Dec. 5 event celebrates the arts and life of Bruce Gora

The Lee County Alliance for the Arts invites the community to celebrate the arts and the life of Bruce Gora from 7-10 p.m. Dec. 5 at the premiere arts event of the year. “Bruce Gora: A Night to Remember” will feature Mr. Gora’s photography, architectural and community accomplishments, as well as an evening of music, artistic contributions and culinary delights.

Live musical performances will include The Juice, Kat Epple, The Cracker Blues Band and more. Culinary artists on hand to delight the palate will include chefs from Sasse’s, University Grill, The Flying Pig, Norman Love, Robb and Stucky Culinary Center, Mucky Duck and FGCU. There will be an opportunity to bid at a silent auction of artwork and contributions from the community. Sixty limitededition pieces of Mr. Gora’s photography, including many never before seen pieces from his Barcelona series, will be for sale.

A longtime Alliance board member and architect of many landmark buildings in the community, including the Alliance campus, Mr. Gora was an integral part of the arts, culture and business community. He was honored posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Horizon Council at the Industry Appreciation Luncheon, and by the American Institute of Architects Florida State Chapter for his many contributions to the Southwest Florida community with the Hillard T. Smith Community Service Award Silver Medal at a recent awards ceremony in Tampa.

Proceeds from the event will fund an endowment for a continuing student photography scholarship in his name, a permanent memorial on the Alliance outdoor stage, and the initiation of the outdoor Bruce Gora Concert Series. Enjoy the opportunity to purchase his work, bid on donated art by nationally and locally recognized artists, and buy a brick to complete the stage improvements in his name.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including an invitation to join other leaders in the community and be included as a “Friend of Bruce” on a permanent memorial on our campus.

Tickets to the event are available by calling the Alliance for the Arts at 939- 2787 or by visiting www.ArtinLee.org. All tickets are $36. 