Island Roundup: Conservancy to host Art in the Palms event
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.
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.Through land acquisition, habitat restoration and hands-on education, the Conservancy connects residents and visitors to the islands’ ecosystems.
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. 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 and Kenny Rose.
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.
Contact Lisa Haney at bocillaislandsconservancy@gmail.com or (813) 523-6362.
