The Alliance for the Arts is proud to announce the launch of two immersive summer workshop series designed to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern wellness. Running from June through August 1, 2026, the Craft & Create and Creative Recharge series offer community members a sanctuary to learn new skills, slow down, and reconnect with their inner artist. The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.
CRAFT & CREATE: REVIVING THE DISAPPEARING ARTS
Saturdays | June 6 – Aug 1 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Craft & Create is a collection of hands-on workshops focused on the joy of making by hand. From fiber arts to culinary crafts, participants are encouraged to explore approachable techniques in a supportive environment. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned maker, this series celebrates the gratification of creating something functional and beautiful from scratch.
• 6/06: Loop & Learn: Introduction to Crochet
• 6/13: Edible Art: The Craft of Butter
• 6/20: Stitch & Bead: The Art of Embellished Textiles
• 6/27: Soft Sculptures: Chunky Knitting & Macramé
• 7/11: Reclaimed Radiance: Jewelry Collage
• 7/18: Pen & Paper: The Art of Handmade Letters
• 7/25: The Art of Gathering: Hosting with Intention
• 8/01: Stitch & Style: Sew Your Own Apron
Pricing: Full 8 Class Series: $300 | Member’s Price: $250.
Individual classes: $35 for Members / $45 for Non-Members.
CREATIVE RECHARGE: A RESTORATIVE ART SERIES
Wednesdays | June 17 – July 29 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Designed as an antidote to the noise of daily life, Creative Recharge focuses on the process rather than perfection. Each session uses different artistic mediums; from cyanotype photography to air-dry clay—to nurture mindfulness, self-expression, and emotional balance.
• 6/17: Set in Ink, Revealed in Light (Journaling & Cyanotypes)
• 6/24: Sculpt Your Story: Air-Dry Clay Creations
• 7/08: The Art of Self-Care and Wellness (Bath Soaks & Scrubs)
• 7/15: Light and Balance: Stained-Glass Style Mandalas
• 7/22: Tide and Texture: Beach-Inspired Canvas Art
• 7/29: Catch the Light: Prism Sun Catchers & Beaded Keychains
Pricing: Full 6 Class Series: $250 | Member’s Price: $190
Individual classes: $35 for members / $45 for non-members.
A $15 supply fee is payable directly to the instructor at each class.
Both series take place at the Alliance for the Arts campus. Due to the hands-on nature of these workshops, space is limited, and early registration is highly encouraged.
“These series are about more than just art; they are about community and personal restoration,” says Education Director Jessica Kleffman. “Inspired by the warmth of traditions passed down through generations, we’ve blended nostalgia with a modern, welcoming approach. Think of it as summer camp reimagined for adults- a space to put down your phone, pick up a tool, and finally master the skills you’ve always wished someone had taught you.”
Come as you are, leave with something handmade and a little more confidence than you came with. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.artinlee.org/classes or call 239-939-2787.
About Alliance for the Arts
From yesterday’s vision to tomorrow’s masterpiece, a legacy of art and soul. The Alliance for the Arts is celebrating 50 years as a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at http://www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook, MeetUp and Instagram.
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