One of Mel Meo’s artworks. PHOTO PROVIDED

Bokeelia Art and Gift Gallery owner Carol Garsky knows first-hand how important late, beloved islander Mel Meo’s artwork is to Pine Islanders. Getting Meo’s work into their hands is not only a priority, but imperative, as she continues to inspire local artists, whether they are seasoned, students or collectors.

Dan Alvo of Framing Wholesalers has agreed to do the matting, and framing for the Meo prints, of which Garsky will take nothing after necessary costs to create them. New pieces depicting historic Matlacha and Pine Island will be offered each week in the Bokeelia Art and Gift Gallery, over 20 in all, she said, some dating back to the 1980s. Proceeds from these prints will go to local art scholarships in her name.

“Mel was such an amazing and giving person. Art was such an important part of her and I feel like she wanted kids to have the opportunity that she didn’t have to pursue following their dreams,” Garsky said.

Garsky explained something particularly touching to her was the reaction from those who’d lost various pieces of Meo’s artwork in their homes due to Hurricane Ian. Various people came into the gallery asking specifically for anything by Meo, she said.

“If Mel was here, she’d be helping everybody. She would be moving a hundred miles an hour, trying to do everything she could for everybody. In that respect, this is the least we can do — give them some of Mel back,” Garsky said.

Meo, 64, of Bokeelia, passed away April 20, 2022.

Meo’s son, new father Luke Long, was instrumental in getting Garsky some of Meo’s work.

Long said, he was happy to lend a hand in continuing his mother’s island legacy, as people often ask him for his mother’s work.

“This is awesome — there’s such a demand for her work, but at the same time this would have been an overwhelming task for me on my own,” Long said.

Meo worked at the Bokeelia Art and Gift Gallery, now selling her prints to fund art scholarships. According to Long, Meo often described the gallery as her dream job, leaving him with the contentment that her work is in the right place.

“I’m just proud that we’re continuing her legacy and things are moving forward in the direction my mom would want them to go,” Long said.

The Bokeelia Art Gallery is at 8315 Main St., Bokeelia. Hours are Wednesday — Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

For additional information, please call the gallery at 239-738-5280.