Greater Fort Myers Chamber Of Commerce: Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency

Press release from Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:

2021-10-01

Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency

Dear colleagues and community partners,

We are excited to share this monthly communication dedicated to Arts & Culture activities within our redevelopment areas. The Fort Myers CRA with its numerous community partners have supported arts and cultural developments in the City of Palms since 1984. We invite you to share and participate in these events. Your support is invaluable to our community.

For questions related these activities, or to share a community art or cultural event occurring within our redevelopment areas call (239) 321-7100 or email us at cra@cityftmyers.com.

www.cityftmyers.com/cra

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC) was founded in 1997 by Jim Griffith as Florida Arts, Inc. SBDAC hosts concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibits, dance, independent film, cotillion, and arts education. Its mission is to nurture innovation and excellence in the visual and performing arts through these events and community outreach programs.

Location: 2301 First Street
Phone: 239-333-1933
Website: https://www.sbdac.com/

Oct. 1-29, 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays
(Arrive 15 minutes early to register), $16
Indra Yoga

Oct. 1-13, Donation Entry (Opening Oct. 1, 6 p.m.)
Grand Atrium: Syzygy Presents: Dark Art Exhibition
Capital Gallery: Dieties from Distant Lands by Kevin Hughsam

Oct. 1, 7 p.m. – Midnight, Swingin’ Clique
Oct. 8, 7 p.m. – Midnight, Chasing Denver
Oct. 15, 7 p.m. – Midnight, DJ Selecta AJ Retro Dance Party
Oct. 29, 7 p.m. – Midnight, Halloween Party
Music on the Rooftop at Sidney’s Friday Nights

Oct. 4, 7 p.m., $10 (Doors open 6:30 p.m.)
T.G.I.M. – Fresh Indie Films at TGIM

Oct. 10, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., $10
Concert for Haiti

Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. $45 In Advance, $50 at the Door,
$150 Full Series, $225 VIP Table of 4, $450 Table of 8
Jazzy Nights: Cecile McLorin Salvant with Sullivan Fortner

Oct. 21, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., $10 General Admission, $5 Students
Wicked Walk

Oct. 22, 7 p.m., $250 Couple, $1000 Table of 8 (6 p.m. Cocktails),
Cannot Accommodate Food Allergies
Cooking for the Arts – An Evening in Tokyo | Fundraiser

Oct. 28, 8 p.m., $10
Art & Poetry Networking

Arts for ACT Gallery

Arts for ACT Gallery is the non-profit art gallery, studio and boutique owned by Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. (ACT), the domestic violence, sexual assault and Human Trafficking Center.

Location: 2265 First Street
Phone: 239-337-5050
Website: http://www.artsforactgallery.com/

Oct. 1 – Nov. 1, No Cost (Opening Oct. 1, 6 p.m.)
Diana Lynn Ripoll

Oct. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., $5 – 15
Make It/Take It Classes

DAAS Co-Op Gallery at the Butterfly Estates

We are Southwest Florida’s premier Art Gallery, featuring some of the best artists of our area. Our gallery operates in a cooperative system, which means that we all participate, collaborate, coordinate and tend to all business matters. DAAS stands for David Acevedo Art Studio. Acevedo is the founder, curator and director of the venue. DAAS Gallery holds exhibition opening receptions every first Friday of the month, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., in conjunction with Fort Myers Art Walk.

Location: 1815 Fowler Street, Unit 3
Phone: 239-590-8645
Website: https://daascoop.com/

Oct. 1-31, No Cost (Opening Oct. 1, 6 p.m.)
Art of Cecilia Valadez

River District Alliance

The mission of the River District Alliance (RDA) is to promote and enhance the continued development of the historic Fort Myers River District as a hub of economic, social and cultural activity.

As one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the RDA strives to preserve the essence of downtown while promoting the growth of the business and economic sectors that make the area thrive.

Location: 1401B Lee Street
Website: www.myriverdistrict.com

Oct. 1, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., No Cost
Art Walk – Featuring Stranger Things, Pet Costume Strut, Dark Arts

Oct. 1 – 31, No Cost
The Great Artist Pumpkin Trail

Oct. 15, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., No Cost
Music Walk – Music of the Decades: Dress in your Favorite Decade

True Tours

True Tours walking history tours are not only fun, the history is documented, fascinating and often surprising. Our tours consistently receive 4.5 Star + reviews for their entertainment and educational value. Private tours are available. All tours (except The Armchair Tour) leave from The Franklin Shops, 2200 First Street.

Location: 2200 First Street
Phone: 239-945-0405
Website: https://truetours.net/

Oct. 1-31, $18, Available for Private Groups, Reservations Required
Fort Myers Fabulous Females

Oct. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20 – 31, 8 p.m., $18, Reservations Required
Haunted History Tour

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:30 a.m., $18, Reservations Required
River District History Tour

Oct. 1-31, Call for Pricing,
Reserve your own 60-Minute Private Session from Your Home/Venue
Reservations Required
The Armchair Tour

Oct. 1-31, Call for Pricing, Reserve your own Private Tour
Reservations Required
Private Tour

Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Rep is Back! Celebrating 24 years of Award-Winning Regional Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional regional theatre company located in the heart of the Fort Myers River District. Performing in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre, Florida Rep welcomes over 90,000 visitors to Southwest Florida each year, to see nationally recognized comedies, dramas, new plays, and musicals. “As Good as Broadway!” -The Wall Street Journal

Location: 2268 Bay Street
Phone: 239-332-4488
Website: http://www.FloridaRep.org

Oct. 1 – Oct. 31, Single Tickets Start at $55 (Runs to Nov. 7)
LET’S FALL IN LOVE

Oct. 26 – Oct. 31, Single Tickets Start at $55 (Runs to Nov. 14)
THE WOMAN IN BLACK

IMAG History & Science Center

The IMAG History & Science Center is a family-friendly destination offering fun and educational interactive exhibits, aquariums, history displays, and a 3D theater. The mission is to engage guests in the exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and more recently the history of Southwest Florida. This is achieved through hands-on experiences and educational programs that further the understanding of the natural and human-made world, and foster an appreciation for Southwest Florida’s unique environment, natural waterways, and rich history. A visit to the IMAG nurtures intellectual curiosity, discovery, and innovation. Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays Noon – 5 p.m., Closed Mondays

Location: 2000 Cranford Avenue
Phone: 239-243-0043
Website: https://theimag.org/

Oct. 2, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cost Included with Admission
Boo Bash

Neenie’s House

Neenie’s House is an arts and cultural emporium in the East Palm neighborhood in Fort Myers, FL. This unique venue hosts art openings, music performances, and more. The venue is available for private parties. Visit Neenie’s House Mercado every weekend!

Location: 481 Marsh Avenue
Phone: 224-678-4901
Website: www.NeeniesHouse.com

Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Noon – 4 p.m., No Cost
East Palm Locals Bazaar

Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., No Cost
Jelly Jam

Oct. 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., No Cost
StorySmack

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the internationally-known winter home site of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Visitors will enjoy touring 20+ acres of historic homes, buildings and gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory and the Edison Ford Museum.

Location: 2350 McGregor Blvd.
Phone: 239-334-7419
Website: https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/

Oct. 9, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Oct 10., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.,
$10 Members, $15 Non-Members
Orchid Symposium

Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m., No Cost
Digital Discussion: How Edsel Ford and Fort Motor Company Helped Win World War II

Oct. 16, $135 Members, $150 Non-Members
VIP Tour: Fruit and Spice Park, Cauley Square Historic District
and Coral Castle

Oct. 23, 10 a.m., $90 Members, $100 Non-Members
Silk Scarf Painting Class with Marie Dyer

Oct. 29, 6 p.m., $30 Members, $35 Non-Members, $40 at the Door
Rhythm on the River: Appalachian Road Show

Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 9 a.m., $50 Members, $75 Non-Members
Hypertufa Wall Pot Class – A Two-Part Series

Luminary Hotel & Co.

More than a hotel, Luminary is the hub of excitement and discovery – a focal point where locals and travelers make their unique imprint on the city’s own story. A story begun years ago by a brilliant cast of audacious luminaries. Create your own story by joining in one (or more!) of the many events offered by Luminary and Co.

Location: 2200 Edwards Drive
Phone: 239-314-3800
Website: https://www.luminaryhotel.com/events/

Oct. 9, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., $64,
The Workshop Culinary Theater, Luminary Hotel
Charcuterie Board Class & Wine

Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., No Cost,
Oxbow Bar & Grill, The Lofton Room, 2nd Floor, 1300 Hendry Street
ArtFest Popup Boutique Art Event

Oct. 21, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., $59,
The Workshop Culinary Theater, Luminary Hotel
Painting Class with Vino’s Picasso

Oct. 23, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., $44,
The Workshop Culinary Theater, Luminary Hotel
Craft Beer Flights & Bites with Fort Myers Brewing Co.

Oct. 28, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., $39
Halloween Party on the Pool Deck

ArtFest Fort Myers

Now in its 22nd year, ArtFest Fort Myers is scheduled for Feb. 5 – 6, 2022, on the downtown Fort Myers riverfront. ArtFest Fort Myers is coming back in 2022 as you knew us pre-COVID. The festival will once again be a FREE, non-gated event for all members of the Southwest Florida community. On the first weekend in February, ArtFest will enliven the Fort Myers waterfront with exceptional art by more than 200 select artists, plus lively entertainment, delicious food, and fun children’s art activities. It’s one of the area’s most popular art events with made-in-the-USA originals, including ceramics, jewelry, glass, unique paintings, wearable art and more. Also visit and shop the artists virtually on ArtFest@Home right from the art festival’s main website at ArtFestFortMyers.com.

Location: 1375 Monroe Street
Phone: 239-768-3602
Website: https://artfestfortmyers.com/

Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., No Cost,
Oxbow Bar & Grill, The Lofton Room, 2nd Floor, 1300 Hendry Street
ArtFest Popup Boutique Art Event

Williams Academy Black History Museum

The Williams Academy Black History Museum preserves the history and culture of Black people in Lee County. Housed in the 1942 addition to the original 1913 Williams Academy building, the Williams Academy was one of the area’s first schools built for Black students using government funds. The Lee County Black History Society, Inc. (LCBHS), acquired the building in 1995, moved it to Roberto Clemente Park, and historically restored it, where they educate, preserve, and display the history and culture of black people in Lee County.

Location: 1936 Henderson Avenue
Phone: 239-332-8778
Website: https://www.leecountyblackhistorysociety.org/

Now Open with Limited Hours!
Call 239-332-8778 for information and schedules
Museum Tours

The venue below is located near our redevelopment areas
but not within them. We feature them as a partner in the arts to the Fort Myers CRA and other venues within the redevelopment areas.

Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a vibrant and welcoming nonprofit visual and performing arts center located in the heart of southwest Florida. The Alliance is creative space that spurs and supports self-expression, imagination and equity.

Location: 10091 McGregor Boulevard
Phone: 239-939-2787
Website: https://www.artinlee.org/

Oct. 1-30, No Cost ($5 suggested donation)
Dia de los Muertos: A Juried Exhibit

Oct. 3, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., $10 – $25,
Nice Guys Pizza, 1404 Cape Coral Pkwy. E, Cape Coral
The Blair Witch Outdoor Movie Night with Director Daniel Myrick at Nice Guys Pizza

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., No Cost
Saturday Greenmarket

Oct. 16, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., $25 – $200
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Outdoor Movie

Oct. 17, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., $15 Members, $16 Non-Members
Bluegrass Outdoor Concert (Kindred Spirit and Swinging Bridge)

Oct. 21-31, 7:30 – 9 p.m., $25 Members, $30 Non-Members
Men on Boats

Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – Noon, No Cost
Free Family Art Labs

Oct. 24, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., $15 Members, $16 Non-Members
Rod MacDonald Outdoor Concert

Oct. 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., $10 Members, $12 Non-Members
Hocus Pocus Outdoor Movie

Ongoing, Cost Varies
Classes and Workshops for all Ages and Abilities,
Onsite, Online or Outside

#REDEVELOPMENTWORKS

Stay connected and learn more about your CRA!

This press release was produced by Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.