Dear Artist Colony Artists, and Quiet Shore daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Quiet Shore, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

Dear Artist Colony Artists

Some of you greeted me with skepticism years ago when I came to the Alyson Stanfield Art Marketing salon meeting with the idea of sharing vacant retail space. Once the structure and facts were in place you jumped in, so did other artists and the rest is history! We had three wonderful years as an Artist Colony at the Esplanade on Marco Island.
 

When the new owners took over last spring, change was in the air. They aren't local, didn't have the same attitude of support for the arts, didn't understand our structure, and didn't seem to care. It was clear our days at the Esplanade were numbered.  At each of our meetings we discussed "being ready" and "having a plan" even though we had no idea when the ax would fall. Having potential tenants tour the spaces reinforced those feelings.

I considered what my personal plan might be. Moving with the other artists, back to street shows, try to find a gallery, sell more on line, work the Farmers market? None were as attractive to me as staying at the Esplanade, even my dear Bob and I spoke about it. Could I work out the finances? I decided to investigate the possibility by talking with the rental agent. I only needed a small space, but the rental agent was discouraging, not sure the owners wanted an artist tenant.

Last Monday, an email arrived offering me a place at the Esplanade, and urging me to act quickly with an October 1 deadline.  Since I wasn't about to displace the other artists, a quick call with questions about the Artist Colony made it clear that yes, we were all to be out, and by Oct 1.  New tenants will be moving in.  The sky had fallen, and without warning!

I will make a break with the Colony and independently stay at the Esplanade, providing the lease, which I haven't seen yet, is acceptable.  I'm excited to be staying at that location, but the move will be bittersweet with the other artists searching for new space. 

As we all move on, each with our own plan and to our own arts future, let's not lose sight of the fact that the Artist Colony at the Esplanade was a unique and a special moment in time and place. Working together wasn't always easy, but learning to work out our differences made us better people. And it worked!

Each one of you brought something special to the table. You helped to define Marco Island as a place friendly to the arts.  You gave citizens and visitors alike a wide variety of art to enjoy and to purchase.  You brought your creativity to a wide range of Marco Island activities, and you supported a myriad of causes and organizations.  You enriched lives of the people who came in contact with the Colony and the very fabric of the island. 

Laughing, working, growing, helping, sharing, we were at our best.  I will miss the close contact with your energy and your support.  You are each very dear to me.  It was a good and wonderful adventure, and wherever your artistic journey takes you next, I thank you for your part in the Artist Colony at the Esplanade, and wish you the very best.  

Breaking Up is Hard to do, and Separation, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Separation, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on archival board, 5"x7"

 

Very sorry for the glare on today's Everglades painting.  I forgot to photograph before finishing with a gloss varnish, and now it won't photograph properly. 

 

Breaking up is hard to do.  Most relationships in your life will at sometime point come to an end. Sometimes this happens naturally as you move on either in person or in spirit.  Sometimes it is caused by the finality of death, other times it may be a conscious choice.  It most always hurts.

 

I initiated the Artist Colony at the Esplanade three years ago.  We had a great run.  We were fortunate to have had fabulous space in a great location provided to us at very reasonable costs.  By sharing and supporting each other we were able to make it work for all of us.  

 

The artist Colony has always been under a possible threat to vacate.  But new owners have a different view of the space.  It's not charity, and they are far from Marco Island.  They intend to have the space fully rented to paying customers.  It's a tough economy, but they are moving aggressively ahead.  They've rented the spaces, and have asked us to leave by October 1.

 

Under this threat, each Colony member has determined a price they feel they can afford to pay for studio space.  Staying at the Esplanade is not an option for most, not even with sharing.  After weighing, costs, benefits and options,  I've come to a different conclusion.  I like the traffic there, and I'm ready to take a big step, even though the cost of it will be a challenge.

 

So, taking a big breath, reaching deep and taking a giant leap of faith, I've made a difficult but exciting decision to rent space in the Esplanade for myself, for Sunshine Studios of Marco Island,  Jo-Ann Sanborn, Fine Arts Everglades painter.

 

I'll take over the space just to the right of where I am now on October 1 and be opened for business by the middle of the month.  Some artists will find space elsewhere.  Some may band together if they can find donated or affordable space.  Some may decide that making art for sale isn't worth the effort. 

 

Will it be the end of the Artist Colony? Too soon to tell, but I hope not.  I wish my fellow artists the best in finding what's right for them.  Together we were able to add another voice to Marco Island's artistic palette.  It was fun.  Thank you.

Silent Auction and Mini-Orchid bloom daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Mini-orchid Bloom, (c) 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

It's been a really good blooming year at our place, and I'm delighted to have so many orchids around.  You've seen photos of my orchids before, and I'm finally getting around to painting this one. It's blooms aren't like any other orchid I have--more like little cups.

It will be my selection for "Art in Bloom" at the Artist Colony on the Esplanade's Artwalk, this Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.  Each artist will have a flower painting on display for a silent auction!  The price of each piece will be started a very attractive price point.  At a $150 value, the bidding has already started at $75 on this little beauty.

You can come into the studio any time on Wed to see the painting and make a bid.  If you are unable to get in, just email me here with your bid.  Do it before 5 p.m. on Wednesday to be counted! 

If you'd like a new painting, particularly one of flowers, or you'd just like to see how twelve artists interpret the floral world, don't miss this month's ArtWalk.  We'll greet you with our usual music and refreshments, too! 

Marco Island's Arts Afire!

Hope you will join me at the City of Marco Island's Arts Advisory Committee's free and fun event on Sunday Afternoon.  The big band will be playing between the "walks," and Marco's arts and culture organizations will provide tableaux of some terrific works of art. 

Thanks to Gem Auto, who will help ferry those unable  to walk. Beach Dogs will provide some refreshments. The Parks and Rec staff have been terrific in helping prepare for this event. 

The Artist Colony at the Esplanade will be portraying Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party.  Can you guess which artist will play each part? 

I can't wait to see the Jewish Congregation depict Chihuly's Red Chandelier, or

attend the Island Player's Mad Hatter's Tea Party!

There will be something to delight everyone, topped off by the presentation of Marco Island's prestigious Flame Awards, presented to those who contribute and support the arts on Marco Island. 

Come along!  You'll be glad you did.  We'll be entertained, and have a very good time! 

A Good Blow, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

A Good Blow, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on board, 7"x5"

A good blow is just what is needed sometimes.  In the Everglades a strong wind will clean off last year's debris, and clean up the bottom of the palms. Most of us have fond nostalgia for the softness and fresh smell of sheets blown dry in a brisk wind.  We love to get a good blow to freshen the air through our homes on a nice day.  

Sometimes, however, the wind is too strong for mortal humans, and causes great damage and pain.  My heart goes out to the tornado victims of the weekend.  I worked for FEMA for many years, and know first-hand the pain of sudden natural disasters and just how strong those winds can be. 



On a happier note, the Artist Colony at the Esplanade has been working on another collaborative painting.  We've just completed "Mangroves."  It's comprised of one distinct square from each of the Colony members, beautifully joined by artist Karen Swanker, in a frame donated by Betty Newman.

The complete piece will be donated to "Save the Mangroves", and used as a contribution to their fundraising efforts.  Watch for information about where to purchase a chance to win this lovely piece. 

What's Happening? Beach Shade painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Beach Shade, 2011, JoAnn Sanborn

Acrylic on Canvas, 6"x12"

What's Happening?

Acrylic Art Class- Light in the Landscape

 February 6, 2012

and the following 3 Mondays 12:45-3:45 p.m.
Marco Island Center for the Arts 

Call 394-4221 to register

Marco Island Wet Paint Live

February 9th, 9 a.m.  - 3 p.m

You'll find me painting at the Esplanade outside the studio. Stop and see my painting in progress
Auction at the Marco Island Center for the Arts
6 p.m.

Tickets $35 at the Chamber of Commerce or the Art Center

 

Artist Colony at the Esplanade Wednesday ArtWalk

February 29th, 5-8  p.m
People's Choice, New Artwork, refreshments, music! 

Save the Date!
Arts Afire
A Walk with the Masters

March 18th, 2012

Commuity arts and culture organizations will portray famous paintings in a walk around Mackle Park Lake. Bring a picnic!  Music, refreshments for purchase. 

 Come see the Artist Colony in a tableau of Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party"

Work of an Artist,

Winter Warmth, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

The traffic has really picked up at the Artist Colony on Marco Island. It's a mixed bag of browsers, artists, art lovers, people looking for something to do, serious art collectors and chance passers-by.   People visiting from all over the world stop in.

The Artist Colony is comprised of twelve artists who share studio/gallery space in three locations close by each other at the Esplanade on Marco Island. We're open Wednesday thru Friday, 11-7 and Saturdays until 5. There's at least one person working in each gallery during those hours. We've kept these hours for almost three years, and they're posted on the door of each gallery.

When I can get there early I open the doors when I arrive. People sometimes wander in before the other galleries are open. Most people are happy to view my studio, shared by 4 different artists, or get a coffee and stroll the lovely Esplanade until the other galleries open. 

Last week a woman came in early and was quite distressed that she couldn't "see people painting." I happened to be framing, and explained that I had to completed it for a client who would be in later that morning, and that I would be painting in about 20 minutes. "Well," she huffed, I came to see people painting!" I told her that each gallery would have someone working by 11 o'clock, and that some of them might be painting.

This didn't mollify her at all and she fussed on her way, disappointed. I felt bad, but have been dealing with the public long enough to know there was nothing I could do to change her attitude.

Working can mean many different things to a visual artist. We want to be at the easel. Painting is our favorite pastime. Still, especially if you are a mid-career artist without assistance, there's a lot more to be done. We might be preparing a canvas for painting. We might be choosing a subject by looking through reference photos, composing a painting by sketching, or framing a finished piece. Other times we might be showing work to a prospective collector cleaning the studio or rearranging the artwork. And that's just in the studio. 

There's also all of the office work required of any small business.  Whether it disappoints or not, it's work that needs to be done to get a painting from me to you and there's just me to do it. Sorry! 

One of the best ways to meet all of the Artist Colony Artists at one time is to visit during ArtWalk, the Last Wednesday of the month.  It will be February 29 this month, so put it on your calendar right now.  We're all there, not painting, but working, and ready to talk with you about our work or to help you find just the right piece for your home. 

Flag to fly over Marco Island

Faye Biles and artist Carolyn Burger viewing

painting done by the 12 Artist Colony at the Esplanade artists

The Artist Colony at the Esplanade was recently asked to participate in a project to bring a large American flag to fly over Marco Island.  We decided to each interpret "flag" in our own way, and artist Lee Horton merged the paintings together into one frame.

The painting was given to the Flag Committee, to help raise awareness and to be used as a fundraising tool.  On Monday, the painting was in the lobby of Marco Island City Hall, where the Flag committee was to make a presentation.

The painting will be on display at Iberia Bank for you to see.  Since I didn't get a close-up, you'll have to visit it there to guess which artist did which painting?  Some might surprise you!

To see more of the work of the Artist Colony artists, visit the website here. 

Salute to Service, Flag daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

In honor of my father, Joseph  A Sanborn,who served in WWII

To all those who serve our country, past and present 

THANK YOU

 

This flag painting is one of twelve 5"x5" squares that have been created by the Artist Colony at the Esplanade on Marco Island.  The finished piece will be donated by the artists to help raise funds for a large flag and Veteran's Memorial on Marco Island.  Look for the finished piece at upcoming Veteran Events.

Heavenly Bodies preview at ArtWalk

Heavenly Bodies is my entry into the "Bras for Life," a breast cancer fundraiser to be held at the Marco Island Art Center for the Arts on October 6th.  The bras are all cleverly designed to be a fun play on words.  The members of the Marco Island Artist Colony who made bras will preview them at this months ArtWalk, Wednesday, September 28 from 5-8 pm. 

If you attend, in addition to the bras, you can wish Betty Newman's mom a Happy Birthday.  She'll be 90!  You'll also see the Artist Colony first collaborative artwork, and can take a chance on winning it! 

You will also be among the first to see renovations to my little world, my section of the studios.  I've been wanting to paint since we moved in two years ago, and never liked the green walls.  So I went to work, got a little help from my friends, and my bit of Artist Colony space went from this

to THIS in  just three days.  

It's really quite grand and I'm thrilled beyond words.  Come see for yourself! 

Twelve Palm Trees

Twelve Palm Trees

by the Artist Colony at the Esplanade

The Artist Colony at the Esplanade is just about to start the third year in our present location.  We're very grateful that in this dismal economy we have such terrific space to work in.  We've been a bright spot for Marco Island, drawing people from afar to visit our studios and see what's new. 

Today's painting is a first!  Its a collaborative painting, done in part by each of the artists.  Artist and photographer Lee Horton, conceived the idea.  He asked each of the artist in the Colony to paint a three-inch interpretation of a palm tree. He then assembled the paintings into a shadowbox and took the above photo.   

They are fabulous!  Lee took the finished mini-paintings and framed them all in a shadowbox to create this beautiful and collectible artwork. Can you guess which artist painted which piece?  Visit our website to give you a clue!  (Hint, mine is at top right)

The painting is on display at Rightside Studio.  If you like it, you can take a chance to win it in a drawing later.  I've already bought my ticket! 

Meet and Greet, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Today's Everglades painting is really all about meeting and greeting others. One of the pleasures of having a studio in commercial space with the Artist Colony at the Esplanade on Marco Island is that I get to meet all kinds of interesting people who wander in while I'm working.  You never know who'll come in, and if you like to meet and greet, there's plenty of opportunity.

Dreama Tolle Perry was in the studio la couple of weeks ago.  She was visiting Marco Island for a few days of respite, and wandered in with her husband and a friend. We chatted before I knew who she was, and was almost overcome over when I discovered who I was speaking with! If you don’t know Dreama, she is an artist, and half of the team that produces the weekly radio show Artists helping Artists. Her paintings are colorful and fabulous, and she’s lovely and gracious, and just as delightful as she sounds on the radio.

One of the things she noticed right away was my method of paint organization. I have a clear, over-the-door shoe holder to hold my paint supply, and use it to organize the tubes by color. It’s very easy to see what colors you have on hand and what it’s time to order. Dreama thought it was a clever idea, and two shows later spoke on the show about this method being a helpful tip for artists.

The show is terrific, geared to helping developing artists market their best work, but there’s plenty of substance for mid-career artists as well. This particular show answered a question of artist Mary Sheehan Winn, another artist and friend who stopped by two days after Dreama. The shows are all recorded and can be listened to while you paint or work on something that doesn’t require much attention. Listen in, and tell Dreama I sent you!

I'm going to work on getting Dreama Tolle Perry and her radio and sometimes workshop partner Leslie Saita to come to Marco for a workshop.  Would you like that, too?  If so, let me know! 

Arts Afire Ignites the Arts on Marco Island! Changing Light painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Changing Light, Jo-Ann Sanborn, 2011

acrylic on canvas, 30"x30"

Arts Afire!, Marco’s celebration of Arts and Culture, starts tomorrow, and there are so many wonderful opportunities for people to see, view, and participate in a wide range of arts and culture events over the 10 days of Arts Afire!

One event that is sure to be well attended and VERY special will be Flashpoint, a Kick-Off Party at CJ’s on the Bay held by the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce on Monday, March 14th.  In addition to the literary and performing arts delighting you, the Artist Colony at the Esplanade will provide an opportunity for your participation in the Visual arts, but that's only a small part of what will happen at Flashpoint. Flashpoint will truly light the spark of arts and culture on Marco, and will delight you.  Don't miss it! 

On Wednesday, March 16th, The Artist Colony at the Esplanade will have demonstrations by each of the Colony artists all day long.  Stop in and have the opportunity to look deeper into each artists muse.  Some will demonstrate or show you a special technique, some will talk about their own art, and some, about the art of others.  Here's our schedule"

10:00 Waterfront Gallelry and Studios, Karen Swanker - Found objects

10:30      Rightside Studios, Darren Clack

11:00     Waterfront Studios Gallery and Studios, Maggie DeMarco - Glass Painting

11:30     Portside Studios, Inez Hudson - Inspiration

12:00     Rightside studios, Tara O’Neill - Art with an Intimate Focus

12:30     Waterfront Gallelry and Studios, Tom Gallagher - Watercolor techniques

1:00     Portside Studios,  Amanda Ganong

1:30     Rightside Studios, Betty Newman - Painting on Water

2:00 Waterfront, Tony Dallman Jones Sculpting with Light - 22nd Century Art

2:30     Portside Studios, Carolyn Burger - The Diversity of Acrylics

3:00     Rightside Studios, Jo-Ann Sanborn - Everglades, Light and Love

3:30     Waterfront Gallery, Claire Keery - Collage and Assemblage as an Artform

The week will culminate in a fabulous Afterglow Gala at the Island Country Club.  Tickets can be purchased online here. 

What a week!  Here's a SMALL sampling of the weeks events:

Opera!  (Opera Naples at Lutheran Church on Sunday - costumes and scenery!)
Dance! (Spotlight Dance at the Esplanade Monday)
History! (Museum on Sunday)
Song! (Ray and Mary Ellen Friday)
Flowers! (Art in Bloom at the Art League)
Movies! (MIFA Wed and Mackle, Friday)
Art show and all day entertainment!  (Art League)
Art of Flaming Food (Bergman at St Marks Tuesday
Photography!  (Clyde Butcher Lecture Wed at Historical Society)
Mimes and more! 

This can be wonderful!  It's still growing, but you can download a copy of the latest Arts Afire! schedule of events here or pick one up in any of the studios.  I'll be taking the week off from this blog to enjoy the events.  See you out and about!   

End of the Day, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

End of the Day, Jo-Ann Sanborn
acrylic on board, 5"x7"

When you visit the Artist Colony at the Esplanade on Marco, you’ll see the work of 11 different artists. For the most part each artist has a separate area where their work is distinct and separate from the other artists work. As you browse, you’ll see that each artist has their own style and subjects.

Just as you respond to the people you meet differently, you’ll respond to the work of each artist in a different way. Some, you’ll feel very positive about, looking closer and finding a connection. There’s something the artist has created that touches your heart, or moves you to take a closer look.  Others may not interest you as much, and that's just fine. 

At the End of the Day, I'm hoping that when you look at my paintings, you'll see beyond my struggling efforts to portray this special landscape, and into the heart of the Everglades themselves.  I hope you'll think about the value of the land--its beauty, its value to our state and our world, it's value to our economy.   If it doesn't move you, my efforts fall short. 

Wall Art is so Yesterday! Sunset in Paradise daily painting by artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Sunset in Paradise

Acrylic on board, 5"x7"

The artists of the Artist Colony at the Esplanade met last night for a pot luck supper. Starters on the patio as the sun set, great fun learning something about each other we didn't already know, and a delicious pot luck dinner by candlelight in and out of the house, opened up to the delightful weather.

We had some good laughs trying to figure which artist was responsible for some fact we didn't know about them. Who knew that artist Carolyn Burger had played solo guitar at a high school talent show, or that artist Betty Newman had flown on the Concorde with David Bowie? Or that artist Darren Clark had had words with Oliver North in an Oxford bar?

Mostly we talked about the things that any group would when together socially. Even politics reared it's head. Almost too touchy but the subject was changed easily and we moved on to more appealing subjects.

What outraged us and drew the most ire was a ad run in the Marco Island Eagle by Wilson Lighting. "Wall Art is so Yesterday" the ad said. Given the high number of Collier County artists, and the huge percentage of income in the county attributed to the arts, why promote your business at the expense of a large population who will take offense? What were they thinking?

"Wrong" we said! Wall art has kept it's appeal for almost 25,000 years. Wall art is warm, colorful, personal, and keeps giving pleasure. You don't have to have electricity to enjoy it. We don't expect it to go away soon! In the meantime, not many artists will be shopping at Wilson Lighting.

Naples Bay Resort, Squash, daily painting by Everglades painter Jo-Ann Sanborn

Squash, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Since the summer has been quiet on Marco Island, and the number of September visitors down, I have an adequate supply of small paintings right now. I still paint every day, but have been working hard on getting a nice supply of new larger painting ready for season. But this little squash was just hanging around the studio begging to be painted as a daily.

After a breakfast meeting with my studio partners, I'll be taking two paintings to a window in Naples Bay Resort, where my friends the Kinkeads are using the windows in unrented retail space to showcase art. They've build some easels for uniformity, and each one will hold up to three paintings depending on size. An artist can buy one, two, or three. I'm only taking one, and hope it will draw people from Naples to my studio on the Esplanade on Marco Island.

It will be a nice change of view from empty storefronts to original art, and the Naples Bay Resort will have a number of events throughout the year. In addition to the Hotel, Olio Restaurant and Bonefish Grill are in that complex, so if you have the opportunity visit for lunch and dinner and a window-shopping the art show!

Changes in the Colony, and I love a Parade painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

I Love a Parade, JoAnn Sanborn
Acrylic on Canvas, 20"x40"

The Artist Colony at the Esplanade, of which I am delighted to be part, is housed in donated, vacant retail space. While all of the artists know it can happen, the reality of a paying tenant claiming their space came as a shock!

What a parade as the artists of Waterfront Gallery carried their art works and the contents of their gallery across the Esplanade to their new home. Luckily they were offered another donated space, and while they're sorry to lose their nice bright gallery on the waterfront, they'll enjoy being more visible to the Esplanade's many visitors in their new space.

In addition to the move, sculptor Bob Frettoloso, painters Carolyn MacAndrew, Bill Moseley, Pat Perrotti and mixed media artist Tracy Gudgel will be leaving the Colony. They cite a variety of reason for their decision, and are all grateful for their Colony experience. The eleven remaining artists wish them well on their continued artistic journey.

Waterfront regulars Tony Dallman-Jones, Maggie DeMarco, Claire Keery and Phyllis Pransky are working hard to make the new space ready. The gallery will be closed during renovations, but will reopen in a couple of weeks.

Because the new space is smaller, Waterfront, which started out as a group gallery, has decided that each of the remaining artist would welcome a little more space, so there will be no openings for additional artists at this time. Welcome to the Courtyard!

Taking Risks, On the Edge daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

On the Edge, © 2010 Jo Ann Sanborn
acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Some days life seems all about putting yourself at risk. We do this in our relationships when we reveal just a little more of ourselves than we're comfortable having someone see. We do this when we overeat unhealthy food, become exposed to toxic chemicals when we're working in the yard, or take a chance in the stock market.

As a painter, I have to take some risk every day in order to keep my work fresh, exciting, and new. I experiment with color, form, shape, learn from others and from self study, and hope that it pays off and I'll grow as an artist.

Sometimes risk is sticking your neck out. Founding and developing Marco Island's Artist Colony at the Esplanade was that kind of risk for me, yet it's paid off for the artists of Marco and for the City.

We're in the process of negotiating another year in our studio spaces. Please wish us well!

Red, White and Blues, painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Red, White, and Blues

acrylic on canvas, 20"x24"

Red, White and Blues is the theme of the Artist Colony at the Esplanade's June Last Wednesday Art Walk to be held this Wednesday, June 30, from 5-8 p.m. Each of the three galleries will offer refreshments, music, and new art work for you to enjoy. We'll also be having our People's Choice Award, where you participate by voting on your three favorite pieces created for the theme Red, White and Blues. You can see mine, above.

While you are welcome to visit the galleries any Wednesday thru Saturday, visitors and residents alike are really enjoying the Last Wednesday Art Walks. The People Choice themed Art Walks are a lot of fun, and it's a chance to meet and talk with the artists about their work in an easy, relaxed atmosphere.

What do you talk with an artist about? With me, any talk of the Everglades is always welcome. I love hearing your stories about your visits there, and about your reaction paintings of my favorite landscape. You can also talk about any particular painting, such as theme, colors, and medium. To tell an artist what you feel when you look at a painting will also get a conversation started.

Art can make you laugh, cry, wonder, look more deeply at yourself or others. It adds depth and dimension to our community. So if you're on Marco Island, or close by, come along and join the conversation. I hope to see you tonight!

Otter Mound, Siren's Moon, and Early One Morning daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Early One Morning
Acrylic on Canvas, 5x7

Memorial Day is a somber holiday, marked by taking time to remember those who have given their lives in service to their country. Whether you attend a memorial publicly or give thought privately, we owe a great deal to the men and women who have fallen in our behalf. Our armed services are a great strength to our country. Fly your American Flag proudly this weekend to show them your support.

If you live on Marco Island and you're having guests this weekend, or you haven't been yourself, take a jaunt to Otter Mound. It's a delightful restoration by the Marco Island Historical Society, where you can learn a little about Marco's past, and see the shell walls built from the original Calusa ruins. Otter Mound. Otter Mound used to be a magnificent Calusa site but much of it was destroyed before it's value was understood. Still, it's a well done little gem, a lovely walk and learning opportunity, too.

The votes are in and counted, and Tracy Gudgel's Siren's Moon over Marco was a clear winner for the Artists at the Esplanade Moon Over Marco Art Walk. It was such a fun evening and our guests really enjoyed looking at all the various artistic styles and being able to vote for their favorite. Congratulations, Tracy! Save the last Wednesday of the month for our next event!

And have a wonderful weekend!