Charlotte Arts and Members Events
— Jan. 31 to Feb. 14, 2020 —
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.
The next email will be released Friday, Feb. 14. By Noon on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 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
Artists whose work will be on display at the Charlotte Arts Gallery from Jan. 2 to Feb. 9, 2020 , are Linda Ancil, Betty Beasley, Karen E Bell, Shelley Bell, Robert Broyles, Christine Brunette, Robert Gaunt, Adrienne Lasky, Kay MacLeod, Larry Palmer, Benjamin Puzankov, Samantha Stone, Elizabeth Teramo, Gloria Urban, and Tina Wieda. See a sample of the artists' work .
Aura Wonders by Kay MacLeod.
Charlotte Arts Gallery from Feb. 13 to March 22 will feature the art of Betty Beasley, Karen Bell, Shelly Bell, Christine Brunette, Donna Dinneen, Carolyn Dlouhy, Bob Gaunt, Rosana Halprine, Adrienne Lasky, Lionel Lewis, Larry Palmer, Laura Pommier, Rita Schwab, Samantha Stone, Betty Teramo, and Gloria Urban. Reception : Feb. 23.

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 .

Art by Sharon Stchur.

January and February 2020
Receptions will be added to the website as details are confirmed.
  • Karen Wood at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Lee Jones at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda) Reception: Tuesday, March 17.
  • Larry Palmer and Jill Lindsay at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Sharon Stchur at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda) Reception: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Betty Teramo at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Howard Spielman at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • Larry Palmer, Tina Weida and Mary Lundeberg at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)
  • James Hollenbeck at Port Charlotte Library (2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte)
Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Third Thursday open to 8 p.m. for Wine Walk
113 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda
February: Joy Dibble, acrylic and watercolor artist, and Karen Cohen, enamel, beads and metal artist.
February Guest Artists: Beverly Yankwitt, mixed media artist, and Marlene Jones, horsehair pottery artist
Zebra at Sunset by Joy Dibble.
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
Feb. 7 to March 25: The Biennial National Art Exhibition
This is one of the nation’s most prestigious juried exhibitions of two-dimensional media. Reception : Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m., $10.
Leading into the Sun by Sally Painter. 2020 NAE Promotional Art.

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)


Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port
Friday, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 to Sunday, Feb. 23 and
2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 22
A super macho business executive suddenly has problems in the bedroom. He recruits his wife in to solving the problem through "Live Your Fantasy" sex therapy. The result is a comedy of fantasies gone wrong, taboos colliding with hidden yearnings, and sex-role switches run amok. Cost: $22, $11 students.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.
This performance will be held several times through May.
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, $11 students.
Wednesday to Sunday, Jan. 15 to Feb. 9,
Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.
Lemon Bay Playhouse | ​96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
Two strangers board a San Francisco BART train at 4:30 a.m. They’re alone in the car, each is married, both are doing the New York Times crossword. Two opposites in an enclosed space, attacking each other’s values but also being swayed and intrigued by them. Cost: $23, $14 students.

See one-time events below for more events by
Charlotte Players and Lemon Bay Playhouse.
PGICA's second season of concerts and cabarets is underway. The Russian Duo will perform on Feb. 7.
Live music nearly every day at Fishermen's Village, including Jimmy G.
One-Time Events
in chronological order. Events at Fishermen's Village are weather permitting.


Friday, Jan. 31, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy classic Rock 'N Roll and variety music from this three-piece band (formerly known as Sun Gun Band).

Saturday, Feb. 1, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy the music of the 50s, 60s and country.

Monday, Feb. 3, 5 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy variety music with a Caribbean flare.

Monday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita, Punta Gorda
This is your chance to see the wonderful variety shows we all grew up on in the 70s and 80s live and re-created by Las Vegas' number one impersonators of all time. All your favorite legendary Superstars come alive. The NBC Today show says "it's one of the most extraordinary shows we have ever seen." Cost: $37 to $16 students.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Punta Gorda Symphony Friends’ Composer’s Luncheon
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Punta Gorda Woman's Club 118 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda
The Punta Gorda Symphony Friends, a volunteer group, holds a luncheon most months from November to March with guest speakers who provide insight into the next symphony. Cost: $15 for lunch. Reservations are required by Noon on Tuesday the week of the luncheon by leaving a message on 813-708-3292.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Thursday, Feb. 6, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Bring your pet to the Salty Paws' Muttini Mingle (1-800-443-PAWS) and enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan by Jimmy G.

Friday, Feb. 7, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Florida SouthWestern State College Auditorium, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda
Raffaele Ponti, maestro of the Punta Gorda Symphony, 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, Feb. 7, 5 to 9 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.

Friday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.
The virtuosity of this extraordinary balalaika and piano team perform exuberant, soulful, passionate music. This extensive repertoire draws from Russian folk music, romance, dance, classical music and gypsy melodies. Critically acclaimed and loved by audiences throughout the U.S. Cost: $20.

Friday, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center | 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda
This entertaining program presents a wide variety of music bound to please our attendees new and old. Soprano Kim Campos will be returning to our stage Cost: $15.

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

Saturday, Feb. 8, 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.

Sunday, Feb. 9, 1 to 5 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.

Sunday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. pre-performance talk, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Performing Art Center (CPAC)
701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda
Musical Conversations with John Davis will be at 6:30 p.m. for all concert ticketholders.
Mozart Overture to The Marriage of Figaro; Castelnuovo-Tedesco Guitar Concerto No. 1, Celil Refik Kaya, Guitar; Beethoven | Symphony No. 6, Pastorale. Cost.

Monday, Feb. 10, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy music that crosses the entire spectrum.

Monday, Feb. 10, 5 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy variety music with a Caribbean flare.

Monday, Feb. 10, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monthly on the second Monday, until Apr 8, 2020
Cultural Center Theater | 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte
Roy Gerson has brought a refreshing 1940s bite of the Big Apple to Southwest Florida. The jazz pianist and bandleader has appeared in over a dozen movies.
Cost: Free for CCJS members, $20.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5 to 7 p.m.
Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home | 9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Rd, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Sharon Stchur’s art and music. Refreshments and open bar.

Thursday, Feb. 13, Noon to 3 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, Feb. 13, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Thursday, Feb. 13, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
5240 Duncan Road, Punta Gorda
Join David for an informal, interactive discussion on the art of photography. This event will cover different aspects of photography and is beneficial to all levels of photographers, from beginners to professionals, as well as those just interested in photography. David Sussman is an internationally awarded master photographer and a Charlotte Harbor local photographer. Info: 941-505-1624 or mat@choicegraphx.com .

Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m.
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Feb. 7 to March 25: The Biennial National Art Exhibition
This is one of the nation’s most prestigious juried exhibitions of two-dimensional media. Reception: $10.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Third Thursday open to 8 p.m. for Wine Walk.

Friday, Feb. 14, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy tropical variety music with the relaxing sounds of this duo.

Friday, Feb. 14, 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.


Select Future Events

Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Lemon Bay Playhouse | 96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
Gid Pool appears on the Lemon Bay Playhouse stage with special guest Rosco Nash. Gid is the winner of two comedy festivals and was judged “Best of the Night” for his performance at the largest comedy festival in the world, the Edinburgh “Fringe” Festival. He has also performed at the world-famous Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Gid’s comedy has been showcased on the Today Show and written about in a feature article in the Wall Street Journal. Jane Pauley wrote about him in her book, “Your Life Calling.” Want to know why men don’t understand women? He knows and he’s talking. Cost.

Saturday, Feb 22, 7:30 p.m.
Lemon Bay Playhouse | 96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
With a lifetime of show business experience, and an impressive list of stage appearances including New York, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, and Florida, Marcy Downey is the ultimate entertainer. Her singing voice has attracted critical acclaim from coast to coast, and her stage personality “lights up every room in which she appears.” This season she will perform her new show “Legends of Laughter and Song.” In this show, Marcy performs top hits and comedy bits from the best of the best in show business. Legends such as Dolly Parton, Barry Manilow, Diana Ross, Sonny & Cher, Frank & Dean, Liza Minnelli, Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Lily Tomlin, Phyllis Diller, and many more! Come hear the songs and comedy of legends! Cost.

Sunday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
A little bit Classical, a little bit Rock and Roll, humorous and a whole lot entertaining. Back for their third appearance with PGICA, we welcome these classy musicians from across the Pond. If you’ve seen them, you know how amazing they are! Cost: $20.

Florida Frontier Days
Punta Gorda History Park | 501 Shreve St.
Friday, Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 29, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Presented by the Charlotte County Historical Center Society and the Shively Charitable Foundation. Proceeds benefit promotion and preservation of Charlotte County’s rich history. Cost: $3, $2 children under 12. For information, call 941-613-3228.
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 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 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.
Classes and Workshops
Visit the online calendar for more classes.


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.


2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 941-625-4175 x223.
Visit the online calendar for classes that begin after Feb. 14.

Open Studio All Mediums All Levels with Donna Birchfield
Every Tuesday, Feb. 4 to Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to Noon
All Media, oil, acrylics, soft and oil pastels, watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencils and drawing. All levels of instruction provided. Beginners or students interested in getting back to painting would enjoy this class. Cost for class #335-2: $56 Cultural Center members, $64 others.

Drawing All Beginner Levels with Pam Cox
Every Wednesday, Feb. 5 to Mar. 25, 10 a.m. to Noon
This course will be an introduction to some basic drawing techniques using charcoal and pencils. In this class we will do many exercises to push our eyes to see shape, how light falls across the surface to create values and how to capture that on paper. The class focuses mostly on drawing with charcoal and pencil, with one excursion into using pen and ink. Lessons that will be included: intro to your drawing tools, how to use your tools to make values, how to capture curves and make a symmetrical form, lesson in scaling up, and intro to perspective. Cost of class #330: $68 Cultural Center members, $76 others.

Pottery Clay Wheel Throw with Pam Cox
Every Wednesday, Feb. 5 to Mar. 25, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This 8-week course will introduce the student to making pottery on the potter’s wheel. The student will learn how to make a bowl, cylinder, trimming, handles, and glazing. Cost for class #716: $126 Cultural Center Members; others $134; plus $10 lab fee and fees for supplies

Intro to Alcohol Ink Art with Rosana Halprine
Monday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to Noon
In this workshop, students will learn about the materials and supplies used in alcohol ink art. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques and the students will practice on scrap photograph or yupo paper. The students will produce three alcohol ink masterpieces: one on yupo paper, one on photograph paper and the last piece on tile. Cost of class #WS-0215: $30 Cultural Center members, $33 others. $22 cash to instructor for supplies.

Paint Pour Adventures: Abstract Flower with Pam Schmidt
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1 to 4 p.m.
This advanced level workshop is for those who taken the prerequisite basic workshop Acrylic Paint Pour, also known as Fluid Art. Students will learn some Abstract Flower 3different 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. You will learn how to create abstract flowers using such everyday items as string, straws, and strainers. Cost for class #WS-0225: $30 Cultural Center members, $33 others. Small supply list plus $25 cash to Instructor for supplies she provides.


Florida Southwestern State College, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda

Discussions About Black Relations in America's History
Every Monday for four weeks starting Feb. 2, 10 a.m. to Noon
LLI presents a fresh look at issues of race in America with noted lecturer James Abraham. Subjects include Frederick Douglass in the #MeToo Era, the Black Activist Athlete, Slavery and the Civil War, and Race & Class in SW FL. Register for some or all classes. Cost: $25, $15 Friends members for each class or $65/$55 for series.

Economics: Unlimited Wants, Limited Resources
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Dr. Arthur Wenk will help us get better acquainted with "the dismal science" in this lecture addressing how resources should be allocated, how the market functions, how inequality affects the quality of life --issues that touch us every day. Cost: $25, $15 Friends members.

Why Does the World Exist?
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Dr. Arthur Wenk will take us behind the Big Bang to discuss the fundamental issue of metaphysics -- why is there anything at all? You may be surprised at some of the answers that have been proposed throughout history. Cost: $25, $15 Friends members.

Effects of Climate Change on Charlotte County
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to Noon
Dr. Coty Keller will examine what climate change we are likely to experience in Charlotte Co over the next 50 years, what the consequences of the heat will be, and what choices we have to make. Cost: $25, $15 Friends members.


210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda

Wine and Painting Parties
Anything But Canvas, Let’s Get Splashed and Etched Wine Glasses
Most Wednesday evenings. Cost: $40 includes supplies, wine and snacks.

Drawing and painting, pottery, photography, jewelry and glass, sculpture and weaving classes begin the week of Feb. 10. Cost: $80+

Pine Needle Baskets Workshop with Kathryn Erickson
Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you can sew, you can learn how to form pine needles into a piece of art. Learn to coil pine needles and finish basket on your own. Cost: $90 members, $100 others.

Pastel Workshop with Dawn Emerson
Feb. 11 and 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the 2020 NAE judge to learn soft pastel techniques. Cost: $342 members, $380.
 
Alcohol Ink Workshop with Jill Lindsay
Advanced: Feb. 17 and 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Beginner and Intermediate: March 30 to April 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn how to create both abstract and realistic pieces with a unique and versatile medium. Cost: $315 members, $350.
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.