Bi-weekly News: Apr 22 edition

ENDING April 30: OPEN HOUSE MONTH at the L.EC.

Do you know someone who has never taken a class at the L.E.C.?  New students can take a class for free during the month of April. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Step 1: Pick a class (not a workshop).

Step 2: Come into the L.E.C. to pick up a voucher for that class (first 25 people).

Step 3: Attend the class during the month of April.  Only a few more days remaining!

If they become a member, you could receive a voucher for a free class as well!  Email info@lectampa.org or call (813) 932-0241 if you have questions.

May Potluck:  Wednesday May 7 noon – 1pm
Learn about the world of miniature art while sharing food with friends. The special guests for the May potluck will be Julie J. McGowan, Ph.D., President, Miniature Art Society of Florida and Lynnette Vaughan, Director of the MASF Annual International Exhibition.  (Bringing miniature food items is optional.)

Special Guest:  Karl Kelly from Mt. Vision Pastels
On Thursday, May 1, Karl Kelly from Mt. Vision Pastels will be visiting the LEC during the Pastels class (1-3pm).  He will be bringing a selection of his pastels with him (available to purchase).  Karl hand-makes high-quality soft pastels only about a mile from the LEC!  Even if you are not a regular in the Pastels class, stop by to visit with Karl and learn all about how he makes pastels.

April & May Workshops

• HAT-DECORATING WORKSHOP: Just in time for the Kentucky Derby and summer!  Create an extravagant hat using a variety of materials.  B.Y.O.H.–Bring Your Own Hat.  Best hat wins a prize!  (Saturday, April 26 from 10am – 12pm)  Register online here, email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• POP-UP BOUQUET CARDMAKING WORKSHOP: On Saturday, May 3 from 10am – 12pm learn how to create cards featuring a lovely bouquet of flowers that pops up when the card is opened. Great for Mother’s Day or birthdays! Pay on or before April 30 to guarantee your seat.  Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• MOTHER’S DAY PAINT-ALONG WITH ARLEEN: Looking for a unique gift for Mother’s Day?  Come to this LEC paint-along on Saturday, May 10 from 10am – 12pm, and create an original gift for your favorite mom, mother-in-law, or mom-like person.  Better yet, invite your mom to share the experience and paint a diptych (a work made of two matching parts).  Beginners welcome.  Pay on or before Monday, May 5 to guarantee your seat.  Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• WATERCOLORS WITH LIONEL SANCHEZ:  On Saturday, May 24 from 10am – 1 pm, instructor Lionel Sanchez will show you how to paint a pastoral landscape during his in-person workshop.  Pay on or before Friday, May 16 to guarantee your seat.  Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

April & May Class News

• FANCY WRITING MADE EASY:  Instructor Emily Kouris guides students as they learn the art of Calligraphy  om Thursdays from 10am -12pm.  Even if you think you have bad handwriting, you can do calligraphy!  No experience necessary.   The last class is on  May 1.  Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• INTRO TO MAH JONGG RETURNS:  A new 8-week Intro to Mah Jongg class starts Monday, April 28 from 1-3:30pm.  Come learn this increasingly popular game that helps support a healthy brain.  No experience necessary.  Pay on or before Friday, April 25 to guarantee your seat.  Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• QUILLING ON CANVAS WITH JULIA MACEK: Julia Macek, the quilling artist who was the guest at April’s potluck, will be offering a class at the LEC! Over the span of 4 weeks, learn the different shapes that quillers use to create their artwork while creating an underwater scene on an 8“ x 8“ canvas. The class will meet on Thursdays from 10:30am – 12pm beginning May 8.   To guarantee your seat, pay in full ($80) on or before Thursday, May 1.  Register online here, or you can email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or sign up in person.

• DRAWING WITH RICK CLASS UPDATE: Starting Friday, April 25, the Friday Drawing with Rick class will now be a 2-hour class.  The class will now meet from 10am (30 minutes earlier) to 12pm.  The price will shift to $10 members & $12 non-members (same as his painting class).  Although Rick is online, you may attend class from home or in person at the LEC.

• TUESDAY BRIDGE CLASS HIATUS: The Tuesday Bridge class is on hiatus for the summer.  The class will return after Labor Day.  Come learn and play during the Friday bridge class instead (1-3pm evey Friday)!  Call or email if you have questions or would like more information.

April & May Club News

• EXPLORE A NOVEL: L.E.C. Book Club 2.0 will meet in person Monday, April 28 at 10am to discuss the psychological thriller, The Wonder by Emma Donoghue.  Everyone is welcome to join!   You still have time to read (or listen to) the novel.  If you have any questions or would like more informaion, please email info@lectampa.org or call (813) 932-0241.  (Note: Elements of the plot may be disturbing to some, including incest and dying.)

• UPCOMING PHOTO CLUB OUTINGS:
  • On Tuesday, May 13 the Photo Club will meet at Zoo Tampa at 10am. If you arrive a little before then, you can catch the 10am Macaw flyover. The traveling Dinos Unearthed exhibit is different than the Dino show hosted last year.
  • On Wednesday, May 28 the Photo Club will sneak in their June trip to Ybor City a week early while it is still May. They will meet in Centennial Park at 10am by the bronze statue across 9th Ave from the Ybor City Museum State Park.
  • Everyone is welcome on these outings; they are not just for Photo Club members. They are great opportunities to learn how to use your camera and to photograph reference photos for future projects.  Call or email if you have questions or want more information.

• MAY PHOTO CLUB MEETING: The Photo Club will meet online from 1:30 – 3 pm on Wednesday, May 21.  Register here or email info@lectampa.org for the Zoom link.

Other LEC News

• MEMBER SHOUT-OUTS: Shout-outs to our new and renewing members: Dominick, Jolene, Sharon, Cheryl, Deborah, Phil, Maria, & Hector!  We look forward to seeing you at the LEC.

• CALL FOR MANUSCRIPTS: The latest volume of Creative Fire: Embers and Ashes, a literary magazine published by the LEC, is now accepting original works of writing in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Do not submit artwork at this time!  Submissions must be from LEC members and will not be returned.  The deadline for submissions is August 25, 2025.  Late submissions will not be considered.  If your work is accepted for publication, you will receive one free copy of the printed anthology.  Submission details are available at the LEC.  Email info@lectampa.org if you have questions or would like more information.

• N. Boulevard ROAD CLOSURE: The City of Tampa is currently resurfacing N. Boulevard from Country Club Dr. to Waters Ave.. Since the Life Enrichment Center is on N. Boulevard, try to allow extra drive time when heading to classes for the next couple of weeks. For more information or help navigating around the closures, call (813) 932-0241 or email info@lectampa.org. A map and suggested route can be found on the hallway bulletin board and on the LEC website.

• VOLUNTEER AT THE LEC:  Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. If you are interested or would like more information, email info@lectampa.org, call (813) 932-0241, or let us know in person.

• The L.E.C. will be CLOSED on Memorial Day (Monday, May 26).  Only the Stamp Club will meet that day (6-8pm).

Other Opportunities

• BLICK COUPONS: A coupon for 50% off custom framing/printing (through 5/30) is available. Check the hallway bulletin board at the LEC or email info@lectampa.org for coupons. Restrictions apply, so read the coupon details carefully.

• EARN REWARDS! The LEC is now partnered with Tampa General & Village Well. You can find lots of activities and events designed to make wellness fun & rewarding. Discover local events, earn points for healthy activities, and unlock exciting rewards. Let’s continue our goal of becoming healthier and happier. Start exploring! Download the app or sign up online. https://www.villagewell.co.

GET READY FOR SUMMER FUN!

• June 4: Potluck (Poetry Slam featuring the LEC Poetry class)
• June 7: Partner Massage (re-scheduled from April 5)
• June 9: Watercolors with Roxanne Tobiason
• June 28: Acrylic Pour

• July 12: “Christmas in July” alchohol ink ornament-making
• July 19: Colored Pencils with Mark Menendez
• July 26: Pastels Workshop (all levels) 

Call or email if you have questions, want to pre-register, or would like more information.