DDWS, refuge to present next lecture in annual series
As part of the 18th annual “Ding” Darling Lecture Series, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will host Amy Matsumoto Urich for “The Captivating Art and Times of My Father, Ikki Matsumoto” on Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
Last year, Urich published “Captivated: The Art of Ikki Matsumoto by Steve Saari,” the first book to chronicle the life and work of her father, Southwest Florida artist Ikki Matsumoto. Ikki, his wife Polly and his daughter — all artists — moved to Sanibel in the mid-1970s and quickly got involved in the community. Urich attended school on Sanibel and became a part of the close-knit island community.
“I grew up in the midst of art and creativity,” Urich, whose Japanese-born father worked in commercial art, newspaper advertising design and textbook illustration before moving to the islands, said.
The lecture is free; a book signing will follow, with limited-edition copies available for sale.
In addition, the Refuge Nature Stores are carrying a selection of limited-edition framed and unframed Matsumoto works signed by the artist; some will be available for purchase the day of the lecture.
Socially-distanced seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. Staff will take temperatures and distribute wristbands starting at 9 a.m. Attendees must be wearing face masks to enter. Early arrivals may save their seat and one other with personal items. Saved seats must be filled by 9:45 a.m.
For more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/ lecture-and-film-series.