Art is Alive and Well on Creative Sanibel

Sanibel is a haven for wild life. It's a shell collecting destination only surpassed by 2 others in the whole wide world. It's a natural, lovely, peaceful place kissed by the sun, embraced by the sea and blessed with cooling breezes for much of the year. One can find a huge selection of accommodations and an awesome variety of restaurants on this little island.

In addition to all these pleasures and treasures of vacationing on Sanibel, there is an artistic bent to the Island that also treats the eye and feeds the soul.From the days of Gauguin, and probably before, artists have been attracted to the tropics. These tropical islands provide the soft colors and luminosity that appeals to the artistic eye.Those dabbling in oils and pastels will find an infinite number of subjects to capture on canvas. Through the lens photographers will be equally inspired. And there are a good selection of art galleries on island where the works of artists and photographers can be viewed and purchased.

But one does not have to be a professional fine artist or photographer to be inspired to create, and Sanibel is able to cater to the artistic drives of all those who live or play here. In fact, the island does more than inspire artists. It organizes them to go out and put their visions and interpretations to canvas.

One avenue for inspiration and organization is the Sanibel Captiva Art League. A non-profit organization formed to promote public interest in and appreciation of the fine artsthe Sanibel Captiva Art League helps artists to create, to grow through critiques and sharing, it sponsors competitions and exhibitions, promotes art education and supports community art.

They offer a “Plein Air” Painters Group, painting out every Thursday throughout the season (November through April) starting at 9AM with lunch at different locations on the island. Sometimes they venture to locations in the Fort Myers area.

Wherever the location, it is sure to be lovely and inspirational.During these paint outs, they enjoy (bring your own) brown bag lunches where they share painting efforts and an informal and friendly critique. Visitors are welcome. For more information, write to: sancapart@yahoo.com