While there may be a chill in the air, things will heat up as the Pine Island galleries will feature everything from jewelry making to yoga instruction and from “bike night” to book chats. The next Creative Coast weekend will take place on Jan. 8 and 9 with galleries offering special hours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, entertainment and more.
Beginning in Matlacha, visitors to art night on Friday, will find “Bike Night” at Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery. Beginning at 4 p.m. that evening, Pine Bay will offer complimentary tattoos and visitors can browse through “biker-inspired” patches created and sewn by DS&S Design of Pine Island and have a look at hand-blown lamp work Biker Beads by Marsia Arena.
In addition, ABATE will be on hand to offer information about safety and educational, charitable and advocacy provided by motorcycle organizations in Lee county. The Matlacha Mariners also will be at Pine Bay for the evening to sell raffle tickets for a new 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Also during Friday evening, meet local author Mary Kaye Stevens who will be available to sign copies of her latest book “Lee County Island” from 5 to 7 p.m. Pizza and beer will be available compliments of Bert’s Bar for the price of a donation to the Lions Club race for the Governor of Pine Island.
Up the road in Matlacha, join owner Peggy McTeague at WildChild Gallery for a look at several featured artists. Among them will be oil and pastel artist, Theresa Shelton. Known as a contemporary artist, her show “Flight of Fancy” will be on display at WildChild with images of Florida from times past. Shelton also will be on hand for demonstrations on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also at WildChild will be author, Marsha J Perlman with her new book, “Spirit Life.” The book explores the natural world in Southwest Florida and stresses the importance of protecting the earth for future generations as well as encouraging readers to explore and enjoy the natural environment. Perlman will be at the gallery both days and will deliver readings from 4 to 7 p.m. Also featured will be Kathy Frag, jewelry artist; George Knieriem with mixed media stone art and Jan Werdin with mixed media art.
For a hands-on experience, those in Matlacha during Creative Coast weekend can venture over to Island Visions for a class on Dichoric glass pendant making from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday. Instructing the class will be Beth Kauffman who will offer guidance as well as a variety of materials to work with. Each of the pieces produced during the class will be fired overnight and those participating will be able to return on Saturday to finish their work by adding the bail.
Also present at Island Visions over the weekend will be Byron Wertz who will be set up on both Friday and Saturday to demonstrate lapidary work using precious and semi-precious stones wrapped in gold and/or silver. At Island Visions it is not unusual to have a variety of artist who will show up during Creative Coast weekend to chat with patrons and as always, the gallery will be open both Friday and Saturday evening offering visitors a chance to browse and enjoy light refreshments.
Across the road in Matlacha is Bonnie’s and Christina’s Art Gallery which will feature the work of Pat Cleveland and a book signing with local author, Tom Hafer. Exhibiting her work locally, Cleveland is known for the intense feeling and color she brings to her paintings. For the last 29 years she has exhibited with various art leagues and galleries, winning numerous awards and her work is found in many private collections including those of several celebrities. Her works depict oceanic subjects, tropicals and abstracts.
Meet Pat Cleveland at Bonnie’s and Christina’s on Friday, Jan. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. and enjoy a Fish Creations demonstration with Jack Glos from 5 to 9 p.m. Then on Saturday, author Tom Hafer will be at Bonnie’s and Christina’s for a book signing. Hafer is a licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer and holds a master’s degree in Religion (MAR) from the Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. He also is a presenter on the topics of health and wellness and is the author of Faith and Fitness, an Augsburg Books best seller in 2007. The signing will take place on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Down in St. James City, learn about the benefits of stretching and meditation as Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery will host a Yoga Retreat. On Sunday, Jan. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Deb Zwetsch, a certified yoga instructor, will demonstrate creative exercises coupled with basic yoga postures to help participants to find their creative space within and without. To register for the Yoga Retreat or for more information, call Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery at 282-1025 Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In Bokeelia, Leslie Arias with be on the “Orchid Porch” at Koucky Gallery and Gardens for an informative demonstration covering the basics of growing, repotting and mounting orchids. Presentations will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. and on Saturday at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. All are welcome to bring their own orchids for repotting pointers or have Arias repot it for free.