About MIFA
The Marco Island Foundation for the Arts is
a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit
organization.
Incorporated in 2003, MIFA is
a growing organization with nearly
100 members and a volunteer
board of directors.
Our mission is to support the visual,
literary and performing arts in public
places on Marco Island.
We believe that the arts are a catalyst
in bringing people together,
and help to create a sense of community.
2021 Board Officers:
President Karen Swanker
Vice-President Clara Alvia-Alber,
Treasurer Karen Swanker
Secretary Allie Ellis.
Supporting members:
Priscilla MacDonald,
Florie Enders, Lindy Kowalczyk,
Ricki Lenski, Virginia O'Kinga
Member emeritus: Sandra Johnson.
Our History
On March 17, 2003 the first meeting of
a diversified group of individuals
who were interested in enhancing the
cultural life of our
community took place.
Representatives from the arts, civic groups,
businesses and city government
formed what became the
Marco Island Foundation for the Arts
(MIFA) steering committee.
MIFA counts this first meeting
as its birthday.
MIFA became incorporated on June 9, 2003
and received it's 501(c)(3)
charitable non-profit
status on October 7th, 2003.
On October 6th, 2004 MIFA's
1st by-laws were adopted.
The first officers were elected at the
first annual meeting January 11, 2005.
Our Accomplishments
LOOKING BACK IN TIME -
SOME OF WHAT WE'VE DONE
2019 ~ Turned full ownership of
"Double Eagle" sculpture at Sarazen Park
over to MICA.
Installed a marble plaque at the base
of the sculpture
with names of donors that gave
$500 toward purchase of sculpture.
Sponsored Left Bank Art Fest,
Brushes & Paint Outdoor Art Show
and Sale, Winter Film Fest,
Afternoon with Sara Bernhardt.
Awarded seven local students scholarships
and honored an
Artist of the Year at the annual
Scholarship Luncheon.
2018 ~ Sponsored art shows on
Marco Island.
Fulfilled a grant to
The Marco Island Center for the Arts
to fund their Summer Youth Workshop.
2017 ~ Sponsored art shows on
Marco Island
at The Esplanade,
the Marco Island Historical Museum
and the Marco Island Center for the Arts.
Partnered with the
Marco Island Chamber of Commerce
to support the "Wet Paint Live" event.
2016 ~ Placed artwork by local artists
in Iberia Bank.
Worked with CAMIG to present "Carnivale"
an event to introduce the organization
to the people of Marco Island.
2015-16 Held luncheons to honor
Scholarship Winners and
"Artist of the Year".
2015~ Partnered with the
Marco Island Historical Museum
by awarding winning artists
a "Winner's Circle" show.
2015 ~ "Painting S.W. Florida History"
art show at the
Marco Island Historical Museum
using rare archival
photographs as
inspiration for paintings.
Presented a grant to
Marco Players Theater for transport of
"The Box Car" and display of
holocaust paintings
in the theater gallery.
2014 ~ Presented a grant to Malenda Trick
for a veterans memorial mural
"From Sea to Shining Sea".
Received 4 sculpture donations,
placed them in public places
in the community
in fulfillment of our mission.
Held luncheons with various speakers
who presented lectures and performances
on history, politics, the arts
and women's history
Sponsored "Table Talk Luncheons"
for artists to share news,
tips, techniques and other
items of interest in a round table format.
2009 ~ Formed a Joint Venture in October
with the Art League of Marco Island to
sponsor an
Artist Colony at the Esplanade.
2007-2012 ~ Maintained an office and
"Local Color Gallery"
at the Esplanade.
Established an annual scholarship
program for area students who are
pursuing college studies in the arts.
Held a Fashion Show luncheons
to raise funds
for our scholarships.
Produced tiles project with school children,
placing tiles at water park in Mackle Park.
2005 ~ Published first newsletter
in October 2005.
2004 ~ Launched website,
wwwmarcoarts.org.
in 2019 new domain name is
www.marcoislandfoundation.org.
Replaced lost statue "Happy Travelers"
in Leigh Plummer Park.