Artwork on display and for sale at Collectors Preview Gala
Outdoor artwork created by local and visiting artists throughout the week on Fort Myers Beach will be showcased and up for sale at the Collectors Preview Gala in the Santini Marina Plaza festival tent on Friday, Nov. 18, from 6-9 p.m.
The finished pieces are the inventive workings of more than 40 plein air artists that have been busily painting at locations of their choice on Estero Island throughout this week. The creative paintings in either watercolor, acrylic, pastel, oils or a combination of two or more mediums will be submitted to be hung on the inside festival tent walls.
“The gala will be the first view of the art,” said Fort Myers Beach Art Association President Michele Buelow. “Attendees can expect beautiful artwork in many different mediums done by many local artists and artists from around the state. They will have a chance to meet the artists and chat with them during the event.”
The gala is the recognition ceremony of the second annual plein air festival entitled “Paint the Beach Sandcastles to Shrimpboats.”
Beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 15, FMBAA plein air artists chose sites to paint from and of at points between Lovers Key State Park and Main Street. They have until Thursday, Nov. 17, to create pieces of artwork for submittal.
Artists needed to check in at the art association on Monday, Nov. 14, and get their canvas or paper stamped to prove their work was done during competition times.
“A lot of artists do up to six paintings during that time,” said Buelow. “The light will be different from the morning to the afternoon, and you can paint in the evening if you wish.”
The presentation of the finished and framed artwork by the plein air artists at the Collectors Preview Gala will yield awards. Last year, Miami resident Sal Sidner captured top honors for both the overall category with his painting called “Ft. Myers Beach” and the Quick Draw Award with his piece called “Fish Tale Marina.”
Anthony Rice from Ringling College of Art & Design will judge this year’s gala. The top three pieces of artwork will be awarded, and there will also be special awards as well.
As they did last year, hosts Al and Kathy Durrett will provide hors d’oeuvres prepared by Santini restaurants. The Cypress Lake String Quartet, Cody Vagel and Beach vocalist Jo List will provide music.
“We are extremely grateful to Al and Kathy Durrett for all their support and their contributions to this whole event,” said Buelow. “We are extremely lucky to have them involved.”
Tickets for the Gala can be purchased in advance at Fish Tale Marina or the Fort Myers Beach Art Association for $20, or at the Gala door for $25.
“Proceeds of the Gala will benefit the local art association and help provide art and education throughout the town of Fort Myers Beach when we put on workshops and classes,” said Buelow.
The FMBAA president stated Beach Elementary School students would also have their own plein air art hanging in the tent.
“The Beach Elementary School is a big part of this event. They have been working very hard,” she said.
On Saturday, Nov. 19, activities move to the beachfront at the World Championship of Sand Sculpting at the Holiday Inn. There will be a painting challenge called “Quick Draw” that involves an artist check-in in the morning and delivered artwork for judging back at the sand sculpting event by 1:30 p.m.
Beach Elementary students will be heavily involved by participating in two events associated with the festival. At 9 a.m., they will create their own plein air art with art association-supplied paints and paper. They will be under the supervision of FMBAA’s Mimi Little with help from Teacher Holly Nichols and Principal Larry Wood. At 6 p.m., select students will do a vocal performance at the same site.
“Art that is not sold will remain in the tent until Sunday,” said Buelow. “At that time, we will be bringing in about 20 pieces from Art of the Olympians.”
The festival will culminate with an Afterglow Show at the festival tent on Nov. 21 and 22. The show will include some of the aforementioned work from Beach Elementary students.
“If any artist chooses to leave their unsold artwork in the tent and if any art association member that wants to bring in pieces of additional art, they can do so for the show and hopefully sell their art,” said Buelow.
Main sponsors of the “Paint the Beach Sandcastles to Shrimpboats” festival include Fish Tale Marina, Santini Marina Plaza and the Fort Myers Beach Art Association with contributing sponsors Holiday Inn, The Lighthouse Inn and Resorts, Smokin’ Oyster Brewery, Diamondhead Resort and World Championship of SandSculpting.
“Each year we seem to gather more sponsors. It’s a really nice event for the Beach and we hope it continues to grow and grow,” said Buelow.
At last year’s inaugural event, Al Durrett was pleased with the interest level.
“This is not your typical party on Fort Myers Beach, and hopefully this is not the last time it happens,” he said. “I want to thank all the artists for participating in this. This shows how prominent the art association is on Fort Myers Beach.”
Many town officials and their significant others attended the inaugural gala and are expected to do so again.
According to Buelow, the word “plein” signifies outdoor painting in the plain air. She informed that the “Oppressionists” were the first to paint in “plein” air.
“Everyone is welcome to come down to the Gala that showcases the artist. People will be able to talk to the artists, ask them questions about what they do and how they do it.”
The Fort Myers Beach Art Association gallery at the corner of Donora and Shell Mound streets is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3. For more information on the plein air festival or art association, call 463-3909.