Now You Know: Otis new curator of collections at Marco Island Historical Museum
The Marco Island Historical Society recently announced that Heather Otis has been named curator of collections at the Marco Island Historical Museum.
Otis has served as MIHS collections manager since 2019. She has more than 10 years of experience managing museum collections of all sizes, including collections at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Otis holds a bachelor’s degree in archaeology from Hamilton College and master’s degree in museum studies from The George Washington University. Her research has been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science. She also serves as a director and membership chairperson for the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage, a collection of national, state, and local parks, tourist attractions, and museums throughout Florida featuring Native American history and cultural heritage.
“We are pleased to announce Heather’s appointment as curator of collections,” said MIHS CEO Pat Rutledge. “During her five years with MIHS, Heather has contributed significantly to professionalizing the Historical Society’s collections and bringing their care and management up to national museum standards. She has not only dedicated herself to physically preserving our collection's 48,000 items for future generations but also to making our collections open and accessible to the public.
“Thanks to her efforts, in recent years, the MIHS collections have become an increasingly available and invaluable way for our staff, the community, and researchers across the country to engage with and educate others on Marco Island's rich history.”
The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free, and the site is handicapped accessible. For information, call 239-389-6447 or visit theMIHS.org.
Experience five unique Casts in ‘Love Letters’
Marco Island Center for the Arts presents “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney at the Arts Center Theatre at Marco Town Center at 1089 N. Collier Blvd #432.
The play will run from April 10 until April 21, showcasing five distinct casts with a different cast performing each evening.
“Love Letters” is a “timeless exploration of love, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships.”
Set against the backdrop of upper-middle-class America, Gurney weaves a tale of two characters, Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, a steadfast lawyer, and Melissa Gardner, a vibrant artist. Through their lifelong correspondence, the audience is invited to witness the evolution of their bond, filled with witty exchanges, and unspoken emotions.
This casts include:
- Jay Terzis with Hyla Crane
- Vic and Patti Caroli
- Casey Cobb with Gregg Birr
- Patrick Huey with Louise K. Cornetta
- Christi Luek-Sadiq with Keith Gahagan
Tickets for “Love Letters” are now available for purchase, priced at $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Secure your seats today by visiting marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/ or by calling 239-394-4221.
Marco Island Center for the Arts presents Leslie Cartaya
The Marco Island Center for the Arts welcomes Leslie Cartaya at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 11.
Renowned for her captivating blend of traditional Cuban rhythms, jazz, and American funk, Cartaya promises to deliver a performance that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Cartaya’s performance is part of ¡Arte Viva! the Collier County celebration of Hispanic Arts and Culture.
Born and raised in Cuba, Leslie Cartaya’s musical journey is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. From her earliest memories of warm afternoons spent improvising melodies with her close-knit family to her emergence, as a solo artist with her debut album “No Pares” in 2013, Cartaya’s passion for music has been unwavering.
Tickets for Musical Interludes with Leslie Cartaya are available online at marcoislandart.org/musical-interludes/ or by calling 239-394-4221.
Ticket prices are $25 for members; $30 for nonmembers.