Arts Center opens doors to new, old members

Nearly three years after the Longboat Key Center for the Arts became the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, Executive Director Jane Buckman thinks that some people might have the misconception that the Arts Center no longer has a membership program. But, in reality, the membership program is essential to offsetting costs for the Arts Center.

“Membership really impacts all of the areas of our programming, from education to the events to the lectures,” Buckman said. “It’s really about supporting the building of the pre-eminent cultural institution on the north end of Longboat Key.”

From 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, the Arts Center will hold an open house. Guests will have the opportunity to sign up for memberships, which start at $100 for individuals and families, along with volunteer opportunities and classes. A PowerPoint presentation will be presented in the Cultural Media Room that shows the Arts Center through the years and where it stands today.

The Longboat Key Club and Resort will sponsor the open house, which will feature wine and hors d’oeuvres. The “Aging in America” exhibit by photojournalist Ed Kashi and journalist Julie Winkour will remain on display for the Dec. 10 open house.

The Arts Center has canceled its Dec. 2 “Ageless Creativity Jam Session” and Dec. 10 “Baubles and Bubbles” Holiday Luncheon. But, come January, the Arts Center will have a packed schedule. Classes begin Jan. 5, and the first Jazz at the Center event, which will feature Pepper & Fine Thyme, will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12. Then, the Arts Center will feature “Making Waves” by sculptor Malcolm Robertson in its first exhibit of the year, which runs from Jan. 15 through Feb. 11.

BOX
If you go
Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of
Ringling College of Art
and Design, Open House
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10
Where: Longboat Key Center for the Arts, 6860 Longboat Drive S.
Phone: 383-2345

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].