Weekly News: Dec 28 edition

Thank you to all those who donated materials, supplies, time, and money throughout 2025! We greatly appreciate your support.

Class, Workshop, & Club News

• SPECIAL OFFER: FREE ONLINE PAINTING/DRAWING CLASSES! Try out Rick Austin’s Monday Painting (Dec. 29, 1-3pm) or Friday Drawing (Jan. 2, 10am-12pm) 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. New participants welcome! Please email MGKledzik@aol.com if you are interested in these free classes. Thank you, Rick, for this opportunity to create with you!

• 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) Week 1 topic: Beat Poems. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 5. NO WALK-INS. Register online HERE or email info@LECtampa.org.

• 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/open play. $8/$10). BEGINNER CLASS REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 5. NO WALK-INS. No experience necessary. Register online HERE or email info@LECtampa.org.

Other LEC News

• ALL LEC MEMBERSHIPS RENEW January 1 ($40 individual/$60 family)
• NEW PRICING FOR CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS Starts Monday, January 5

• 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.)

• NEW WORKS FROM LEC AUTHORS: Congratulations to Ann Pipkins on the recent publication of her memoir entitled Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler: Let the Good Times Roll–Tales from A Rolling Life. Also, LEC Poetry instructor, Mish Murphy’s satirical flash fiction, Mish’s Prophesies 2026, can be read in the Cultural Daily at https://www.culturaldaily.com/mishs-prophecies-2026/.

Mark Your Calendars! Additional Important Dates (Email info@LECtampa.org for more information.)

• Wednesday, January 7: First Potluck of 2026!
• Friday, January 9 (1pm): Deadline for dropping off Florida State Fair art entries at LEC. (If you need wiring assistance, please drop off your art no later than 10am on Wednesday, January 7.)
• Monday, January 12: Watercolor Workshop with Roxanne Tobaison (9:30a – 12p $20/$25) No experience necessary. Register online HERE 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. Register online HERE 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. Register online HERE or email info@LECtampa.org if interested or for more information (including supply list). REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, JANUARY 12. 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.