Alliance for the Arts

Opening Reception: April 4, 5-7 pm, On Display: April 4-26

On April 4, Julie Griffin is generously donating 100% of her sales to the Alliance—every purchase made will directly supports the arts in SWFL!

#### In the Main Gallery: Legacy and Limitless

Julie Griffin, a Fort Myers native, discovered her natural talent for drawing and painting early on. She earned a BFA in Fine Arts from FSU in 1985, with minors in Art History, Marketing, and Art Education. After years of searching for the right artistic guidance, she found mentor Frank Covino in 1999 and studied under him for two decades while raising her children and teaching after-school art lessons.

As an Academic artist, Julie follows traditional methods used by the masters to create the illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. She has had the prestigious honor of painting in the Louvre and the National Gallery of Art, experiences she deeply values. Light is central to her work, influencing the depth and richness of her oil paintings.

Passionate about lifelong learning, Julie continues to take classes, exhibit her work, and share her knowledge with aspiring artists, believing that growth and practice are essential to mastering the craft.

#### In the Theatre Lobby Gallery: Identity by Torreza

Torreza was born in Cartagena, Colombia where she got the Caribbean Sea colors and breeze to inspire her. She started her artistic studies at age of 12 in the Cecilia Herera artist workshop. At college, she learned about perspective drawings in Jean Pierre Accault artist class. She is a Bachelor in arts graduate of University Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia. Her art is an invitation to be mindful of natural resources. Her pieces are made of diffusing colors, one stroke technique, fine lines and brush strokes. The acrylic technique characterized by bold, energetic strokes inspired by Van Gogh, seeks to create an immersive experience, allowing viewers to deeply connect with the painting and feel the essence of the art. She uses symmetrical and diagonal compositions with vertical or angle axials in warm and vibrant colors with some repetitive elements and dynamic movement. Torreza communicates a deep message beyond the shapes, lines and color like toxic relationships, the influence of the media on teenagers, nature endangerment, self-esteem, and more.

#### In the Member Gallery: Fine Art Acrylics

Marilyn Hedlund has been a member of the Alliance since 2003, and teaching her Fine Art Acrylics classes since 2016 to a dedicated group of students. Our Member Gallery will proudly feature an exhibition of their works.

Join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5 to 8 pm for our monthly pop-up Market. We feature a selection of fresh produce, art, live music, food trucks and beer and wine.

Our Wednesday Night Markets also feature Open Mic, celebrating local musicians and performers. Enjoy live performances in a vibrant atmosphere. Register online to participate. Basic sound system provided. Limited to one song or 5 minutes per performer. Spread the word and join us for an evening of talent and community spirit!