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Typically when we use the word “art” many of us think of paintings and drawings, then sculptures or glass and clay. When we take the word “art” and make it plural it helps us to understand that we are not referring to just the visual arts but all branches of the arts, music, literature, culinary, dramatic — any activity enjoyed for the beauty it creates or the way it presents ideas.

As the Art League, Marco Island’s Center for the Arts, is in the final stages of completing the programming for the upcoming fall and winter season it reflects the enhanced focus of the organization. For those of us who like to plan ahead, here comes some great arts that will enhance our lives!

Not totally new to the curriculum, but still a new concept at the center is the Dramatic Arts programs. What an opportunity to have fun and develop your hidden creativity! Stimulate your imagination with an exciting and unusual workshop! The programming is offered for both children and adults, with Irene Horowitz directing. Don’t worry all you first-timers, the classes have been separated so that the adults would not be intimidated by the very talented youth we have in our community!

Don’t think you can step up to such a public exhibition of your talents? Maybe the Literary Arts is for you. Wade Keller asks, “Have you considered your memoirs? Does it seem like only yesterday that you were falling in love, holding your first child, planning career moves? The only true values that will survive me are embedded in the memories my loved ones have of the times we shared together.”

Your memoirs, skillfully written, will become a valued family treasure, a legacy to future generations. Or maybe you would like to take your personal memoirs and act them out as one of your improv exercises in the dramatic arts; it is okay to experience more than one art!

You are not into the whole writing, reading, speaking thing… How about music? For the first time, the Center for the Arts will be introducing a music program with Kim Adamson as she teaches “Harp Playing Made Easy.”

Did you know the average age for many people learning to play the harp is mid 40s and 50s? Others start in their 70s. If you have always wanted to learn to play this beautiful instrument, now is the time. You don’t need to have a harp. Part of the program is building your own from a kit! Learn the basic “how to” skills and add some recreational music to your life.

All this fun is making me hungry… What about you? Between all these arts, mixing it up with the many, many visual arts programs — from painting to sculpting, to jewelry, to clay, and on to wood carving and to photography — one does need to eat. Enter the Culinary Arts — “Cooking with Elaina.” That’s Elaina LaGrotta of LaGrotta’s Restaurant. This workshop will offer party planning tips, tricks and techniques for everyone from culinary novices to seasoned cooks. It will also fill the hunger pain.

Yes, programming does include all the youth programs in the visual and dramatic arts. For those of you who can’t wait, Kim Burke is offering the Art Adventure programs during the summer months along with special programs like Masking a Memory and monthly Kids Arty Parties. Adults can also get into the swing now with summer programs offered by Connie Rawlins, Jo-Ann Sanborn and Inez Hudson.

Try acrylic or oil painting — these talented artists and instructors offer classes during the day and evening in July and August.

The focus of the Art League has always been to inspire interest and provide a learning experience in art. It started with a group of people with common goals; artists who wanted to share their interest and learn from each other. The Center for the Arts is that main part of town, that place where you can go for arts activities. It continues the initial efforts by providing a learning experiences in the arts. It is the focus of interest when it comes to the arts. After all it is Marco Island’s Center for the Arts.

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Christine Neal is the executive director of Marco Island’s Center of the Arts. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in the Liberal Arts with emphasis in the Fine Arts and various certifications and designations in business and the arts. An award winning artist, with 20-plus years in management and sales. Marco Island’s Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive 394-4221 mail@marcoislandart.com.