Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda to host virtual open house Sept. 9 – 11

The Visual Arts Center (VAC) will host a virtual open house on Facebook Live Sept. 9 – 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During the virtual open house, live broadcasts featuring VAC instructors will begin every half hour at www.facebook.com/VACPuntaGorda. Instructors will present a short demonstration and answer questions from viewers in the comments section. All who comment will be entered in a prize drawing. Viewers can expect to learn all about open studios, online and onsite classes that are set to begin in October.
If you miss the live open house, recordings will be available on Facebook, and via an interactive Virtual Tour of the VAC building at www.VisualArtCenter.org.
To reduce personal contact, the center asks all customers to register and pay online in advance for open studios, classes and exhibits and limit in-person participation to no more than 10 per session. They encourage anyone who registers for anything and does not feel well to remain home and let them know. They will provide full credit for anything missed.
The VAC has a “no touch” thermometer at the front desk to be used for group activities, plus gloves, masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectant hand soap, disinfectant sprays, disinfectant wipes, and automatic dispensers available for staff and customers to minimize potential virus spread. They have engaged additional daily cleaning measures. The tables are wiped before and after each use and cleaning wipes and disinfectant sprays are available in each classroom.
As an extra precaution, the VAC encourages each participant to wipe their space before and after use. Masks are required in accordance with the City of Punta Gorda Ordinance which currently is in place through Oct. 7. As long as the ordinance is in place or until it is safe to stop, all staff will wear masks in the VAC common areas and a sign requesting all visitors wear masks is on the front door, the entry to each gallery and at the front desk. Floor markers encouraging everyone to stay 6 feet apart have been placed around the Front Desk and at the entry to each gallery.
The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda and can be reached at 941-639-8810. Our galleries are always free and open to the public. Check out www.VisualArtCenter.org for details on events, exhibits, classes, workshops and more.