PUNTA GORDA — An open house announcing a partnership between Florida Gulf Coast University and The Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda take places from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Blanchard House Museum.

Visual Arts Center Operations Manager Toni Kissinger said there will be a representative from the center as well as a logistics person from the academy to discuss upcoming classes.

“This is a new thing that we are revamping and bringing back,” Kissigner said. “There will be music and food available for everyone who attends.”

The Visual Arts Center has partnered with FGCU Academy, the lifelong learning program of Florida Gulf Coast University, to return adult enrichment lectures to Charlotte County beginning in January 2027, according to a news release.

The academy served Charlotte County for years before the pandemic ended in-person instruction, the release noted. Its return was prompted by a group of residents who volunteered to recruit speakers and promote the program.

Kissinger added that the first kickoff class of the season will be free to attend. After that, the classes will cost $20.

A free public lecture will take place at the Visual Arts Center from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Academy Director John Guerra will present “The Promises and Perils of AI.” For more information or to reserve a spot, call 239-434-4737.

Martha Bireda, director for the Blanchard House Museum, said the organization is planning a busy year ahead.

“Our theme is ‘Come Together, Create Community’ and it’s inspired by the history of how Punta Gorda was built,” Bireda said. “All of the classes at the Blanchard House are free and our first class is in October.”

Bireda is hoping all who attend the open house Saturday will take some time to check out the three exhibits that are currently on display.

“This is our first time working with the Visual Arts Center, and we are excited,” Bireda said. “We want to create partnerships within the city of Punta Gorda, because it has a very unique social history.”

There will be some indoor activities but attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and find a shaded area.

“We’ll have live outdoor music and a soul food truck on site,” Bireda said.

The Blanchard House Museum is at 406 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Punta Gorda. There is no need to register.