Participating artists for the April show include:
​Mara Balodis - original art
Laura Ball - original art
Steve Canton - baked goods
Renee Chastant - watercolor art
Jayne Crowell - jewelry & handbags
Laurie Flannery - jewelry
Mike Gibson - jewelry
Matt & Melissa Gindling - illustrations, paper goods
Jill Keenley - pottery
Linda Langheld - candles
Tracie Lantz - crafts, original craft kits (3 Crafty Ladies)
Christine Marshall - nightlights
Sally McGowan - embroidered pillows
Alexandra Owen - handmade clothing
Lauren Sandler - beaded jewelry and painted wooden signs
Dan Schuman - printed t-shirts
Sarah Shaffer - seashell jewelry and beaded bracelets
Stan Timson - original paintings

​Since 1927, The Community House has served as the gathering place of the islands. Many social organizations, civic groups, and clubs that first found a home here at The Community House are still here to this day. The Sanibel Community Association (SCA) is an independent nonprofit organization that operates “The Community House,” which not only serves as an event location but also offers rental space.

SanibelCommunityHouse.net
239.472.2155

The Island Octopus was created by husband-wife team Matt and Melissa Gindling. Their online gift shop offers whimsical critters, beachy art, coloring books, apparel, and handcrafted incense.

Name of Press Contact: Melissa Gindling
[email protected]

Fine art, handcrafted accessories and gifts, books, greeting cards, jewelry, tropical decor, delicious baked goods, and more available at Sanibel Community House Arts & Crafts Fair, October 29, 2023. 
​
Sanibel Island, Florida - The Sanibel Community House will host an Arts & Crafts Fair on October 29, 2023. Shoppers will find fine art, handcrafted accessories, gifts, books, greeting cards, jewelry, shell crafts, tropical decor, and delicious baked goods from over 25 artists and makers. This free event takes place from 9 AM - 2 PM, indoors at The Community House,  2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, Florida. The Community House will be hosting artists and makers monthly, from October through April.

Participating artists and makers for October 29th include:
Virginia Alden - resin art
Leslie Angel - jewelry, artwork and baskets
Mara Balodis - original art
Melissa Beeck - resin decor
Paulette Boudreau - original paintings
Steve Canton - baked goods
Renee Chastant - watercolor art
Gina Cotter - shadow boxes and jewelry
JoAnn Crag - glass art on canvas
Jayne Crowell - handmade jewelry and purses
Clarice Fagin - stained glass
Guna Foraker - children's bows and ornaments
Mike Gibson - fine jewelry
Melissa & Matt Gindling - original illustrations
Vivian Kearney - watercolor art
Jill Keenley - pottery
Salli Kirkland - crafts and culinary
Jill Krummen - seaglass and beaded jewelry
Trish Logan - handmade jewelry
Christine Marshall - handcrafted night lights
Nancy Rector - beaded jewelry
Patty Rusch - handmade bags and painted jackets
Lauren Sandler - beaded jewelry and handmade decor
Perky Smoot - sea glass jewelry
Jim & Patty Sprankle - porcelain creations
Arlene Stigum - original oil paintings
Lynn Walters - seashell decorations
Sanibel Shellcrafters - original shell crafts

Since 1927, The Community House has served as the gathering place of the islands. Many social organizations, civic groups, and clubs that first found a home here at The Community House are still here to this day. The Sanibel Community Association (SCA) is an independent nonprofit organization that operates “The Community House,” which not only serves as an event location but also offers rental space.

SanibelCommunityHouse.net
239.472.2155

The Island Octopus was created by husband-wife team Matt and Melissa Gindling. Their online gift shop offers whimsical critters, beachy art, coloring books, apparel, and handcrafted incense.

Name of Press Contact: Melissa Gindling
[email protected]

THE ISLAND OCTOPUS TO HOST MEET A MERMAID EVENT

Where: The Island Octopus at Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907. The Island Octopus is located in suite 107, next to Ice Spot and near Dave and Busters.

When: Saturday June 18, 1-3PM EST

Details: Meet Mermaid Maggie at this free event for families.

Mermaid Maggie will be teaching us about the animals that make sea shells, singing, and providing eco-friendly glitter tattoos. She will also be talking about some of the jewelry she makes from Sanibel seashells. In addition, a mermaid-themed coloring page table will be set up for children. Families are invited to stop by and meet Mermaid Maggie, take a photo, and learn more about our ocean. This is a free event.

About The Island Octopus:
The Island Octopus was created by husband-wife team Matt and Melissa Gindling. Our store in Bell Tower (Fort Myers, Florida) features Matt & Melissa's aquatic and beachy artwork, shirts, tote bags, prints, cards & postcards, coloring books, and other beach gifts. You can also find a selection of artwork by a few other local SW Florida artists. While you are visiting, strike a pose and take a selfie by our Fort Myers art wall, and pick out one of our free coloring pages. Learn more at IslandOctopus.com.

About Mermaid Maggie:
Mermaid Maggie brings smiles and magic to people of all ages while advocating for ocean conservation and an eco-friendly future. She hosts birthday parties and other events, inspiring people of all ages through interactive songs, storytelling, and games. Learn more at EnchantedPartyTime.com.

The Island Octopus is excited to release a new Animals of Sanibel Coloring Book this week! Consisting of 34 fun animal illustrations, this book features some of the critters you might find while visiting Sanibel Island, Florida. The coloring book is now available in our online shop, and will also be available in our Bell Tower (Fort Myers, FL) retail space at our grand opening on March 11!

The Animals of Sanibel Coloring Book was illustrated by Melissa Rohr Gindling, and features many of the iconic animals found on Sanibel, including the brown pelican, manatee, marsh rabbit, roseate spoonbill, gopher tortoise, Sanibel Island rice rat, junonia snail, and more. This is Melissa's 12th coloring book release.

Learn more about The Island Octopus, or join our newsletter!

Halloween art and accessories available at Virtual Halloween Market on October 1-3.
The Island Octopus gift shop hosts online event to help artists and small businesses this autumn.

St. Louis, Missouri - The Island Octopus gift shop will host a Virtual Halloween Market, an online shopping event featuring a variety of artists and makers, virtual activities, and freebies. Shoppers will find Halloween art, accessories, apparel, and home decor from 6 artists and small online businesses at this unique event. The Virtual Halloween Market runs from October 1-3, 2021. Shoppers can join the Facebook group or The Island Octopus website  to view the event.

​The Island Octopus was founded in 2021 by husband-wife team Matt and Melissa Gindling. The online gift shop offers whimsical critters, beachy art, coloring books, apparel, and handcrafted incense.