Jan Markle

The countdown to the Captiva Civic Association’s 45th annual ABC Sale dinner and auction has begun, and several Captiva artists are hard at work trying to complete this year’s ABC Art Challenge.

Four individual island artists — Sue Sherlock, Sharon Brace, Susan Scott and Jan Markle — and one group of artists — the Crafty Ladies of Sunset Captiva — are all designing and decorating frames for mirrors of different shapes and sizes.

“I decided to participate because I love Captiva and I want to support the Civic Association,” Susan Scott said, noting that she will be decorating a square mirror frame for the art challenge. “I’m using gesso on the frame and covering it with the watercolor free form I usually do. It’s been a lot of fun so far, and it’s nice to be able to do these kinds of things — especially if it raises money for a good cause.”

Like Scott, Jan Markle is also decorating a square mirror frame.

“I’m working in acrylic and, let’s just say, I’m letting nature influence me,” Jan Markle said, noting that she’s participated in several art challenges for the CCA’s annual fundraising event despite her ongoing battle with cancer since 2005.

Susan Scott

Markle said that participating in the ABC art challenge helps her to keep her mind off the disease and treatment — and because she makes the commitment to complete a project for the sale every year, it helps her get back to her one true passion, creating art.

“I commit myself to the ABC art challenge, and it really helps kick me into gear and motivate me to focus on my art,” Markle said. “That’s one of the reasons I enjoy doing these projects — because I absolutely love my art and I get lost in it.”

The 45th annual ABC Sale will take place on Saturday, March 12.

For more information about the event and the Captiva Civic Association, call 472-2111.