About us
The Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) is proud to provide unique and plentiful opportunities to create, experience and collaborate on art in all forms of expression. AFTA is committed to breaking down barriers to access the arts and increasing awareness about the role of the arts in stimulating workforce development and helping bridge the digital divide, developing cultural appreciation, and attaining positive mental and physical health, among many other benefits.
At AFTA we believe that the arts serve as a strong foundation for individuals and the community, and our mission reflects that. We know that the arts can be the inspiration for learning, collaborating, creating and understanding. Art is where we can all be unique while being the same: It is cathartic and uniting, and at AFTA, all are welcome to find and pursue their creative path.
Upcoming events
55
- $180.00
Step By Step Acrylics with Pat Smelkoff
Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, USYou must register on our website prior to attending this class. Click here.
Unleash Your Inner Artist – One Brushstroke at a Time!
Ready to dip your toes (and brushes) into the colorful world of acrylic painting? Join the fabulous Pat Smelkoff, a patient and passionate instructor who knows how to turn nervous newbies into confident creators!
In this fun and friendly class, you’ll learn the basics of acrylics—like color mixing, brush techniques, and how to bring a blank canvas to life. Whether you can barely draw a stick figure or you’ve dabbled a little but want more structure, this is the perfect place to start.
Expect laughs, creativity, and a no-pressure environment where mistakes are just happy little accidents. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a finished painting and a big smile (plus some paint on your hands—it’s all part of the fun).
No experience needed. All supplies provided. Just bring your imagination!
1 attendee - $90.00
Group Lessons: Ukulele
Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, USYou must register on our website prior to attending this class. Click here.
Strum, sing, and connect through music in this fun, welcoming group ukulele class for players of all levels. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or returning after a break, Amy Noel Walters will guide you through essential rhythm, chords, and technique in a way that’s supportive, creative, and confidence-building.
Each class blends hands-on practice with clear, easy-to-follow instruction, helping you build a strong musical foundation while exploring songs you love. You’ll also discover simple ways to incorporate breath, mindfulness, and body awareness into your playing, making music not just something you play, but something you feel. Bring your instrument, your curiosity, and a smile because making music is better together.
What to bring: Ukulele, tuner, water, and a notebook
Single-class options available during the registration process
1 attendee - $195.00
Landscape Perspective with Terry Lynn
Location not specified yetYou must register on our website prior to attending this class. Click here.
Discover how to turn simple scenes into compelling landscapes in this relaxing, skill-building class. We’ll explore the essentials of composition and basic perspective—two foundations that bring depth and believability to your artwork—while strengthening your drawing skills no matter your starting level.
You’ll learn how to choose, adjust, and interpret reference photos; how to work with materials that enhance your creative process; and how to apply those tools to both drawing and painting mediums. Along the way, we’ll look to artists like Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth for inspiration, studying how they use structure, mood, and detail to create unforgettable landscapes.
Whether you’re a beginner or a returning artist, you’ll leave with new confidence, refined techniques, and your own expressive landscape creations. Come relax, learn, and make art in a friendly, supportive environment!
Drawing Supply List1 attendee
Past events
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