Marco Shell Club Artists

Have you ever wondered what the Marco Island Shell Club Members do in the summer months when they’re not shelling? As the season draws to a close, many members return to their permanent residences in other states, some are full-time residents on Marco Island, and many travel to other places during the summer to visit with family and see the sights! Regardless of the location, many of the Shell Club members engage in various artistic activities during the summer, including quilting, golfing, cross-stitching, crocheting, and photography, just to name a few. They convene weekly during the season (January-March) at Mackle Park to create exquisite shell art, and these creations are subsequently sold at notable events such as the Shell Show on the day after Thanksgiving and the Spring Expo and Shell Art Sale, both of which are held at New Life Christian Church. These are annual events where members of the MI Shell Club showcase and sell their exquisite shell art creations, and they are two of the notable occasions where the club members' artistic talents are displayed. The Shell Show and Spring Expo are significant events for the club, providing an opportunity for members to share their passion for shell art with the community and visitors. The creations sold at the Shell Show are a result of the members' weekly meetings during the season (January-March), and the funds raised from these events provide scholarships to deserving students interested in pursuing a degree in marine sciences. For more information on these scholarships, you can visit our website. The Club also provides grants to local schools and supports the Rookery Bay Reserve and the Mollusks on the Move Program through the Baileys-National Shell Museum. This interactive experience brings LIVE mollusks to schools for grades K through five, and they focus on mollusk feeling, reproduction and conservation, and the importance of observing the natural world.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of The MI Shell Club, membership opens in the fall each year, and you can sign up on the Club’s website, www.marcoislandshellclub.com. The Marco Island Shell Club members are dedicated to promoting and encouraging the study, conservation, science, history, and appreciation of seashells and mollusks in all their forms. They are responsible collectors who never collect live specimens. The club also supports the community through various activities and events, such as monthly seminars held at the Marco Island Public Library, which cover a variety of topics related to seashells and mollusks. These seminars are free to the public and provide an opportunity for members and visitors to learn more about these fascinating creatures. We invite anyone interested in collecting and studying seashells and mollusks to check out our media presence at MarcoIsland_ShellClub on Facebook, @marcoislandshellclub on Instagram, or on the website to learn more about our club and the good work it does to support the community.

The members of the Club are from all over the country, and each state has its own shell that is representative of that state. The Horse Conch, scientifically known as Triplofusus giganteus, has been Florida’s state shell since 1969. Floridians and shell club members from various clubs sought a species unique to Florida, and the Horse Conch fit the bill perfectly. With a shell length that can reach up to 24 inches, it is the largest gastropod in United States waters and one of the largest gastropods in the world. The shell is highly popular among collectors due to its impressive size. Additionally, the Horse Conch is often orange, making it a fitting representation for the Orange State.

Florida is home to a diverse array of seashells that are popular among collectors and beachcombers. Here are some notable shells you might find in Florida:

• Cockle Shells: These are the most common shells found on Florida beaches. They are typically small, under two inches, and come in various colors such as white, brown, red, and yellow.
• Jingle Shells: These thin, translucent shells are often found in a variety of colors and are popular for making jewelry.
• Pen Shells: These large, fan-shaped shells are commonly found on Florida beaches and are known for their unique appearance.
• Olive Shells: These smooth, shiny shells are often found in shades of brown and are popular among collectors.
• Junonia: This rare shell is highly prized by collectors. It is known for its beautiful pattern and is often found after strong storms.
• Lightning Whelks: These large, spiral shells are distinctive for their left-handed spiral and are commonly found on the Gulf Coast.

If you enjoy shelling, learning about shells, and enjoy creating things with shells, consider signing up in the fall to join the Marco Island Shell Club for 2026 and engage in a wonderful opportunity for shell enthusiasts! The Marco Island Shell Club offers a great way to connect with others who share a passion for shells. The weekly workshops starting in January and running through March will be a fantastic chance to create shell art and learn more about seashells and mollusks. The Club’s first sale in the fall will be on November 28, 2025, outside, at the New Life Community Church on Marco Island. The MI Shell Club Spring Expo and Shell Art Sale on March 13-14, 2026, at the New Life Community Church on Marco Island will be the highlight of the season and the culmination of a fun season of fellowship and artistic shell crafting. The Club is dedicated to promoting the study, conservation, history, and science of seashells, as well as encouraging shell-related interests like collecting and crafting. If you have any questions or need more information about the club, feel free to ask!

To learn more about the club, check out our website www.marcoislandshellclub.com or follow us on Facebook at MarcoIsland_ShellClub or on Instagram @marcoislandshellclub.