Butterfly photo by George A. Hoch

Sue Sherlock, George A. Hoch, Diane Fugit, Yolanta Downey, Mark Lewis and Katie Gardenia an eclectic group of artists will come together for a new exhibit presented by the Captiva Civic Association. ‘CaPTiVa eCLeCTiC’ will include recent works by these local artists.

“Each artist has a different following,” noted Sherlock, chair of the CCA Arts Committee. “This show will have a different flavor and a little something for everyone.”

As a graduate of Syracuse University with a fine arts degree specializing in printmaking and panting, Sherlock has always had art in her life. She splits her time between Captiva and North Truro, Mass. Nature photographer George Hoch is a Florida native with heavy ties to New England.

Fugit, a former art teacher, has been a pastel portrait artist for more than 25 years. In the last 3 years, she has chosen watercolor to capture the vibrant color and favorite spots on the islands for Captiva Sanibel calendars that will be part of ‘CaPTiVa eCLeCTiC.’ For 26 years, she and her family have enjoyed visits to these beautiful islands. Fugit currently resides on Captiva with her husband, Alan, and their dog Reggie.

Downey, who was born in Poland, lives in Sanibel and New Jersey. She is a chemist by education, but was motivated into the art world by viewing art in various museums and exhibitions throughout Europe and the United States. Downey has focused on visual arts as an outlet for creative instincts.

By Katie Gardenia

Lewis, a former Captiva postmaster, is drawn to Old Florida architecture surrounded by lush tropical settings. He loves the harbors, ships and dinghies of New England and finds reflected images on bodies of water in all shapes and sizes to be mesmerizing. Lewis has recently combined his passions for art and music by embellishing new Les Paul guitars with multi-media designs, some collage and some hand-gilded with simulated gold and silver foil.

Gardenia, an island resident for the past 25 years, is a self-taught fiber artist who creates one-of-a-kind art figures, clothing and furniture. Gardenia, the creator and former owner of The Bubble Room restaurant, is the author of a self-published book “A Bubble Moment.”

“This is an eclectic place with eclectic talents,” said Sherlock about the group of artists in this latest CCA exhibit. “We hope everyone enjoys the diversity. I think the show will be wonderful.”

‘CaPTiVa eCLeCTic’ will open Jan. 19 with a reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane. It will run through Feb. 7. To view the exhibit after the opening reception, call 472-2111.