Nude Nocturne

Nude Nocturne returns to the Alliance for the Arts on Saturday, November 7, from 6 to 10 p.m., bringing an eclectic mix of burlesque, live body painting, aerial performances, music and interactive art experiences to Fort Myers for one unforgettable evening. Now in its third year, the event celebrates the human form through artistic expression, live entertainment and unexpected creative encounters.

This year’s theme, “A Celebration of the Human Form, With a Side of Absurdity,” invites guests to explore the intersection of art, performance and the unconventional. From live model painting and figure drawing to captivating performances and thought-provoking gallery exhibitions, Nude Nocturne transforms the traditional arts experience into an immersive celebration of creativity, individuality and the beautifully unexpected.

The evening is headlined by three ticketed performances from Glam Bam Burlesque inside the Foulds Theatre at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Aerial and contortion performers add another dimension to the experience, with captivating performances throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Live music by Blou Note and DJ E3 provides the soundtrack for an unforgettable night, keeping the energy flowing across the campus.

Guests can step into the creative process at the Figure Drawing Lounge, featuring quick-draw sessions with live models. Selected artists will also put their skills to the test in a timed drawing competition. Whether sketching, observing or simply soaking in the atmosphere, attendees will find opportunities to engage with art in unexpected ways.

One of the evening’s highlights is a live model-painting experience featuring Key West award-winning body painter and licensed makeup artist Ron Wolek, a member of the World Bodypainting Association whose credits include Fantasy Fest and productions such as Stranger Things, The Walking Dead and The Vampire Diaries, as well as work with musical artists including The Smashing Pumpkins, Robin Thicke and Chris Janson. The third-generation artist, known professionally as Capt. Ron Wolek, will bring his expertise to an experience created exclusively for Nude Nocturne.

Visual art fills the galleries, adding another layer of creativity, curiosity and the unexpected to the evening. The Main Gallery sets the stage with That’s Absurd, a juried exhibition that challenges conventional thinking and invites visitors to find meaning, humor and wonder in the unexpected. The Member Gallery celebrates the human form with Nude Works, featuring figure drawings by artists from the Alliance’s life drawing classes. Meanwhile, the Foulds Theatre Gallery invites visitors to explore Night Swim, an immersive installation by Zan Lombardo. Together, these exhibitions create an artistic backdrop for an evening that celebrates creativity in all its forms. Displayed artwork will be available for purchase.

Food and drinks round out the experience, with signature cocktails curated by Nice Guys Pizza, food offerings from Taco Works and Brooke’s Nugget Wagon, and nonalcoholic beverages and mocktails available for purchase.

Nude Nocturne offers an opportunity to experience the arts in a setting that is playful, imaginative and unexpected. Designed for adults 21 and older, the event celebrates the many ways creativity can challenge expectations, spark conversation and bring people together.