With the winter season nearing, Pine Island art galleries are gearing up for the first in a series of Creative Coast Weekends.

The 2009-10 season will kick off Friday and Saturday with galleries in Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City offering extended hours, as well as artist openings, music, demonstrations, workshops and more.

On Friday, visitors to Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery in Matlacha can enjoy “Fish Art” by artist Larry Williams from Lehigh Acres from 2-9 p.m. Williams’ rustic wood and rust “Fence Post Fish” will be the highlight of the whimsical display.

The artist will be on hand to show his hand-carved fish, many of which are made with actual fence posts with fins fashioned from rusty steel. Each fish is unique and a one of a kind.

Pine Bay will also offer a demonstration of a new item in the shop’s inventory. Free samples of aerated wine will be offered using the Vinuri, which is said to enhance the flavor of any wine put through the system. Also offered will be free pizza courtesy of Bert’s Bar and Grill.

Just up the road, WildChild Gallery will host an artist opening reception to host the new works on display at the gallery. The display will run through Nov. 2.

In addition, several galleries near WIldChild will join together to host a costume party for adults and children. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes, and finger foods and live music will be available for free to all who attend.

In Bokeelia, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, the Florida Gallery will host a Trick or Treat Halloween Gathering and will offer a preview of featured artists for the winter season.

Further down the road in Bokeelia, Koucky Gallery and Garden also will help visitors get in the Halloween spirit. Those stopping by can participate in a “make and take” art event. Bring the family and paint a small pumpkin-shaped gourd for fall and Halloween decorations.

“This event is geared to the entire family and we will be painting the gourds with acrylic paint in the courtyard of the gardens,” said Nancy Koucky. “Be sure to wear painting clothes.”

While visiting the gallery all are invited to stroll the grounds to see what is new and talk to the Kouckys about the family workshops that will be offered this season.

Festivities at Koucky Gallery and Garden will take place from 4-7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 283-4414.

Participating galleries during this year’s Creative Coast Weekends include Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery, Bonnie’s and Christina’s Art Gallery, Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery, Florida Gallery, Footprints in the Sand Shoe Gallery, Island Visions Nature Gallery, Julia’s Arts, Koucky Gallery and Garden, Paisley Parrot, The Potter’s Workshop and Gallery, Traders Hitching Post and WildChild Gallery.

For more information about the galleries, visit: galleriesofpineisland.com.