The Love of Art & Cupcakes

By Julia Barnett

The word cupcake probably makes you think “delicious.” Maybe “sweet,” maybe even “my most favorite thing in the world.” Simply Cupcakes of Marco Island hopes people will start to associate cupcakes with art—for both their artistically delectable treats, and their quickly becoming renowned Artist Wall.

The wall runs parallel to the cupcake counter in the Simply Cupcakes store, located on North Collier. It began with the store opening on December 19, but the idea was planted earlier than that. It began when Simply Cupcakes owners, sister and

brother team, Kristina and Nick Lambros, met Carolyn Burger. Carolyn created the personified cupcake mural for the new business opposite the Artist Wall. It was Carolyn who suggested making the long stretch of blank wall space into an art wall, and opening it to Marco’s art community for showcasing. Since the beginning of the wall, Carolyn has been essential in coordinating for the Artist Wall, lending much appreciated assistance.

The art on the wall is changed every two months, giving visitors something new to see frequently throughout the year,

often with a new theme for every “cycle,” highlighting creativity, color and fun. The current art theme is “Artist’s Choice,” with two previous themes of “Marco Island” and “Happy.” All of the art is for sale, with a small commission given to Simply Cupcakes.

For every cycle, Simply Cupcakes host an Artist Reception, showcasing the pieces that will be adorning the wall for the next two months. The Receptions are opened to the the public, and gives guests the opportunity to meet local Marco Island artists, as well as

eat some delicious cupcakes.

The most recent Artist Reception was May 14, and it introduced the current “Artist’s Choice” themed wall, the first art wall cycle to include photography among the art. The current wall has artwork created by Susan Wold, Marie Senechal, Kat Rinaldo, Rick Granneman, Carolyn Burger, Thomas Gallagher, Betty Harris, Mohndera Gezaldi, Karen Swanker, and Anne Hayes. The pieces are colorful and full of life, representing Marco Island, and the world around us, through the eyes of the artists.

The Artist Wall is a sight to behold,

and this current cycle will be available for viewing, and potentially purchasing, for the next two months. If an artist is interested in being featured on the wall, they are welcome to call the Simply Cupcakes shop at 239-970-2348 and leave their name and contact information.

Simply Cupcakes of Marco Island is located at 912 N. Collier Blvd Marco Island. For more information on Simply Cupcakes or their Artist Wall, call 239-970-2348, send an email info@marcosimplycupcakes.com, check them out on Facebook at “Simply Cupcakes of Marco Island” or stop by their website at www.marcosimplycupcakes.com.