Photo provided Local television personality and artist Rachel Pierce with one of her works. Pierce’s art, which will be on display at the show, typically features sea life, like loggerhead sea turtles and seahorses.

The company that brings the seasonal farmers markets to Sanibel and Captiva, as well as others throughout Lee County, will hold its first art-centered event of the season for the islands this week.

Organized by Local Roots – co-owned by islanders Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura – and hosted by South Seas Island Resort, the Captiva Island Art Walk will take place on Dec. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the resort. The event will feature an array of local crafters and artisans, along with their products.

Baer explained that they first introduced the art-centered events last season.

“So we’re bringing back the same tradition,” she said.

Like the weekly markets, the art walk will be open to the public.

“It’s a heavy tourist time. People have family or friends visiting – they’re looking to get a piece of local flair, souvenirs representative of Southwest Florida,” Baer said of why they organize it.

In addition, it gives Local Roots a chance to showcase its crafter and artisan vendors.

“Our markets primarily focus on food-related items,” she said. “So it gives us an opportunity to bring some other things to the islands.”

There will be approximately 25 vendors taking part in the event.

“So it’s still a nice intimate size,” Baer said.

Shoppers will find art and fashion designs, from towels and jewelry, to clothing. Watercolor artist Donna Elias creates personalized pieces, while artist Celeste Theodore makes pottery items.

“Wall hangings, pottery, platters,” she said. “Very whimsical, very island colorful, very beach-y.”

Baer noted that a coup for the art walk is participating artist Rachel Pierce.

“She’s the morning news anchor for NBC2 News,” she said, explaining that Pierce’s art typically centers on sea life, like loggerhead sea turtles and seahorses. “She’s a super talented artist.”

Maggie Tye Dye will offer customized shirts, dresses and more for all ages.

“Madagascar Hats will have individually handwoven hats and bags from Madagascar,” Baer said.

Another vendor will be Tru180 with its furniture, along with Buff City Soap.

“He’s got just beautifully handcrafted soaps and bath bombs,” she said.

In addition, Healthy Pooch features pet treats, along with leashes, collars, outfits and more.

“There will also be some food available,” Baer said.

The Three Little Birds food truck will serve up biscuits and gravy, yogurt parfaits and a mix of lunch items, including its “truck fries” – fries covered in gravy. Fire & Rice will make its authentic paella on site, and My Exotic Fruits will have sliced fresh fruit like watermelon, pineapple, mango and starfruit.

“They’ll also have tropical smoothies,” she said.

The event is pet-friendly, so owners are welcome to bring them.

The public is invited to stop by and check it out.

“It’ll be a fun activity to do during the holidays,” Baer said, adding that locals can introduce visiting family or friends to the islands. “It just gives an added bonus to taking the trip out to Captiva.”

The second Captiva Island Art Walk of the season will be held on April 10.

The Captiva Island Farmers Market takes place on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the resort.

For more information, visit buylocallee.com.

The South Seas Island Resort is at 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva.