Painter Jo-Ann Sanborn noticed a lot of empty storefronts at the Esplanade shopping, dining and condominium community where she lives on Marco Island.  So, in a flash of brilliance, she wondered if it would be possible to turn those depressing, empty storefronts into colorful artist studios.  Thanks to the cooperative agreement worked out between The Art League Marco Island Center for the Arts, the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts and Lutgert Companies, her dream has become reality!  The Artist Colony at the Esplanade is open and it really brightens up this center.  Be sure to add this to your list of stops on your next visit to Marco Island.  You can visit the working artist's in their studio spaces Wednesday 11am-7pm; Thursday 11am-8pm; Friday 11am-7pm; and Saturday 10am-4pm.  Call 239-775-6345 for more information.