Artist Julie Salvetti received second place
recognition for her work at a Sanibel art festival in
2017.
March/April 2018 GASPARILLA ISLAND 47
Spring in Boca Grande usually brings an
abundant amount of art shows, and here
is a synopsis of events you’ll want to add
to your calendar this March and April.
The Island Art Days Fine Art and Craft
Show is planned for Saturday, March 17 and
Sunday, March 18 at 431 Park Avenue in
downtown Boca Grande.
Organized by Julie Salvetti and Linda Welch,
this is the 13th year the show will take place.
Salvetti founded the event 13 years ago
when she teamed up with Robin Melvin of
Gasparilla Outfitters and Special Effects to sell
her artwork at the store.
“It started out with just a few artists, and this
year we have 17 exhibitors who will be at the
show, so we are very excited.” Salvetti said.
“Some are returning artists and some will be
new this year.”
Locally known as “The Pearl Girl” since she
chooses to focus on using pearls in her jewelry
design, Salvetti started creating pieces in the
1980s.
“By using the only gem born in the body of
a living organism, when someone purchases a
piece, it is the energetic transfer of living art,”
Salvetti said.
Sponsored by Gasparilla Outfitters and
Special Effects, the 2018 featured artist is Steve
Whitlock. Steve creates location specific game
fish scenes on navigational charts, detailed
pencil and acrylic fish illustrations, and beautiful
fine art fish paintings. A graduate of Ringling
College of Art and Design, Steve earned a
bachelor degree in fine arts. Since then he has
focused on wildlife art. He works with a variety
of mediums, but mainly completes acrylic pieces,
as it is quick drying and more opaque.
He was born in Tampa and raised in Naples and
worked as a fishing guide for many years in the
Everglades.
Attendees are encouraged to come meet and
talk with the artists from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the
parking area, where the artists will have their work
on display.