Weekly News: Aug 18 – 23

Commemorative Art Exhibition on Display:
Come view the Commemorative Art Exhibition currently on display at the Life Enrichment Center! Forty-three of our talented member artists shared their creativity in this special show, with works ranging from still life and portraits to imaginative fantasy pieces representing a wide array of mediums.   The exhibition, in honor of the L.E.C.’s 45th birthday, closes August 30.   View the catalogue for the exhibition HERE.

DEADLINES THIS WEEK:

• POP-UP CAKE CARDMAKING WORKSHOP with Cathy Stump: Saturday, August 23 (10am – 12pm) $10/$12. Materials & instruction sheet provided. No experience necessary. Learn to craft a charming pop-up card featuring a whimsical three-tier cake adorned with playful candles. This interactive card springs to life when opened, revealing a stunning surprise that is perfect for birthday celebrations or special occasions. Please register on or before Thursday, August 21 so we can prepare materials. Register online HERE, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP with Jackie Meyer: Monday, August 25 (9:30am – 12:30pm) $10/$12. Most materials included. Bring 4-8 related photos (4″x6″ or smaller) No experience necessary. Creatively preserve cherished memories in this workshop where you’ll craft two scrapbook pages that are not just beautiful—but also archival-quality! Discover techniques and tips to transform your photos and mementos into magical snapshots of your life’s most memorable moments. Please register on or before Thursday, August 21 so we can prepare materials. Register online HERE, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

Class & Club News

• PHOTO CLUB MEETING: On Wednesday, August 20 (1:30-3pm) the Photo Club hold their August meeting online. Remember to upload your photos before that time. Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@lectampa.org if you have any questions.

• WOMEN’S VOICES IN POETRY: On Thursdays from 10:30am – 12pm the Poetry class meets online and in person. The topic for this week is “Women’s Voices Now”. Join the class as they explore contemporary poets who write about women’s experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, menopause, and more. No experience necessary. Register online HERE, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or just stop by.

• BOOK CLUB 2.0 AUGUST SELECTION: Read or listen to Aloha Wanderwell: The Border-Smashing, Record-Setting Life of the World’s Youngest Explorer by Christian Fink-Jensen & Randolph Eustace-Walden, then join the discussion on Monday, August 25 (10am -12pm).  (Note: This biography may have content not suitable for all readers.) Register online HERE, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or just stop by.

Calling all writers…

• ANTHOLOGY ENTRIES WANTED: Manuscript submissions for latest Creative Fire anthology due to Arleen by August 25. For more information, call (813) 932-0241 or email info@lectampa.org. You can also pick up a flyer and entry form at the LEC.

• WRITING CONTEST: The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, & Books, with a $4,000 prize pool, is now open. The submission deadline is September 30 at 11:59 pm. There are no genre or theme restrictions, and entries are judged blind. For more information or to enter, go to https://letterreview.com/information/.

Other LEC News

• WIMAUMA & PLANT CITY OUTREACH INSTRUCTORS NEEDED: If you live in or near Wimauma or Plant City (or are willing to drive), consider becoming an Outreach instructor. Training will be provided. It only requires about an hour per month plus driving and planning time. Help the LEC bring art to seniors throughout the county! Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@lectampa.org if you have any questions or are interested in volunteering.

• MEMBERSHIP REMINDER: If you have not renewed your membership this year, now’s the time! Stop by the office or renew online. (If you are not sure if you need to renew, just ask.)

• MONET & VAN GOGH INTERACTIVE: If you are interested in attending the Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet immersive experience at the Straz (Aug. 1 – Sept. 28), please email  info@lectampa.org or call (813) 932-0241.

Coming Soon!

• Monday, August 25 (9:30am -12:30pm): Scrapbooking with Jackie Meyer ($10/$12)
• Monday September 1: CLOSED for Labor Day
• Saturday, September 6 (10am – 12pm): FREE Bob Ross / Frieda Kahlo Paint-along
• Monday, September 8 (1 – 3:30pm): Intro to Mah Jongg (8-week class) ($6/$8)
• Monday, September 15 (10 – 12:30 pm): Quilling Workshop with Julia Macek ($50/$65)

SAVE THE DATE!
The LEC is celebrating its 45th Birthday on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 10 am to 3 pm. As in years past, we’ll have vendors, demos, and a basket raffle. Come join us! Contact Bev if you would like to donate a raffle basket.