‘Beauty from Disaster’ art show winner announced
The People’s Choice Award votes have been tallied for the “Beauty from Disaster” art exhibit at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. It was the third annual art show featuring local artists, and it was dedicated to highlighting the beauty of fallen trees from Hurricane Irma.
Between January and June, visitors were able to cast a vote for their favorite piece of artwork. William LaFreniere’s sculpture titled “Self Portrait” is this year’s winner. The piece was created using several different types of wood from the fallen trees at the estates.
Many hurricanes have passed through Southwest Florida since the late 1800s when Thomas Edison decided to build his winter home along the Caloosahatchee River. In 2017, Irma’s winds wreaked havoc when the storm blew through, taking down several trees at the estates. Afterward, some of the wood from historic and rare species was salvaged and sold to local artists. They carved works of art and furniture from the wood, and some pieces were included in the exhibit.
Next year’s artist exhibit, “Sustainable Conceptions,” will be on display from Jan. 14 to May 29. It will showcase art inspired by Edison and Ford’s efforts to reuse products and their abilities to work toward a sustainable future. Artists are invited to submit two- and three-dimensional works made from recycled materials or illustrating sustainability now through Nov. 7. To apply, artists may contact Tayelor Kakes at TKakes@edisonford.org.
For more information, visit EdisonFord.org or call 239-334-7419.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.