Sanibel Bliss, the name of the heart I designed
My experience with the Art heart project
When I first got the call, it was before hurricane Ian. Delays from the hurricane were intensified by help shortages for remedying the damage, discerning real help from the numerous scammers that landed on Sanibel and deciphering forms and procedures to help pay for the damages. For us, the aftermath of Ian delivered more damage than the hurricane.
Many months later, when emails began again on happier topics, the primed heart structure arrived. I spent considerable time pondering what this heart was to be. For months images of houses being tossed in the air was more of a metaphor and I longed to see the future rather than a reminder of all that was, left up in the air for so many.
Finally, the turning point came through prayer and inquiring what was in the future for us and our island. I saw in my mind a detailed flower and vine design and although many details were omitted when I inquired further, I began anyway, because sometimes we just need to begin and let God work through our work.
He did. The design is the peace and calm of the future. Although, still the air and water elements as seen before, yet now and ever present on a barrier island the more promising side of what we find appealing about living on an island.
The design flowed out of me and I finished painting the heart. I’m one of fifteen Artists selected to paint, the hearts will be on display from November to February throughout Sanibel and at the Bell Tower on Fort Myers. The hearts will be auctioned at the Gala on February 3, 2024 at the Sanibel Community House. Here is the link to the event and how to purchase tickets:
https://sancapchr.org/event/give-your-heart-to-chr-gallery-gala/
Hope to see you there!
Arlene Stigum
