The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs has two unique art exhibitions, “Corona Contemplation” and “Celebrate Our Students,” on display now through July 30.
These art exhibitions highlight the Centers’ goals and values, in that art is therapeutic, encourages positive attitudes and helps individuals cope with change. According to the Centers’ President, Susan Bridges, “Now more than ever, the Centers hopes to meet those needs and brighten the world of our patrons, members and artists.”
The “Corona Contemplation” art exhibition showcases art created in the time of the coronavirus. Exhibiting artists strove to visually express their experience and that of others due to the coronavirus. “Themes range from hope and trust, or a call to action, anger and despair. These artists are doing their best to help themselves and us cope with what’s happening to us and around us,” explains Bridges. Exhibition winners include:
· Best of Show: I Am Okay by Gilberto M. Sanchez
· First Place: Ode To Joy by Janis McCracken
· Second Place: Cloud Control 17 by Steve Johnson
· Third Place: A Question of Balance by Joel Shapses
· Fourth Place: Caged by Loretta Miller
· Fifth Place: Nesting Catbird by Tammy Cox
This exhibition is free to the public and is on display in the Main Gallery at the Center for Visual Arts.
The “Celebrate Our Students” is an annual exhibition and showcases three local high school art student’s works. Scholarships were awarded to these graduating students who chose to pursue a degree in the arts. “The Centers and our generous donors are pleased to present these exceptional works and recognize these local students who, even in these very difficult times, wrote us, shared their portfolios, and career aspirations. We’ve very proud of our local talents,” stated Bridges. Scholarship recipients for 2020 include:
· President’s Scholarship: Madelyn Kellum
· Loretta Sturgis Memorial Scholarship: Kimberly Sarabia
· Maxine Carter/Faculty Scholarship: Maggie Chiu
This exhibition is free to the public and is on display now through July 30 in the Tranovich Gallery at the Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. For more details, call 239-495-8989 or visit artcenterbonita.org/exhibitions
