FISH of SanCap invites the community to its July Friendly Faces Luncheon on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The luncheon will be held at Sanibel Community Church located at 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
Friendly Faces brings neighbors together for food, conversation, and connection. Designed to reduce isolation and encourage social engagement, the monthly luncheon offers a welcoming environment where island residents can enjoy a shared meal, learn something new, and build relationships with others in the community. July’s complimentary lunch will feature sandwich, fruit and salad trays prepared by Publix.
The featured speaker will be longtime Sanibel resident and artist Dave Hoggatt, who will share stories spanning more than four decades on the island.
Dave and his late wife, Barbara, moved to Sanibel in 1981 and opened A Touch of Sanibel Pottery, where they created handmade pottery inspired by island life. What began with handcrafted lighthouses grew into a thriving business featuring dinnerware, kitchenware, and decorative pieces. Barbara brought each piece to life through her artistry as the primary decorator, while Dave handled glazing and firing the kilns.
After selling the business in 2006, the couple relocated to Kansas City, where they opened another pottery shop and became involved in youth ministry. They returned to Sanibel in 2010. Following Barbara’s four-year battle with cancer and her passing, Dave chose to continue what he describes as her “heart ministry,” carrying forward her love for the community through acts of kindness and connection.
Today, Dave continues creating his signature handmade mugs, which can be found in specialty shops around the island. He also shares handmade clay hearts throughout the community as small reminders of compassion, encouragement, and hope.
During the luncheon, Dave will reflect on his years living and working on Sanibel, the experiences that shaped his journey, and the lasting impact Barbara had on both his life and the island community. He will also walk attendees through the process behind creating his pottery and the craftsmanship involved in transforming clay into functional art.
“Friendly Faces is about creating opportunities for people to connect,” said Erika Arnowitz, Senior Services Director at FISH. “We know that friendships and social connections are important at every stage of life. Programs like this give people a chance to come together, share experiences, and learn from neighbors whose stories remind us of the strength, kindness, and resilience found throughout our community. Dave’s presentation is a beautiful example of how one person’s passion and generosity can touch so many lives.”
The Friendly Faces Luncheon is open to all. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. To RSVP, please visit https://friendlyfacesjuly2026.rsvpify.com or contact Erika Arnowitz, erika@fishofsancap.org.
