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Time for a change? Living here in southwest Florida we don’t get the chance to experience the change of seasons. We don’t really go from spring weather to the summer weather in the traditional ways. After just spending a week in Michigan, I was reminded about how nature takes on changes.

It reminded me that change is sometimes easy and sometimes not. We all know that it is natural human behavior to resist change. Knowing this however does not make change any easier. However the arts may be able to help you with this.

The arts have always been a source of self expression. So why not use the arts to help us through change?

I met an artist once during a very trying time in my life. This artist said to me, how exciting to be able to embrace all the changes in your life! He told me that if we could embrace change and react in a positive manner rather than resist it, the process of the change would go that much smoother.

The Center for the Arts (known to many as the Art League) has been undergoing many changes during its 39 years. Some are small and insignificant; some may seem to be larger and even controversial. However all changes that are made are with the best intentions of reaching the people and providing access to the arts.

The Center for the Arts will begin its summer season and has made changes to focus on what you in the community have been asking for.

The organization has dedicated itself to providing opportunities in the arts all summer long for all ages. There are times when we may forget that this organization is a non-profit; for so long they have been providing so much for the community and its members. As time changes, economy changes and season changes, we too must try to change.

Some of you may have missed my last article or maybe today you made a conscious change to read this article for the first time. Either way you may want to take note of the great changes that are happening this summer at the Center for the Arts.

A Summer Wine and Arts series has been implemented featuring new works by a different artist each month with an opening reception that features a wine tasting and wine education with Dan Bono of the Marco Wine Seller. Where else can you go for $15 and taste 3 to 6 different wines, learn about them from an expert, meet an artist and hear first hand their intent with their form of expression? Why not make a change and experience this opportunity next time it occurs? Mark the date now, June 3.

Now you can take adult summer courses too. The center will offer courses during the day and evening. The organization and instructors are willing to make the change to provide the services, now it’s time for you to make the change and enroll in a class. Fees are reduced for the summer and for members you get an even greater savings with an additional 25 percent off of classes.

How about our children? I often wonder, if I was taught that it is natural human behavior to embrace change, would adjusting to all the things that make life life been more enjoyable.

Is there an opportunity to provide the children in our lives with great ways to experience change? Maybe the arts would be a great way to enable our children to express themselves and to deal with change. Try the Artist Visiting Kids “Reel Kids” program, or maybe Kids Art Kamp during June.

For the first time, all summer long, Art Adventures will continue every Tuesday with hourly sessions in the morning or late afternoons.

Then the big change — how about a Kids Arty Party?

Now really this is for the kids (although if there are any parents reading this you may think this is for you) once a month on a Friday night during June, July and August, Kim Burke will host an art party for kids grades K-5! All these programs break down to less than $13 per hour and include the materials! Now that sounds a little like change jingling in my pocket.