From vision to reality — this historic creative retreat, known by artists like Rauschenberg, Gummer and Hirshhorn — awaits its next chapter.
FT. MYERS, FLA. (April 3, 2025) — A property rich in artistic history, once the creative sanctuary of renowned artists, is now available for purchase. Located at 13290 Electron Drive, it served as both a home and studio space for acclaimed artist Mary Voytek, a longtime collaborator of legendary American painter and graphic artist Robert Rauschenberg. With expansive grounds and versatile structures, the estate presents unparalleled opportunities for creative visionaries and entrepreneurial minds alike. Offered for $1,950,000, the property is marketed exclusively by Tim Drobnyk and The Burns Family Team of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Sanibel office. The listing details may be viewed here.
Set on over 3 acres, the property features a main house and multiple structures designed for a range of artistic endeavors, from sandblasting to large-scale welding. These spaces supported the creation of significant works and fostered artistic innovation, including projects developed for Rauschenberg himself. The sprawling property, with its serene surroundings and expansive facilities, holds the potential to serve as a haven for other artists, building contractors, landscapers, auto enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a distinctive, multifunctional space.
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
Mary Voytek, a nationally and internationally exhibited artist and professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, spent 26 years working alongside Rauschenberg at his iconic Captiva compound. Their collaboration extended to creating and innovating in the studios on Electron Drive, where cutting-edge techniques were developed for Rauschenberg’s art. Voytek’s work has been showcased in prestigious galleries across the country, including San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Washington, DC.
Renowned glass artist Luc Century, Voytek’s partner, brings a rich artistic legacy to the property, where he resides and creates his intricate glasswork. With over 35 years of connection to Sanibel and Captiva, his presence adds depth and cultural significance. Best known for his contribution to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Luc conceived and executed the etching of names into the monument, redefining how memorials honor the fallen.
A Storied Past
The property has hosted numerous notable figures from the art world, including:
- Robert Rauschenberg – Visionary artist, close friend, personal hero and best man at Voytek’s wedding.
- Olga Hirshhorn – Patron and collector affiliated with the Hirshhorn Museum.
- Roy and Dorothy Lichtenstein – Iconic figures in the world of Pop Art.
- Dale Chihuly – Renowned glass sculptor.
- Myra Daniels – Founder of the Naples Philharmonic.
- Jim Rosenquist – Prominent American painter.
- Don Gummer – Acclaimed sculptor.
“13290 Electron Drive is not just a piece of real estate — it’s a canvas awaiting its next masterpiece,” said Tim Drobnyk and Jeff Burns. “Whether as a private retreat for artists, a workshop for specialized trades, or a community hub for creativity and innovation, this property is primed for limitless possibilities.”
About Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Headquartered in Naples, Florida, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has over 1,400 sales professionals in 40 locations throughout Florida and North Carolina. Premier Sotheby’s International Realty also benefits from an association with the storied Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. The brokerage was founded by The Lutgert Companies, a prominent member of Southwest Florida’s business community since 1964, and is proudly associated with Peerage Realty Partners. For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com.
