Carroll is moving out, moving on … but to where? Stay tuned
Artist, environmentalist, lover of people and nature, longtime Boca Grande institution Carroll Swayze is moving. She is closing her Englewood studio and moving somewhere not too far away. She can’t be too specific because the deal is still in process, but she is looking forward to whatever is around the next corner.
Swayze is not cutting ties, but excited about making new ones. The old homestead, where she has lived and worked for about 45 years, will stay in the family, so the property she has tried to protect for so long will remain in loving hands.
The reason for uprooting herself, appropriately, has to do with trees…and water, and priorities. Adjacent to Swayze’s property a major single-family housing community has been under development for awhile.
Swayze has tried to influence some of its development policies and has managed to slow construction some, but she has known all along she could not make it go away. Now she is ready to change her surroundings by moving, rather than fighting.
Her outlook is bright, just like her artwork. She sees the future as a blank canvass.
“If the plan I have now doesn’t work out, I will just have a new adventure,” she said.
A friend is helping her clear out as much of her studio and house as she can in a short time.
“I don’t really care about any of the things,” she says.
She has a bag packed and waiting in her bedroom at all times. She travels a great deal, and travels light. She will spend some time in Michigan as her housing plan unfolds. In the meanwhile, her son and his family will move into the house and make it their own.
She plans to be close enough to housesit from time to time, and to take a swim in the pool she is encouraging him to install in the backyard.
As for the art work, as usual, all of it is for sale. This weekend she is hosting her last studio party at her home and studio, 2373 Donovan Rd., Englewood. It will include not only art work, but art supplies, furniture, books, kitchen items, collectibles and more.
“Everything will be for sale,” Swayze promises, but adds there may also be some freebies available. She will supply snacks, drinks and music. Everyone is invited, but not to say “goodbye,” but to wish her well and to enjoy the good vibes.
