The Sanibel Island Lighthouse, located on the eastern end of Sanibel Island, has stood as a symbol of the island for over a century.

Sanibel Island Light has served as a beacon of hope for mariners and island residents alike, guiding ships safely to shore and signaling the end of a long journey. But the Sanibel Island Lighthouse is not only an important historical landmark, it is also a potent and inspiring symbol of Sanibel — plus the perfect subject for works of art in all mediums.

The Sanibel Island lighthouse has a fascinating history, with residents petitioning for its construction in 1833. Despite several recommendations made by the Lighthouse Board and Congress, it wasn’t until 1883 that funds were finally appropriated for its construction. The foundation for the new lighthouse was completed in early 1884, but the construction process faced a setback when the ship bringing ironwork for the tower sank two miles from Sanibel Island. Fortunately, a crew of hard-hat divers from Key West recovered all but two of the pieces for the tower.

The Sanibel Island lighthouse was initially lit by keeper Dudley Richardson on August 20, 1884, using kerosene oil. To reach the top of the tower, the lighthouse keeper had to ascend the 98 foot structure via a 127-step external spiral staircase.

Sanibel Island light was was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The lighthouse was previously owned by the Coast Guard before being transferred to the City of Sanibel in 2004. The City had undertaken efforts to raise funds for the restoration of the lighthouse, which were finally successful in 2013, leading to the complete restoration of the historic building.

Hurricane Ian, a category four storm, caused extensive damage to Sanibel Island Lighthouse in September 2022, including the destruction of two keeper’s dwellings, the oil house, and part of one of the tower’s support legs. The storm also caused a section of the causeway connecting the island to the mainland to collapse, leaving the island without immediate aid. Despite the damage, a structural engineer found the lighthouse to be structurally sound, though the hurricane had washed away the foundation of the access stairs. The Florida Lighthouse Association provided emergency funds to repair the damage at Sanibel Island Light.

In the early hours of February 28th, 2023, five months to the day after Hurricane Ian nearly toppled the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, a festive relighting ceremony was held and the lighthouse was returned to functionality as an evocative beacon of hope for the island community’s recovery.

Sanibel Island Light has been a part of the island’s history for over a century, and it still holds a special place in the hearts of the island’s residents and visitors. But the Sanibel Island Lighthouse is not only an important historical landmark, it is also an inspiring subject for individuals who may be seeking to create works of art. The tower’s unique shape and intricate details make it a fascinating subject for artists of all mediums.

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse is a perfect subject for “en plein air” painting, especially in the hours around sunset. The warm, golden light of the setting sun bathes the lighthouse and its surroundings in a soft, ethereal glow, creating a scene that is both peaceful and powerful. The colors of the sky and sea change with every passing moment, creating a dynamic and ever-changing canvas for artists to capture. Painters can capture the lighthouse’s unique beauty through their use of color and brushstrokes.

Photographers can capture the lighthouse in its natural setting, and use light and shadow to highlight its unique features.

Mixed media artists can incorporate elements of the surrounding landscape, such as shells and sand, into their works, creating a beautiful and unique representation of the lighthouse.

Sculptors can use the lighthouse as inspiration for their work, creating pieces that capture the unique shape and beauty of the tower.

The lighthouse’s height and distinctive shape make it an excellent subject for sculpture, and its historical significance only adds to its appeal.

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse has also played a role in the creation of art outside of traditional mediums. Its unique beauty has inspired writers and poets, who have written about its history and significance. Its role as a symbol of hope and safety has inspired musicians and composers, who have written songs and pieces of music about the lighthouse and its role in the community.

The lighthouse also serves as a reminder of the island’s rich history. It is one of the few remaining structures on the island that dates back to the late 19th century. The lighthouse has seen the island through good times and bad, and it stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the island’s people.

Today, the Sanibel Island Lighthouse remains an essential part of the island’s identity. It is a beloved symbol of Sanibel, and it is cherished by residents, visitors, and artists alike.

While there’s definitely never any shortage of seashells on Sanibel Island, there does exist one “mythic status” shell coveted above all others by ardent Southwest Florida beachcombers: The junonia.

On Sanibel they have a saying, “You don’t find a junonia. The junonia finds you.”

No matter how someone eventually comes into possession of a junonia – whether it magically appears on the shoreline right in front of them, or they get tired of searching and decide to purchase one on Ebay (to the tune of a couple hundred bucks) – the attractive shell itself is an undeniably rare and treasured gift from the sea.

But what is it about this shell that makes it so special, and how can a junonia shell serve as a form of inspiration to visual artists in Southwest Florida?

The Junonia seashell is named after the goddess Juno, who was the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. This alone gives the shell a sense of royalty and importance.

The junonia, in contrast to more prevalent bivalves and gastropods (like scallops, whelks, and conchs) is a deep water species. Typically residing on the ocean floor in water depths ranging from one-hundred feet to four-hundred feet, these spotted creatures, or their shells more specifically, are infrequently encountered on the sandy shoreline. And, trust us, once they do wash up on the beach, they never stay there too long.

In addition, the junonia shell itself is strikingly beautiful, with intricate patterns and rich colors that are unique to each one. Its deep brown markings against a creamy white background make it instantly recognizable to those who know it; and its rarity only adds to its value.

But beyond its physical beauty, the junonia shell also holds deep symbolism that can serve as a source of inspiration to artists of all kinds. In many cultures, seashells are seen as symbols of the ocean and all of the life that it contains. They can represent strength, resilience, and the ability to weather storms. This is particularly true of the junonia, which is a survivor in its own right. The junonia is not an easy shell to find, and those who do persevere and locate one often have to endure long walks on the beach, early mornings, and a whole lot of searching. But when they do find one, the sense of accomplishment can be overwhelming. Here on Sanibel, a lucky sheller can even get their photo in the local newspaper, proudly holding up their magnificent junonia for the rest of the jealous world to see!

For artists, these types of symbolism can be interpreted in many different ways. A painter might use the Junonia as a way to explore the themes of resilience and survival, creating a piece that celebrates the beauty of overcoming adversity. A photographer might focus on the intricate patterns and colors of the shell, capturing its beauty in a way that reflects the natural world around it. A sculptor might use the shell itself as a medium, creating a piece that is both beautiful and meaningful.

But the junonia also holds deeper symbolism that can inspire artists on a more personal level. For many people, finding a junonia shell is a moment of pure joy and serendipity. It can serve as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there are still moments of beauty and wonder to be found. For artists, this can serve as a reminder to stay open to inspiration and to always be on the lookout for moments of beauty and meaning.