When art meets nature, this is what it looks like, as the “Ding” Darling Society presents a new art fest to benefit J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

alligators from recycled tiresNamed “Upcycle! Art Fest”, the idea of this inaugural event is “to provide an artistic venue for artists to showcase fine art and craft of the highest quality made from recycled and re-purposed materials. It will also educate and entertain the public on the importance of recycling and ultimately protecting our wildlife.”

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, and will offer visitors ideas and visions of yard sculptures made from used tires, healthful food options, art and craft projects, live music and a plein air art event along Wildlife Drive. Perhaps most spectacular will be a group art project featuring seven artists collaborating over seven days on a single exhibit to transform trash into treasure. The completed sculpture will be revealed on Saturday, April 26.

Plan on being here for this first-time-anywhere event. For more information, visit the Upcycle! Art Fest website.

Book accommodations for the weekend and the run-up at West Wind Island Resort. We’d love to have you here!