Kiwanis presents $1,000 check to Art League
For 50 years, the Cape Coral Art League has supported and taught the arts and artists in the city.
On Thursday, during a special event at the Art League’s building on Cultural Park Boulevard, the Kiwanis of Cape Coral gave the Art League a token of appreciation for its support of the city’s youngest artists.
The Kiwanis presented a $1,000 check to the Arts League to support its young artists program. The presentation was made during an event that also celebrated the league’s 50th anniversary and the artist’s work with a legacy show and special exhibit in the gallery called “Wild About Wildlife.”
Lillian Colon, community chairperson of Kiwanis, presented the league with the check during a formal ceremony with several of the kids who ply their work in the children’s afterschool art program.
“We’re mainly an organization of older people. Three years ago we made a concerted effort to start a children’s program,” said Susanne Sims, president of the league. “We started our first summer camp last summer. We applied for a grant, and they were kind enough to give us $1,000.”
“We are so excited to help the children believe in their talents and skills and build their self-esteem. We help one child at a time, one family at a time,” Colon said. “We will continue to support this cause because we believe in the children in our community.”
Adriana Nadco, 10, became part of the program three weeks ago (though she has done art for years). She does clay and painting and really enjoys it.
“At my old class they didn’t do the things we do here. We get to do clay and paint,” Nadco said. “I’m learning a lot from my teacher. She’s great.”
People got a good look at the “Wild About Wildlife” display, which featured paintings and pictures of all sorts of wild animals, from eagles to fish.
But, the star if the show was a watercolor painting of an alligator, done by Pat Ricci. It received the blue ribbon for the best in show.
“I took a photograph of an alligator in Sanibel and used it to produce the painting,” Ricci said. “I entered several times with paintings and thought no one would paint an alligator so I decided to do it.”
Also, the league gave special recognition to the past presidents who were able to come, all of which had their art on exhibit in the main room.
Florence Sansom, 97, came to reminisce about one of her paintings, one of which was inspired by a picnic in the woods in 1924. Others also attended.
June Summerfield, an art icon in the city and president of the league from 1989-90, was instrumental in getting the Art League building and theatre built.
“I’m so thrilled to see all the past presidents. It’s a wonderful tribute. We believe that the cultural arts is the fabric of life,” Sommerfield said.
The Art League is a non-profit organization with 210 members, run primarily by volunteers. It has been in existence since 1966 and in its current building since 1984.
The Art League offers classes and workshops for beginners to those who sell their art, as well as monthly shows so they can exhibit their art.
The league is also embarking on a major project. “Dancing with the Dolphins.” Dolphins painted by local artists will be placed around the city to help the league maintain its facility.
The Cape Coral Art League is at 516 Cultural Park Blvd., north of Cultural Park Theatre and the Historical Museum. For information, call 239-772-5657.