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We have had a busy couple of weeks here on Marco in the arts and I hope you were able to take advantage of the artful happenings going on.

At Marco Island’s Center for the Arts we just finished a fun filled weekend Celebrating the Arts.

The Marco National Art Show, antique car show, musical performances, book signing, culinary specialties, Kids Art Discovery and a well receiving community made this year’s event another one for the record books. This celebration helps support the recent name change for the Art League to the Center for the Arts.

With a key focus on the visual arts as 90 artists lined Winterberry Drive and the grounds of the art center, and as instructors provided free demonstrations in their well versed crafts, it got me to thinking — last time I shared the program offerings that take place at the Center for the young at art; I know there are many of you who would be interested in knowing what and how the Center provides education for those beyond traditional school age and what we are offering other than visual arts programming.

We live in a community where it is hard to beat the relaxation of the beaches, the sport of fishing, the competition of golf; however there is another outlet that adds to the abundance of living in Paradise. We are so fortunate to have a fully equipped Center for the Arts.

Programming at the Center for the Arts is geared to all levels. It is important to know that you don’t have to be an artist to participate; the level of instruction and the variety of artistic programs provides the opportunity for anyone to take a class.

With March just around the corner, many of the programs will be starting new sessions. Now is a perfect time to branch out, take advantage, turn a new leaf, whatever gets you motivated to try something new. Now is the time to stop saying to yourself, I wish I could do that, or I should sign up for that — what’s the Nike slogan? Just do it!

Programming for adults at all levels, in a multitude of media with offerings that take as little as half day commitment to six weeks makes it easy.

For example, March will offer a new opportunity for adults to participate in Acting/Scene Study. The program provides an opportunity to explore the body of a scene for characterization, content and performance and can be useful for audition preparation. But don’t be scared off by that, it is an opportunity to learn direction from an instructor with a list of achievements that includes Performing Arts Teacher of the Year, recognized in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, has over 35 years of experience teaching drama and now serves as the Director of Educational Outreach for the Gulfshore Playhouse, Marco Island’s own Irene Horowitz.

In addition, the Center for the Arts is also providing a new offering in literary arts, a creative writing program. March’s session is Nuts & Bolts.

So you think you want to write for publication? Author of Walks in Shadow, Joyce Henderson brings along a list of qualifications for instructing this course that includes a certificate from the Newspaper Institute of America and 20 years of writing for publications. Ms. Henderson provides seminars and mentors writers throughout the organizations that she is affiliated with.

These programs support the expanded mission to promote education in and an appreciation of excellence in the arts, providing a further understanding of the organization’s commitment as the Center for the Arts.

Of course educational offerings in the fine arts and crafts still continue. If you missed the opportunity to participate in classes in painting, whether it be in watercolor, acrylic or oil; sculpture, clay, shard mosaic or designing with shells; faux painting, life drawing and pastel portraiture; or want to learn about nature photography, now is the time to take that step!*

The Center for the Arts makes it easy. They provide the facility, the qualified instructors, the welcoming atmosphere and even access to art supplies. Challenge yourself. Make a change. Just do it. I know you won’t be sorry.

When you’re done, remember to take part in one of the many art and cultural events listed in the Arts Happenings. You may have a new understanding or a new appreciation, or you may see things the same, but I know you won’t be disappointed.

*Program information is available at www.marcoislandart.com or visit the Center were a full color catalog is available.

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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 239-394-4221 mail@marcoislandart.com.