Carving and Painting with Jim Sprankle on Sanibel Island, Florida

 

SANIBEL ISLAND, one of the premier holiday locations spots in the world, is situated in southwest Florida, off the coast of Fort Myers. It is readily reached by direct flights from most of the major east coast cities, from Dallas, and from nearly hourly flights from Miami.

Not only does a carving or painting class afford you the opportunity to study with Jim, but also to enjoy the beaches, lush tropical vegetation and of course the multitude of bird species which reside or casually visit this paradise island. One of the most famous bird meccas in the world is the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge located at Tarpon Bay, on the north shore of the Island. Visit the link to this refuge, as well as information on the birds of Sanibel Island. Places to stay and things to do are covered in detail by the Chamber of Commerce web site which you should visit in addition to the web site of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. If you have a traveling companion who would enjoy practicing another art form during your stay, contact the BARRIER ISLAND GROUP FOR THE ARTS (B.I.G. ARTS) Address: 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel Island, FL Phone: (941) 395-0900

TUITION for Jim's week-long classes is $500 and includes all instructions, lunch each day, and assistance in finding accomodations and transportion, appropriate to your needs. Weekend painting classes are two or three days and include a resin cast study bird. The cost of weekend painting classes varies depending upon their duration and the subject; the average fee is about $150.

Week-long classes begin on Sunday afternoon with an introduction and hands-on session. The class will end no later than 6 pm the following Friday. Weekend classes begin early Saturday morning and continue through Sunday afternoon.

CLASS RESERVATIONS can be made by filling out are registration request form which is available at the following email address:

e-mail sprankle@Cyberstreet.com

This form should be completed and mailed with a non-refundable depost of $50 per class. The final payment will be due approximately 30 days before the scheduled class and tuition balances will be refunded, only if cancellations are made 30 days prior to the beginning of the session.

A LIST OF CARVING AND PAINTING supplies and tools will be sent to you, along with directions to the workshop. A basic wood cut-out will be supplied for carving, and in Jim's painting classes, a molded study bird will be furnished. Carving will be done with power tools. Carving and painting supplies, books, and molded birds will be available for sale on site.

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 12 STUDENTS in order to accomodate all different levels of expertise. If there are any questions regarding any week-long or weekend seminars, please feel free to call or email Jim & Patty Sprankle at e-mail sprankle@Cyberstreet.com.

CLASS LOCATIONS: Week-long classes are held at Tarpon Bay in a fully air-conditioned teaching facility which is shaded by Royal Palm trees and situated just yards from a tropical lagoon. On a typical day, you will see a myriad of wading birds including White and Scarlet Ibis, Pelicans, several Heron species, and an occasional Flamingo. If you are fortunate, you may see a manatee or two, basking in the warm upper waters of the lagoon and maybe see a friendly gator strolling down the roadway. Adjacent to this classroom is a wonderful book, gift and expresso shop. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing trips and natural history tours originate from this shop.

The shorter 2 day weekend painting classes are held in the B.I.G Arts Center on Sanibel Island, which is situated close to Tarpon Bay