Sanibel Shell Festival preparations in full swing
The 82nd Sanibel Shell Festival is coming March 7-9 and preparations are nearing completion.
Bouquets of flowers made from shells, curious looking critters and other kinds of shell art are receiving finishing touches from the artists who made them. Many are made on Sanibel by shell crafters who meet each Monday at The Community House. About 50 individuals take part in the creative activity, coming from Sanibel and Captiva as well as from other areas in Southwest Florida.
Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club members will met to fill 2,300 bags of shells, which will be given away at the festival to each person who donates $5 to enter the indoors portion of the show. The donation also includes free admission to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum during the event.
The festival is known as the most prestigious in the country and exhibitors come from as far away as Japan to compete for non-monetary awards. There are two categories of competition – the Artistic Division features shell creations made by professional artists and hobbyists, and the Scientific Division features shells from Sanibel’s beaches and around the world.
The event is a joint venture of the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club and Sanibel Community Association and serves as a major fundraiser for both groups.
For more information, visit www.sites.google.com/site/sanibelshellfestival.