Next monthly downtown Art Walk set for Nov. 7

Coming on the heels of a tremendously successful first Art Walk in downtown Fort Myers, organizers are gearing up for the next monthly event to be held Friday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 10 p.m.

The inaugural event in October attracted more than 1,000 people to 11 different venues displaying and selling artwork.

"It was a huge success," said Space 39 Gallery owner Terry Tincher. "We had in excess of 500 people through our gallery. The streets were full and everybody had a great time."

Participating groups in the monthly Art Walk include Art of the Olympians, Art League of Fort Myers, Arts for ACT Gallery and Boutique, Community Art Showcase in the Harborside Event Center, daas Gallery, Southwest Florida Museum of History, Howl Gallery, La Casa Del Arte Gallery, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Space 39 Gallery, and Union Street Artist Company.

"It is amazing what creative minds can accomplish when they come together for a common goal," said Greg Knezevich, coowner of the new La Casa del Arte.

November's Art Walk will feature:

. Art League of Fort Myers: Opening of new show entitled "Rock the Boat" to coincide with the annual boat show at Harborside Event Center later in November.

. Art of the Olympians (at Venu): Exhibit featuring Olympic artist Liston Bochette III.

. Arts for ACT Gallery: Opening reception (7-10 p.m.) for November's exhibit featuring artists Darryl Pottorf, Renee Rey and the core artists from Howl Gallery.

. Community Art Showcase at Harborside Event Center: Latin Art Affair exhibit.

. daas Gallery: Second opening reception for the "East Meets West" show. The exhibit runs through Nov. 22.

. Howl Gallery: Previews at EnVie Lounge featuring vintage and modern rock concert posters and Arts for ACT Gallery featuring artists Andy Howl, Andrya Campbell, Bridey Bowen Ana Caballero and BRASS.

. La Casa Del Arte: Closing reception for "Click to Open" featuring artist Gerard Damiano.

. Southwest Florida Museum of History: Second Annual Art Expressions of Latin America exhibit runs Nov. 7-28. Only $5 admission on Nov. 7.

. Space 39: A stable show of local and national artists.

. Union Street Artists Company: Grand opening

Opening receptions will be held at some of the galleries, along with refreshments and music. Friday Night Live, the popular weekly concert series in the Patio de Leon, provides a musical interlude between 5 and 8 pm as art patrons wander from one art stop to the next.

Additionally, prizes will be awarded Nov. 7 to Art Walk patrons who get a new Art Walk button. One weekend for two at a beautiful Sanibel resort, valued at $1,000, will be given away by the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce. Visit one of the galleries on the Art Walk to receive a button to be eligible to win. Also to be given away will be an original abstract mixed media painting by local artist David Acevedo.

Following the Art Walk, the November after party will be held at H2 on Bay Street.

A free trolley service, with stops planned near the art venues, and free parking at the Southwest Florida Museum of History and Harborside Event Center will be available for Art Walk patrons. A map of Art Walk, transportation, and parking will be distributed by participating galleries. For more information on Art Walk, participating galleries and links to gallery Web sites, visit www.fortmyersartwalk.com.