Shell show to feature speciality piece, Australian competitor
Set for March 8-9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, the Sanibel Shell Show will feature a piece of art created especially for the event, along with an Australian competitor in the Artistic Division.
The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club announced that “Shelly” is a full-size mannequin dressed entirely in shells. It was made by Sanibel artists Andrea Schopf and Linda Graves Arnold, who used many different shells that were collected on the island’s beaches. “Shelly” will be an official show greeter, stationed next to the entrance of the Shell Show Exhibit Hall. Also, the piece will be part of a live auction on March 9 at 2 p.m. Those interested in bidding but cannot attend can contact club President Karen Silverstein at newtard1234@gmail.com to place their bid.
In addition, the club announced that one of Inga Archer’s artistic creations will compete in the show. Archer grew up on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. Living by the sea, she always loved everything to do with the beach, including surfing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing and beachcombing. Archer’s love of the sea shaped her hobbies, daily activities and artwork. She began her artistic career trying to make flowers out of shells. Archer’s primary forte has become creating floral bouquets, table decorations, candle holders and jewelry.
Entry is a requested $5 cash donation. Free parking will be available.
The show is the club’s annual fundraiser, which provides research and education grants to local non-profits, such as the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Commission. The grants support work in water quality, conservation, malacology and conchology.
The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers.