MARIANNE PATON The featured artist for the month of August at the Welcome Center Mangrove Gallery is island native, Bonnie Davis.

Each month space at the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce has reserved space to display the work of area artists. Throughout the month of August, visitors to the Welcome Center are invited to view the work of Bonnie Davis now on display in the Mangrove Gallery.

A native Pine Islander, Davis shares her views of things familiar to those who live and work on the island. Incorporating her images in a wide array of multi mediums, Davis incorporates locally gathered shells and fish designs in many of her unique pieces.

“I use a lot of native wildlife, especially fish, in my work. I am the daughter of a fisherman, so it only seemed natural,” Davis said. “Many of my designs also incorporated island foliage as well. I love the island and the things here are what inspires me most.”

In addition to traditional wall paintings, Davis is showing examples of her “glitzed up” vintage clothing as well as decorative home accents in the form of lamps, picture frames and baskets. Clothing accents range from mother of pearl buttons and shells to glitter. Other creations include a line of scarves Davis has produced by knitting, knotting and gathering a variety of yarn textures. This wearable art is a particular favorite of the artist.

“I have always loved vintage clothing and sewing is a skill I learned from my grandmother and my mother,” said Davis. “My mom and grandmother were very talented seamstresses and they have shared what they have learned about sewing with me over the years.”

In addition to the works currently on display in the Mangrove Gallery, Davis also participated in the chamber pole painting effort and has painted several of the utility poles on Pine Island. They include the palm tree silhouette at the island center, belly up mullet near the Grab Bag in Bokeelia and pompano located near Tropic Island RV Park also in Bokeelia.

“I recently was asked to paint another pole somewhere on the island which will depict clusters of grapes, but right now I am working on a mural at Coast Connection in Bokeelia,” Davis said.

Having had no formal art lessons, Davis attributes her success as an artist to her mother.

“My mother had always encouraged me, even as a child,” Davis said. “I began painting at an early age and won an award while I was in the second grade at Pine Island Elementary. This was very exciting for me because my picture was hung at the Edison Mall which was a big deal because that was when the mall was brand new.”

Considering herself a “green” artist, Davis said she incorporates recycled materials in her work as often as possible. She also said that she considers her work to be unique and a bit quirky, much like the island itself.

Many of the items created by Davis are for sale and the collection can be viewed at the Welcome Center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other works by Davis can also be seen at Coast Connection on Porta Bello Road in Bokeelia or call Davis at 745-7469 to view other items available for purchase.

According to chamber director, LIsa Benton, there are openings at this time in the Mangrove Gallery for artists to display their work. Those interested in reserving space are asked to call Lisa Benton at the chamber, 283-0888 to schedule a month to display.