Cape Coral Arts Studio is wrapping up its April "Call to Artists" event and preparing for the May iteration within the next week. The event is a monthly exhibit where community members and artists come together to enjoy fine art in the form of changing themes. All modes of art are welcome.

The April event was "Ring of Fire" and ends on April 26. It is a juried showcase where artists use fire, flame, or heat to create their pieces. Some popular works on display include jewelry, mixed media, and glass. The opening was on April 6, and the reception followed suit to the monthly schedule, occurring on April 13, which is the second Friday of the month. The receptions are held from 5 to 7 p.m. and offer light hors d'oevres, wine, and good conversation.

"It's a great way to meet artists, discuss work, and see new work from artists being debuted for the first time," said senior recreational specialist Sam Wilkinson. "It's also a great atmosphere to have wine, light appetizers, and enjoy yourself."

The exhibit next month is May's Bouquets, which will depict floral elements. All art will be received on April 30, and the reception will be held on May 11. It runs through May 24. The final Call to Artists will occur in September. Anyone from the public can enter.

Wilkinson has been with the studio for three years and has seen many changes and a lot of great art. It has been a fulfilling experience, which entails planning and scheduling classes and galleries.

"It's a very rewarding place to work," she said. "I love art and I get to do this as a job. It really is a dream job. It's perfect."

Located in Rubicond Park in the Southeast Cape, the Cape Coral Arts Studio provides a wide variety of fine arts and fine crafts classes and workshops to residents and visitors of all ages.

"Whether you want to be active in our classes or enjoy what we offer you culturally, the Cape Coral Arts Studio can meet your needs," the studio's website says. "Enjoy the well equipped studios, the specialty art supplies store and gift shop."

No memberships are required for participation. In addition to having the opportunity to create your own art, the Cape Coral Arts Studio's fine arts exhibit gallery is open to the public. Its former director retired last year, and its new director, Julie Gerhard, has come in strong since starting in November 2017.

"We have a lot of goals," Wilkinson said. "We want to grow the things we offer to the community as far as workshops. We are expanding our gallery options. Julie is wonderful."

One of Gerhard's early tasks was to help discover extra space that could be utilized for another gallery. Located in Building 2, a new gallery space will be featured in the wraparound hallway. Separate exhibits will be planned each month of the year, which will help the studio offer galleries all year round. Normally, exhibits only run August through May. During the summer months, galleries are closed for children's summer camps.

"It took effort on our part to make it presentable and move items around and reorganize some space," Wilkinson said. The space opens up next year.

 

Summer camp, this year, runs from June 4 to July 27. There will be eight different sessions for which parents can sign up their children, ages 7 to 13. Each week will have its own theme, and children come home each week with new projects, including pottery, mixed media to crafts, darwing, and painting, to name a few. The works will be shown at a special exhibit each Friday for parents to enjoy.

The studio's mini class for the spring begins April 30. Classes offer a wide variety of lessons in fine arts and crafts, such as: clay building, wheel throwing, oil acrylics, drawing with wire, wire wrapping, silversmithing, mosaics, and beading.

"We're trying to grow more in our one-day workshop area," Wilkinson added. Those interested in taking classes can inquire at the recreational facility. There is a price of admission for these. 

Cape Coral Arts Studio employs about five on its staff, with extra help coming in for summer camps. They also employ 18 instructors, but are always looking for more to share new techniques and talent with the community.

There is a volunteer-based program, especially for the galleries, which are dependent upon this support. Those interested in volunteering can call 239-574-0802 and have an application emailed to them.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on Sunday. It is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway.