Matlacha art group reopens in restored building after Hurricane Ian

MATLACHA, Fla. (WINK)—The Pine Island Art Association reached a major recovery milestone this year, moving back into its restored building in February after Hurricane Ian devastated the space more than three years ago.

The building took on nearly five feet of water during the storm. Hurricane Ian destroyed the association's books, supplies and more than 200 paintings.

"The building was a muddy mess," said Connie Saddler, treasurer of the Pine Island Art Association. "Everything was tumbled, just like people's homes."

Lee County completed the restoration of the Pine Island Art building, along with the next-door Matlacha Community Center, through the FEMA Public Assistance process to ensure federal reimbursement—rather than local taxpayer dollars—covered the repairs. The buildings reopened in February. County officials held a ribbon cutting, last month.

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Art is a major part of the culture of Matlacha. Despite the destruction, the art community never lost its determination and creative spirit. Members of the association say they're on the mend and looking to share their home with others in the community.

"We're still recovering," Saddler said. "Yeah, we're back in the building, but our classes shrank for the last three years. We're up and running again and we love to be an asset to the community."

The association offers a welcoming environment for new members. Saddler described her first experience joining a class.

"When I joined, I knew no one in the class and when I walked in, it was 'Oh, hi,' like they were old friends," Saddler said.

The space now serves as a home for creativity for artists of all levels. The Pine Island Art Association says classes are low-cost and open to all ages and levels.

Summer drop-in classes are $50 for a four-week session, with watercolor classes available every Wednesday starting May 6 through May 25 from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. All media classes are available every Monday starting June 1 through Aug. 14 from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m.

Summer member classes with a $30 annual membership fee are $125 for 22 weeks. Classes are Wednesday or Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through September.

Pine Island Art Association classes are located at the Pine Island Art building in Matlacha Community Park. 

For more information, reach out to pineislandart@outlook.com or stop by a class on Wednesdays and Fridays, any time from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.