OUT & ABOUT
Shell Appreciation
For more than 80 years people have gathered on Sanibel Island the first weekend in March to show, exhibit, discuss and admire seashells. What started out on the porch of the Island Inn so many years ago is now a threeday event with people attending from all over the world, as far away as Japan and Barbados.
Today the Sanibel Shell Festival is held at The Community House on Sanibel where the tradition of the longestrunning shell show has continued for 82 years now. It’s one of a kind in the country, and it offers something for everyone young and old. The exhibits are split into two main divisions—scientific and artistic—with more than 75 categories within these divisions. This unique island event is full of suspense and anticipation for many long-time exhibitors who come to share their pieces of the shell world with all who will come look, learn and enjoy both the science and art of shells from around the world. The Shell Festival showcases seashells in many forms, some of which will make you tilt your head sideways and wonder if that is a shell at all. Other shells will take you away to an exotic island. The scientific division includes all manner of shells—from individual specimens collected right here in Southwest Florida to examples from all parts of the world. This category is always full of surprises. In a recent shell show a new species of cone found off the coast of Curaçao in 700 feet of
water caused a lot of excitement.
In the artistic division some exhibitors are professionals, some are hobbyists and for some it is their first time creating and submitting anything like this for such a high-caliber showcase. The shell creations you see here may forever change the way you look at seashells. Sailors’ valentines are always showstoppers with the intricacies of shell work that go into each one. Often people who see these creations are inspired to start creating their own artistic pieces for the next Shell Festival, and so it goes.
Multiple awards are given in both divisions, including Best of Show, Judge’s Merit Ribbons, Best Student Exhibit, Anne Joffe Sanibel Superstar Award, Conchologist of America Award, duPont Trophy and more. The allure of the Shell Festival is the shells, but the beauty is in not only what you see but also what you learn. After experiencing the Sanibel Shell Festival, you may look at the shell world in a different light the next time you go in search of these beach treasures.
Capt. Brian Holaway is a Florida master naturalist and has been a Southwest Florida shelling and eco-tour guide since 1995. His boat charters visit the islands of Pine Island Sound, including Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Pine Island and North Captiva.
Sailors’ valentines are always showstoppers with the intricacies of shell work that go into each one.