Love Sanibel Back gathering a hit
“What I Love About Sanibel” was a great hit for the finale of the 2026 Love Sanibel Back, an art show by The Sanibel School students.
“It was so cool to see the kid’s coming with their parents and grandparents and running over and pointing out their piece of artwork,” St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church Director of Communications Sue Van Oss said. “That was the most special part of the day – the emphasis on the kids of Sanibel and the Seahorse Chorale singing – they had some people in tears.”
The idea ignited after she asked the art teacher if the students could create a piece of artwork depicting “What I Love About Sanibel.” That initial conversation turned into the entire school participating.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth graders helped hang the art the Wednesday before the Nov. 1 gathering, which was held at the Sanibel Recreation Center. Van Oss said people started looking at the art as soon as they came out of the gym area, and continued to stop and look for the rest of the week.
“There were so many different perspectives of what they loved about Sanibel,” Van Oss said. “I thought it would be all pictures of sand and water. There were so many pictures of wildlife, and pictures of places they really liked.”
One of those places was a picture of the entire Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife building, and sign, and a drawing of Pinocchio’s ice cream cone.
“The art teacher said some of the kids really took it to heart and wanted to take a lot of extra time doing it. It really showed through,” she said.
Van Oss said she would estimate about 300 people attended the gathering.
Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream provided Love Sanibel Back frosted cookies, a huge candy tower and ice cream.
“Donna (Puma) went above and beyond – that is how she is. She is such a gem for the island,” Van Oss said.
She said she ended the gathering by saying “let’s continue to love Sanibel by caring for one another, supporting our local businesses and organizations, protecting our wildlife, and cherishing the natural beauty we all call home.”
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY , please email mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com