Greetings, Everyone! The Firehouse has been lively these last few months, and we are happy that many of you have had a chance to visit our new building. Thanks to your donations and your commitment to the arts in Southshore, the Expansion Campaign is an on-going success! Of course, we continue to need all the help we can get, and donations are crucial to forward motion.

The FCC vision is clearer than ever: we are committed “to providing a lively, multi-use, cultural and educational facility that will be a vital catalyst and resource contributing to the quality of life for all in our diverse community and region.”

Please continue to spread the word about the Firehouse Cultural Center! Remember to mention us to your friends and neighbors, and share how they can support arts and education in Southshore.

There are several ways folks can donate: cash, check, credit/debit card or monthly, by becoming a “Sustaining Member.” All the information can be found here.

Perhaps you have a fundraising idea or would like to host a fundraiser? Perhaps you know of a business that would like to sponsor an event? Just give us a call to talk it over! Contact Georgia Vahue, Director, to discuss your thoughts, and to learn about partnership and sponsor opportunities: email hidden; JavaScript is required or 813-645-7651

Remodeling & Renovations

The FCC Studio has been cleaned, painted and modestly remodeled for immediate use for meetings, workshops and most recently our Artist in Residence with Patrick Lindhardt. Major renovation will take place beginning January, 2019.

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As we said …
The past few months have been very lively!

We hope you and/or your kids were one of the nearly four thousand people who enjoyed one of the workshops, programs, and performances presented at FCC. For example:

JANUARY

Patel Music Discovery Lecture Series, Art Workshops including Printing, Painting, and Drawing, plus Hydroponics Gardening, the weekly Figure Drawing Studio, and at this month’s Pub shows—Rick Hatfield Blues and O Som Do Jazz!

FEBRUARY

The Art Workshops and Drawing Studio and Music Lecture Series, plus weekly Yoga Class, Hoops Class, plus Saturday morning Children’s Art Studio, and the Pub shows—T-Bone Hamilton Big Easy Review Mardi Gras Celebration, Leland Faulkner, and Al Hixon with John Lamb, Billy Marcus, and Jim Wellen! February also saw the 2nd Annual FCC Community Flea Market and Arts & Craft Sale.

MARCH

The Art Workshops and Drawing Studio and Music Lecture Series and Yoga and Children’s Art Studio, plus entertainment at The Pub—Chuck Brodsky, Mike Donahue with Third Man Out, and Chuck Weirich and Stacey Knights. Special Events in March were the FCC 2018 Scholarship Fundraising Gala where a great time was had by all under the stars on Dickman Island.

And of Course, the FCC Children’s Art Tent at the annual South Shore Manatee Arts Festival.

APRIL

The Art Workshops and Drawing Studio and Yoga, plus at The Pub—The Rumba Brothers, and Gypsy Star Folk Rock World Band. We were also thrilled to present The 2018 BIG DRAW, a free celebration of art for all ages. The weather was perfect for creating art which is exactly what happy crowds of adults and children did. Plus, this month we were fortunate to have renowned Artist and Master Printmaker Patrick Lindhardt as our Resident Artist.

MAY

Yoga and Music Lecture Series, plus at The Pub—Valerie Gillespie, Mike Rivera & John Charles Comedy Night, and Bop Legacy-Jazz Tributes. May is the month we slow down, take a breath, and prepare for SUMMER CAMP starting in June! See all the details, and sign up for any or all of the 9 one-week camps on the Summer Camp page.

Check out the menu at the top of this page for links to all of the programs, all of the Pub events, information on venue rentals, how to become an FCC member (DO IT!!), how to volunteer, and more.

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