Goodland

The Goodland flag is a tip-off on what this small fishing village is all about. It was designed by local resident and graphic artist, Sherri Morrison. It depicts two large-sized bass, a mangrove forest on the left side, and a fishing dock and a mango tree. The Goodland water tank murals reflect the local wildlife; an alligator, tricolored heron, bald eagle, and assorted mudflat birds - courtesy of local residents Kevin and Bonnie Hauk.

Jim Freeman, originally from Texas, is a fine arts photographer and said, “I like to go south of Goodland down along the coastline to some of the Ten Thousand Islands that are favorites of mine. I like to shoot from late afternoon till dark, and I prefer late evening lights, nightscapes, images of the constellation, and sunsets. Usually, I know when I am shooting this is going to be a great shot.”

Jim added, “A lot of money is moving here and building bigger houses, but the character (of Goodland) has remained the same – small!” He recently had a solo exhibit at the Marco Island Historical Museum, “Between the Gulf and the Glades.” Jim is married to Goodland flag designer and award-winning graphic designer Morrison, who was named the 2019 Artist of the Year for the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts. Morrison is also active with the Goodland Civic Association.

Artist Tara O’Neill was busy in her Goodland studio going off canvas and off script! In July, Tara was working on a Tarpon fiberglass-mounted (stuff)ed fish that she’s had in her basement for 20+ years. She painted the Tarpon black and added vibrant colored scales. Tara is thinking of putting an ad in the local paper asking for people to donate their unwanted stuffed fish or mounted trophy fish. “I want them and I am having so much fun,” said O’Neill.

O’Neill loves the independence and true neighborhood character of Goodland. Artists are drawn to Goodland because it is “quirky and they are here for the community. As an artist, this philosophy of independence is inspiring. I get all my inspiration from outside my front door, and we also have a lot of history in Goodland – and I feel it is the definition of home to me.”

O’Neill used to do 40 shows a year but is now down to six and still very active in the community through the Goodland Arts Alliance, whose mission is “to preserve, promote and advance the cultural presence in the Village of Goodland through art, history and education.” In 2015, Tara was named Artist of the Year by the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts. She recently had a solo exhibit, “Music to my Eyes,” at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Currently, O’Neill’s paintings are part of “Artists in Bloom” landscapes at the Naples Botanical Garden, Kapnick Hall, through October 26, 2025.

Artist Dave Fuller has lived in Goodland for 17 years with his wife, Joanie, an accomplished writer, and was president of the Goodland Civic Association. Dave considers himself a narrative artist, and sometimes his art will carry a subtle message. “My mentor Norman Rockwell defined the genre, and his magazine covers made us think, laugh, and cry. I’m hooked on that,” said Fuller.

In July, Fuller was finishing up some of his canvas from his Alaska collection. In 2006, the Fullers got the call of wild Alaska, and they bought a condo in Homer, Alaska. Just like Goodland, Homer is a fishing village but known for a larger fish – halibut! They split their time between Goodland and Homer. They visited remote villages in the Aleutian Island chain, and his paintings captured local sceneries and the hard and resilient life of Homer. But soon, it was time to simplify life and they returned to Goodland. Fuller has recently exhibited at the Marco Island Center for the Arts with his Gen A Kids collection.

Fuller walks the neighborhood every day (.6 square miles) and enjoys the authenticity of a tiny fishing village with its own waterfront family-owned fish house offering freshly caught stone crabs and local seafood.