Top Arts and Entertainment Hotpots in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale boasts of a culture that is as deep as its oceans any individual can ever fathom. Its heritage is diversified by the arts and entertainment that make its communities alive and dynamic. Throughout the year, there are festivals and events that foster interaction and unity among its residents. Here are some of the arts and entertainment hotspots in the city where you can spend fun time alone or with friends and family.

ArtServe

Located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd., Artserve holds the reputation of being one of America's six art incubators. The 20000 square foot art facility has a professional art gallery, dance studio, auditoriums, conference rooms, and office suites. It also holds programs and services that aim to help local artists turn their arts into profitable businesses. It is a haven for both artists and art enthusiasts. The facility also holds regular exhibits which focus on bringing diverse kinds of art to the public.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

On 900 N. Birch Road, you can find the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. It is a historic house museum erected on 35 acres of pristine barrier island in Fort Lauderdale. It prides itself of being one of the few places with homes and studios carrying original furnishings from American artists. It also has an art gallery from several reputable artists. Its garden is also a living art by possessing five distinct ecosystems within it - the Atlantic Beach Ocean, freshwater slough, secondary dune, mangrove wetlands, and maritime forest. Tropical tranquility beams with the tropical vegetation, hibiscus garden, and arid plantings. The entire garden is also a perfect paradise for wildlife like squirrel monkeys and gopher tortoises. Weddings and corporate events can be held in this place through special arrangements.

Arts & Culture Center of Hollywood

The parcel of land in 1650 Harrison Street is the site of the Arts & Culture Center of Hollywood. It is where art exhibits, live performances, and educational programs for kids and adults are staged. It has several art galleries, art school, theater, and café. This is literally a melting pot of arts and entertainment where residents and visitors can have a grasp of the rich culture that Fort Lauderdale has grown over the years.

These are just three of the top arts and entertainment hotspots in Fort Lauderdale. Throughout the city, there are more places like these which can also satisfy your thirst for visual arts and live entertainment. If you want to know more of these hotspots, you can contact your local real estate agent for more information.

How To Stretch a Canvas for Painting

There are several options for an artist today. Pre-stretched canvases are available in many sizes in most art supply stores. But there are times when an artist may wish to stretch their own canvases.

Begin with the frame. Some artists like to use precut frame lengths that have a fitting tongue on each end. You will need two pairs of wood (four pieces) per frame. For a 16 x 20 frame, for example, you will need two 16" lengths and two 20" lengths. Fit one corner together of a long and short length and tap together with a mallet. Proceed with the other pieces alternating long and short. Use a T-square or a Right-angle triangle to make sure you have hammered together a rectangle and not a trapezoid. If your frame is not in alignment, gently squeeze the two corners furthest away from each other until they are square.

To make a frame using uncut wood lengths you will need a wood saw and a miter box, or a chop miter saw. You will also want a heavy duty staple gun or V type nails made specifically for joining together two pieces of wood. You will be cutting two pairs of wood lengths. All eight ends will be cut at a 45 degree angle with the miter equipment. The longest edge of each piece will form the outer dimensions of your frame. After you have cut your pieces, put together a long and a short length and join with one staple or joining nail. Check that you have a right angle. If desired, you can clamp the wood pieces to a right angle (such as a block of wood) to assist you while you join it. Proceed with the other corners, and give a final check for right angles.

You are now ready to stretch the canvas over your frame. You will need a light weight staple gun or tacks and a hammer, and artist grade canvas. Cut your canvas in a rectangle with an extra 2" or more on all sides of the frame, enough to pull the canvass around to the back of the frame. Place the canvas on the floor or table face down with the frame centered on it. Pull up one side of the canvas and attach with one staple or tack only, in the middle of that side on the back. Now gently pull the opposite side, and pulling so that there is no slack but it is not stretched tight, attach that canvas to the middle of the back.

Now go to the sides that are not yet done. Take one side and gently pull it to the middle of the back and attach. Avoid puckering the canvas. Take the middle of the fourth side and pull so that the canvas is like the top of a drum. You want neither too tight nor too loose. After this side is attached, start adding one staple or tack to each side, about 1 - 2 inches apart, continuing in a circle around the sides. Work your way towards the corners from the middles of each side. When you get close to the corners, neatly fold the corner. This is done much like "a hospital corner" on a bed sheet. Secure corners and your canvas is now ready for priming and painting.

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