By SantivaChronicle.com Reporter Teressa Vazquez
This year the Sanibel Captiva Art League’s Library exhibit is centered around the theme “Home Sweet Home” paying homage to the islands the artists call home.
“[Visitors can expect to see] unique, original artwork that depicts the artist’s many different versions of Home Sweet Home, “ Former SCAL President Anita Force Marshall said.
Sandy beaches, palm tree filled skies and the homes that grace the island are a few subjects and muses of this year’s exhibit. Artwork from various different artists will be displayed for anyone to enjoy until September during regular library hours.
Beyond enjoying the talents of the community, those decorating their spaces can buy any piece that resonates with them.
Anita Force Marshall in conjunction with the rest of the SCAL Library committee—Lynn Quigley, Peter Zell, Jane Hudson, Bob Marshall— helps organize the League’s exhibits year-round.
Together they decided the home sweet home theme “is always perfect for the summer show,” Marshall said.
She explained the importance of the exhibit for the artists and the library. As a popular spot on the island, the library’s high volume of tourist and islander traffic offers priceless exposure to the artists. The library in turn receives a donation from the money made.
Shows like these are important to SCAL’s purpose as an organization.
“The Sanibel Captiva Art League mission is to share our passion for all fine arts, and we are fortunate to have a thriving membership that are prolific in all different artistic venues,” Marshall. “So, we love to exhibit our artwork especially in the Library, Margaret and her staff and a joy to collaborate with.”
The Sanibel Captiva Art League was founded in 1964, by 25 artists, with the purpose of advancing the visual arts in the community.
Nancy Sperte, SCAL president, explained the organization’s mission in a publication including promoting public interest and appreciation of the fine arts in every form, encouraging cooperation and exchange amongst artists, and providing a registry for arts.
Since its establishment the League has grown significantly. Their first exhibit showcased 19 pieces of art for a single day at the Captiva Post Office.
Then in 1975, they held their first juried show. Juried shows are those where the final art displayed is rated and selected by a group of jurors, per the College Art Association of America.
Now, the League is home to more than 100 members and offers large exhibits and juried shows in public venues such as Big Arts, the Sanibel Public Library, the Captiva Civic Association and more, Sperte said. In addition to private venues such as local banks, churches, and clubs.
Their most notable juried show at Big Arts is the annual SCAL exhibit which is open to members of all affiliates of the Art Council of Southwest Florida.
Beyond exhibits, all League events including member meetings, art demonstrations and plein air painting are open to the public at a free or minimal cost to cover overhead, Sperte said.
“The annual Art Fair has become an area favorite, especially enabling visitors to take home original art reminiscent of their vacations on our beautiful islands,” Sperte said.
The League’s strong ties to the community has allowed for the continuous enhancement of the visual enjoyment and artistic education on the island, while their unique membership has kept its creative vision contemporary.
Through events like their current Home Sweet Home library show, and their monthly Community House exhibits, the League shines light on art– a uniting media.
“Art should be encouraged and shared , it transcends all languages, cultures, and has a universal language,” Marshall said.
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