Bi-weekly News: Apr 8 edition

April is OPEN HOUSE MONTH!

Do you know someone who has never taken a class at the L.E.C.?  New students can take a class for free during the month of April. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Step 1: Pick a class (not a workshop).

Step 2: Come into the L.E.C. to pick up a voucher for that class (first 25 people).

Step 3: Attend the class during the month of April.

If they become a member, you could receive a voucher for a free class as well!  Email info@lectampa.org or call (813) 932-0241 if you have questions.

Class News

• NEW CLASS STARTING–CALLIGRAPHY!!: Starting Thursday, April 10, instructor Emily Kouris returns with a 4-week Calligraphy class  (Thursdays 10am -12pm, April 10 – May 1).  Even if you think you have bad handwriting, you can do calligraphy!  No experience necessary. Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• INTRO TO MAH JONGG: A new 8-week Intro to Mah Jongg class starts Monday, April 28 from 1-3:30pm.  Come learn this increasingly popular game.  Register online here, email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• SPECIAL GUEST!  On Thursday, May 1, Karl from Mount Vision Pastels will be visiting the LEC during the Pastel class (1-3pm).  He will be bringing some of his pastels with him (available to purchase).  Karl hand-makes his high-quality soft pastels about a mile from the LEC!

April Workshops

• UPCYCLED ART WORKSHOP:  One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.  Use everyday and found objects to create several projects: wind chimes, tea light lanterns, outdoor decorations, and more!  A great way to celebrate Earth Day. (Saturday, April 19 from 10am – 12pm)  Register online here, email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• HAT-DECORATING WORKSHOP: Just in time for the Kentucky Derby and summer!  Create an extravagant hat using a variety of materials.  B.Y.O.H.–Bring Your Own Hat.  Best hat wins a prize!  (Saturday, April 26 from 10am – 12pm)  Register online here, email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

Club News

• EXPLORE A NOVEL: Book Club 2.0 will meet in person Monday, April 28 at 10am to discuss the psychological thriller, The Wonder by Emma Donoghue.  Everyone is welcome to join!  If anyone has a copy of the book to share or donate, please drop it by the LEC.  If you have any questions, please email info@lectampa.org or call (813) 932-0241.  (Note: Elements of the plot may be disturbing to some, including incest and dying.)

• PHOTO CLUB:  The monthly Photo Club online meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 16 from 1:30-3pm.  Register here or email info@lectampa.org for the link.

Other LEC News

• MEMBER SHOUT-OUTS: Shout-outs to our new and renewing members: Mary, David, and Jean!  We look forward to seeing you at the LEC.

• VOLUNTEER AT THE LEC:  A temporary volunteer is needed for Mondays 9:30am – 11:30 am for the remainder of April. Volunteers are also needed for afternoon shifts on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. If you are interested or would like more information, email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or let us know in person.

• HOT GLUE GUNS:  Hot glue guns are needed for the April 26^th Hat-decorating workshop.  Do you have one you can loan the L.E.C.?  If so, please call or email us! (Thanks in advance.)

• BLICK COUPONS: A coupon for 15% off an in-store supply purchase (through 4/15) and a coupon for 50% off custom framing/printing (through 5/30) are available. Check the hallway bulletin board at the LEC or email info@lectampa.org for coupons. Restrictions apply, so read the coupon details carefully.

• LEC STUDENTS’ ART SHOW: Our nighttime Open Studio students are having an art show at Pinellas Ale Works (PAW). The show is curated by Tim and Jayne Gibbons from Funky as a Monkey and ends April 25, 2025.  LEC artists showing their work are: Campbell Buchanan, Julie Buchanan, Sheila Holbrook, Joella Young, Arleen Mariotti, and Jennifer Perrella. PAW is located at 1962 1^st Ave. S. in St. Petersburg. All are welcome!

COMMING ATTRACTIONS: Upcoming Workshops & Events

• MAY:  Pop-up Bouquet Cards (Saturday, May 3  10am – 12 pm),  Potluck (Wednesday, May 7), Mother’s Day Paint-along with Arleen (Saturday, May 10  10am – 12pm), & Watercolors with Lionel Sanchez (Saturday, May 24 10 am – 1 pm).  The L.E.C. will be CLOSED on Memorial Day.

• JUNE & JULY:  Potluck (June 4 & July 2), Watercolors with Roxanne (June 9), Mah Jongg Day of Play (June 16), Acrylic Pour Workshop (June 28), Ornament-making (July 12), Colored Pencils with Mark Menendez (July 19), & Pastels Workshop–all levels (July 26).  The L.E.C. will be CLOSED on July 4th.

Local Artist Opportunities

• PATHWAYS, PORTALS AND JOURNEYS:   Application Deadline: Monday, April 14. Open to anyone age 15 years and up.  2D or 3D art.  Exhibit runs May -September.  Entry fee: $25 for up to 2 artworks. $12 for each additional artwork up to 5.  Click HERE for more information or to register.

Other Opportunities

• The LEC is now partnered with Tampa General & Village Well. You can find lots of activities and events designed to make wellness fun & rewarding. Discover local events, earn points for healthy activities, and unlock exciting rewards. Let’s continue our goal of becoming healthier and happier. Start exploring! Download the app or sign up online. https://www.villagewell.co.