President’s Message – April 1, 2026

Suzan Lanz

Dear FMBAA Members and Friends,

This past year has reminded me just how resilient, creative, and united our

community truly is. The strides we’ve made these past several trying years

were possible because of the dedication of our board, our volunteers, and

every member who continued to believe in the mission of FMBAA.

Finding a cozy new space to call home has been transformative to FMBAA.

Our membership, our offerings, and our shows have grown and flourished.

FMBAA and our gallery have become, for many of us, a respite in the chaos

of our world… a pathway to connections, friendships, & creative learning.

Together, we have strengthened our presence in the greater Fort Myers

community through meaningful service, the shared love of art and joyful

participation.

Over the past year, we:

• Moved into our new gallery

• Celebrated our 75th anniversary

• Assisted student art classes at Fort Myers Beach school

• Offered a variety of classes in the arts

• Held monthly shows/exhibits

• Handmade ornaments & auctioned off a Christmas

  Tree/Fundraiser

• Participated in the FMB Sand Sculpting event/Fundraiser

• Hosted a hole at Putt n Pub/Fundraiser

• Collected donations for the Gladiolus Food Pantry

• Supported the Harlem Heights School art program

• Celebrated the 30th anniversary of FMB

• Sponsored, judged, and presented awards at Cypress Lake High

  School’s Center for the Arts

• Created and donated a photo-in mural for the Lions Club 2026

• Shrimp Fest Kids Run

• Won “Best Decorated” in the St. Patrick’s Parade on FMB

• Launched numerous free community programs—talks, demos,

  lunch-and-learns, open paint days, weekly Plein Air outings and so much more

These accomplishments reflect the heart of who we are: artists, neighbors,

and community builders.

As we look ahead, our goals are both ambitious and energizing. We aim to

welcome more members to volunteer in these community events. In addition,

we look forward to optimizing our gallery space and programming, streamline

our digital systems, mentor and empower our members, and bring more

patrons into the gallery to experience—and purchase—our art.

Just as importantly, we remain deeply committed to Fort Myers Beach. This

community has shaped our identity for 75 years, and our future grows from

this place. FMBAA will continue to be an active, visible, and supportive

presence on the island. Our aim will be to strengthen relationships with local

organizations and be active community participants so that we ensure that art

and our fellowship remains accessible to residents, visitors, and

future generations.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I am deeply grateful for each of you,

and I look forward to our future and to serve as your new President!

Warmly,

Suzan Lanz

President of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association