Bocilla Islands Conservancy hosts Art in the Palms on Feb. 7
The Bocilla Islands Conservancy will host the Art in the Palms event on Saturday, Feb. 7. It is a community celebration of art, music, food and island conservation. The event raises funds to support the acquisition and restoration of land while continuing and expanding the Conservancy’s environmental education programs.
“A handful of years ago it got paused,” said Lisa Haney, the Conservancy’s President. “We have revived it. It’s kind of an inaugural relaunch.” Funds raised help ensure ongoing hands-on learning opportunities, habitat restoration and conservation education that connect residents and visitors to the unique ecosystems of the Bocilla Islands.
Art in the Palms will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event begins at 2000 Panama Boulevard in Englewood, Fla., followed by a short ferry ride to the islands. Free parking is available on the mainland. More information can be found at bocillaislandsconservancy.org/art2026.
The event will showcase art, music and food on the island, complemented by the bucolic atmosphere of the Bocilla Islands. Artwork will include paintings, glass, jewelry, metal, mosaics and more, inspired by island life and beyond. Food options will range from wood-fired pizza and Caribbean-style dishes to sweet frozen treats. Vendors will offer something for everyone, and wine, beer, cocktails, water, and soft drinks will be available as visitors enjoy coastal views and learn more about island conservation and community connection.
The Bocilla Islands Conservancy, Inc., is a public nonprofit organization that has worked for nearly a decade to protect the natural environment of the Bocilla Islands chain. Its mission is to preserve the islands’ natural habitat while fostering community engagement and environmental education, ensuring a balanced coexistence between the ecosystem and local residents.
Through land acquisition, habitat restoration and hands-on education, the Conservancy delivers programs that connect residents and visitors to the islands’ ecosystems. Funds raised through events such as Art in the Palms directly support ongoing programs, educational efforts,and land acquisition projects.
Participating artists include Gloria Urban, who creates plein air and acrylic paintings of Florida’s tropical landscapes; Kristin Moger, known for intricate hand-drawn ink illustrations inspired by nature; and Linda Daoust, whose expressionist paintings feature sailboats and palm trees. Other artists include Carroll Swayze with original acrylic paintings; Rich Fizer with hand-blown glass artwork; and Anne Schroeder, who paints wildlife on feathers matted with vintage boating charts framed using reclaimed lobster wood.
In addition, featured artists include John Grammer, who creates stainless steel sculptures inspired by marine life and coastal themes; Donnie McCullough, who produces hand-built sculptures from pewter with a silver blend; Don McCoy, who designs handcrafted jewelry from recycled silver and gold; Tara Funk Grim with layered acrylic paintings; Lisa Tevia Clark with handmade mosaic and tile art; and Holly Parrish, whose work includes playful mosaic and mixed-media pieces.
Musical performances will include Johnny Puma, whose style blends guitar-driven rock, pop, jazz and country, and Kenny Rose, offering an easygoing beach vibe.
Food vendors will include Pryceless Island Grill, serving Caribbean island food with a twist; Dave’s Neapolitan Pizza, featuring handcrafted wood-fired pizzas; and Nana’s Bananas, offering handcrafted frozen bananas dipped and drizzled with a variety of toppings.
For more information, contact Lisa Haney at bocillaislandsconservancy@gmail.com or by phone at (813) 523-6362. Additional details are available on Facebook at Bocilla Islands Conservancy, Inc. and online at bocillaislandsconservancy.org/art2026.
