Weekly News: Dec 14 edition

Class, Workshop, & Club News

• SPECIAL OFFER: FREE ONLINE PAINTING/DRAWING CLASSES! Try out Rick Austin’s Drawing &/or Painting classes during the two weeks when the L.E.C. is closed for the holidays. Both classes will meet ONLY on Zoom, NOT in person. Please email info@LECtampa.org BEFORE 1PM on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 if you are interested in these free classes. Thank you, Rick, for this opportunity to create with you!

• BOOK CLUB 2.0 DECEMBER SELECTION: Read or listen to The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail, then join the discussion on Monday, December 22 (10am) at the Panera located at 13256 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. (Note: This book may have content not suitable for all readers.)

• FEEL THE BEAT: Discover the world of poetic expression with our engaging Poetry writing class! Perfect for all skill levels, each week you’ll dive into a fresh style of poetry. With models and templates provided, you’ll find creativity flowing effortlessly. No experience needed—just bring your passion. (Wednesdays 2-3:30pm online & in person $10/$15) Register online HERE, email info@LECtampa.org, or call (813) 932-0241. Week 1 topic: Beat Poems. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 5. NO WALK-INS.

• TRY YOUR HAND AT BRIDGE: Unlock the secrets of Bridge, the card game’s version of a thrilling spy novel! Dive into strategy and bidding with our beginner-friendly class. Flex those brain muscles with our fun-filled session. Your turn! Beginning Bridge (4-week class). (12-1p class; 1-3p optional practice. $8/$10). REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 5. NO WALK-INS. No experience necessary. Register online HERE, email info@LECtampa.org, or call (813) 932-0241.

• WANT TO LEARN MAH JONGG? We are working on scheduling the next 8-week Intro to Mah Jongg class (Mondays 1-3:30pm). If you are interested in learning Mah Jongg in the new year, please email info@LECtampa.org or call (813) 932-0241 to be added to the interest list.

• WANT TO LEARN TO DRAW? We are working on scheduling a 4-week Beginning Drawing class (Fridays 1-3 pm) and a 4-week Intro to Portrait Drawing class (Thursdays 10am -12pm). If you are interested in these drawing classes, please email info@LECtampa.org or call (813) 932-0241 to be added to the interest list.

Other LEC News

• SUPPLIES NEEDED: masking/painter’s tape (plain or black preferred)

• 2025 ANTHOLOGY AVAILABLE: Volume 26 of the L.E.C. anthology, Creative Fire: Embers and Ashes, is now available on Amazon ($12 + shipping). Get your copy today! (It also makes a great gift.)

• DEMO ARTISTS WANTED: What does a Demo Artist do? Creates art. Answers questions. Promotes the Life Enrichment Center. If you are interested in being a Demo Artist at the State Fair (Feb. 5-16) or would like more information, please contact Jennifer (jennifer@LECtampa.org or 813-932-0241).

Mark Your Calendars! Additional Important Dates (Call or email for more information.)

• LEC CLOSED: Saturday, December 20, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026
• ALL LEC MEMBERSHIPS RENEW ($40 individual/$60 family)
• NEW PRICING FOR CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS   Starts January 1, 2026
• Wednesday, January 7: First Potluck of 2026!
• Friday, January 9 (3pm): Deadline for dropping off Florida State Fair art submissions at LEC
• Monday, January 12: Watercolor Workshop with Roxanne Tobaison (9:30a– 12p $20/$25)  Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information (including supply list). REGISTRATION DEADLINE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 8. NO WALK-INS.
• Thursdays starting January 15: Calligraphy (3-week class) (10a-12p. $10/$15) No experience necessary. Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information (including supply list). REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 12. NO WALK-INS.
• Saturday, January 17: Acrylic Paint Party (11a-1p; $20/$25) No experience necessary. Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information (including supply list). REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 12. NO WALK-INS.
• LEC CLOSED: Monday, January 19, 2026
• Saturday, January 24: Colored Pencils Workshop with Mark Menendez (10a-3p; $60/$75) No experience necessary. Call (813) 932-0241 or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information (including the supply list). REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 16. NO WALK-INS.

More workshops, special classes, and events for 2026 are being planned! A full list of January-March dates will be posted on the bulletin board at the LEC soon. Email info@LECtampa.org to receive an electronic copy when it becomes available.