ArtFest 2018 is Coming

Art work next to an orange tree

 

ArtFest is coming, meaning a wonderful array of artwork, culinary favorites, live music, hands-on arts programs and more will return to the beautiful downtown Fort Myers riverfront area on February 3 & 4.

ArtFest will feature more than 200 exhibiting artists, carefully juried from more than 900 applying artists from across the country. Beautiful jewelry, amazing sculpture, unique paintings and decorative metal will be just a sampling of the work attendees can enjoy throughout the weekend.  » Read more

Take a Look!

Photos of nature

1st Place: Elliot D. for “Heron Her Own”

 

Octopus in the water

2nd Place: Mallory H. for “Who’s Watching Who?”

 

3rd Place: Sophia B. for “Silent Stepper”

 

Congratulations go out to the talented student photographers who took home top honors in this year’s Sanibel Middle School’s nature photography contest!  » Read more

Hoo’s Here?

Burrowing owl

This amazing photo of an Eastern Screech Owl was taken right outside our Ocean’s Reach office by guest Susan N., from Mifflinberg, PA. She credits her son, Lynden, for sighting it first, saying that he is quite astute at spotting wildlife after his many visits to Sanibel!

The Eastern Screech Owls (Megascops asio) are one of the smallest species of owls naturally found in North America.  » Read more

Under the Stars

symphony under the stars

The Alliance for the Arts is bringing the Stardust Memories Big Band to its amphitheater stage for an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Coolers, blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged as concert-goers enjoy some of the greatest hits of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and others.

The Stardust Memories Big Band is a professional 17-piece jazz ensemble led by Craig Christman.  » Read more

Paying Homage to the Gulf of Mexico

gulf of mexico currents

 

The collision between civilization and nature in the Gulf of Mexico becomes a uniquely American story in the environmental epic The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea by Jack E. Davis.

On Friday, Jan. 26, the author will be presenting two free programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., part of the 2018 “Ding” Darling Lecture Series at J.N. “Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.  » Read more

The Latest Sanibel Wave

catch a wave - Joyce white

Lily & Co. Jewelers introduces a new design for its exclusive ‘Sanibel Wave’ pendant. The latest piece features two dancing dolphins, one with a full body of pave diamonds to capture sparkling waters surrounding Sanibel Island. A juvenile dolphin has a diamond solitaire eye and jumps from Abalone and Mother of Pearl waves encompassed in an elegant halo of diamonds.

“The Sanibel Wave pendant has been a huge hit,  » Read more

Meet the Director

Big arts

Ocean’s Reach has been pleased to host Ann Nieman, director of the BIG ARTS production of Noises Off, the wildly outrageous comedy playing at the Strauss Theater until February 17th.

Ann’s past credits on Sanibel Island include Lend Me a Tenor and Stepping Out.

An award-winning director/choreographer, Ann has created over 200 productions for respected regional theaters across the U.S. and Europe, most notably 42nd Street,  » Read more

Sign Up to Receive Special Offers