February is a big month at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Not only is the 11th the 166th anniversary of Thomas Edison's birth, but the 16th is the date for the 75th Annual Edison Festival of Light Parade through downtown Fort Myers. But artists haven't been left behind. The Estates is hosting two fun-filled, informative painting workshops during the month of February.
The first workshop is "Drawing in the Gardens," featuring artist Megan Kissinger. At the name implies, the motif for participants will be the historic Edison Ford gardens. The workshop includes classroom instruction, time to work in the gardens and a critique at the end of class.
The workshop takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 9. The cost is $50 for Edison Ford members and $60 for non-members. To register, please call the Edison Ford Education Department at 239-334-7419.
On February 16, artist Marie Dyer will lead her "Floorcloth Painting Class." Best known for her vivid floral and still-life paintings, Dyer will teach participants how to transform a piece of unfinished floorcloth into a tropical and practical floor covering. No prior painting experience is necessary for this class, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost of the class is $70 for Edison Ford members and $75 for non-members; materials are included. To register, please telephone the Edison Ford Education Department at 239-334-7419.
And don't forget Discovering Southwest Florida with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, an exhibition of historic photographs of Edison and Ford’s favorite pastimes in Southwest Florida juxtaposed with contemporary photographs and artifacts from the Edison Ford Collection. The exhibition opens in the historic Edison Caretaker’s House on Edison’s Birthday, February 11, 2013, and celebrates Viva Florida 500, a year-long celebration of Florida's 500 years of history and diverse cultural heritage – a claim no other state in America can make.
Viva Florida 500 and its many partners are planning more than 150 events statewide in order to acknowledge and promote this important milestone in American and Florida history.
There is no charge for admission to the exhibition for Edison Ford members. Admission for non-members is just $20 for adults and $11 for children 6-12. The cost includes an audio tour of homes and garden, as well as admission to the lab and museum.
For additional information, please visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org or call 239-334-7419.
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