WOW To Do List: Annual Artist of the Year and Scholarship Luncheon

MAY

Reclaimed art featured in May

Marco Island Center for the Arts invites the public to view three different artist interpretations using found objects to create new artwork. Swiss born, Marco Island artist Claire Keery has won numerous awards with her collages, assemblages and encaustics paintings. Artifacts found during her extensive travels to Asia and Africa can be found encased in her work. Twin brothers, Sean and Nathan O’Donnell, are commercial painting entrepreneurs and Marco’s “Mahogany Masters” self-taught sculptors. They specialize in converting local rescued wood into a collector’s item that can be shared for generations. The brothers believe that each piece of wood has a story to be told. Karen Swanker, a native Pennsylvanian, is a former graphic designer from the advertising industry. She is pursuing advanced study in fine art and abstract design.

La Petite Galerie: Barbara Parisi’s exhibit “Variations on a Theme” presents design patterns that are essentially ethnic or tribal in nature. She has repeated some of the basic designs, varying the color and material, to provide a different visual effect. She also incorporates vintage decorative elements. Her newest wearables are micro-sized Origami cranes that have been made into earrings. Whenever Barbara finds an item of interest, she will comment, “Wonder if I could include that into a piece of jewelry.”

The exhibit is open through May 29. The Center for the arts is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Marco Island Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive just off of Collier Boulevard.

Information: 239-394-4221 or marcoislandart.org.

JUNE

Breakfast with the birds

“Breakfast with the Birds: Migration” will be 9 until 10:30 a.m., June 1. Learn about birds at this new summer lecture series. Adam DiNuovo has been working with shorebirds and seabirds across the US and beyond for more than 15 years. He is currently the Shorebird Stewardship Program Manager for Audubon Florida. Event begins with a light breakfast and mingling. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session. Register for events at rookerybay.org/calendar.

Annual Artist of the Year and Scholarship Luncheon

Marco Island Foundation for the Arts invites the public to their annual luncheon to honor 2017 Artist of the Year, Austin Bell, curator and artistic director at the Marco Island Historical Museum and our five scholarship winners, 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 3. The luncheon is held at the Wesley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 350 S. Barfield Dr., Marco Island. To make reservations, send your check to MIFA, Annual Luncheon, P.O. Box 1091, Marco Island, FL 34146 including names of guests, email address and phone no. Cost is $20 per person. Information: Clara at 239-404-0657.

J.Robert Florida Songwriter Showcase

The J.Robert Florida Songwriter Showcase is on stage every Monday, from 7 until 10 pm, June 5 through Aug. 28 at The Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Advance tickets are $30 each for reserved seating and $35 at the door. Buy individual tickets or a package at TheMarcoPlayers.com or call the box office at 239-642-7270.

Each show includes a performance, intermission, Q & A with the musician, and jam session. During the shows, the musicians will share personal stories about Florida heritage that inspired their songwriting and their musical talents.

Performers are Raiford Starke (June 5), Austin Church (June 12), Bob Williams (June 19), Mitch Peters (June 27), Rita Youngman (July 3), Roy Schneider (July 10), Nate Martin (July 17), Ray Cerbone (July 24), Captn Jac (July 31), Pete Gallagher and Pat Barmore (Aug. 7), Andy Wahlberg (Aug. 14), “Sawgrass” Cindy Hackney (Aug. 21) and Joerey Ortiz (Aug. 28).

YMCA summer camp

Counting down to the start of its summer camp sessions, Marco’s YMCA promises a healthy blend of educational, social and physical activities for kids. And, while the Y, of course, caters for the local student community, it also embraces nearby East Naples by running camps for youngsters from lesser-privileged families. The camps kick off June 5 and run through Aug. 15 at the Y; and until July 25 at Manatee and Parkside elementary schools, Everglades City School and the Marco Island Charter Middle School. Cost: $80 per student per week ($90 non-Y members). Siblings $70. Discounts for early payment. Subsidies available by application. Prospective camp councilors, email Garcia at schoolage@marcoy.org. Information: greatermarcoymca.com

Summer Institute for marine science

The summer Institute for marine science will be 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., June 5. Budding scientists are invited to discover our unique coastal environment with Rookery Bay staff and local researchers! This week-long camp brings students into the field to experience concept in ecology, marine biology, sustainability, and citizen science. Program is designed for students who have completed 7th or 8th grade with an interest in marine science.

Space is limited, contact Jeannine Windsor at 239-530-5989.

Weeki Wachee

The Marco Island Historical Society presents Lu Vickers “Weeki Wachee: City of Mermaids” at 7 p.m., June 6, at Rose History Auditorium. The program is free to members of the Society and $10 for non-members. The presentation will cover the history of Weeki Wachee from its very beginnings and will show how Newt Perry developed his dream of underwater performances at Silver Springs and Wakulla before heading to the east coast of Florida to found his own attraction.

Essentials of digital photography workshop

Essentials of digital photography workshop, 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., June 12. If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understanding your camera’s features, the Essentials of Digital Photography: How to get the most from your digital camera workshop is for you. This class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your camera's shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students.

Register for events at rookerybay.org/calendar.

Teachers on the Estuary

Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., June 13. This workshop is open to all teachers around the country: any school, any subject, grades 6-8. The content of the workshop will be based on NOAA's Estuaries 101 Middle School curriculum and will likely focus on topics such as: sharks, birds, plankton, invasive species, and water quality. We will spend each morning in the field, getting our feet wet exploring the Reserve. Afternoons will be inside, meeting staff and learning about activities you can adapt for your classroom.

Register for events at rookerybay.org/calendar.

ONGOING

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: Summer hours

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center summer hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It offers a two-story visitor center, art gallery, gift shop and nature trail with viewing platform. Themed naturalist programs offered daily on topics such as manatees, sharks, sea turtles, marine life touch tank and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6- 12, and free for kids under 6 and Friends of Rookery Bay members. Located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of U.S. 41 and Collier Boulevard.

Register for events at rookerybay.org/calendar.

Kids Free Fridays

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., June 16 through Aug. 4: This popular summer education at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center program provides free admission for children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by a paying adult. We recommend a ratio of no more than 3 kids per adult to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. Pre-registration is not necessary. Adults must pay at door ($5, free for members). This summer’s theme is Animals of the Reserve! Scheduled activities include: story time, naturalist presentation, crafts and activities, face painting, and films. A food truck will be onsite from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

JCMI mah jongg

Mah Jongg every Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Call Shirley at 239-389-7872.

Mackle Park mah jongg

Play mah jongg from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. each Thursday at The Family Church, 1450 Winterberry Drive. Come join the fun and make new friends. Walk-ins welcomed; free. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Mackle Park duplicate bridge

Play bridge from 12:30 to 4 p.m. each Friday at The Family Church, 1450 Winterberry Drive. Duplicate Bridge is another way to meet new friends on Marco. Reservations are required. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Canasta

Come meld with us from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoons at The Family Church, 1450 Winterberry Drive. This is a free, social program where you can enjoy the game of canasta and make new Island friends. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Sabbath services

JCMI, The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 911 Winterberry Avenue, offers Sabbath services at 8 p.m., Fridays. Dessert follows. Information: 642-0800.

Round Robin Tennis

Round Robin Tennis is available at various times and days for men and women at the Greater Marco Family YMCA, 101 Sand Hill Street, Marco Island. Eight clay courts are available. Round Robins are free to Marco YMCA members and $15 for community participants. Players must register to play in Round Robins. Registration or information: 239-394-3144, ext. 224.

Intermediate adult tennis clinics

Intermediate Adult Tennis Clinics will be held at the Greater Marco Family YMCA Tennis Facility from 9 to 10 a.m. each Tuesday at the Greater Marco Family YMCA, 101 Sand Hill Street. Sign up in the Tennis office or call 239-394-3144, ext. 224.

JULY

Everglades City Independence Day celebration

Historic Everglades City is always first -- the first Collier County seat and the first in the area to celebrate Independence Day. The annual family-fun festival to commemorate America’s founding will be on Saturday, July 1. The opening ceremony is at 10 a.m. on the steps of City Hall (the former county courthouse). That is followed at 10:30 a.m. by the patriotic parade. There are prizes for the best floats which may be anything from golf carts to swamp buggies. The fun continues in McLeod Park when booths open at 11 a.m. featuring hotdogs and sodas, bake sale, face painting, arts and crafts vendors, raffles, kiddies’ best dressed contest, and playground games. In the evening the grand finale is the dramatic musical fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Information: Dottie at 239-695-3781 or evergladeshistorical.org.

Calendar items must be submitted to mail@marcoeagle.com.