Art On Sanibel – Ikki Matsumoto

Art On Sanibel – Ikki Matsumoto

Ikki Matsumoto was one of Sanibel’s most beloved artists. He and his artist wife Polly moved to the island in 1975 and had a gallery in the The Village Shops. Ikki had moved to the United States at age 20 and studied under the renowned wildlife artist Charles Harper. After graduating, he worked for an advertising agency in Cincinnati. He and Polly moved to a 50-acre farm in Loveland, Ohio in 1970. Dissatisfied with the advertising world the artist couple moved to Sanibel. Ikki flourished as a painter and printmaker. His work would go on to be highly acclaimed and, Ikki was chosen by first lady Nancy Reagan to paint an Easter egg which is now on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library!

Ikki passed away in 2014 but his work can still be purchased at Tower Gallery where he is part of the artist collective as well as online at www.IkkiMatsumoto.com.  A book of Ikki’s work was recently written and published by Sanibel resident Steve Saari, “CAPTIVATED. The Art of Ikki Matsumoto”. The book can be purchased locally at 2 Islands Gallery.

We spoke to Steve on podcast #42 about his inspired new book and his relationship with one of Sanibel’s much-loved artists.

Tower Gallery
751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4557

Visit Tower Gallery Website 

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday 10am – 7pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm

Restaurants Near The Tower Gallery

Over Easy Cafe
630 Tarpon Bay Rd #1, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2625
Visit Over Easy Cafe’s Website

A family-friendly, colorfully decorated casual eatery which is a great spot to start your day with a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining