The Fort Myers Beach Art Association has partnered with Shucker’s who have graciously offered use of their indoor dining room to display and sell artworks.
FMBAA has been closed since March 19 and plans to reopen Oct. 19 Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with limited capacity and masking required. The closure disrupted all income producing events and fundraisers including the Student Scholarship Show and multiple classes. Like so many other non-profits in the area, FMBAA has much lower income this year due to the virus.
FMBAA assembled donated artwork for this initial offering at Shucker’s, which is located at 1250 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.
The artworks feature donations from notable past presidents: Lee Ackert, Michele Barron Buelow and Gretchen Johnson. All of these accomplished artists have donated countless hours of service to the organization. Gretchen Johnson received the Distinguished Citizen Award from Fort Myers Beach for multiple community and civic efforts that included assisting with the incorporation of the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Current members Pam Flaherty and John Rizza donated works. One watercolor is from a previous member who received over eighty awards in his career, including many Best in Show and First Place awards for works he created painting outdoors. He, like many other of the members represented, nurtured emerging artists at the gallery as well as continuing that support by creating endowed award funds.
“Here at Shuckers at the Gulfshore and The Cottage, it is of paramount importance to leave a positive long-lasting impression on our local community,” says Brian Nagle of Schucker’s. “One way we have decided to do so is by promoting and celebrating our local art scene. In collaboration with the Fort Myers Beach Art Association, we have decided to offer some of our dining room wall space as a continually changing display of local art for sale and show. Along with the display, we will be working together to host an array of art centric events that can be enjoyed by all our guests. Whether you are an artist yourself, or just like some cool paintings, everyone can appreciate the talent these artists bring to the canvas. Great food, great drinks, great art and excellent company.”
“We, at FMBAA, are excited to have the opportunity to display our artwork at Shuckers at the Gulfshore. We look forward to participating in live painting events and sales. The first such event, painting before sunset, occurs on Oct 27 in the late afternoon,” said Tom Flaherty, Fort Myers Beach Art Association president.
For more information, stop by the Fort Myers Beach Arts Association Gallery located at 3030 Shell Mound Blvd, Fort Myers Beach on the corner of the Donora & Shell Mound Blvd, one mile south of the Matanzas Bridge. Call 239-463-3909. Visit the website for updates at www.fortmyersbeachart.com
