Charlotte Arts and Members Events
— Dec. 6 to 20, 2019 —
The Charlotte Arts website lists all arts and humanities events in its cultural calendar . Learn about Charlotte Arts news , member news and opportunities for artists .
Each event title below is linked to the website where you can learn more about that event.
All events are free unless otherwise noted.

— Enjoy the holidays. Some events and hours may have changed. —
The next email will be released Friday, Dec. 20. By Noon on Wednesday, Dec. 18, please follow "Submit Events, News and Opportunities" link above to provide information for both this e-newsletter (member events only) and the online cultural calendar (all arts and humanities events), member news, and opportunities for artists.
Ongoing Events and Performances
Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
| Sunday Noon to 6 p.m.
Port Charlotte Town Center Mall
| 1441 Tamiami Trail between J.C. Penney and Dillards

By Samantha Stone.

Artists whose work will be on d isplay at the
Charlotte Arts Gallery from Nov. 14 to Dec. 29, 2019 , are Linda Ancil, Betty Beasley, Shelley Bell, Robert Broyles, Bob Gaunt, Kitt Moran, Larry Palmer, Darlene Stone, Samantha Stone, Joanna Stramara, Betty Teramo, Carolyn Dlouhy Walega, and Tina Weida. See a sample of the artists' work .

Free art exhibits by local visual artists at locations throughout the county. Art changes as often as six times a year. See a sample of their work and learn about the locations.
November and December 2019
Receptions will be added to the website once details are confirmed.
  • Gail Fazzina at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Dedo at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Larry Palmer and Linda Soderquist at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Bev Yankwitt at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda) Reception: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Maryann Artesani at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Natalie Terry at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • Larry Palmer, Sandra Manzke and Mary Lundeberg at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)
Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
113 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda

Dec. 5 to Jan. 9: Thelma Daida, water media artist, and Judith Ebert, jewelry sculptor
December Guest Artist: Rosemary Eiden, mixed media artist

Red Pinwheel by Thelma Daida.

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
| Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Third Thursday open to 8 p.m. for Wine Walk

Egrets #3 by Tama Vandenburg.

  • The Holiday Market Friday, Dec. 6, Noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | The center is transformed into a family-friendly holiday market featuring the work of 30 local artists.
  • Goff Gallery Dec. 10 to 20: Off the Wall and 3D Member Show | Purchased artwork (all $200 or less) will come immediately off the wall, so you can take it home for the holidays.
  • Rebecca Hall Dec. 2 to 20: Punta Gorda: Then and Now | Historic photographs of Punta Gorda’s early days, provided by the Punta Gorda History Center, alongside new photographs of the same scenes.

Visual Arts Center Off-Site Exhibits
  • The Wyvern Hotel (101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
  • Nix & Associates Real Estate (2421 Shreve St, Unit 111, Punta Gorda)
Wednesday to Sunday, Nov. 26 to Dec. 15,
Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. |
Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.
Lemon Bay Playhouse
96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Cost: $23, $14 students.
December 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2019, 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m.
Langdon Playhouse | 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte
There are warm holiday musical memories for everyone in this production of live music and stage entertainment. Music ranges from early medieval and renaissance to Victorian and contemporary, plus some humorous and interesting stories about how the music was inspired in each era. The program starts with Jingle Bells and takes audiences on a journey from pre-Christian Rome all the way to a medley of the top 25 Christmas songs in history done in five minutes! Cost: $25, $13 students.

Photo: Liz Andresen, Paul Reed, Oliver Helgemo, Linda Himes, Jacqueline Wands, Sharon Heavener.

Lemon Bay Playhouse | 96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
Saturday, Dec 21, 7:30 p.m.
The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway – It’s Christmas at Lemon Bay Playhouse. Come out and ring in the season right! There will be joy, cheer and a few chestnuts. After all, what’s Christmas without a few jingle bells? Join Mark Steven Schmidt for his Christmas Show Special, featuring all of your favorite holiday standards, with a “sing-along” or two. Cost.
Celebrate the season with a variety of performances listed below.
One-Time Events
in chronological order. Events at Fishermen's Village are weather permitting.
Be sure to check out classes and workshops below
for events held on more than one night.

Friday, Dec. 6 to Tuesday, Dec. 31
Daily viewing of more than 1,000,000 lights and traditional old fashioned Christmas decorations throughout Fishermen's Village. Daily holiday music and entertainment.

Friday, Dec. 6, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Five-piece band performs country, line dance, Southern rock and audience requests.

Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center | 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda
This spectacular holiday concert will put everyone in the mood for this holiday season. The concert is full of your favorite sounds of traditional carols — sometimes with a bit of a twist. Cost: $15.

Friday, Dec. 6, Noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
The center is transformed into a family-friendly holiday market
featuring the work of local artists.

Saturday, Dec. 7, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church, 701 N. Indiana Avenue, Englewood
Enjoy this double treat with the ladies' barbershop singing with the Venice Gondoliers, a men's barbershop chorus. Cost: $12 from 941-480-1480.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs
that tell stories in his own way and time.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
2001 Shreve St. Punta Gorda
Better than ever! Nobody covers Florida doo-wop better than theGoldtones, singing all your favorite songs from the 50s and 60s. For cabaret-style events, bring your own snacks, beverages and set-ups.Tables seat up to 8 people. Cost: $20.

Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center | 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda
Celebrate the Season with world renowned traditional and lighthearted music. The Charlotte Chorale is a 70-voice community choir. Cost: $25, $10 students.

Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Monday, Dec. 9, Noon to 2 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy music on handpan, a convex steel drum played with the hands and tuned with multiple notes.

Monday, Dec. 9, 5 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Monday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Cultural Center Theater | 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte
This band is the culmination of a life-long dream for Craig whose father frequently played big band records. He is versatile in all styles of music. Cost: Free for members, $20 non-members.

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 1 to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5 to 6 p.m.
Enjoy the annual student holiday showcase.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5 to 7 p.m.
9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda
Featuring Bev Yankwitt's art and folk-rock music of Peg and Emery. Refreshments and open bar. Hosted by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Thursday, Dec. 12, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Thursday, Dec. 12, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Friday, Dec. 13, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Florida SouthWestern State College Auditorium, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda
Raffaele Ponti, maestro of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, with guest artists will feature the music and composers of the CSO season. Cost: $20. Similar events will be held prior to each concert.

Friday, Dec. 13, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Saturday, Dec. 14, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Music that crosses the entire spectrum.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 1 to 3 p.m.
Instructors and students of USA Dance present a holiday dance demonstration to the music of Rita Beach.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. (More dates are posted.)
Langdon Playhouse | 1100 Market Circle, Port Charlotte
During his 90-minute performance, Bill Gladwell will seemingly pull thoughts directly from your mind, predict what you’ll say before it comes out of your mouth, and read you like an open book. Cost: $22.

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Art Center (CPAC)
701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda
Cost.

Sunday, Dec. 15, 4 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Monday, Dec. 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Amazing students perform a medley of Christmas tunes.

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 1 to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5 to 7 p.m.
This country music artist makes her debut performance at Fishermen's Village singing holiday music.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy live holiday music featuring the debut of the Phat Point Quartet, students of Charlotte High School and members of the Silver King Jazz Band.

Thursday, Dec. 19, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Friday, Dec. 20, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Select future events

Saturday, Dec. 21, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Young people from 8 to 18 discover the gifts within themselves and share them in a performance setting during this holiday performance.
Events Held Each Week

Seven informal, philosophical discussion groups are held each week.
  • Café Philo: Every Friday, 10 to Noon, Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo, Every Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Punta Gorda Public Library (401 Shreve St.)
  • Café Socrates, Every Friday, 2 to 4 p.m., Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo, Every Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, South Port Square, Gables East Building (23023 Westchester Blvd, 4th Floor, Charlotte Harbor)
  • Café Theo. Every Saturday, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo. Every Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Florida Community Bank (125 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Café Philo, Every Wednesday, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Englewood/Tringali Library (3450 N. Access Road, Englewood)

Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to Noon, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Join an eclectic group of painters, jewelry makers, and other crafty artisans who come together to create and share constructive advice. Cost: $2 donation.

Every Sunday, 3 to 4 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com .
WKDW Radio invites all writers to read three minutes of their family-friendly poetry, short stories or novel. Sign up at 2:30 any Sunday at Common Grounds Meeting Hall (12735 Tamiami Trail, North Port) to read during a live broadcast from 3 to 4 p.m. 
The public is welcome to the station's BYOB listening room during the taping.
Info: Linda Schell at 941-223-1262. Check for cancellations on  Writers on the Air Facebook page .

Every Monday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Anyone with a desire to paint outside may join us any Monday October to May. There are no fees and no instruction. For those who wish, at 11 a.m. paintings are shared and discussed. This group meets at a different location each week.

Every Monday, 10:30 a.m.
Mid-County Regional Library | 2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Genealogical Society offers these free workshops to assist others in their quest for genealogical and historical information.

Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.
Mid-County Regional Library | 2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Genealogical Society offers these free workshops to assist others in their quest for genealogical and historical information.

Every Tuesday, 2 to 3 p.m.
Listen to Dave Bise and Catherine Lucas talk about art from around the world.

Every Wednesday, Noon to 1 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com
Join hosts Marie LaBrosse and Loretta Martin as they explore the eye-opening journey into the creative world of art. Explore the world behind the scenes where the artists and business people create for our enjoyment. Info:  marie@kdwradio.com , 941-815-6230 or 941-624-2912.

Every Thursday, 9 a.m. to Noon, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Join other artists in Goff Gallery and work on your portrait skills in any medium with live portrait models. Cost.

Every Friday, Noon to 1 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com
Join host Marie LaBrosse .

Classes and Workshops
Visit Charlotte Arts online calendar for more classes.


Florida Southwestern State College, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda
2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 941-625-4175 x223.

Abstract Flower Paint Pour by Pam Schmidt.

Needle Felted Christmas Cards with Nancy Walden
Friday, Dec. 6, 1 to 3 p.m.
Create your own Christmas cards that will be treasured by those who are special to you. No artistic ability needed but you will be thrilled when your talent is discovered. Your choice of colorful 5x7 cards and envelopes for each design plus materials and supplies furnished for a fee. Cost for #WS-1219: $50, $53 non-members.

Paint Pouring Adventure: Abstract Flower With Pam Schmidt
Friday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This advanced level workshop is for those who have taken the prerequisite basic workshop of Acrylic Paint Pouring, also known as Fluid Art. Students will learn some different techniques in this hands-on workshop to make an abstract flower. Come on the adventure known as Acrylic Paint Pouring, the techniques that are taking the world by storm. You will quickly become addicted to this art form and amazed at the beautiful abstract flower that you will create. This is the ultimate in controlled chaos, and you never have to pick up a brush. Your hands and the paint will do all the work. You will learn the different techniques and also learn how to manipulate the canvas to alter the flow and shape of your artwork to make the abstract flower. Join in on the fun and adventure! Cost for class WS-1235: $55, $58 non-members.

Paint Pouring Adventure: Swiping Using Everyday Objects With Pam Schmidt
Friday, Dec. 13, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
This advanced-level workshop is for those who have taken the pre-requisite Paint Pouring Adventures: The Basics. Students will learn the beautiful swiping technique in this hands-on workshop by using some everyday objects provided by the instructor. Come on the adventure known as Acrylic Paint Pouring, the techniques that are taking the world by storm. You will quickly become addicted to this art form and amazed at the beautiful patterns that you will create. This is the ultimate in controlled chaos, and you never have to pick up a brush. Your hands and the paint will do all the work. You will learn the different techniques and also learn how to manipulate the canvas to alter the flow and shape of your artwork. Join in on the fun and adventure! Cost for class WS-1238: $50, $53 non-members.

More classes will begin in January.
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda

Join the Wednesday evening art and wine evening adventure. Creative, entertaining, and memorable. Cost: $40 includes supplies, wine and snacks.

Classes

Classes in drawing, painting, pottery, jewelry and glass will begin the week of Jan. 13.


Three-hour art classes for four or more students. Students provide their own materials, although I do help out beginners until they learn what materials they need.
Cost: $15.


5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port
Classes offered range from Photoshop to pottery to painting and more.
Support Charlotte Arts

  • Become a member of Charlotte Arts. Your membership helps ensure the success and vibrancy of the entire cultural community. Memberships for artists, individuals and families are $50, nonprofit, government and university-based organizations are $75 and businesses are $100. If you already are a member, thank you. Please encourage others to support Charlotte Arts by becoming a member.
  • Are you shopping on Amazon? Amazon will donate 0.5% to Charlotte Arts of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.
  • Purchase the "State of the Arts" license plate tags. A portion comes back to Charlotte County to support quality arts and humanities programs, including Arts in Education classroom grants.