MOTS "What is your favorite piece of art?"

FGCU Professor Had Unexpected Start in Theater

Kiara Feliciano has an office at the end of a narrow, inconspicuous hallway in the Florida Gulf Coast University Arts Complex. This is in stark contrast to her specialty in theater. Ms. Feliciano is extremely passionate about her trade, like most others, but it did not start out that way.

“Back in the 8^th grade, I had to do the eighth grade play, which was mandatory. It was ‘Peter Pan: The Musical’ and I was not looking forward to it at all.”

Feliciano’s teacher insisted she audition for the lead, despite her objections. After eventually landing the role of Wendy, it was meeting fans after her performance that motivated her to continue pursuing theater.

“These little kindergarteners were just so thrilled, they were happy to be in a separate world outside of whatever they knew, and it kind of inspired me to go down that route. So, I studied it all throughout high school; all throughout my undergrad and I got my master’s in it, so it is very much a part of my life.”

Feliciano attended FGCU prior to obtaining her MFA in acting from the University of Houston. Currently, she teaches several theater courses at the university, including one that focuses on stage combat.

“It’s my favorite! We are mainly focused on unarmed fighting, so anything you see in movies or plays, all of that has to be choreographed. I can’t literally hit my actor in the face nightly; I think his agent would kill me if I were ruining the 8x10. We learn to do these fights safely, but still make it dramatically effective for the audience.”

There are many distinct disciplines to learn, but since this is the first semester the class is taught, for now it only focuses on unarmed combat.

When asked about her involvement in play writing, Feliciano says that while she has not had much experience, she would relish a chance to be a part of that process.

“I used to write back in high school; it’s just not something I’m practiced in as much anymore, but if someone gave me the opportunity, I would love to collaborate.”

Naples and Fort Myers Art Scene Landmarks

Art League Continues to be Area Mainstay

As I walked through Downtown Fort Myers, I happened upon a parking garage. Like most people, I do not associate parking garages with art and culture, but here I was—standing in front of the Art League of Fort Myers.

The Art League was founded in 1956 on the principle of promoting art appreciation in the community. The League accomplishes this mission through its own art exhibitions, programs, classes, and also by providing local artists a gallery venue for their works. The Art League also has educational outreach programs and collaborates with other organizations to provide art-enriching experiences for the community.

Prior to being housed in the Heart of the River District parking garage, the Art League of Fort Myers was located on Crawford Street from 1957 to 1992. In September of 1992, the Art League of Fort Myers moved to a location on the corner of Colonial and McGregor and resided as a studio gallery space until the building was demolished, pending the construction of the Midpoint Bridge.

The Art League was then housed in the Edwards Building (the current home of the Lee County Alliance of the Arts) until 2003 when it moved to its current location at the intersection of Bay and First Streets at 1451 Monroe Street.

As I walked into its current location, I noticed the space that houses the workshop and gallery areas was neither very trendy nor aesthetically modern, unlike the art galleries shown in the movies and television. The walls were reminiscent of a 1980s office.

The décor was in sharp contrast to the art being displayed. There were paintings featuring a multitude of art styles and subject matters. This was definitely a place where art thrives. The Art League features several workshops and classes for a fee, the most popular of these being acrylic and watercolor painting. Despite an industrial, utilitarian location, there is plenty of art to be discovered at the Art League. The Art League of Fort Myers is open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.