As the summer begins, the Alliance for the Arts marks a milestone—50 years of transforming lives and building community through the arts. The celebration continues with an opening reception on Friday, June 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring two gallery exhibitions and a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly planted Gladiolus Garden, honoring the organization’s legacy of creativity and growth.
Invitational50 Exhibition (Main Gallery)
On display from June 6–28, Invitational50 is a group exhibition featuring prolific local artists who have made lasting contributions to the Alliance’s legacy. Each artist was invited to share a personal statement reflecting on their relationship with the Alliance, offering a glimpse into the deep connections forged through art over the last five decades.
The works span a wide range of styles and subjects—from colorful to monochromatic, naturalistic to abstract—capturing the rich diversity of voices and visions within the southwest Florida arts community.
Portals of Perception by Muffy Clark Gill (Theatre Gallery)
Also opening June 6, Portals of Perception is an exploration of culture, memory, and craft by artist Muffy Clark Gill. Inspired by a lifetime of travel to destinations including Japan, Myanmar, Cuba, Alaska, Korea, and the Caribbean, Gill’s work incorporates traditional textile techniques such as indigo dyeing, shibori resist, and katazome stenciling. The result is a vibrant body of work that transforms global traditions into contemporary visual storytelling.
Event Schedule – Friday, June 6
Location: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- 5:00 – 7:00 PM – Opening Reception
Enjoy light refreshments by Jayne Baker and music in the Main Gallery. - 6:00 PM – Remarks
Speakers include Executive Director Neil Volz, Gallery Manager Julio Batista, and Board Members Carolyn Gora and Ava Roeder. - 6:15 PM – 50th Anniversary Video Premiere (Foulds Theatre)
Guests are invited into the Foulds Theatre for a short introduction and screening of a commemorative video highlighting the Alliance’s past, present, and vision for the future. The video will run on a loop throughout the evening. - 6:45 PM – Gladiolus Garden Ribbon Cutting (Outdoors)
Remarks by the Executive Director and honored guests, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and group photo opportunity.
The newly planted Gladiolus Garden, featuring over 2,000 gladiolus, symbolizes 50 years of blossoming creativity and community—and pays homage to the organization’s roots. Join in for this special event In celebration of the first bloom.
A Legacy Rooted in Creativity
The Alliance for the Arts was born in a humble farmhouse set among the gladiolus fields of Fort Myers. What began as a grassroots effort by a small group of art lovers has grown into a cornerstone of cultural life in southwest Florida. The new Gladiolus Garden not only beautifies the campus, but honors the site’s original landscape and the visionaries who planted the seeds of creativity five decades ago. This garden was sponsored by Leigh Frizzell Hayes and Tyler Frizzell in memory of their parents, Alliance for the Arts champions, Margaret & Bill Frizzell.
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About the Alliance for the Arts
From yesterday’s vision to tomorrow’s masterpiece—a legacy of art and soul. The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. For 50 years, the Alliance has inspired creativity, fostered connection, and transformed community through year-round exhibitions, performances, classes, festivals, and public art projects.
The Alliance campus is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard, just south of Colonial Boulevard.
To learn more, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook, MeetUp and Instagram. For media inquiries, please contact 239-939-2787.
