What we’re about
The Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) is proud to provide unique and plentiful opportunities to create, experience and collaborate on art in all forms of expression. AFTA is committed to breaking down barriers to access the arts and increasing awareness about the role of the arts in stimulating workforce development and helping bridge the digital divide, developing cultural appreciation, and attaining positive mental and physical health, among many other benefits.
At AFTA we believe that the arts serve as a strong foundation for individuals and the community, and our mission reflects that. We know that the arts can be the inspiration for learning, collaborating, creating and understanding. Art is where we can all be unique while being the same: It is cathartic and uniting, and at AFTA, all are welcome to find and pursue their creative path.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Exclusive Film Screening: North PutnamAlliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, FL
Join us on Wednesday, December 4, for another exclusive film screening from the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers!
North Putnam depicts a year in the life of a rural Indiana school district and the community it serves. Crafted with empathy, a hyper-real reporting lens and skillfully lush cinematography, the film aims to reach across divides and to spark action-oriented conversations about the interdependence between public schools and community development.Catch this documentary of a yes-saying rural school district here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaEP_m7_gpU
Popcorn and light refreshments will be available for purchase.
Doors open at 5:30, film begins at 6:00 pm. Following the screening will be an intimately set Q&A session with one of the films producers and a special guest moderator.
Filmmaker present for Q & A:
Joel Fendelman- DirectorAbout Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers – a program of South Arts: The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers works with a regional network of Screening Partners to connect independent documentary filmmakers with communities across the Southeast to present screenings and conversations around important stories and the art of filmmaking. Since Southern Circuit’s inception in 1975, hundreds of filmmakers have toured, sharing their work and perspectives with over one hundred Screening Partner communities throughout South Arts’ nine-state region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee).
- Small Works Off the Walls Gallery OpeningAlliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, FL
Opening Reception: Friday, December 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. See it first. See it free. This event is open to the public and features light refreshments.
Coinciding with the onset of the holiday shopping season, this gallery show features artworks of all mediums priced at $250 or less. All sales are “cash and carry,” meaning purchasers will get to take the piece with them when they buy it, instead of waiting until the end of the exhibit.
Interested in having your work be apart of the show? Find out more and submit your pieces here: Alliance for the Arts Call for Member Artists
Theatre Gallery Artist: Colores Que Se Desvanecen by Martha Cantu
Renowned as one of Southwest Florida’s finest portrait artists, Martha Maria Cantu, works in several art mediums but focuses primarily on colored pencil, acrylic, and oil-based art. Mesmerized by the imperfections that make people perfect; there truly are no borders when choosing her muse; as she is drawn to people of all ages, races, and backgrounds.“The fresh and crisp lines on her portraits contain a modern photo-realism, and her handling of detail does not distract from her bold color choices and composition,” wrote one Judge. Cantu describes how she has always been attracted to people’s eyes and faces, which has inspired her to become the portrait artist she is today; when one looks at her work, it is hard to believe that she is self-taught.
Today, she stands at the heart of Immokalee’s vibrant arts scene, as the artist behind the Welcome to Immokalee sign, Field of Dreams.
Members Gallery Artist: LAEA Art Educator Exhibition
The Lee Art Education Association (LAEA) is an organization of art teachers from both public and private institutions throughout Lee County. This group of talented artists and educators are excited to share some of their personal and professional artwork with the community. A wide variety of mediums and subject matters will be represented in this show, but the common theme will be the love and passion of educating and inspiring our local youth to take pride in the arts. - Zodiac OrnamentsAlliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, FL
Just in time for holiday gift giving…
This class is fun and rewarding. We will paint on wood rounds and use rhinestones to represent the zodiac star sign, creating 2 ornaments. These are easy and very beautiful gifts for yourself or friends.All supplies are included. Pre-registration is required. Sign up here: www.artinlee.org/event/zodiac-ornaments-ages-12/
