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Signing by the Sea: Local artist offers first book signing at Bonita Bill’s

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After such warm praises during the release of his first coffee table book, packed to the brim with more than 50 full-color images of tropical paradise, local artist Craig Petersen is eager to boast his first book signing, taking place Friday, Nov. 30, between 1 and 3 p.m., at Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe, 750 Fisherman’s Wharf.

“I am somewhat overwhelmed by the response of people interested in seeing the book, and I feel this would be an appropriate time and place to have the signing,” he stated. “I will have copies of the book available at the signing. In addition, I will have prints of most of the paintings that are in the book, plus some that are not. I am looking forward to this event after so many people have asked me when the signing would be.”

Craig’s latest collection of tropical landscapes and watercolor masterpieces are comprised into a lovely, full-color coffee table book titled “Florida Memories” highlighting the lifestyles and landscapes of beautiful Southwest Florida and the “characters” that live within them.

“I’m so proud to say, with the help of my beautiful wife, Joy, I was able to come out with a coffee table book that has more than 50 of my paintings in it,” the artist eagerly boasted. “The first half of the book contains the beautiful scenery of the local area, and the second half is more of the characters on the waterfront and musicians abound. It’s been so fun to put together.”

Bonita Bill’s is one of Craig’s and Joy’s favorite hang-out spots along Fort Myers Beach. This is where he was first inspired to paint many of the “characters” you can see in his collection from Kirby and Shelli to Pete, Danny North, Space Ghost and so many more.

“Everybody that has seen my artwork gives the pieces such nice reviews and as individual prints start at $45 I thought if we put a book together with everything in it, for the same price as one print $45, you have everything in one shot,” he stated. “Of course, if they’d like it, I’d sign the book. And, having just returned to Fort Myers Beach and setting up at Ding Darling, it’s been received so well. I’d love to do a book signing at Bonita Bill’s one afternoon, too.”

For more information on the local artist, visit CraigPetersen.com and WatercolorArtist.org.