Gulf Coast Village to host acclaimed SWFL artist, author and illustrator Doug MacGregor

Join Gulf Coast Village residents for a session of humor and creativity as acclaimed artist Doug MacGregor shares his one-of-a-kind perspective on life in Southwest Florida.

MacGregor, who is best known for his 23-year career as a Fort Myers News-Press editorial cartoonist, will speak at the Cape Coral life plan community at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, entertaining residents and prospective residents alike with his side-splitting humor.

MacGregor moved to Southwest Florida in 1988, working for The News-Press until 2011. He then served as the arts in healthcare coordinator for Lee Health through 2023, and currently volunteers his time at Golisano Children’s Hospital, where he draws cartoons alongside the hospital’s young patients.

He is also the author and illustrator of six children’s books: Turtellini, The Turbo-Charged Turtle, Turtellini’s Amazing Sky-High Adventures, Morgan McKinney’s Bigger-Than-Life Bedtime Story, Rad Hair Day, Ochre the Smoker, and Get Creative, Turn on the Bright Side of Your Brain.

Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life plan community, has been a longtime supporter of the arts. In November, the community launched its rotating art exhibit, Gulf Coast Gallery, a partnership with the North Fort Myers Arts Association that features art from local artists and Gulf Coast Village’s resident artists.

Each exhibit has its own theme, with the most recent one “Around the World in 50 Days.” MacGregor’s artwork is on display at Gulf Coast Village through Feb. 27 as part of the current art exhibit.

“With the recent launch of our ongoing art exhibit, Gulf Coast Gallery, we’re excited to have one of Southwest Florida’s most well-known artists come speak to our residents and guests,” said Ryan Keller, regional vice president of senior living for Volunteers of America National Services, the sponsoring organization of Gulf Coast Village.

The event will take place at Gulf Coast Village, located at 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral. To register for this free event, please RSVP by Feb. 20 by calling 239-510-8712 or visiting GulfCoastVillage.org/Events.