


As we gear up for the launch of our 2025–2026 Season, the excitement is building at Arts Bonita! We’re delighted to welcome back your favorite artists and performers—and equally thrilled to introduce you to fresh new talent and unforgettable experiences designed to inspire, entertain and engage all interests and ages.
On Stage, Actor’s Theatre is already in rehearsal for Carrie: The Musical—a bold, emotionally charged production with a powerful score that critics have praised for its depth and energy. It’s a thrilling kickoff to what promises to be a dynamic and diverse season.
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the Arts Bonita Flex Pass. Choose the performances you love while enjoying up to 25% savings if you’re a member. It’s flexible, easy and the best way to experience more of what makes our stages shine.
Beyond the spotlight, both of our campuses are buzzing with creativity and growth. Our newly opened Digital Lab is already making waves, with innovative classes in filmmaking, photography, animation, social media strategy and influencer branding. Whether you’re looking to expand your business reach or discover a new artistic outlet, the Digital Lab offers powerful tools to do just that.
We’re also expanding our offerings in dance, theater and film, with exciting new classes for both adults and youth. Our homeschool program, launched last spring, continues to grow— offering a rich and varied curriculum that nurtures creativity and confidence across multiple artistic disciplines.
At our Visual Arts Center, you’ll find hands-on instruction in stone carving, ceramics, glass fusion, drawing and painting—all led by outstanding faculty and open to all levels. Whether you're taking your first steps in the arts or deepening your craft, this is where your creative journey can truly flourish.
This season, we’re proud to celebrate 35 years since Arts Bonita was officially incorporated. It’s a milestone that reflects the power of community support and the passion for the arts that fuels everything we do.
So, we invite you to get involved. Become a member, take advantage of performance and class discounts and help sustain the vibrant cultural life we’ve built together. Or lend your talents by joining one of our committees—whether you’re passionate about education, events, marketing, or outreach, you can make a real difference.
Thank you for being part of the Arts Bonita family. Here’s to our most inspiring season yet!
Warmest Wishes, Alyona Ushe Executive Director, Arts Bonita
2020 BLUES MUSIC AWARD FOR BLUES
ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
BLUES
SATURDAY | AUGUST 2nd | 7:30 pm
"In memory of my father, Plinio Patrão, who taught me to love learning and to love music."
Doris Patrão
“thrilling retro-electric blues,” USA Today
“an absolute force to be reckoned with,” Rock & Blues Muse
Experience the electrifying energy of Albert Castiglia, one of our time’s most dynamic blues rock performers. With a gritty voice, blistering guitar skills and a passion for storytelling, Castiglia delivers raw, authentic blues that leave audiences spellbound.
Launched into the blues world under the mentorship of the legendary Junior Wells, Castiglia has since carved out a remarkable solo career. His album Masterpiece won the 2020 Blues Music Award for Blues Rock Album of the Year and he has consistently earned accolades as Blues Rock Artist of the Year.
KNOWN FOR HIS DEEPLY PERSONAL YET UNIVERSALLY RELATABLE HUMOR
FRIDAY | AUGUST 15th | 7:30 pm
Best Comedian – Illuminate 2025, Angel Studios (Dry Bar Comedy)
Heartbreaking, uplifting and of course, hilarious—British Comedy Guide
Get ready for a night of sharp, heartfelt comedy as Kirk Smith makes his Arts Bonita debut. An internationally touring comedian, author and podcast host, Smith is known for his deeply personal yet universally relatable humor. His material draws from real-life experiences, especially his journey raising a son with autism, blending authenticity with laugh-out-loud moments.
Kirk has performed at top venues and comedy festivals around the world, including a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His acclaimed Dry Bar Comedy special showcases his clean, clever style that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. He is also the author of Rice Krispies with Ketchup, a candid memoir that further reveals his unique perspective and wit. Whether on stage, in writing, or behind the mic, Kirk Smith brings humor with heart — don’t miss this inspiring and hilarious performance at Arts Bonita.
JAZZ
THURSDAY | AUGUST 21st | 7:30 pm
What better way to end the summer then with the best love songs from American music performed by Arts Bonita’s favorite musical couple! Vocalist Nicole Bartholomew returns to dazzle audience members with her angelic voice alongside the pianistic prowess of her favorite accompanist (and husband), Dr. Zachary Bartholomew. Hear classic songs that you know and love reimagined in what promises to be a very special performance marking the finale of the 2nd season of Bartholomew’s Resident Artist Concert Series at Arts Bonita! A must-see event!
Resident Artist Dr. Zachary Bartholomew is an award-winning pianist, composer and music educator who maintains a highly active performance career as one of the most heavily soughtafter pianists, accompanists and sidemen in all of Florida. Since 2021 he has been awarded the prestigious “Artist Performance on Tour'' grant from the state of Florida for his “Jazz Access Tour,” an outreach program that aims to provide underserved communities and schools in Florida with world-class public performances and educational programs.
THURSDAY | SEPTEMBER 11th | 7:30 pm
Join acclaimed jazz pianist Zach Bartholomew and his quartet for a thrilling tribute to one of the most iconic jazz albums of all time—Dave Brubeck’s groundbreaking Time Out. Known for its adventurous rhythms and unforgettable melodies, Time Out broke barriers and redefined what jazz could be. Experience dynamic renditions of classics like “Take Five,” “Blue Rondo à la Turk,” and more, as Bartholomew brings his virtuosic style and deep musicality to Brubeck’s revolutionary compositions. A must-see evening of sophisticated swing, rhythmic innovation and timeless jazz.
Resident Artist Dr. Zachary Bartholomew is an award-winning pianist, composer and music educator who maintains a highly active performance career as one of the most heavily soughtafter pianists, accompanists and sidemen in all of Florida. Since 2021 he has been awarded the prestigious “Artist Performance on Tour'' grant from the state of Florida for his “Jazz Access Tour,” an outreach program that aims to provide underserved communities and schools in Florida with world-class public performances and educational programs.
UNSCRIPTED HILARITY FEATURING THREE UNIQUELY TALENTED TEAMS!
FRIDAY | MAY 23rd | 7:30 pm
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs as Improv Comedy Arts takes the stage with an electrifying, completely unscripted performance! This dynamic show features three incredibly talented teams, each with its own unique style, energy and comedic flair. From quick-witted oneliners to full-blown, side-splitting scenes, our performers—ranging in age from 16 to over 76— prove that great comedy knows no bounds.
Whether you're a longtime fan of improv or experiencing it for the first time, you’re in for a treat as these multi-generational improvisers create spontaneous comedy gold right before your eyes. With no scripts, no safety nets and no telling what will happen next, each show is a one-of-a-kind experience filled with unexpected twists, hilarious characters and outrageous fun.
Audience participation is always welcome, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself a part of the action! Come laugh, cheer and enjoy an evening where anything can happen—and probably will.
Tickets are General Admission – No assigned seating for tables or rows.
INNOVATIVE FUSION OF BRITISH BLUES, JAZZ & FUNK
SATURDAY | SEPTEMBER 20 th | 7:30 pm
"In memory of my father, Plinio Patrão, who taught me to love learning and to love music." Doris Patrão
British-born and now U.S.-based, Matt Schofield is a multi-award-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter renowned for his innovative fusion of British blues, jazz and funk. His distinctive style and emotive performances have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated global following.
Three-time British Blues Awards “Guitarist of the Year” (2010, 2011, 2012), leading to his induction into the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame
Named among the “Top Ten British Blues Guitarists of All Time” by Guitar & Bass Magazine, alongside legends like Eric Clapton and Peter Green
One of only two living British artists to receive the maximum four-star rating in the Penguin Book of Blues Recordings.
SATURDAY | SEPTEMBER 27th | 7:30 pm
"In memory of my father, Plinio Patrão, who taught me to love learning and to love music."
Doris Patrão
Step into the soul of the Everglades with Mud & Blues: Tales from the Swamp, featuring acclaimed musician Antonio Correia. This immersive musical experience blends haunting melodies, strong percussive heartbeats and soulful vocals with evocative storytelling that captures the spirit of Florida’s untamed wilderness.
Correia’s masterful guitar work and expressive voice guide audiences through stories of survival, adventure and community — a heartfelt tribute to the forgotten songs and legends that echo through the moss-draped cypress and winding waterways. The performance is a living homage to the rich cultural tapestry of the swamp, where music and nature are intertwined in a timeless connection.
Upgraded with dual heating zones, air massage, and proprietary memory foam for the ultimate zero-gravity comfort you'll experience every time you take a seat. Weight capacity of 400 lbs.
ZACH BARTHOLOMEW
Passion, Peace & The Real McCoy
Oct 2nd | Thur | 7:30pm
Jazz (Resident Artist)
KEVIN BURT & Big Medicine
Oct 9th | Thur | 7:30pm Blues
FRANK VIGNOLA & VINNY RANIOLO
Fusion of British Blues, Jazz & Funk
Oct 11th | Sat | 7:30pm Jazz Guitar
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR
Blend of Blues, Rock, Soul & Pop
Oct 17th | Fri | 7:30pm Blues
COCO MONTOYA
A Powerhouse of Modern Blues
Oct 18th | Sat | 7:30pm Blues
MARK SANDERS
A Night at the Tony’s
Oct 23rd | Thur | 7:30pm
Cabaret (Resident Artist)
JOE SIB
Hilarious, Clean Stand-up
Oct 24th | Fri | 7:30pm Comedy
QUEEN LIVES!
We Are The Champions
Oct 25th | Sat | 7:30pm Tribute
The Music of The Moody Blues
Oct 29th | Wed | 7:30pm Tribute
JEFFERSON MCDONALD
Great Balls of Fire
Nov 1st | Sat | 7:30pm Blues
IN THE LIGHT OF LED ZEPPELIN
A Time Machine for Rock 'N' Roll Fans
Nov 2nd | Sun | 7:00pm
Tribute
FUNNY OLD BROADS
Trio that Delivers a Sharp, Sassy Blend of Stand-up Comedy
Nov 6th | Thur | 7:30pm
Comedy
GREGGIE & THE JETS
Elton John Tribute
Nov 7th | Fri | 7:30pm Tribute
DREAMBOATS
Retro Rock
Through a Modern Lens
Nov 8th | Sat | 7:30pm '50s & '60s Rock
ZACH BARTHOLOMEW
Blues, Bop & Soul: Hank Mobley’s Soul Station
Featuring Jeff Ellwood
Nov 13th | Thur | 7:30pm
Jazz (Resident Artist)
SHANNON McNALLY
Grammy-nominated Singer-songwriter
Nov 8th | Sat | 7:30pm
Blues/R&B
MARK SANDERS
Sinatra on Broadway
Nov 20th | Thur | 7:30pm
Cabaret (Resident Artist)
ELEMENTS
The Definitive Earth, Wind and Fire Experience
Nov 21st | Wed | 7:30pm
Tribute
TAIMANE
Polynesian Ukulele Player
Nov 21st | Wed | 8:00pm
Eclectic
GIVEN TO FLY
The Pearl Jam Experience
Nov 29th | Sat | 7:30pm
Tribute
Becoming a member is the easiest way to support Arts Bonita. Receive up to a 25% discount on classes and performances with an Arts Bonita Membership.
Individual/Individual + NARM*
$97/$145
•Class, workshop & performance discounts •15% Percent discount on art supplies
•Subscription to E-News announcements
•Invites to participate in Open House events
•Discount on fee to apply for Juried Exhibitions
•Exclusive invitations to members only events
Artist–Individual/Artist–Individual + NARM*
•All the benefits of Individual
•Opportunity to sell your work online
$125/$165
•25% discounted advertising in playbills
•Greater commission at the Arts Boutique (75%/25%)
•Larger discount on fee to apply to Arts Bonita Juried Exhibitions
•Opportunity to be featured in Spotlight Arts Bonita Newsletter
•Discounted tent space at Arts Bonita Festivals and Art Fairs (excluding the National Art Festival)
•Exclusive invitations to participate in pop-up art exhibitions at partner galleries/venues
•Exclusive invitations and discounts to Professional Development and Enrichment event series
Artist–Studio/Artist–Studio + NARM*
•Includes all the benefits of Artist-Individual
Family/Family + NARM*
$135/$165
•Access, at no charge, to Open Studios
$135/$175
•Includes all the benefits of Individual, for 2 adults and children under 17 in household
Student (High School/College, Ages 15-25)
$35
•Includes all the benefits of Individual. Must register in-person and present current student I.D.
Teacher (K-12th Grade)
$50
•Includes all the benefits of Individual. Must register in-person and present current teacher I.D.
Patron Circle + NARM* (Individual or Business)
•All the benefits of Individual-NARM
•10% discount in the Arts Boutique
$350
•Two free tickets to performance of your choice
Contributors Circle + NARM* (Individual or Business)
•All the benefits of Individual-NARM
$700
•Four free tickets to performance of your choice
•15% discount in the Arts Boutique •Recognition in playbills & class catalogs
•One discounted rental annually
Directors Circle + NARM*
•All the benefits of Individual-NARM
$1,250
•Six free tickets to performances of your choice
•20% discount in the Arts Boutique •Recognition in our Annual Report
•Two discounted rentals annually
*NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association network) When you join Arts Bonita at the Individual-NARM or Family-NARM levels, you automatically gain reciprocal member benefits in hundreds of museums, galleries, botanical gardens and zoos in Bermuda, Canada, El Salvador, Mexico and the U.S.
BECOME A MEMBER
Join our diverse range of adult education classes designed for all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, we have something to ignite your passion.
ACRYLICS & OILS
ATELIER
CALLIGRAPHY
DIGITAL ART
FILM
GLASS FUSION
JEWELRY MAKING
MIXED MEDIA
PAINTING/DRAWING
POTTERY
SCULPTURE/STONE CARVING
WATERCOLOR & MORE
Join Today & Start Creating!
For more information and to register, visit artsbonita.org or call 239.495.8989.
VISUAL ARTS CENTER
26100 Old 41 Road | Bonita Springs | Florida
Officers
David Pryor
Chairman of the Board
Kenneth Mack
Vice Chair
Cindy Kerker
Treasurer
Wendy Aguilera
Secretary
Directors
Elizabeth Buscaglia
Chris Corrie
Jill Fuselli
Mark Giersch
Shana Helsel
John Roberts
Candice Rosen
Charles Thomson
George Zalucki
Executive Team
Alyona Ushe
Executive Director
Jon Artigo
Senior Education Director
David Maidment Finance Director
Kathy Saldivar IT & Operations Director
Ephram Aguirre
Production Technician
Brycton Archer
Production Technician
Joseph Brauer
Theatre Artistic Director
Adam Blair
Digital Creator
Zachary Bush
Patron Services
Janko Bujila
Facilities
Gillian Cardec
Marketing Associate
Isabella Coviello
House Manager
Timothy DeSelms
Education Manager: Homeschool/Outreach
Aaron Fulwood
Assistant Producer & Patron Services
Kevin Goode
Technical Director
Maggie Henry Curator
Jurni Hurd
Patron Services
Kody C. Jones
Resident Theatre Director
Wojciech Jankowski Marketing Director
Chloe Letourneau
Patron Services
Jianna Marino
Patron Services
Ryan Mucko
Facilities
Elena Murray Office /Box Office Manager
Chris Pastir
Graphic Designer
Summer Shipe
Patron Services
Richard Sullivan
National Fine Art
Festival Director
Susan Berry Chair: Glass
Carol Broman Chair: Atelier
Kel Campbell Chair: Visual Arts
Steve Cobb Chair: Improv Comedy Arts
Tammy DeCaro Chair: 2D
Steven Hugharts Chair: Metal
Marissa Jankowski Chair: Dance & Youth Education Assistant
Terrie Mertens Chair: Stone
Seeking to serve the educational and cultural needs of our diverse communities, Arts Bonita offers year-round programming in visual and performing arts. We facilitate opportunities by providing artistic experiences—classes, workshops, panel discussions, lectures, performances and educational art events like our National Art Festivals. We empower by creating a platform for progress, supporting the work of artists of all ages, encouraging an inclusive dialog and promoting equality for all.
Arts Bonita is Supported in Part by:
Benefactor
($50,000 to $100,000)
John & Anne Roberts
Sharon Hendry Foundation
Larry & Beverly Hinman
Producer's Circle
($10,000 to $49,999)
Nancy & Michael Beebe
Mark Giersch
Shana Helsel
Keith Hynes
League Club of Collier County
Marilyn Lightner
Scott Macdonough
Karin Moe
Ruth O'Toole
Janet Showers
Patricia & Mark Suwyn
Collaboratory, Inc.
Thomas Tranovich
Director's Circle
($5,000 to $9,999)
Linda Ahlers
Nat Alcamo
Robert Brady
Danna Eisman
Alice Fjelstul
Doris Patrao
David Pryor
Rooftop at Riverside
Rotary Club of Bonita Springs
Jill Stern
Wintrust Bank
Champion
($1,000 to $4,999)
Brian Farrar
Linda Alfaro
Jill Augustine
JoEllen Blandford
Bonita Bay Community Association, Inc.
Gisselle Calleja
Judith Cardin
John Cochenour
Terry Conelias
Chris Corrie
Linda C Cummings
Fred Darling
Jitendra Desai
Livio Desimone
Gavin Doughtery
Donna Elliott
Brandon Ernst
Genny Ernst
Michael Fekete
Joy & Denis Franks Ammerman
Vicki Gartland
GFWC Bonita-Estero Woman's Club
Kyle Gilrain
Tanya Glass
Marianne Glick
Denni Glick
Carol Gorton
Lisa Green
Dorothy Guigon
Scott Hansen
Kenneth Harris
Melissa Hemmert
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
Julie Ireland
Christina Jonsson
Pat Jorndt
John Knapp
Victoria Konover
Donna Kuhnen
Cheryl Leach
Steve McNear
Heather Murphey
Joshua Nagin
Lena Neal
Cynthia Nesson
Dorothy Podl
PORSCHE of Fort Myers
Raj Rathi
Mark Roos
Candice Rosen
Edward Schiffer
Joel Shapses
Zachary Sidwell
Richard Stolz
Alyona Ushe
Mary Walter
Mary M. Wendel
Laura Wright
($100 to $999)
Brenda Abbott
Laurel Acosta
Debra Allegretto
Penny Allen
David Allen
Rohidas Amin
Diane Banyas
Joan A. Baron
Lisa Batch
Mardelle Berman
Marion Besuden
Gregory Biada
Danielle Black
Steven Blad
William Blatt
BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware
Alice Bonilha
Eric Bornquist
Joseph Brauer
David Brauer
Jeffrey Breen
Kathy Breitowich
Jon & Susan Bremseth
Barbara Brenton
Christine Brewer
Arthur Brisker
Paula Brody
Jay Brown
Benita Brown
DiDi Brownlee
Sheri & Stuart Burr
Beth Buscaglia
Jan Cabana
Maryann Calero
Dorothy Campbell
Terry Carling-Kelly
Timothy Carroll
Dolores Claeys
Howard Cohen
Nancy Cohen
Joseph Commendatore
BJ Cooper
Gayle Corbin
Terri Jo Cotner
Cherrill Cregar
Caroline Crew
Julio D'Antonio
Carol Daigneault
Shauna Dee
Judith Diehl
Mary Jane Divino
Marilyn Douglas
Linda Durkee
Linda Edwards
Sara Edwards
Bryce Ernst
Mike Ernst
William Evans
James Fasy
Helen Febbo
Jeannette Flickinger
Maxine Freilich
Beverly Friese
John Furanna
Barbara & Paul Garfold
Marlene Geier
Roger Gelfenbien
GFWC Bonita-Estero
Woman's Club, Inc
Michael Gillespie
Georgianna Gimbel
Theresa Girard
Lehmann Family Giving
Larry Goldman
Debby Goodman
Christine Gory
Elizabeth Graves
Rose Greytak
Carl Grissom
Charlotte Grossarth
Julie Groves
Patty Guinta
Debbie Gutterson
Naomi Hansen
Dolores Harris
Jane Harris
Roberta Hawkins
Harriett Heithaus
Julie Held
Wayne Helm
Brian Hemmert
Kris Henke
Rosalie Hewins
Jerry Hiznay
Kathleen Hofer
Ashley Hoffmeister
Luann Houseman
William Hunt
Alan Hyatt
Donald Insul
Vivianna Irizarri
John Jackson
Christine Johnson
Peter Jones
William Jones
Deborah & Bjarni Jonsson
Christina Jonsson
Ann Jost
Stephen Karnas
Ed Kasselman
Mary Keefer
Nancy Kern
Charles Kitchen
Carol Klein
Robert Kohn
Dora Koop
Kathy Krug
Linda Kurfist
Candace Laakso
Evelyn LaBriola
Sally Lafrenere
Debbie Laites
Meryl Layton
Ken Lehman
Peter Lemke
Jayson Levy
Steven Lichlyter
Louis Liguori
Rosemary Lipman
Marena Loeffler
Robert Lorenz
Katherine Love
Thomas Lustig
Ken Mack
Glenda (Kelly) Madden
Jean Mador
Judith Maish
Vivian Maletzky
Jan Manning
Gary Manzey
Nancy Marion
Jim McDonald
Linda McDonough
Joan McFarland
Connie McIntosh
John Meehan
Loretta Menuez
Denise Merello
Jack Miladin
Patricia Mills
Michael Milone
Terrace Moore
Joseph Moran
Susan Mulholland
Joseph Anthony Murgalo
J W Nelson
Mary Frances Nelson
Debbie Nelson
Charles Nevaril
Deborah Newton
Richard Niehaus
David Nolden
Ramona Novitski
Julia Olander
Michele Olsen
Jeanne Ozment
Susan Payne
Debra Penuel
Sissy Perez
Robin Phillips
Sylvia Plutter-Daniels
Robert Potts
Jerry Pyser
Amelia Quaremba
Lisa Rattner
Kenneth J. Rebar
Ariadna Reis
Maureen Rennie
John Ribas
Pat Richter
Robert Riordan
Richard Romano
Antonia Rosenbaum
Jon Roth
Marjorie Rubacky
Edward Salerno
Claudia Schaadt Yarrow
Nancy Schneider
Joseph Sciortino
Barbara Shapiro
Bruce Sherman
Natalie Shields
Erin Sidwell
Zachary Sidwell
Tom Skiles
Curtis A. Smith
Jacquelyn Snyder
Joan Sonnenberg
John Spear
Carol Sperling
Margaret Spitzer
Eric Stamm
Dennis Stone
Georgia Strange
David Sturgeon
Bob Sullivan
Herbert Sussman
Angela Swanepoel
Terri Tarquini
Damian Taylor
Betty Taylor
Jean Thomas-Sims
Donald Thomson
Celia Tiberio
Judy Tobey
Delilah Tucker
Robert & June Uroda
Juliane Van Egmond
Barbara Van Esler
Joyce Waddell Bailey
James Walton
Donna Watters
Gary & Kellie Weilheimer
Randall & Judy Wells
Marsha Wilchfort
Nancy Williams
Frederic Wilson
Linda Wingard
Susan Wohlfarth
Barbara Worden
Adrienne Young
Betty Zeidner