‘Fanciful’ exhibit opens at Shell Point

T h e e x h i b i t i o n

“Fanciful: Art That Makes You Smile” will be on display now through March 1 8 i n t h e T r i b b y A r t s Center at the Shell Point Retirement Community, at 17281 On Par Blvd , Fort Myers

The light-hearted exhibit seeks to uplift spirits still coping with the effects of a hurricane.

The artists on display are paper sculptor Maxine B r o o k s , p a i n t e r s N a n c y D i m i c k a n d H e l e n K e t t e m a n , a n d t e x t i l e artists Barbara Heatherly and Carol Mann, all Shell P o i n t r e s i d e n t s I t a l s o includes fiber sculptor by Katie Gardenia, who is form e r l y o f S a n i b e l a n d Captiva and now from San Antonio, Texas

The exhibition is free of charge and open to the public

For more information, call 239-415-5667

Sounds of the Sand to support refuge’s recovery and mission

In partnership with Bell Tower and Two Lane Lager, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge will present Sounds of the Sand on March 25 from 1 to 7 p m to support the recovery efforts and conservation outr e a c h o f t h e J N “ D i n g ” D a r l i n g N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e R e f u g e s i n c e Hurricane Ian destroyed much of its habitat and infrastructure

The event will take place at the shopping plaza in Fort Myers, featuring Sanibel musician Danny Morgan and other local bands and entertainers It will be open to the public free of charge

The three-pronged partnership grew from a past relationship between Bell Tower and Two Lane Lager hosting fundraisers to support the community Last year, the DDWS developed a strong connection with Two Lane as a supporter of its annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, and both parties wanted to keep the relationship going

“It all came full circle when DDWS and Two Lane brought Bell Tower into the equation to help with a special, unique event to benefit the refuge,” DDWS Executive Director Birgie Miller said “We wanted to get musicians who have played at local island bars and resorts to help them with their own recovery We also hope this reminds people the island is resilient, and music continues to help us heal and get back to our happy places ”

The Sanibel refuge will set up stations with nature games for families, along with information about it, its recovery and how to donate to the DDWS to support refuge conservation work, including post-hurricane habitat restoration, wildlife protection and environmental education

Suncoast Beverage Sales, distributor of Two Lane American Golden Lager Beer brand, will sell beer with the profits going directly to the DDWS

Other Bell Tower merchants, including several displaced from their island locations, will participate Activities will also include face-painting, axe throwing, a bounce house, lawn games and cotton candy Musicians will perform on the main stage and at stations at either end of the shopping plaza

“As an icon in the community, Bell Tower is committed to supporting the 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge and its mission of conservation and wildlife protection,” Shannon Palzer, marketing manager for the shopping plaza, said “Never before has this mission been more important than in the w a k e o f H u r r i c a n e I a n , w h i c h h a s destroyed so much of the area’s natural habitat ”

“At Bell Tower, we have helped seven displaced area retailers get back on their feet, and we stand ready to help this worthy organization raise the funds it needs to recover and reopen,” she added “We look forward to seeing everyone at the Sounds of the Sand event in March as we work together to keep Southwest Florida strong.”

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact event organizer April B o e h n e n a t aprilb@dingdarlingsociety org or visit dingdarling org

Bell Tower is at 13499 S Cleveland Ave , Fort Myers

GULF COAST SYMPHONY Symphony to present ‘Forever Plaid’

The Gulf Coast Symphony will perform “Forever Plaid” now through March 11 at the Music & Arts Community Center, at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. One of Broadway's most popular and successful musicals, the show is chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols The Four Freshman, The HiLo's and The Crew Cuts On the way to their first big gig, the “Plaids” are broadsided by a school bus and killed At this moment their heavenly journey and final chance at musical glory begins Tickets range from $39-50 For more information or tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/