Bonita's Brush Strokes

From 15 members in 1960 to more than 1,500 today, the Art League of Bonita Springs has grown right along with the community. As neighborhoods and neighbors move into Bonita Springs, interest in the arts has blossomed. What was once a start-up group of arts-minded individuals meeting in the community center on Old U.S. 41 is now a much larger organization attracting local and national attention.

In 1999 the Art League began construction of the building at the location where it is now, still on Old 41, but in a much roomier setting. Phase one of the project, completed in April 2000, included office space, a gift shop, gallery and two studio spaces. Phase two, finished in November 2002, included a library, computer lab with 10 computers for teaching digital photography, a dark room with five enlargers, a sculpture studio, a pottery studio and an outdoor stage. Members and administrators at the Art League are committed to continually enhancing their offerings.

Monthly exhibits, myriad classes and annual events mark the calendar at the Art League. The community's growing appreciation for the arts is driving the kind of offerings made available to the public and is at the same time increasing their frequency, says Linda Cummings, the league's education director. "We get more and more people all the time noticing we're here and inquiring about what we offer. I get calls from various communities interested in our classes, and it's not unusual for groups like the Red Hat Society and others to come in for tours," she says.

In October, the Art League will host the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit, Doodles, Drafts and Design: Industrial Drawings from the Smithsonian, a collection of more than 70 original drawings depicting the American spirit of ingenuity. The exhibit features everything from sketches of Singer sewing machines to invention ideas that never made it off the drawing board.

November will bring two more exciting events to the Art League. The first, to be held Nov. 13, is "Celebrate Literacy in the Arts," a multicultural event that last year attracted 2,000 people. African and flamenco dancers will perform and Latin music will be played. Hands-on art projects for children will be available, and all children will receive free books. The third annual Holiday House will also take place in November, with demonstrations and unique gift items for sale.

In the fall, the popular "Lunchtime Lectures" series will return. Local community members and business people can pack a bag lunch and attend an arts-focused lecture for about $10. The first, to be held Nov. 10, will discuss Sumi-e, a Japanese art form.

Besides the special events offered by the Art League, regular classes for adults and children are available weekdays, weeknights and Saturdays. Painting, drawing, pottery and photography classes are offered.

All of this is possible, Cummings says, because of the tremendous support and interest of Bonita Springs residents for the arts. "With the growing interest, we are able to continually expand our offerings," she says. "We feed off of the interest of the community. There are so many ways to be involved in the arts in Bonita Springs and we only hope to continue to expand what we can offer."

Cummings says that the Art League still has land available for future expansion, although there are no immediate plans for growth.