Arts for ACT Gallery at 2265 First St. in Downtown Fort Myers is more than just a place to shop and view art. For more than 25 years, the gallery has had a mission to help not just local artists, but to raise money and provide help resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
The gallery’s mission is to promote cultural education and enjoyment of the visual arts while giving local artists the chance to connect with the Southwest Florida community and showcase and sell their work. While bringing awareness of Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. services and programs. The galleries use their proceeds from artwork, gifts, and boutique items to help support Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT), programs and services.
“Over the years, quite a few individuals have come to the gallery in distress, and we help them call the hotline and are guided by the counselors at ACT on how to come to the shelter. Last year, ACT housed over 650 women, children and men in shelters. They counseled over 6,000 individuals in outreach,” said Claudia Goode, ACT’s human resources director and curator of Arts for ACT Gallery.
Goode said the gallery also shares ACT’s resources with visitors through brochures and monthly community events…