Artists spotlight for refuge event
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will welcome artists Rachel Pierce, Jim Sprankle, Alejandra “Alex” Bustamante and Lacy McClary to its Art in the Wild on Oct. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Visitor & Education Center. A refuge Artist-in-Residence alumnus, Pierce paints vivid island scenes on canvas, clothing and jewelry. She will lead a hands-on workshop, “Paint on Queen Palm Pods,” as a take-home project for registered participants. Major League Baseball player turned major-league bird sculptor, Sprankle carves intricate lifelike works from his Sanibel home studio. His bird sculptures can be viewed throughout the refuge’s center. Sprankle will demonstrate his craft. A native of Peru, Bustamante has worked in the field of art for many years in Southwest Florida. Currently, she operates her own branding and art mural business. A Sanibel artist, McClary is best known for her whimsical, island-inspired paintings and reclaimed wooden boho art pieces. Bustamante and McClary will demonstrate their painting techniques.