ Ray Noble’s ‘The Very Thought of You’ and Johnny Mercer & Harold Arlen’s ‘Come Rain or Come Shine’ (a wonderful duet with Barron) with the affection of an old friend. Wess’ beautiful solo interpretation of Duke Ellington’s ‘All Too Soon’ is a terrific ending to a magical album.

Joshua Redman burst onto the New York jazz scene in the mid-90s, releasing several acclaimed and successful albums and playing with the likes of Elvin Jones, Pat Methany, Charlie Haden, Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and his father, Dewey. His new r elease,

W alking Shadows , sees Redman re-teaming with pianist Brad Mehldau, who also produced the sessions. Mehldau, always tasteful, keeps a low profile, allowing Redman the space to explore and improvise against a string orchestra on songs such as ‘Lush Life,’ ‘Stardust,’ The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be, and a number of excellent original compositions. Possibly Redman’s best albumin years.

“...It Was Beauty” is the 20th recording as a band leader by pianist Orrin Evans . Denser,and edgier than most of his recent releases (his Captain Black Big Band was one ofthe best jazz releases of 2011 and his Flip The Script, with his trio, was one of the best jazz releases of 2012), “...It Was Beauty” finds Evans dueling with long-time drummer Donald Edwards and bassist Eric Revis (a member of Branford Marsalis’ ensemble). Best here is their cover of Ornette Coleman’s ‘Blues Connection.’ “...It Was Beauty” is another excellent effort by Evans, who also has new releases with the group Tarbaby and vocalist J.D. Walter. •

Pianist Marc Cary contributes to Will Calhoun’s new release as well as having his own new album of solo performances.

1 MONDAY

•Ft Myers Miracle vs St Lucie: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.7p. 7684210.

•Urban Farming Workshop: Kitchen Garden & Beyond. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10:30a. Free. 9392787.

•Walk & Talk: Art discussion. All Florida exhibit. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. Free. 939-2787.

2 TUESDAY

St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 337-5050.

•Art Reception: Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989.

•Art Reception: Raising the Bar - local lawyers’ art. Davis Art Center, 2301 First St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Reception: Unit A Art Space: Marcus Jansen, 1922 Evans Ave, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free.849-7772.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios.Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 855732-3836.

6 SATURDAY

•America - A Tribute to Our Veterans: Concert with Paul Todd & Paul Todd Jr. BB Mann, 8099College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4893033.

•Art Reception: Howl Gallery/Tattoo, 4164 Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers. Live music byWhat We Do, Bloodwise. 7-10p. Free. 332-0161.

•BOB - A Life in Five Acts: Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1635 Woodford Ave, FtMyers. 8p. 2180481.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Cinema Under the Stars: Hotel Transylvania. Gulf Coast Town Center,9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Ft. Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8:30p Free. 2670783. 3

•Freedom Fest: Block party, live music by Deb & the Dynamics, kids’ activities.Downtown Ft Myers historic River District. All day, music at 6p. Free. 826-0356.

WEDNESDAY

•American Art - Colonial to Contemporary: Lecture. Shell Point, 15101 Shell Point Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a.Reserve. 489-8472.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Bradenton: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, FtMyers. 7p. 768-4210.

5 FRIDAY

•America - A Tribute to Our Veterans: Concert with Paul Todd & Paul Todd Jr. BB Mann, 8099 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p.4893033.

•Art Reception: Art League of Ft Myers, 1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 275-3970.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First

•BOB - A Life in Five Acts: Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1635 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 8p.2180481.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Family Beach Walk: Hosted by Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Algiers Beach/Gulfside City Park, Algiers Ln & Casa Ybel, Sanibel. 9a. Free. 3952233.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Jupiter: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Underground Wednesdays: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of galleries &studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west of Airport Rd, Naples. 58p. Free.821-1061.

•The Chicago Mob: Outdoor concert. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903Gulf Coast Main St, Ft. Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8-10p Free. 267-0783.

9 TUESDAY

•Cinema Under the Stars: ParaNorman. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Ft.Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8:30p Free. 267-0783.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Jupiter: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

cert. Shell Point,15101 Shell Point Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 454-2067.

1 2 FRIDAY

•America - A Tribute to Our Veterans: Concert with Paul Todd & Paul Todd Jr. BB Mann, 8099College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4893033.

Veterans: Concert with Paul Todd & Paul Todd Jr. BB Mann, 8099College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4893033.

•Art After Dark: Receptions, exhibits, demos, music at several galleries & studios. CraytonCove, Naples City Dock, 8th St S & 12th Ave S, Naples. 69p. Free. 821-1061.

Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Lakeland: Hammond Stadium, 14400Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.4p. 7684210.

•Art Preview: Art reception for Arts for ACT annual fundraising gala auction. Rush Library, Edison State College, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free.939-2553.

WEDNESDAY

•Summer Film Series: The Sting. Screening & discussion hosted by Naples Film Fest. Silverspot Cinema, Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 6:30p.775-3456. 10

•American Art - Colonial to Contemporary: Lecture. Shell Point, 15101 Shell PointBlvd, Ft Myers. 10a. Reserve. 489-8472.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Art Reception: Union Artists Studio, Edwards Bldg, 2nd fl, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 980-1394.

•Back to the Beach: Surf’s Up: Musical. Venice Theatre: 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 7p. 941-488-1115.

•BOB - A Life in Five Acts: Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1635 Woodford Ave, FtMyers. 8p. 2180481.

•Art Reception: Union Artists Studio, Edwards Bldg, 2nd fl, Alliance for the arts,10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-1p. Free. 980-1394.

•Back to the Beach - Surf’s Up: Musical.Venice Theatre: 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 11a. 941-488-1115.

•BOB - A Life in Five Acts: Laboratory Theater of Florida: 1635 Woodford Ave, FtMyers. 8p. 2180481.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Lakeland: Hammond Stadium, 14400Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.6p. 7684210.

•MangoMania: Family event, tastings, contests, kids activities, entertainment, food & plant sales, etc. German-American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral. 10a-5p. 283-0888.

1 5 MONDAY

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Lakeland: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.7p. 7684210.

•Piccadilly CircusBlammo!: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 4:30 & 7:30p. 800745-3000.

•Urban Farming Workshop: Permaculture. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10:30a. Free. 939-2787.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Gotta Luv It Band: Concert.Venice Theatre: 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 8p. 941-488-1115.

1 6 TUESDAY

THURSDAY

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Jupiter: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210. 1 1

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Jupiter: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Gallery Walk & Talk: Witness to War. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 6p. 941-3595700.

•Jersey Girls: BIG ARTS Community Players. Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 8p. 395-0900.

•The Sunshine Trio: Con-

•Family Beach Walk: Hosted by BaileyMatthews Shell Museum. AlgiersBeach/Gulfside City Park, Algiers Ln & Casa Ybel, Sanibel. 9a. Free. 395-2233.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Lakeland: Hammond Stadium, 14400Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.7p. 7684210.

•Jersey Girls: BIG ARTS Community Players. Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.8p. 395-0900. 1 3 SATURDAY

•America - A Tribute to Our

•Jersey Girls: BIG ARTS Community Players. Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.8p. 395-0900.

•Livewire: Outdoor concert. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf CoastMain St, Ft. Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8-10p Free. 2670783.

•MangoMania: Family event, tastings, contests, kids activities, entertainment, food &plant sales, etc. German-American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral. 10a7p.283-0888.

14 SUNDAY

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s

•Cinema Under the Stars: Rise of the Guardians. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Ft Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8:30p Free. 2670783.

•Piccadilly CircusBlammo!: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 4:30 &7:30p. 800745-3000.

1 7 WEDNESDAY

•American Folk Art: Lecture. Shell Point, 15101 Shell PointBlvd, Ft Myers. 10a. Reserve. 489-8472.

•Jersey Girls: BIG ARTS Community Players. Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.8p. 395-0900.

Off Broadway Theatre presents ‘Funny Money’ at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers thru August 10. Call 278-4422 for information.

The Union Artists Studio in Fort Myers hosts ‘Shaping Up & Shipping Out,’ paintings by Troy Thomas, July 5-August. Call 826-3861 for information.

1 8 THURSDAY

•Gallery Walk & Talk: American Moderns. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd,Sarasota. 6p. 941-359-5700.

•Jersey Girls: BIG ARTS Community Players. Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.8p. 395-0900.

1 9 FRIDAY

•America - A Tribute to Our Veterans: Concert with Paul Todd & Paul Todd Jr. BB Mann, 8099College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4893033.

•BOB - A Life in Five Acts: Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1635 Woodford Ave, FtMyers. 8p. 2180481.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Family Beach Walk: Hosted by BaileyMatthews Shell Museum. AlgiersBeach/Gulfside City Park, Algiers Ln & Casa Ybel, Sanibel. 9a. Free. 395-2233.

•Jersey Girls: BIG ARTS Community Players. Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.8p. 395-0900.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 855-732-3836.

•Professional Bull Riders: Rodeo. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 800-745-3000.

SATURDAY

•America - A Tribute to Our Veterans: Concert with Paul Todd & Paul Todd Jr. BB Mann, 8099College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 489-3033.

•BOB - A Life in Five Acts: Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1635 Woodford Ave, FtMyers. 8p. 2180481.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Gotta Luv It: Outdoor concert. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf CoastMain St, Ft. Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8-10p Free. 267-0783.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Rd, Ft Myers.10a12p. Free. 247-4515.

•Jersey Girls: BIG ARTS Community Players. Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.8p. 395-0900.

•Professional Bull Riders: Rodeo. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero.8p. 800-745-3000.

•SummerJazz On The Gulf: Late Night Brass. Outdoor concert. Lawn chairs &blanketswelcome.

Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf ShoreBlvd N, Naples. 7-10p. Free. 261-2222.

•Third Weekend Art: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of galleries &studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west of of Airport Rd, Naples. 11a4p.Free. 821-1061.

2 2

MONDAY

•American Portrait Artists: Lecture. Shell Point, 15101 Shell Point Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a.Reserve. 489-8472.

•Indie Film Screening: 2xUNO. Film & discussion hosted by Ft Myers Film Fest . Davis Art Center, 2301 First St, Ft Myers. 7p.810-6323.

2 3

TUESDAY

•Cinema Under the Stars: Brave. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Ft.Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8:30p Free. 267-0783.

•Midsummer Night’s Sing: Concert fundraiser. First Presbyterian Church of FtMyers, 2438 Second St, Ft Myers.7p. Donations. 334-2261.

24

WEDNESDAY

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s

Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

25

THURSDAY

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Clearwater: Hammond Stadium, 14400Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, FtMyers. 7p. 7684210.

26 FRIDAY

•America - A Tribute to Our Veterans: Concert with Paul Todd & Paul Todd Jr. BB Mann, 8099College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4893033.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Family Beach Walk: Hosted by BaileyMatthews Shell Museum. AlgiersBeach/Gulfside City Park, Algiers Ln & Casa Ybel, Sanibel. 9a. Free. 395-2233.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Clearwater: Hammond Stadium, 14400Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, FtMyers. 7p. 7684210.

2 7 SATURDAY

•America - A Tribute to Our Veterans: Concert with Paul Todd & Paul Todd Jr. BB Mann, 8099College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 489-3033.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Clearwater: Hammond Stadium, 14400Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, FtMyers. 6p. 7684210.

•Kappo Kings: Outdoor concert. Gulf Coast Town Cen-

ter, 9903 Gulf CoastMain St, Ft. Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8-10p Free. 267-0783.

28 SUNDAY

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Clearwater: Hammond Stadium, 14400Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, FtMyers. 4p. 7684210.

•Summer Sunday Art Reception: Meet artists, refreshments, artgiveaway. Kathleen Bradford Studio/Gallery, 4259 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Beach. 14p. Free. 776-6844.

2 9 MONDAY

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Daytona: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.7p. 7684210.

•Indie Film Screening: Waterhole Cove. Film & discussion hosted by Ft Myers Film Fest. Davis ArtCenter, 2301 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 810-6323.

30 TUESDAY

•Cinema Under the Stars: Alpha & Omega. Gulf Coast Town Center, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Ft Myers. Lawn chairs & blankets. 8:30p Free. 267-0783.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Daytona: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.7p. 7684210.

3 1 WEDNESDAY

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Daytona: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.7p. 7684210.

August 1 THURSDAY

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Ft Myers Miracle vs Daytona: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.7p. 7684210.

St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 275-3970.

•Art Reception: Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 26100 Old US 41 Rd, BonitaSprings. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989.

•Art Reception: Unit A Art Space:Marcus Jansen, 1922 Evans Ave, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 849-7772.

•Art Reception: Veron Ennis - Transference. Davis Art Center, 2301First St, Ft Myers. 610p. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries &studios. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 610p. Free. 855-732-3836.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Family Beach Walk: Hosted by BaileyMatthews Shell Museum. AlgiersBeach/Gulfside City Park, Algiers Ln & Casa Ybel, Sanibel. 9a. Free. 395-2233.

•Monster X: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p (pit party 6p). 800-745-3000.

•My Son Pinocchio Jr: Center for the Arts at Bonita Springs Youth Theater. Promenade at Bonita Bay,US 41 & S Bay Dr, Bonita Springs.7p. 4958989.

•The House of Yes: Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1635 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers.8p. 218-0481.

3 SATURDAY

•Art Reception: Howl Gallery/Tattoo, 4164 Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers. Live music. 7-10p. Free. 332-0161.

•Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 12p / show 1p. 278-4422.

•Monster X: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p (pit party 6p).800-745-3000.

•My Son Pinocchio Jr: Center for the Arts at Bonita Springs Youth Theater. Promenade at Bonita Bay, US 41 & S Bay Dr, Bonita Springs. 2 & 7p. 495-8989.

•The House of Yes: Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1635 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 8p. 218-0481.

•Urban Farming Workshop: Vermiculture. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, FtMyers. 10:30a. Free. 939-2787.

5 MONDAY

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

JULY AUGUST

•Gallery Walk & Talk: Witness to War. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 6p. 941-3595700. 2

FRIDAY

•Art Reception: Art League of Ft Myers, 1451 Monroe

•Indie Film Screening: Love at a Certain Age. Film & discussion hosted by Ft Myers Film Fest. Davis

whatGoeson

The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs hosts ‘Sand, Surf, Summer’ July 5-25. The exhibition is free. For information, call 495-8989.

16 & 17, 23 & 24. Summer camp: Zombie MacbethJul 8-12, 15-19, 22-26. 218-0481.

•Naples Players: Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. Les Miserables - thru Jul28 434-7340.

•Venice Theatre: 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. Back to the Beach: Surf’s Up - Jul 12 & 13; Gotta Luv It BandJul 13; The Goldtones - Aug 17. 941-488-1115.

exhibitions

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. All Florida exhibit - thru Aug 2; Mask - Aug 9-30; Doug Patterson - Aug 930. 939-2787.

•Art Council of Southwest Florida Co-Op Gallery : Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Tue-Thu & Sat 11a-6p, Sun 12-5p. Free. 466-1947.

•Art Gallery Old Naples 2: Crayton Cove, 1187 8th St S, Naples. 560-9569.

•Art League of Fort Myers: 1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri, 11a-3p. Art Explosion - Jul 5-26; People’s Choice show - Jul; Back to School - Aug 2-25. 275-3970.

•Art of the Olympians: Art gallery & museum. 1300 Hendry St, downtown River District, Ft Myers. The Spark of Sportsman in Art - thru Sep 3. Tue-Sat 10a-4p. Closed Sun & Mon. 332-5055.

•ArtiCulture Art Gallery & Tattoo Studio: 1529 Lee St, Ft Myers. Daily 10a-2a. 339-7665.

•Arts For ACT Gallery:

2265 First St, Ft Myers. Storybook Magic, Far Away Okaces and/or Silhouettes & Shadows –Jul

5-30; Joe LaMay, Cheryl Hucke, Christins &Carol Machula –Aug. Mon-Sat 11a-4:30p/1st & 3rd Fri, 11a-10p. Call for Sat hrs. Free. 337-5050.

•Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery: 4332 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Sun & Mon, 10a5p/Tue-Sat, 10a-7p. Free. 283-1335.

•BIG ARTS: Barrier Island Group for the Arts, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. MonSat 1-4p. 395-0900.

•BIG ARTS on Periwinkle Gallery: 2244Periwinkle Rd, Sanibel. Mon-Fri, 9a4p. 472-9700.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: Edison State College, 8099 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. Free. 4899313.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Mon-Fri 1-4p. 772-5657.

•Cape Coral Arts Studio: 4533 Coronado Pkwy in Rubicond Park, Cape Coral. Aquarium - Aug 30Sep 20. Mon-Thu 9a-9p, Fri & Sat 9a-4p. 5740802.

•Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs Studios at the Promenade at Bonita Bay : 26811 S Bay Dr, Bonita Springs.Artists studios open Mon-Sat 10a3p. Exhibitions, receptions and demos, live music. Thu 10a-7p. Art Walklast Thu of month 4-8p. Free. 495-8989.

•Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Mon-Fri, 10-4p & Thu 48p. ArtLab: Mon-Fri 10a4p. 590-7199.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association: Donora & Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. Summer hours: Wed & Thu 9a-12p. 4633909.

•Gallerie du Soleil: 393 Broad Ave S, Naples. MonSat, 10a-6p & Sun 12-5p. 417-3450.

•Gallery on Fifth: Mercato, 5130 Strada Pl, Naples. Mon-Sat, 10a-6p & Sun 125p. 220-7503.

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a5:30p & Sun 12-5p. 4037787.

Sand, Surf, Summer – Jul 5-25; The Message is Abstract – Aug 2-29. MonFri, 9a-5p, Sat 9a-3p. Free. 495-8989.

•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr, Ochopee. Daily 10a-5p. 695-2428.

•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio : 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. TueFri 10a-4p. 486-0811.

•Collier County Sheriff’s Office Gallery: 3319 Tamiami Tr. East, Bldg J, Naples. 252-0810.

•Collier County Museum: 3301 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Educational programs, every Wed, 2pm. Mon-Fri, 9a-5p. & Sat 9a4p. 774-8476.

•Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Raising the Bar - Jul 5-26; Veron Ennis’Transference - Aug 2-23.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery & Phil Fisher Gallery: 810 12th Ave S, Naples. Mon-Thu 12-5p, Fr & Sat 12-9p, Sun 1-5p during high season. 6592787 & 403-8393.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. Daily 11a-8p. 540-5789.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. Mon-Sat, 11a-5p. 3950027.

•Howl Gallery / Tattoo: 4164 Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers. James Dormer Schneider - Jul; SWFL Lives! Group Show - Aug. Mon-thu 11a-8p, Fri & Sat 12-10p. 332-0161.

•HW Gallery: 1305 Third St S, Naples. Daily 10a-5p. 263-6640.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum: 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. Five Centuries of Florida Cattle Ranching Tradition - thru Jul 26. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 658-2466.

•Island Visions: 4643 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Daily10a-5p. 282-0452.

•Kathleen Bradford Studio/Gallery: 4259 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. Tue-Sat 11:30a-6p. 7766844.

•Lee County Commissioner’s Office: Old County Courthouse, 2120 Main St, Ft Myers. 533-2226.

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 4637 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Matlacha historic walking tours: Tue & Fri, 9a. 283-6453.

•Marco Island Center for t h e A r t s : 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Tue-Fri 9-4, Oct-May. 394-4221.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. New World Lost Worldthru Jul 26. Florida Shorebirds & Birds of Prey - thru Aug 30. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 642-1440.

•Marianne Friedland Gallery: 359 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10-5p. 262-3484.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy,Everglades City. Art of Everglades City Schoolthru Sep 3. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-4p. 695-0008.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Contemporary Art of Jessica Osceola - thru Sep 18.Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-4p. 262-6525.

•Naples Museum of Art: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Multiplicity - thru Jul 7; Revelation - Paintings by Jules Olitski: thru Jul 7; Searching for Meaning: thru Jul 7; Inner Worlds of Domestic Survivors: thru Jul 7. Tue-Sat 10-4p, Sun 12-4p. 5971900.

•Nestled in the Cove: Crayton Cove, 1187 8th St S, Naples. Limited days & hours during summer. 849-4745.

•Nora Butler Designs:Crayton Cove, 800 12th Ave. S, Naples. Tue-Sat 11a-6p. 403-8287.

•North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall:15000 Livingston Rd, Naples.A Brush with History – thru Aug.Mon-Sat, 9a-5:30p. 252-4060.

•Northwest Regional Library: 519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p; Tue 12-8p; Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4803.

•Ocasiocasa Studio Gallery: 1540 Bwy, Ft Myers. Summertides - Jul & Aug. TueFri 11a-6p, Sat 1-5p. 691-8292.

•Physicians Regional Healthcare System: 6101 Pine Ridge Rd., 2nd fl atrium, Naples. Dogs I’ve NosedPhotography by Jeck Kenner: thru Jul 22. Mon-Fri, 6a-8p & Sun 9a-8p. Free. 262-6517.

•Rick Moore Fine Art Gallery: The Village on Venetian Bay, 4230 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples. 434-6464.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Mythic Creatures of China - thruJul 28; Circus Moderns - thru Sep 16, American Moderns - thru Sep 8; Witness to War: WWII Photographs from the Collections of Veteransthru Oct 27; Sarasota School of Architecturethru Oct 27; Picturing Ceylon - Aug 16-Jan 5. Ongoing: New Acquisitions, 20th Century Abstract Art from the Ringling Collection & From the Vaults: John Ringling’s Asian & Cypriot Art. Thu: The Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour, 10:30. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•Rosen Gallery & Studios: North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, N Naples. Boxes, Canvas & Clay - thru Oct 31. Daily tours of artist’s studios - Reserve. MonSat, 12-6p. 821-1061.

•Rush Collections Gallery: Edison State College Library, 8099 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Permanent exhibit of Eastern art. Mon-Fri 10a-2p. 489-9313.

•Selby Gallery : Ringling College of Art + Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-359-7563.

•Southwest Florida Airport: 11000 Terminal Access Rd, Ft Myers. Thru Jul: Honor, Country & Heroism. 590-4800.

The Ringling Museum in Sarasota hosts ‘Picturing Ceylon’ August 16-January 5. Call 941-359-5700 for information.

The Buzz Sweet Adelines Barbershop Quartet performs August 9 at Shell Point retirement community in Fort Myers. Call 454-2067 for information.

what Goes on

•Southwest Florida Community Foundation: 8771 College Pkwy, bldg 2, rm 201, Ft Myers. 274-5900.

•Southwest Florida Museum of History: 2031 Jackson St, Ft Myers Tue-Sat 10a-5p. 321-7430.

•Space 39 Gallery: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Mon-Wed 4p-12a & Thu-Sun 4p-2a. 690-0004.

•Sunshine Studios / Jo-Ann Sanborn:760 N. Collier Blvd,Marco Island.WedSat 11a-5p, Thu til 8p.6426367.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 2054 Trade Center Way, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a1p. Free. 597-2110.

•The Artists’ Gallery: The Esplanade, 760 Collier Blvd, Marco Island.Winter:MonWed 10a-5p, Thu & Fri 10a8p,Sat 10a-4p, Sun 10a-2p.784-4436.

•The von Liebig Art Center: 585 Park St, Naples.Capturing Our World - Naples Daily News Photographers: thru Aug 2; Camera USANational Photography Award & Exhibition: thru Aug 23. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 262-6517.

•Tower Gallery: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a9p. 472-4557.

•Union Artists Studios: Alliance of the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Shaping Up & Shipping Out - Art of Troy Thomas: Jul 5-Aug. 8263861.

•Unit A Art Space: Marcus Jansen, 1922 Evans Ave, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-3p.

Receptions first Fri of month. New works by Marcus Jansen & Jonas Stirner – Jul. 849-7772.

•Vallez Studio: Crayton Cove, 784 12th Ave S, Naples. 262-0381.

•Vavrina Art Gallery: 12581 New Brittany Blvd, Ft Myers. Open by appt. 9360305.

•Vino’s Picasso: 15250 S. Tamiami Tr, #109, Ft Myers. Tue-Fri 2:30-9:30p, Sat 129:30p. 288-6953.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda MonFri, 9a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. 951-639-8810.

•Watson MacRae Gallery: 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Mon-Sat 10:30a-5p. 472-3386.

attractions

•Art of the Olympians: Art gallery & museum. 1300 Hendry St, downtown River District, Ft Myers. The Spark of Sportsman in Art -

thru Sep 3. Tue-Sat 10a-4p.

Closed Sun & Mon. 3325055.

•Babcock Wilderness Adventures: 8000 State Rd 31,Punta Gorda. Tue-Sat. Reserve for tours. 800-5005583.

•Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum: 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Raymond Burr Memorial Exhibit, Deep-Sea Mollusks, Henry Domke - Nature Photographer. World Record-Sized Shells. Open Daily 10a-5p. 395-2233.

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Living history tours daily 11a & 1p, 5-9p. 337-0706.

•Butterfly Estates: 1815 Fowler St, Ft Myers. TueSat, 9a-3p. 690-2359.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Live animal shows daily, Planetarium shows, Wed-Sat, 9a-5p & Sun, 11a-5p. 275-3435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Wed, Thu & Sun 1-4p. 772-7037.

•Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Special hours for children on autistic spectrum: Breaking the Barriers, Second Sat of month 8 - 9a & Sensory Night, 4th Tue of month 5-8p. Register. 5140084.

•Collier County Museum: 3301 Tamiami Tr E, Naples.

Educational programs, Wed, 2pm. Mon-Fri, 9a-5p. & Sat 9a-4p. 774-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: New Smith Preserve Way & Goodlette Frank Rd. 9:30a4:30p. 430-2466.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples. Blair Audubon Center, Boardwalk Exploration & Exhibits (Rod J Wiley – Audubon Florida Photographer of the Ye ar). Daily 7a-5:30p. 348-9151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, 23998 Corkscrew Rd,

Estero. Marsh Hiking Trails - 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee; Cypress Dome Trails - 3980 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee; Bird Rookery Swamp Trails - 1295 Shady Hollow Rd, Naples. Trails open sunrise-sunset. 6572253.

•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Healing Winds Visitor Education Center. Wonders of Wildlife: Nature presentations Mon-Fri 11am. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. 472-3644.

•Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge: One

Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife Drive closed Jul-Sep. 4721100.

•Eco-Living Center: Rutenberg Park, 6490 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. 4322163.

•Edison & Ford Winter Estates Museum: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.

•Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL: Sandalwood Square, 4760 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Sosüa, The Dominican Republic: Refuge from theHolocaust in the Tropic –thru Jul 31. May-Dec: TueSun, 1-4p. Guided Tours: 1:30p. 263-9200.

•Imaginarium Science Center: 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. Family Friday Nites: every Friday open til 8p. Mon-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum: 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. Five Centuries of Florida Cattle Ranching Tradition - thru Jul 26. MonFri 9a-5p. 658-2466.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. New World Lost World - thru Jul 26. Florida Shorebirds & Birds of Prey - thru Aug 30. TueSat 9a-4p. 642-1440.

•Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. Eco-boat tours daily. Immersion Cinema. Daily, 10a-5p. 941-388-4441.

•Museum of Medical History: Edison State College, 1099 College Pkwy, bldg AA room 178, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a2p. Free. 489-9208.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy,Everglades City. Art of Everglades City School -

thru Sep 3. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-4p. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame, Pine Island Center. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Dogs in the Garden Walk: Tue & Thu 8a.Wed-Mon 9a5p & Tue 8a-5p. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Contemporary Art of Jessica Osceola - thru Sep 18.Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-4p. 2626525.

•Naples Museum of Art: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Multiplicity - thru Jul 7; Revelation - Paintings by Jules Olitski: thru Jul 7; Searching for Meaning: thru Jul 7; Inner Worlds of Domestic Survivors: thru Jul 7. Tue-Sat 10-4p, Sun 124p. 597-1900.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd, Naples. Daily 9a5p. 262-5409.

•Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens: Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Walking tours of Naples Historic District –Wed 10a; Guided Garden Tours – Thu 10a; Reserve. Tue-Sat 1-4p. 261-8164.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Mythic Creatures of China - thruJul 28; Circus Moderns - thru Sep 16, American Moderns - thru Sep 8; Witness to War: WWII Photographs from the Collections of Veteransthru Oct 27; Sarasota School of Architecture - thru Oct 27; Picturing Ceylon - Aug 16Jan 5. Ongoing - New Acquisitions, 20th Century Abstract Art from the Ringling Collection & From the Vaults: John Ringling’s Asian & Cypriot Art. Thu: The Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour, 10:30. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941359-5700.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida – thru Nov 14. Daily programs: 11a & 2p. Guided kayak trips Tue & Th 10a & 1p. Mon-Fri 9a-4p Jul-Sep. 417-6310.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Wed-Sat, 10a-4p. 472-4648.

•Seminole Gulf Railway: Colonial Station, Colonial Blvd & Metro Pkwy. Murder Mystery Dinner Train: WedSun Eves. 275-8487.

•Shell Factory & Nature Park: 2787 N Tamiami Trail, N Ft Myers. Daily 10a-5p. 995-2141.

The Naples Players present ‘Les Miserables’ thru July 28 at the Sugden Community Theatre in Naples. For information, call 434-7340.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida, in Fort Myers, presents ‘BOB – A Life in Five Acts’ July 5-20. Call 218-0481 for information.

Wine & Dine DININGGUIDE

1st DANZ: 12901 McGregor Blvd, #10, Fort Myers. 931-3269. Lite menu: Wed-Sat 8-11p; Lunch: Oct-May Mon-Sun11:30a2:30p.Serving good home cooking witha twist – they add in a dance lesson and a dance party! Everyone is welcometo this unique experience of food and dance. www.1stdanz.com

BERT’S BAR & GRILL: 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha.282-3232. Open Daily 11a-11p. Waterfront locationwith outside casual affordable dining on the Dock. Million Dollar View of Matlacha Pass and open water.Seafood, Burgers, Baskets & More. Live music nightly. www.bertsbar.com

BROADWAY PALM: 1380 Colonial Blvd., Ft. Myers. 278-4422. Wed-Sun 5:30p dinner & 7p show, with selected children’s matinees 11:45a lunch & 1:15p show. Broadway Palm, Southwest Florida's premier Dinner Theatre, is a great destination for those looking for quality entertainment and a delicious buffet at a great price. www.broadwaypalm.com

THE DOCK: At Crayton Cove, 12 Ave S, Naples. 263-9940. Open seven days for lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch. Bay views, great food and a laid back attitude. ‘The real taste of Naples’ since 1976. Freshest seafood, salads, steaks & sandwiches with tropical flair. Sunday Brunch and Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. www.dockcraytoncove.com

IL POMODORO: 9681 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 985-0080. Lunch 11a2p Mon-Fri, Dinner Mon-Sat 4:30-9p. Cucina Italiana. Locally owned & operated. Great food and service in hip, casual, family-friendly room. A taste of Italy. News-Press: 3 1/2 stars. www.ilpomodororestaurant.com

RIVERWALK: at Tin City, 1200 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-2734. Open seven days for lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch. For outdoor waterfront dining that’s a little history and a lot of fun, since 1979. Freshest seafood, salads, steaks & sandwiches, Gulf Coast style. Sunday Brunch and Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. www.riverwalktincity.com

THE VERANDA: 2122 Second St & Broadway, Fort Myers. 332-2065.

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11a-2p; Mid-Day Menu: Mon-Fri 2-4p; Dinner: MonSat 5:30-10p. In historic downtown Fort Myers, the Veranda takes you to a bygone era of Antebellumcharm. Romantic setting in two turnof-the-century homes, Southern Regional Cuisine, extensivewine list and first class service provide a unique dining experience. Celebrating their 32nd year as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area. www.verandarestaurant.com

•Southwest Florida Museum of History: 2031 Jackson St, Ft Myers Guided Downtown walking tours. Tue-Sat 10a5p. 321-7430.

•The von Liebig Art Center: 585 Park St, Naples.Capturing Our World - Naples Daily News Photographers: thru Aug 2; Camera USANational Photography Award & Exhibition: thru Aug 23. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 262-6517.

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. 332-8778.

parks

•Bonita Beach Park: 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. 533-7444.

•Bowditch Point Regional Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 463-3764.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Low

tide beach walk: 7p, 2nd & 4th Thu, May-Oct. 7076794.

•Caloosahatchee Regional Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. 693-2690.

•Collier-Seminole State Park: US 41 (Tamiami Trail), S Naples. Sat - guided walks 10a. Free. Hiking trail, selfguided boardwalk nature trail, exhibits, camping, fishing, boating canoeing. 3943397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach, fishing, picnic areas. 597-6196.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center,815 Oyster Bar Ln.Everglades City. May-Oct 9a-4:30p. 695-3311.

•Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. 693-2690.

•Koreshan State Historic Site

Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. 652-4512.

•Rutenberg Park Eco-Living Center: ‘Florida-Friendly’ Garden/Landscape Workshops: Wed 10:30-11:30a. Free. 533-7515.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Guided walks: Wed 9a May-Oct. Free. 533-7550.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. MonThu: Flow Yoga & Mat Pilates 9a. Tue: Yoga & Meditation 4:30p. Wed: Tai chi 1p. Wed: Laughter Yoga 6:30p. Classes free. 4322154.

live music

•1st Danz: 12901 McGregor Blvd #10, Ft Myers. Wed: Swing Dance Party 8-11p; Thu: Live Dance Band: Cindy-Lee & John Chapman Trio Thu 8-11p; Fri: Authentic Argentine Tango Party 8-11p. May-Oct: closed for lunch. 931-3269.

•Bert’s Bar & Grill: 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Live music. 282-3232.

•Big Game Waterfront Grill: 2200 Main St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music Sun-Fri 4-6p,Fri & Sat 7-10p. 4633043.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Open jams: Wed 811p & Sun 3-6p. Free. Live music Fri & Sat 9p-12a, Backyard BluesFest, selected Sat 1-11p.693-7111.

Bonita Springs. Live music Fri & Sat 7-10p. 221-7388.

•City Tavern: 2206 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live music Thu-Sat. 226-1133.

•Cottage Bar: 1270 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nightly. 765-5440.

•Freds Food, Fun & Spirits!: 2700 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Live music WedSun. 431-7928.

•Hotel Indigo: 1520 Broadway, Ft Myers. Wed: Open Mic. 337-3446.

•Laugh-In Comedy Café: College Pkwy Shopping Center at College Pkwy & Winkler Rd, Ft Myers. Live comedy Fri & Sat. 479-LAFF.

•Morgan House: 33 Patio DeLeon, Ft Myers. Live music Thu-Sat 6-10p. 3373377.

•Parrot Key Caribbean Grill: 2500 Main St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nightly 710p.463-3257.

•Red Rock Saloon: 2278 First St, Ft Myers. Live music Tue, Fri, Sat. 6898667.

•Reserve Cigar & Wine Bar: 10950 S. Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat. 210-0300.

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music. 415-4375.

•Sneaky Pete’s: 3465 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Live music nightly. 4988887.

•The Hut at the Peace Tropical Gardens: 5150 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. Live music Thu-Sun.225-0907.

•The Joint at Cape Harbour: 5785 Cape Harbour Dr, Cape Coral. Live music Tue, Fri, Sun. 542-0123.

State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 9920311.

•Lakes Regional Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 5337575.

•Lovers Key State Park: South of Ft Myers Beach. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Park: 950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 2297356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. Daily: All About Manatees, daily, 11a & 2p, Fri 11a. 8a-sundown. 690-5030.

•Matanzas Pass Preserve: 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. 707-3015.

•Myakka River State Park: 13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 361-6511.

•North Collier Regional Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. 252-4060.

•North Ft Myers Park: 2021 N

•C-Grape Coffee & Wine Bar: 4450 Bonita Beach Rd,

•The Veranda: 2122 Second St, Ft Myers. Rick Russell:

Thu-Sat 6:30-9:30p in piano lounge. 332-2065.

•Twisted Conch: 837 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live Music. 542-6622.

•World of Beer: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Thu-Sat. 437-2411.

•Yabo: Live music. 225-9226.

farmers markets

THURSDAY

•Coconut Point Greenmarket: Coconut Point, Estero. 10a-2p. 249-9480.

•River District Farmers Market: Centennial Park, 2000 W First St, Ft Myers. 7a-1p. 321-7100.

SATURDAY

•Alliance for the Arts’ GreenMarket: 10091 McGregorBlvd., Fort Myers. 9a1p. 939-2787.

•Bonita Springs Farmers Market: The Promenade Shoppes, US 41 & Bonita Bay Blvd, Bonita Springs. 7a-12p. 495-8464.

•Cape Coral Farmers Market: SE 47th Ter & S. 10th Pl, Cape Coral. 8a-1p OctMay. 549-6900.

•Shoppes at Vanderbilt Farmers Market: Collection at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt Beach Rd &Airport Pulling Rd, Naples. 8a-1p. 273-2350.

•Third Street Farmer’s Market: Third St S & Gordon Dr, Naples. 7:3011:30a.

SUNDAY

•Sanibel Island Farmers Market: Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. 8a-1p. 691-9249.

The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers presents the ‘All Florida’ exhibit thru August 2. For information, call 939-2787.