Art In The Wild

Sanibel Island will come alive with color, creativity, and conservation spirit October 20–22 as J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society‑Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) host Art in the Wild, a three‑day celebration honoring the 150th birthday of Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling—America’s beloved conservation cartoonist and visionary. This milestone event invites the public to explore how art and nature intersect, just as Darling himself championed more than a century ago.

October 20: Art in Motion

The festivities begin Tuesday, October 20, with painting along Wildlife Drive, where visitors can encounter plein air artists painting the Refuge’s wildlife and landscapes in real time. Families can enjoy hands‑on creativity with an origami workshop and nature‑inspired crafts in The Roost alfresco space and the Nature Nook.

October 21: Honoring “Ding” Darling’s Legacy

Wednesday marks the official birthday of Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling—Pulitzer Prize‑winning editorial cartoonist, conservation pioneer, and winter resident of Sanibel and Captiva. In 1934, Darling helped initiate the Federal Duck Stamp Program, which uses the proceeds from the sale of duck hunting stamps to acquire and protect wetlands for waterfowl habitat. He designed the first Duck Stamp. Largely responsible for establishing the network of nationwide game refuges, Darling was called "the best friend ducks ever had,” and ultimately helped create the refuge that bears his name. To commemorate his legacy, “Ding” actor Tom Milligan and President Teddy Roosevelt actor Joe Wiegand will deliver special presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guests will also witness the unveiling of the Refuge’s new permanent 3D Donor Wall at The Roost at noon, a tribute to the supporters who continue Darling’s conservation mission. At 2 p.m., the community is invited to meet the 2025 Federal Duck Stamp winner James Hautman. This is Hautman’s seventh first-place win in the contest. His entry “3 Buffleheads in Flight” is available for purchase at the Refuge Nature Store. The Hautman brothers — James, Joseph and Robert — have collectively won the duck stamp art contest a record 16 times.

October 22: Art Awards & New Beginnings

The celebration concludes Thursday, October 22, with the judging of the week’s plein‑air artworks and the award ceremony for the annual “Ding” Darling Amateur Photography Contest. During the event, DDWS will also introduce its 2026–2027 Artist in Residence, Tam Teets, whose creative vision will help shape the refuge’s next chapter of art‑driven conservation expression. “Art in the Wild is more than a celebration—it’s an invitation,” said Ann‑Marie Wildman, Executive Director of DDWS. “Ding Darling believed art could open people’s eyes to the beauty and urgency of protecting our natural world.

We’re thrilled to welcome our community, visitors, families, and art lovers to experience that magic with us. Come be inspired, come be part of the legacy, and come celebrate the wild heart of Sanibel.” If your business or organization is passionate about creativity, wildlife, conservation, and community impact, DDWS would love to partner with you. To learn more contact Jeff Decker at jeff@dingdarlingsociety.org | 310-612-4373.