New Estero gallery blends fine art with community impact

A new space dedicated to creativity and community impact is opening its doors. "Elevate Artworks: Art with Purpose" is bringing fine art from across the state to Southwest Florida.

The new fine art gallery is located inside the Estero Bay Marina on San Carlos Boulevard. The marina, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian, has been newly renovated to include this gallery.

Rodney Flounders, the founder of Elevate Artworks, shared his vision for the gallery at a WINK Listens event in Estero.

"Being able to bring international level like gallery work that you see in Naples and Sarasota and New York and Los Angeles here," said Flounders.

Flounders explained that the gallery is designed not just to showcase art, but to create impact.

"My main focus has been not just selling art, but selling art and raising money for charities," said Flounders.

He emphasized the collaborative nature of the project.

"The artists themselves are also contributing, because they're giving up a percentage of their own money and their sales to benefit the charities as well. It's a collaborative effort," said Flounders.

The gallery is partnering with the Miles of Smiles Foundation, which offers equine therapy for veterans with PTSD and underprivileged children with mental health diagnoses.

"The combination of animals and that they help people, as far as a charity is perfect," said Flounders.

Elevate Artworks is set to have its grand opening this weekend. It will be open Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. It is located on 17953 San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, 33931.