Season Adjustments Following Hurricane Ian
Lemon Bay Playhouse revised its 2022–2023 season schedule in response to storm-related disruptions caused by Hurricane Ian. The planned production Sleeping Indoors was canceled, and You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running was rescheduled to take its place. As a result, the season resumed later than originally planned, with performances beginning on November 30.
The hurricane caused damage to construction facilities, including the storage shed used for set-building materials. These damages delayed the preparation of stage sets and required reassessment of upcoming performances. Cast changes also occurred due to scheduling conflicts, and updated casting details were shared as confirmed.
The rescheduled production featured four one-act plays:
- The Shock of Recognition
- The Footsteps of Doves
- I’ll Be Home for Christmas
- I’m Herbert
Each play featured its standalone narrative, ranging from personal quarrels and domestic humor to conversations about aging and memory.
Sea Grape Gallery Art Scholarship
In mid-2022, Sea Grape Gallery hosted a reception honoring Kaitlyn Carey, recipient of its annual scholarship. A graduate of Port Charlotte High School, Kaitlyn pursued interests in photography and filmmaking and planned to attend Ringling College of Art and Design. Works by Kaitlyn were displayed at the gallery through the end of June that year.
Sea Grape Gallery has awarded scholarships to emerging student artists annually since its founding, offering public recognition and exhibition opportunities to support their development.
2022–2023 Season Announcements
Several arts organizations in Charlotte County prepared to launch their 2022–2023 seasons during the fall:
- Charlotte County Jazz Society
Founded in 1990, the society supports live jazz performances and youth music education. Events typically begin in October. - Punta Gorda Symphony
Originally a chamber ensemble, the symphony expanded into a full professional orchestra. Concerts and public programs began in November and December, including Jazz on the Lawn. - Charlotte Chorale
This volunteer vocal ensemble has performed in the region for more than three decades, presenting seasonal concerts and local appearances. - Peace River Painters
This plein air painting group meets weekly during cooler months. Members share and discuss works created on location at rotating outdoor sites. - Lemon Bay Playhouse
The season opened with Dead Man’s Cell Phone in September and continued with showcases in November. - Charlotte Players
Their season opened with The Play That Goes Wrong in September, followed by special events later in the fall. - Bion Cantorum
A chamber vocal group offering three annual concerts and invited performances. The ensemble emphasizes community participation and artistic excellence.
Visual Arts Center Leadership Transition
In July 2022, the Visual Arts Center appointed Lisa Gallucci as Executive Director. She succeeded Janet Watermeier, who had served in the role for six years. Gallucci brought experience in nonprofit consulting, human resources, and the arts, including work with dance organizations and television media.
Board leadership cited her background and strategic vision as key factors in the selection process. The transition aimed to maintain program continuity and expand the Center’s impact across Charlotte County communities.
Charlotte County Jazz Society Scholarships
In 2022, the Charlotte County Jazz Society awarded $11,500 in scholarships to five graduating seniors from three local high schools. Recipients included students accepted at institutions such as Florida State University, Duke University, and Florida Gulf Coast University. The awards recognized both musical achievement and academic excellence.
Charlotte County Concert Band Scholarship Recipients
Despite performance limitations due to the pandemic, the Charlotte County Concert Band announced its 2021 scholarship winners. Recipients represented Charlotte and Lemon Bay high schools and were selected for their commitment to band programs and overall student performance.
Sea Grape Gallery 2021 Scholarship Award
Anabel Dent, a graduate of Lemon Bay High School, was named the 2021 recipient of Sea Grape Gallery’s student scholarship. Her artistic interests spanned both two- and three-dimensional media, with themes exploring identity, environment, and spiritual experience. Her work was exhibited at the gallery throughout the summer.
Leadership Change at Peace River Painters
Sharon Yarbrough, longtime director of Peace River Painters, stepped down from her role in 2021 after nine years of leadership. Under her coordination, the group expanded community engagement through plein air events, annual shows, and artist workshops. Susan Hoffman was named the new coordinator for the following season. The group paused weekly sessions for the summer and resumed activity in October.
“Together we’ve learned and laughed and maybe even cried a little… It’s gratifying to look back over the past nine years and see what was accomplished.”
— Sharon Yarbrough
Charlotte County Imagination Library Appointment
Christine Zimmer, a Charlotte County educator, was appointed Managing Director of the Charlotte County Imagination Library. The organization, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s national literacy initiative, provides free books to children under five.
Zimmer had been a member of the program’s advisory council since 2012 and brought extensive experience in public education and nonprofit leadership. Under her guidance, the program aimed to expand outreach and continue its mission of early literacy.
Charlotte County History Publication
To commemorate Charlotte County’s 100th anniversary, author and editor James Abraham published Century: A People’s History of Charlotte County. This 270-page volume includes narrative essays, timelines, and full-color visuals that chronicle the region’s history across multiple perspectives. The work is presented in a modular format, designed for accessible and varied reading experiences.
“Century” was developed to offer readers multiple entry points—whether through narrative, visuals, or essays—reflecting the richness of Charlotte County’s heritage.
