Protect & Preserve

This is a 40 x 30 original painting.   I used spray paint and acrylic paint.  I painted this in honor of Sanibel Island’s 50th anniversary of becoming Its own city. I included sentences from the Island Reporter article from November 8, 1974.  I couldn’t fit the entire article on my painting, so I chose my favorite parts. This painting to me feels like everything Sanibel represents. And it’s our job to protect and preserve our beautiful island and the wildlife that live on it.

these are the words I wrote on the painting:

Sanibel is now a city with all of the benefits & burdens that go with self government.

Island Reporter one year old next week has grown up along with the lengthy battle over incorporation.  As the only island owned newspaper, we are proud to be a part of the new city.

We are neighbors, all of us, & with a little effort, we can solve our differences through common sense, sensible talk & sound planning.

Assume a civic responsibility in whatever capacity.  Let’s be proud of our new city & make it a model for All to see!

Work towards a city Council that is sensibly balanced between the two key elements of the city:

An environmentally, attractive, residential community and a sound business community that can thrive & make a fair profit.

Look upon the beaches of the island, the roadways, the shopping areas, the waterways & wetlands & say:

These are ours to protect & preserve!