Fortitude at Tribby Arts Center showcases barrier island artists

Nearly 60 paintings by 37 regional artists are now on display through Sept. 7 in Tribby Arts Center.
Tribby resident curator Marge Lee says Fortitude: Works by the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Sanibel-Captiva Art League presents paintings created in a wide range of mediums, from delicate watercolors to fabric collages.
The exhibition was the result of an appeal for display space issued by the Fort Myers Beach Art Association (FMBAA) when Hurricane Ian destroyed that group’s gallery in Fort Myers Beach. Tribby Arts Center was among local arts organizations that stepped forward to host exhibitions of FMBAA members’ works.
Curator Lee noted that it was important to the Tribby to also include members of the Sanibel-Captiva Art League, as many of that group’s members also were impacted by Hurricane Ian’s destruction.
“Because so many artists in the region were and continue to be displaced or impacted by Hurricane Ian, we were uncertain how many artists would be able to respond to Fortitude’s call for entries,” said Lee. “But this exhibition of 58 engaging works proves that our local artists have fortitude and are creating excellent work.”
Several themes strongly emerge throughout the body of work on display, including interpretations of the theme fortitude, depictions of popular places in the region, florals, landscapes, and more.
On display concurrently with “Fortitude,” the Tribby’s Collaborations Gallery displays the newest exhibition of the ongoing “Ekphrasis” series, with poems by Bruce Bunch and related paintings of David Tompkins, both Shell Point residents. In the Tribby Legacy and Overlook Galleries, “New Horizons: Artworks by Shell Point Glass Artists, Photographers, and Potters” is on display.
After viewing the exhibition on display, visitors also can visit Serendipity, the Shop in Tribby Arts Center that offers a wide variety of artist-made gift items and jewelry. Tribby Arts Center, which opened in 2021 on the campus of the Shell Point Retirement Community, is located at 17281 On Par Blvd. in Fort Myers. The galleries and Serendipity are open free of charge to all from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.