Our History

In 1993, Cathy Linnemann and Kate Carlier, two recent college graduates, drove to Alaska to start their careers. Upon arriving, they found the frigid climate not to their liking and instead selected sunny Sanibel Island as their targeted destination. After reaching Sanibel, they examined several business opportunities, ultimately deciding to open an art gallery in a small building located at the corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Library Way. This brightly painted building would house the Hirdie-Girdie Gallery, a name they selected based on an old English term meaning topsy-turvy. In January 1994, Hirdie-Girdie Gallery opened its doors with an eclectic collection of local, national, and international art. And while the gallery experienced immediate success, a few years later the founders moved on to new adventures and a cooperative of local artists was formed to continue pursuing their vision. The original artists in the cooperative included Ann Bischoff, Don Case, Gordon Coughlin, Don Daniels, Lola Katchen, Bea Pappas, Joyce Rand, and Carol Rosenberg. Today, a decade later, several founders remain, and the gallery is still a must see for visitors to Sanibel. New artists have also joined the cooperative, and the combination of these new contributors and old timers has resulted in a unique synergy that energizes the group while providing continuity of purpose. Sanibel and Hirdie-Girdie Gallery are special places; visitors become friends, and all return year after year to enjoy each one's unique offerings. Please visit us at our gallery on Sanibel Island.