Alliance connects business and arts community

Sanibel Light By Pam Brodersen. COURTESY PHOTO The Alliance for the Arts has recently partnered with Florida Shores Bank to provide artwork for a show and sell exhibit at the new Fort Myers location. Being the state-designated arts agency for Lee County, the Alliance is always looking for opportunities for local artists, so when Florida Shores Bank asked the Alliance to help connect it to the local arts community, Executive Director Gary Conley jumped on the opportunity.

The process began by sending out a "Call to Artists" which in arts lingo means asking artists to submit work to be judged and possibly chosen for the exhibition. Chelsea Birczak, coordinator of this project, received more than 100 pieces submitted digitally by local artists, compiled them on a CD and

delivered it to the bank's judging committee. After deliberation, 30 pieces were chosen from 16 different artists to make up the décor inside the bank's lobby.

This project not only benefited selected artists and the bank; it also worked as a fundraiser for the Alliance. When a piece sells, the Alliance collects a 30 percent commission. Also, each artist who made a submission gave a small donation to the Alliance.

Lux En Tenibris By Steve Kalb. "We are always thrilled for any opportunity to fulfill our mission while connecting the business and arts community," said Mr. Conley.

Florida Shores Bank is located at 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 145, Fort Myers.