ABOUT US

HISTORY OF THE MARCO ISLAND'S CENTER FOR THE ARTS

In 1969, on the newly developing Marco Island, a small group of 19 artists joined efforts and formed the Art League of Marco Island Inc. These resourceful pioneers held meetings whenever facilities were available. Their goal was a permanent home for the island’s only cultural visual art center. Frank Mackle Jr. and the Deltona Corp donated the original land for Phase I of the building in 1977. The founders of the Art League intended the League to be a ‘Learning Experience’. Our 501(c) 3 status is recognized by the State of Florida as a vital cultural educational art organization. Its mission is to "promote education in and appreciation of excellence in the arts".

The first all purpose 1,000 sq. ft. building was dedicated in 1979. Since that time the Art League has gone through three additional land acquisitions and four building stages and now has over 700 members.

It is funded through dues, programs, shows, classes, fundraisers, and donations from individuals and businesses. In 2002, a Friends of Art group was formed to support the Art League of Marco Island, extending its influence to all areas such as cultural trips, social events and fund raising.

Following a generous bequest from Beth Rhodes and other donations by dedicated supporters, the new $1,500,000 addition was completed in 2002. It now consists of over 14,000 sq. ft., which includes three large painting classrooms, a 1,200 sq. ft. state of the art clay studio, an outdoor sculpture deck, a large art library, two galleries, a consignment gift shop, administrative space, and a small kitchen. The new addition was dedicated as the Beth Rhodes Center for Art Education of the Art League of Marco Island.