Memorial Day Art Show a new venture for Boca Grande Art Alliance

The Boca Grande Art Alliance is preparing for the First Annual Memorial Day Weekend Art Show, displaying the talents of many of Gasparilla Island’s year-round residents.

The show will feature paintings, glass, jewelry and pottery by island artists, and will be held at the Art Alliance facilities at Park Ave. and Banyan Street.

The show opens on Saturday, May 26 at 10 a.m. There will be a reception from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. when you can enjoy a post-beach nibble and glass of wine while meeting the artists. The show continues on Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The dress code for the reception is casual, according to Pike Powers, executive director of the Art Alliance.

“Come on up after a day at the beach, have a snack and a drink and get to know our artists,” she suggested.

A few of the artists whose work will be shown include Susan Shaffer, Cecilia Jonsson-Bisset, Daniel Godwin, Bob Voyel, Patti Middleton, Esther Jensen, Stuart Hoeckel, Deborah Dawn Cooper, Bill Heisel and more.

Jack Lyons, a jeweler, will be one of the artists at the art show to greet visitors.

“I will be there from 10 a.m. until the show closes on both days,” said Lyons.

Selected works will remain in place for the Summer Days Exhibition. The exhibition will be open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 29 through June 15.

“We’re hoping to get the land-lubbers who come to the island with their friends and family who are going tarpon fishing,” said Powers. “While they are exploring the island, we hope that they come to see our exhibition.”