MOTI holding its Annual Holiday Open House
The Museum of the Islands (MOTI) is holding its Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 3,, 9-1 p.m.. Peruse the museum’s fascinating permanent collections and at the same time shop for holiday gifts made by local craftspeople and artisans.
As you walk among the display cases of shells, dolls, antique tools and household items, you will see (and be able to purchase) arts and crafts items made by contemporaries here on the island. Items in the gift shop this year include :
– CARDS by local photographers and artists, including Jan Clement, Patty Sole, Mary Hirman, Wanytta Hinsdale (deceased), Dot Birmingham and others.
– DRAWINGS by Honey Seidler.
– TURNED WOOD PIECES by Ed Frack.
– BASKETS by Kyle McKinnon.
– POCKETBOOKS by Dottie Krenzke.
– SUE’S T-SHIRTS.
– POTTERY by Liza Mahle.
– GLASSWARE by Lynn Smith.
– ENGRAVED CRYSTAL GLASSES by Lucas Century.
– WOODEN WIND CHIMES.
– And painted soaps, beaded jewelry, shell earrings and bracelets, magnets, cake holders, throws, hats, and picture albums.
– Of special interest are replicas of Calusa masks and some shells. Books for sale include works by local authors, wonderful local histories, reference books on flora and fauna, and titles about Florida history and life.
In addition to the extensive selection of items in the museum gift shop, there will also be vendors on site to offer special goodies for your holiday shopping. Hand painted wood and clay mermaids, stitchery, crochetwork, pottery, woodworking, painting, knitting, photography, beading, shellwork and jewelry are some of the items that may be available at the show. Plants will also be for sale.
Please consider this a special invitation to join us for some holiday cheer at the annual MOTI Christmas Open House. We have planned a special event and hope you will join us for it. Admission to the museum for this event is free.
There will be live music by Island Frank as well as free light refreshments for your enjoyment while you shop. Tickets will be on sale for a $100.00 money tree. The drawing will be held on February 11, 2012, at the MOTI Rummage Sale at the St. James City Civic Association, 3300 Fourth Avenue, St James City.
If you wish to become a vendor at the Holiday Open House and let others have an opportunity to see (and buy) your work, please call Bobbie at 239-283-6115 for more information on securing a place at the show. There is no fee for showing. However, a small donation to MOTI, based on your sales, will be greatly appreciated.
The MOTI Annual Holiday Open House is a great place to purchase holiday giftsand even in time to send them up North! All proceeds from sales at the Open House benefit YOUR museum. We hope you will come spend a fun morning with us, and at the same time, get some of your shopping done without even having to leave our beautiful island. Happy holidays from MOTI- your museum on your island.
MOTI is located at 5728 Sesame Drive at Pine Island Center, right next door to the library. The phone number is 283-1525. During season, the Museum of the Islands holds regular membership meetings the first Monday of the month with programs of interest.
This year the first seasonal General Membership Meeting is on Dec. 5, with author Bob Macomber speaking about Florida at the beginning of the war. The meeting will be held at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church at Pine Island Center at 7 p.m.