Renowned Cartoonist Doug MacGregor to Headline Calusa Nature Center’s First-Ever Arts & Crafts Fair
- eraddatz7
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
FORT MYERS, FL (April 10, 2025) — The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is proud to announce that one of Southwest Florida’s most beloved artists and storytellers, Doug MacGregor, will be the featured headliner at the Center’s Arts & Crafts Fair on May 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
With a career spanning over four decades, Doug MacGregor is a celebrated cartoonist, children’s book author, illustrator, musician, and advocate for arts in healthcare. His whimsical, imaginative art has brought smiles to generations of readers and viewers alike. Known for his long tenure as editorial cartoonist for The News-Press, MacGregor has also made a profound impact in hospitals, schools, and libraries across the region.
At the Arts & Crafts Fair, Doug will lead special art sessions and demonstrations, showcasing the joyful power of creativity to connect us with both nature and each other. His original artwork and books will be available for purchase, and he will generously contribute an exclusive piece to the Calusa Nature Center’s permanent collection.
“Doug’s creativity, compassion, and deep connection to the Southwest Florida community make him the perfect artist to headline this new celebration of nature and expression,” said Eric Raddatz, Executive Director of the Calusa Nature Center. “We are beyond honored to host him for what will be an unforgettable day.”
Also joining the festivities is acclaimed local painter Whitney Hackett, known for her dreamlike, nostalgia-infused works that celebrate everyday life through a playful and heartfelt lens. Hackett is the creative force behind Quartz and Clover and Curio, two artistic staples in downtown Fort Myers.
The Arts & Crafts Fair will take place on the scenic grounds of the Calusa Nature Center—a 105-acre preserve home to nature trails, butterfly gardens, animal exhibits, and the region’s only public planetarium. The event will feature local artists and artisans whose work celebrates themes of nature, wildlife, and the cosmos, with offerings including handmade jewelry, sculpture, textiles, pottery, and more.
Artist Vendor Information:
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Vendor Fee: $50 (Featured artists are exempt)
Apply: Email volunteer@calusanature.org with samples and a short artist bio
Indoor and outdoor spaces available
Featured artist spots and vendor spaces are limited. Interested artists are encouraged to apply early to be part of this one-of-a-kind opportunity to showcase their work in a vibrant, nature-filled setting.
For tickets or to learn more about the Arts & Crafts Fair or to become a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, please visit www.calusanature.org or reach out to:
Media Contact:
Eric Raddatz, Executive Director📧
eraddatz@calusanature.org📞 (239) 275-3435
Event Coordinator:
Laina Kessler📧 lkessler@calusanature.org
About Doug MacGregor:
Doug MacGregor is a professional cartoonist, musician, author, and former Arts in Healthcare Coordinator for Lee Health. He has published six children’s books, volunteers at Golisano Children’s Hospital, and performs with his 60s/70s rock band, The Rosada Project. His editorial cartoons are archived at Syracuse University, Ohio State, and Florida Gulf Coast University.
🌎 Earth Day Birthday Celebration at CNCP
April 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMLocation: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium | 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Celebrate Earth Day with us in Southwest Florida’s largest green space! Enjoy a full day of hands-on activities including guided hikes, live animal talks, eco-crafts, solar viewing, and more. Explore our beautiful 105-acre sanctuary and learn how to make a difference for the planet.
🎟 Tickets:
Adults: $13
Children (3–12): $7
Members: Free – Become a member
🎶 Special guest Dhruva’, from the Americana Community Music Association, returns with nature songs for kids!
🛰 Plus: Live music, four planetarium shows, and over 10+ community partners including:Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Florida Trail Association – Alligator Amblers, Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, Lee County Solid Waste, Southwest Florida Astronomical Society, Audubon of SWFL, FWC staff, The Water School at FGCU, Calusa Waterkeeper, and ECHO.
👉 Get your Earth Day tickets now! calusanature.org
“Earth Day is a chance to reconnect with nature, learn something new, and have fun as a community. We’re proud to offer a day full of meaningful experiences for all ages.” – Eric Raddatz, Executive Director
🌀 Also Coming Up at CNCP
🎥 Mesmerica: A Visual Music Journey
Experience this 3D immersive planetarium show featuring music by James Hood.🗓 Every weekend | 🎟 Get your tickets now!
🌿 Nurture Nature Campaign
Help preserve our sanctuary, improve facilities, and expand outreach.💚 Support the campaign calusanature.org
🎉 Host Your Next Event with Us
Weddings, meetings, birthdays, and more — indoors or in nature!📅 Book your venue calusanature.org
🌟 Become a Member
Free admission, discounts, and reciprocal access to 180+ nature centers nationwide.🐢 Join today calusanature.org
📣 Sponsor a CNCP Event
Gain community exposure and support local environmental education.📧 Contact: eraddatz@calusanature.org | 📞 (239) 275-3435
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are available for all upcoming CNCP events! Your support helps us continue offering these educational programs and ensures that our preserve remains a place for future generations to explore and enjoy. As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition at our events and visibility among an engaged, community-minded audience.
For more information, contact Eric Raddatz at eraddatz@calusanature.org or call 239-275-3435.
Nurture Nature Campaign: Help Us Preserve Our Sanctuary
We’re excited with the success of our "Nurture Nature" Campaign in 2025, dedicated to improving CNCP’s facilities and educational programs. Your support will help us maintain essential infrastructure, repair boardwalks, preserve local wildlife, and expand our outreach efforts. This campaign is especially important as we work to create a deeper connection between local youth and the natural world—something that’s more vital than ever in an age where technology often pulls us away from nature.
Host Your Event at CNCP
Did you know CNCP offers a unique venue for events? Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, or party, our indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beautiful natural setting for any occasion. Contact us to learn more about holding your event at CNCP.
Become a Member Today
When you become a CNCP member, you enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including:
Free admission to trails, planetarium shows, and live animal talks
Discounts on camps, workshops, and select events
10% off at the gift shop
Free or discounted admission to over 180 nature centers nationwide
About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:
Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has served as Southwest Florida's premier environmental education destination for over 50 years. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for those interested in making a significant impact together with us. The 105-acre sanctuary houses butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. CNCP provides educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, scientific discovery, and a lifelong love of nature, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and advocates.
• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ace Hardware, the place with the helpful hardware folks, as well as continuing supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4 Roofing, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, HERC, SWFL PRODUCE, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, Babcock Ranch and the Fort Myers Film Festival.
• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually. Visit our YouTube channel for fun videos! ! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date!
Summer Camp
Camp registration will remain open until camps fill or until the Friday before the camp week begins. Don’t miss out – sign up early to secure a spot for your child!
For more information or to register, please visit https://www.calusanature.org/calusa-summer-camps and buy your tickets now!
Make this summer one to remember with unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and the wonders of nature!
