Arts, Crafts Fair to showcase local creations
Dozens of local artists, crafters and even authors will take part this weekend in an annual event.
Island Seniors will host their Arts and Crafts Fair on Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both inside and outside of the Center 4 Life on Sanibel. About 40 vendors will have on display everything from pottery, jewelry and original paintings, to plants, handwoven baskets, and homemade jellies and preserves.
“It’s really a wonderful event to showcase local artists,” Shirley Schulz, an event co-chair with Ann Moeder and Eileen Kehoe, said. “It gives them and the community an opportunity to meet each other.”
“And it raises awareness for the Center 4 Life,” she added.
The participating vendors hail from the islands and Fort Myers, or are seasonal visitors.
“Some are long-time crafters and artists who have taken part before, and some are new,” Schulz said. “It’s a mix.”
Attendees will discover a variety of different jewelry like ribbon necklaces, along with one-of-a-kind artwork in a range of mediums, embroidered pillows, live plants, wooden writing pens and more.
“They’re beautiful,” Moeder said of the handmade pens.
“And we have a couple of authors,” she added, noting that one writes children’s books.
Artists submit applications to take part, which the Island Seniors review.
“It starts in the summer,” Moeder said. “We always end up with a waiting list.”
For several years now, the Island Seniors have organized and hosted the event.
“We absolutely have support from the Center 4 Life staff, but it’s a volunteer effort here,” Schulz said.
They estimated that hundreds turn out for the event over the course of the day.
Attendees will find something for every price point as the featured items run the gamut.
“There’s something for everyone,” Moeder said.
In addition to the vendors, Island Seniors will have a booth set up with informational material on the members’ organization and the facility, including the various programs and events that are offered.
There will also be Island Seniors T-shirts on sale for $20, with the funds to benefit the center.
For $3, attendees can enjoy a hot dog, chips and a drink from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“We’ll have the infamous hot dogs,” Schulz said.
On-site parking is limited, so alternative transportation is recommended.
“We encourage people to carpool or to bike,” she said.
The public is invited to swing by and see what unique treasures they want to take home.
“It’s fun,” Schulz said. “It’s a social event.”
“And we always have new crafters and artists, as well as your favorites,” Moeder added.
For more information, contact the Center 4 Life at 239-472-5743.
The Center 4 Life is at 2401 Library Way.