Halloween will come early this year to Matlacha. Presenting the fifth annual Costume Extravaganza, WildChild Art Gallery will be visited by ghoulies and goblins of every shape and size on Friday, Oct. 9.

All are invited to this kick-off event for the art season in Matlacha from 2 to 9 p.m. Those attending may opt to dress-up in their Halloween finery and catch a preview of the upcoming season’s artwork. While wandering through the gallery, visitors to the event can enjoy the latest works produced by local artists, listen to live music provided by the Matlacha Drum Circle and a reggae band and enjoy light snacks and beverages courtesy of WildChild. According to gallery owner Peggy McTeague, last year’s event attracted more than 60 people dressed in costumes ranging from pirates to Greek gods, and this year McTeague is hopeful that even more will come out to enjoy the festivities.

“Last year, we had 60 people come out to join us in costume and I hope many more will attend this year’s festivities,” said McTeague. “To me, this party represents the beginning of the season and I look forward to our visitors getting to see the gallery’s new look and see the work of several new artists who are now at WildChild.”

Prizes for the best costumes will be award in first, second and third place for both adults and children. The first place prize for the adults will be a weekend getaway at an inn on the island. In addition to art displays and the costume contest, a reggae band will perform in the garden for the evening. The gallery also will offer trick or treat for the children and several artists will be on hand to pass out small gifts and goodies to the kids.

The four new artists who now call WildChild home are Jeannette Batko, who produces lively painted cocoanuts; Janis Frawley, the author of the book “Island Wise;” Madelon Gorsky, who works in acrylics; and Marcia Perlman, the author of a “Spirit Life,” a book of island poetry.

The WildChild Gallery first opened in Matlacha in 2000 and has become a mecca for contemporary artists, included more than 120 Florida artisans. According to McTeague, the idea behind her gallery is to have a place where people can experience art in all forms. McTeague is an accomplished metal artist and is widely known for her unique and functional metal fountains. In addition to her work in metal, McTeague has specialized in portrait photography and has worked with stained glass, woodworking, acrylics and watercolors. She also has created one-of-a-kind hats utilizing objects including woven bands of leather, shells, bone and glass beads.

McTeague began working with metal in 1995 and today continues this art form to be her preferred medium. During the early days of WildChild Gallery, McTeague began displaying her metal sculptures along with the works of 20 other local artists whom she hand picked for their talent for capturing the native beauty of Florida. Today the gallery features the work of more than 150 artists.

Perhaps McTeague’s biggest undertaking was a piece she had been commissioned to create after Hurricane Charley. The monumental sculpture called “The Spirit” was created to commemorate the “life changing” event that transformed the landscape of the Southwest Florida area. Commissioned by the city of Punta Gorda, The Spirit was completed and dedicated in November 2005. It stands in a prominent park to remind residents and visitors that the people who endured the wrath of the ferocious Category 4 hurricane are now living a “new normal” life, and have endured and prospered despite the many losses associated with the storm.

Throughout the winter season, each month one or more artists are featured during gallery openings and workshops are offered on a regular basis. Past workshops have included learning about the benefits of Feng Shui, creating a garden fairy home, Native American wooden flute instruction and making pine needle baskets.

Demonstrations also are offered each month during the winter months and include artists who specialize in furniture painting, underwater photography, wood carving, working in watercolors, oils and acrylics, stained glass, paper mache’ and more.

WildChild Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.