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September 2024 by Christopher Hullinger
Jim Mazzotta's phenomenal works of art, appearing on T-shirts featuring lyrics to Jimmy Buffett songs, were my gateway drug into all things Buffett, Pirate, Parrot, and what later became the Margaritaville scene.
I began searching online for the actual artist of these fantastic designs. Who was the artist that created the ocean and island life scenes of pirates, ships, parrots, lizards, and lovers? "Caribbean Soul" searches were somewhat fruitless as that brand name is used by many businesses now, and the original clothing brand hasn't been around for over 20 years. After many unsuccessful searches, I finally found an old online blog that referenced "the two Jimmy's shirts," as Jim Mazzotta's art and Jimmy Buffett's lyrics. I finally had a name! That led me to an art gallery website, which led me to Jim Mazzotta's Instagram page, and then to his own art gallery's website.
The results of my searches proved far more magical than I had imagined. Jim Mazzotta and his wife, Kathleen, continue to create incredible works of art which are on display in their Jungle Drums Art Gallery on Captiva Island, and on Jim's Instagram page. I sent an email to the gallery explaining some of the above and asked about purchasing items my wife and I found on the website. Much to my surprise, and excitement, I received a response from Jim himself, saying he was glad I found him.
I ordered Jim Mazzotta’s book, “Illustrated Escapes, a Visual Journey,” which includes terrific stories of his start as a young artist, how he became captivated with coastal and island life, and the story behind those first designs and concepts he and an entrepreneurial T-shirt friend created and pitched to Jimmy Buffett. It's all there, the beginning of the pulp culture style we all fondly know. The pages are full of vibrant photos of Jim's art of that era; thrillingly including many I had never seen. Jim has not only created artwork for many newspapers and Jimmy Buffett merchandise, but also for Disney and Universal Studios.
The fact that what started as a search for my all-time favorite T-shirts led to enjoyable correspondence with Jim himself, and a fun conversation with Kathleen while ordering the book, all adds to the adventure. My wife and I have ordered and received some of Jim's works on canvas, already plan on ordering more!
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April 2024 by Brian Lowe
Looked really cool but was not open.
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March 2023 by Wendy W. Rosen
I love this place and hope it survived the storm!
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January 2023 by KReschBlancaave
We purchased a piece of art which we were told was hand made. We visited by boat and had to pay an exorbitant amount to have it shipped to another part of Florida. I visited a rooms to go last month and saw our exact piece on sale for half the cost. Clearly the piece is not hand man, but rather mass manufactured. This art gallery is selling mass produced art and claiming its hand made and original.
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May 2022 by JD Chez
Very interesting gifts here, nautical items and other water creature creations. Expensive items for gifts to loved ones who will enjoy. I will return here again to purchase a gift for my spouse or family member. They do not allow any pictures taken so I cannot post any of these beautiful items of this place.
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May 2022 by paonessat
A must visit The owner is the artist of many pieces. He is so incredibly talented you'll be in awe. You can buy unique art for your home at competitive pricing. Even if not in the market go visit.
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February 2022 by Kurt Schulz
Beautiful hand crafted artisan jewelry, statues, wall and table art, one-of-a-kind artworks.
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October 2021 by Julie Bennett
Great selection of artists works!
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August 2021 by Rick Martin
A friend referred me to this place and said to talk to Jim, I called just now and some crazy lady answered and wouldn't say if Jim was there or if I even had the right place- I went ahead and told her I what kind of art I was looking for and she said, "I don't know who you are" and hung up on me. I guess these people don't want any customers! Someone should probably have that creepy lady committed- she sounds like she has Alzheimer's.
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April 2021 by michael krause
Beautiful artwork but horrible customer service. I wanted a piece of the art and didn’t buy it from this gallery because of the interaction with the owner was disappointing.I did return to buy the piece twice but the store was closed (very strange hours).I found the same exact piece for thirty-five percent less at another store in Fort Myers so I’m thankful for their rudeness and strange hours after all.A tip to the owners, you never know who’s about to drop some cash, so treat everyone with respect.
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March 2020 by bill repke
The most incredible, high quality, reasonable priced collection of art ever seen
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February 2020 by Ned H
We had lunch at The Bubble Room on Captiva Island and walked up the street to see this gallery. Very nice selection of wall hangings, sculptures, pottery, and glass by Florida artists. The prices were, I thought, legitimate for the quality of work. I will be looking into their website for possible additions to our Michigan home. Definitely check it out.
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January 2020 by 1happykat
We enjoyed shopping at this store. Very beautiful and unusual items. The only problem is the hours - we tried to come back on our second day to the area and it was closed.
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January 2020 by kellyfh
If you are into some beautiful artwork this is the place to go. To heck with the cheap trinkets get something that is meaningful and beautiful that you will keep for years to come. Staff-artists were friendly, explained the artwork which was so interesting. Make the visit there.
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December 2019 by Chaz Fullwood
Beautiful gallery. A lot of in-house made stuff. Price is just right
