on the gulf
NEWS & PREVIEWS
FGCU's Writers
Conference on
Campus Again
This Year
Registration is now open for the 2024 Sanibel Island Writers Conference, November 8 & 9 on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus. Registration is free and open to anyone interested in learning about the craft of writing from acclaimed and successful writers and teachers.
Since Hurricane Ian, the conference has taken place on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus.
The conference features workshops, panels, and discussions, led by writers, editors, and publishers.
Writers scheduled to attend include Kyle Arrington, Lynne Barrett, Denise Duhamel, John Dufresne, MJ Fievre, Andrea Askowitz & Allison Langer, Geoffrey Philp, and keynote speaker Steve Almond.
The keynote address is Friday, November 8 in Water School building (aka Academic building 9), room 138. The conference continues Saturday, November 8, 9am-5pm in the Cohen Student Union.
schedule
Friday, NOVEMBER 8
6-8pm: Keynote address by Steve Almond.
Saturday, NOVEMBER 9
9am-12pm: What Publishers Look For and How It Can Shape Your Writing (room 201) —MJ Fievre: An expert perspective on what publishers seek in book proposals and manuscripts, focusing on refining your ideas and pitches.
9am-12pm: TV Writing Crash Course (room 213) —Kyle Arrington: A comprehensive study of four tentpole components of TV writing that offer deep insight into the craft. After dissecting the form, there will be a breakdown of an episode of TV live.
9am-12pm: Flash! Writing the Very Short Story (room 214) — John Dufresne: A discussion of the craft of storytelling, exploring the elements and techniques of short fiction, and examining the qualities that make for vivid and compelling flash fiction.
9am-12pm: The Prose Poem (room 247) — Denise Duhamel: A generative workshop that explores prose poems as shape, as fables, as meditations, and more.
12am-2pm: Lunch & Networking.
2-5pm: Writing a Story People Want to Read (room 201) — Andrea Askowitz & Allison Langer: Learn critical writing tips to make your story more than just a situation but instead a story that stands out. Attendees will write to a prompt and receive feedback on their draft.
2-5pm: Let Obsession Be Your Muse (room 213) — Steve Almond: A discussion of how to explore our obsessions on the page without falling prey to self-absorption or sentiment, looking at the work of Joan Didion, George Saunders, and others, and then generate some work in class.
2-5pm: Two Worlds, One Breath – A Haiku Workshop (room 214) — Geoffrey Philp: An exploration of the haiku form, the origins of haiku in Japanese poetry, the spiritual roots of haiku, and study the aesthetic principles of haiku through hands-on activities.
2-5pm: Secrets and Lies –Writing Mystery and Suspense (room 247) — Lynne Barrett: Workshop focuses on how elements of mystery and suspense are used to structure storytelling through examples, prompts, and story-developing exercises.
The Sanibel Island Writers Conference will be held in the Harvey & Janet Cohen Student Union on November 9. Steve Almond’s keynote address will be held November 9 at 6pm in the nearby Water School building (aka Academic building 9) in room 138. FGCU is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd. in Fort Myers.
For information, call 590-7421 or visit fgcu.edu/siwc.
Naples Film Festival in New Alamo Cinemas
The Naples International Film Festival will take place October 24-27 at the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Mercato.
Now in its 16th year, the Film Festival draws filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts from around the globe and features a wide range of independent films, including narrative features, documentary features, short films and student films. Cash prizes are awarded in 12 categories.
In addition to film screenings at Alamo Drafthouse, The Film Festival will also feature select films on a 24-foot outdoor screen in Norris Garden on the Artis—Naples campus. The festival’s closing night will feature a screening of Tim Burton’s Batman in Concert in Hayes Hall, with the Naples Philharmonic performing the iconic score live, conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly.
An Opening Night Film & Party kicks off the 16th annual Naples Film Festival on Thursday, October 24 with a red carpet entrance at 6pm and party in an illuminated Norris Garden with cocktail party. An independent film will be screened at 7pm. After the film, VIP ticket holders can meet and mingle with filmmakers on the Baird Terrace on the third floor of The Baker Museum for cocktails.
The Festival closes with awards ceremony at 5:30pm in Daniels Pavilion at Artis—Naples, followed by complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres under the stars in Norris Garden. At 7:30, Jack Everly and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra perform the Batman score in Hayes Hall. After the film, head back to Daniels Pavilion to enjoy dessert and a nightcap.
Artis—Naples is located at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Mercato is located at 9118 Strada Place in Naples. For information, call 597-1900.
Opera Naples Competition
Opera Naples is expanding its educational offerings for emerging professional singers, in collaboration with the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation. Budding singers may now choose different training and competition options which are designed to develop their vocal and performance abilities and advance their professional careers.
From January 7-19, the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples Academy will offer an intensive two-week program culminating in two performances of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, January 17 & 19 in the Wang Opera Center in Naples.
Emerging professional singers are invited to apply to esteemed programs which include renowned representatives from the opera world on faculty and jury.
Participants will immerse themselves in a transformative thirteen-day experience, engaging in rigorous coaching, stage and orchestra rehearsals for Donizetti’s beloved opera Don Pasquale while also participating in masterclasses and lectures led by a distinguished faculty of representatives from the opera world.
A select group of participants will have the opportunity to perform in a fully staged production with orchestra under the baton of Opera Naples’ Artistic and Music Director, Ramón Tebar. With a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent, tuition-free admission to the Academy will be offered for the chosen singers.
Originally founded by Ramón Tebar in collaboration with the legendary soprano Renata Scotto, this Academy is designed for emerging artists who aspire to launch their professional careers or enhance their existing paths, learning from some of the most revered figures in the operatic world.
Application deadline is November 1.
From January 16-18, the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples International Voice Competition will bring 20 competitive singers to vie for four prizes valued at a minimum of $10,000 each. The final round of the competition will be open to the public and take place at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music and the Arts. Singers of all voice types up to the age of 32 who are pursuing a professional operatic career can apply.
Application deadline is November 1.
The Voice Competition fosters the career development of promising young opera singers worldwide by providing a platform to be heard by a panel of industry professionals and compete for artistic contracts that will significantly further their careers.
This competition is a revival of the renowned Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition. Each winner will receive a minimum of $10,000 in contracts to perform roles and/or concerts with Opera Naples as well as other companies within the next two seasons of the award.
Winners should be available from February 24- March 2, 2025, to rehearse and perform in the 2025 Opera Naples ‘Festival Under the Stars’ opening night concert on February 27, 2025 in Naples and on March 1, 2025 with the Boca Raton Festival of the Arts in Boca Raton. Travel and lodging expenses are covered by Opera Naples.
The jury is presided over by Nicoletta Pavarotti and Ramón Tebar. Additional jury members include international singers, opera directors, casting directors, artistic directors and consultants of renowned opera houses.
The Wang Opera Center is located at 2408 Linwood Ave. in Naples. U. Tobe Recital Hall is located in Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music & the Arts’ music building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. in Fort Myers.
For information, call 963-9050.
Benefit Celebrates 70s & 80s
The Cancer Alliance Network, a Southwest Florida nonprofit dedicated to supporting local cancer patients on their healing journeys, is hosting a ‘Retro Revival’, November 3, 5-8pm. The ‘Retro Revival’ fundraiser, a celebration of the 70s & 80s, will include a dinner buffet, top-shelf open bar and plenty of dancing. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best period-era attire.
‘Retro Revival’ will be held at Kalea Bay in Naples, on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 5-8 p.m.
Kalea Bay is located at 13910 Old Coast Rd. in Naples. Call 643-4673 for information.
Allison Langer will be leading a workshop, ‘Writing a Story People Want to Read,’ November 9 at the Sanibel Island Writers Conference on the FGCU campus.
The American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach, November 21-24, is the largest sand sculpting event in Florida.
The exhibition, ‘The Ocean Decade,’ featuring surreal digital art, is on view at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center outside Naples thru October 31.
‘Faces of Water,’ on view at the Tribby Arts Center in Shell Point in Fort Myers, showcases underwater photography of Chris Gug and woodwork of Mike Sorge.
Hertz Arena
11000 Everblades Pkwy • Estero
948-7825
Oct 25: vs Atlanta Gladiators
Oct 26: vs Atlanta Gladiators *
Nov 8: vs Orlando Solar Bears
Nov 9: vs Orlando Solar Bears *
Nov 20: vs Kalamazoo Wings
Nov 22: vs Kalamazoo Wings
Nov 23: vs Kalamazoo Wings *
Dec 7: vs Jacksonville IceMen *
Dec 11: vs Orlando Solar Bears
Dec 18: vs South Carolina Stingrays
Dec 19: vs South Carolina Stingrays
Dec 20: vs South Carolina Stingrays *
Dec 28: vs Orlando Solar Bears *
Dec 30: vs Orlando Solar Bears
Jan 3: vs Jacksonville IceMen
Jan 15: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates
Jan 17: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates
Jan 18: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates *
Jan 31: vs Orlando Solar Bears
Feb 5: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Feb 7: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Feb 8: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits *
Feb 19: vs Tahoe Knight Monsters
Feb 21: vs Tahoe Knight Monsters
Feb 22: vs Tahoe Knight Monsters *
Feb 26: vs Orlando Solar Bears
Feb 28: vs South Carolina Stingrays
Mar 1: vs South Carolina Stingrays *
Mar 12: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates
Mar 14: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates
Mar 26: vs Jacksonville IceMen
Mar 28: vs Jacksonville IceMen
Mar 29: vs Jacksonville IceMen *
Apr 9: vs Atlanta Gladiators
Apr 11: vs Atlanta Gladiators
Apr 12: vs Atlanta Gladiators *
Games 7:30pm except *7pm
William Burroughs & Laurie Anderson Collaboration at Rauschenberg Gallery
The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida Southwestern State College is hosting the exhibition, William S. Burroughs & Laurie Anderson: Language is a Virus. This groundbreaking exhibition explores the concept of language as a transformative force, a carrier of ideas, and a potential weapon, as envisioned by the late literary giant William S. Burroughs and the pioneering multimedia storyteller and artist Laurie Anderson.
Featuring never-before-seen original paintings, works on paper, manuscripts, publications, and personal artifact, as well as handwritten lyrics to Anderson’s classic ‘O Superman.’ This is the first exhibition to pair and present these influential and iconoclastic artists and friends.
The exhibition delves into the ways both artists manipulate language to challenge conventional thought, explore the power of communication, and expose the potential pitfalls of information transmission in the modern world.
Burroughs was a key, frequently controversial figure of the Beat Generation, author of influential books including Junkie, Naked Lunch and The Place of Dead Roads. Jack Kerouac called William Burroughs the “greatest satirical writer since Jonathan Swift,” while Norman Mailer declared him “the only American writer who may be conceivably possessed by genius”.
Laurie Anderson is one of America’s most celebrated innovative artists. A seminal figure in contemporary art and Grammy Award-winning musician, Anderson has produced pioneering works that defy categorization and have blurred the boundaries of performance, theater, visual art and experimental music/sound.
‘William S. Burroughs & Laurie Anderson: Language is a Virus’ is on view thru December 7. The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery is located on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College, next to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW in Fort Myers. The gallery is open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm & Sat 11am-3pm. Admission is free. For information, call 489-9313.
Sand Sculpting Championship Returns to Fort Myers Beach
The 34th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship returns to Fort Myers Beach, November 21-24, showcasing World Class Master Sand Sculptors. With the addition of the Advanced Amateur State Championship and an Amateur contest, it offers artists of different skill levels to demonstrate their creativity. And it offers guests the opportunity to watch as these works of art are created.
The event is not just a competition—it’s a celebration of art, community, and family fun. The vendor village will provide an array of shopping options, food stands, and live music, as well as a variety of activities for children.
The Championship, the largest sand sculpting event in Florida, is open 10am-6pm each day. Sculptures and events will be located on the beach in front of the Diamondhead Beach Resort. For information, call 454-7500.
Digital Art Featured at Rookery Bay Gallery
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is hosting the exhibition, The Ocean Decade, featuring surreal digital art created by global artists, thru October 31.
The artwork reinforces the United Nation’s Ocean Decade initiative, which runs through 2030, and emphasizes the 7 Principles of Ocean Literacy, with the goal of encouraging deeper understanding and conservation of oceanic ecosystems.
The 7 Principles of Ocean Literacy
1. The ocean makes our planet habitable.
2. The ocean regulates the climate and the weather.
3. Humans are entirely dependent on a healthy ocean.
4. The ocean is home to the vast majority of animals.
5. Over 80% of the ocean remains unexplored.
6. Our world is shaped by the ocean and ocean life.
7. There is only one ocean.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is located at 300 Tower Rd. in Naples. The Center is open 9am-4pm Tue-Sat. Call 530-5972 for information.
Arts for ACT Gala Fundraiser Returns
After Hurricane Ian forced the cancellation of the last two year’s gala fundraisers, the 35th annual Arts for ACT Gala & Auction will be held October 5, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. ‘The Swans’ Gala & Auction will feature a live auction led by renowned auctioneer Scott Robertson, with prizes including luxury trips, hotel stays, and art from award-winning artists. The silent auction will offer items donated by local businesses.
The evening will also feature cocktails, dinner and dancing, as well as a ‘Best Dressed’ contest.
The cocktails and silent auction start at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6pm. The live auction begins at 7pm., followed by dancing to The Original Studio 54 Band.
Proceeds directly support ACT’s free, safe, and confidential services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite attire.
The Caloosa Sound Convention Center is located at 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers’ Historic River District. Call 939-2553 for information.
'Faces of Water' Exhibition at Tribby Arts Center
Tribby Arts Center presents the exhibition, ‘Faces of the Water: The Artistry of Chris Gug & Mike Sorge, October 4-December 28. ‘Faces of Water’ features stunning photography and elegant woodworks of underwater realms.
Chris Gug is considered by many to be America’s foremost underwater ocean photographer. Gug will display 20 large-format images printed on metal and representing locations in Australia, the Bahamas, Curacao, Dutch Antilles, Florida, Greece, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Mexico, New Guinea, and Turks & Caicos. Two 9-foot triptychs are standouts. While these and other images show the beauty of the underwater world, others in the exhibition show its humor and include pictures of a horse, a pig, and an elephant swimming in the seas. In addition, Gug’s images often capture creatures that rise from the ocean depths at night to feed.
Mike Sorge is known for his large, wood-turned sculptures that seem to defy gravity and seek to uplift the human spirit. Sorge will display his signature forms evoking manta rays that swim beneath the oceans’ surfaces and the birds that soar above them.
Concurrently on display in the Tribby with ‘Faces of the Water’ is ‘In Fabric & Wood: Marie-Michelle McCarthy & Tom Young.’ This ‘legacy’ exhibition honors two of Shell Point’s most accomplished artists and will display needle-art works by McCarthy, including quilts and hooked rugs, as well as furniture, hand-carved objects, and more by Tom Young.
Tribby exhibitions are open and free of charge to all.
‘Faces of the Water’ is on view in the Shell Point Gallery, open Tue – Sat 10am. ‘In Fabric & Wood’ is on view in the Tribby’s Overlook and Legacy Galleries, 10am-5pm daily.
Tribby Arts Center is located at 17281 On Par Blvd. in the Coastal Commons neighborhood of Shell Point in Fort Myers. For more information, call 415-5667.
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition at Cape Coral Library
The Cape Coral-Lee County Library hosts the exhibition, ‘Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,’ a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition, through November 8.
‘Voices and Votes’ explores the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government ‘of, by and for the people’ and the action, reaction, vision, and revision that democracy demands. The multimedia display features historical and contemporary photos and video, and historical objects such as campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia and protest material.
The library is offering a series of public events and activities for all ages through October to complement the exhibition and highlight its central themes of civic responsibility and engagement.
Schools and community groups are encouraged to contact the library to schedule exhibit tours, as guides and special activities may be available during their visit.
Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, located 921 SW. 39 Terrace, Cape Coral, is open Mon-Wed 9am-8pm, Thu 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Call 533-4500 for information.
