Museum of the Islands presents Christmas Open House on Dec. 6
The Museum of the Islands will ring in the holiday season this Saturday as it presents the annual Christmas Open House. As in years past, this event is sure to offer something for everyone and fun and festivities will be geared for members of the entire family.
The open house will take place at the museum located on Sesame Road in Bokeelia from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This year organizers of the event are pleased to have two noted local artists as its special guests that day.
Displaying her works of art will be Pine Island artist Mel Meo. In addition to the opportunity to view her work, Meo also will be engaged in creating more of her work on site.
Also joining the circle of talent on the island is new book author Mary Kaye Stevens. A Pine Island resident since 1972, Stevens recently published the book, “Images of America, Pine Island.” As a retired teacher, Stevens has dedicated most of her time conducting historical research for the book while working at her family island business, Quail Run Nursery in St. James City. The book chronicals the history of Pine Island dating as far back as the Calusa Indians to today and is filled with vintage photographs of familiar island sites and residents past and present. Stevens will be on hand to autograph copies of her book and answer questions visitors may have about the island history.
Also on hand for the day’s event will be members of the Pine Island Garden Club, who will provide lectures on two different art forms involving gardening.
Bonnie Kellen will be giving the first of the two talks from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and will focus on the Florida Yards and Neighborhood program conducted by the Lee County Extension Serves. Kellen has been recognized for her outstanding work in the Lee County area and her own yard was once featured in the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods tours.
Then from 10:30 to 11 a.m., Marjorie VanderKruik will introduce visitors to “Floral Arrangements 101” using flowers found in any typical Florida yard.
In addition to the lectures, book signing and art demonstration, music will be provided throughout the event by Frank Tuma. Refreshments will be available as well as home-baked desserts, arts and crafts, special Christmas items and plants for sale.
Visitors also are reminded that the MOTI gift shop also will be open and this is the perfect time to shop for unique gifts for the special people on your shopping list. The shop is filled with books, T-shirts, Christmas ornaments and the DVD of the show, “Pine Island: Untold Story,” which aired on PBS last year. Also new on the shelves at MOTI is a book titled, “Do You Know the Way to Matlacha,” penned by Cape Coral author Joseph Riley, which also can be purchased in the museum gift shop.
“This is going to be a fabulous morning to have fun with the family, meet new and old friends and do your Christmas shopping for those unusual gifts for those special people. Who could ask for more?” said VanderKruik. “It is our hope that residents and visitors will join us for this special event and support their museum.”
The Museum of the Islands is located at 5728 Sesame Drive, at the corner of Sesame and Russell. Travel one block north of the four-way stop on Stringfellow Road and take a left on Sesame Drive.
For more information, go to the MOTI Web site at museumoftheislands.com or call 283-1525.
To go
What: Christmas Open House
Where: Museum of the Islands
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.