Artists go "WILD" for Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park has been a beloved hiking, fishing, camping and wildlife observation destination for decades.
It’s also a favorite place for artists.
To show their appreciation, many of the region’s finest creators of visual beauty will be in attendance selling their works via silent auction at the second annual “Wild: Artists & Animals of Myakka” benefit.

The $35 event takes place Sunday at the park’s South Pavilion and features “eclectic Southern food and drink” and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the artwork will be on display for free at same location.

Host, The Friends of Myakka River, regularly partners with the Florida Park Service to assist, protect, restore and preserve the 57 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands that spans Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
“I live 5 miles from the park and I’m there almost everyday,” said “Wild” exhibit curator Evelyn McCorristin-Peters. “We must preserve this for future generations.
“There are so many species disappearing and I’ve seen incredible things there. It’s really important to keep The Friends of Myakka River going — it’s one of the best in the state at helping parks.”
Fifty percent of all artwork sales this weekend go to The Friends of Myakka River.

Contributing artists include master black-and-white photographer Clyde Butcher, who maintains galleries in Ochopee and Venice.
Attendees will also be able to purchase a painting by Florence Putterman, a National Endowment Grant recipient.
And pastel specialist Craig Rubadoux should have no problem helping the park and its “Wild Scenic Myakka River” with his work.

In all, about 20 artists are showing paintings, original prints, drawing, photographs and sculptures that depict the fauna of the Myakka wilderness. Participants were asked to submit works that departed from the standard wildlife art.
In addition to serving as curator, McCorristin-Peters will also have an oil on canvas for sale titled “A Barred Owl Skull” (opening bid of $200).
“I actually found the skull in the park on one of my walks,” she said.
At last’s year’s inaugural “Wild” benefit, 75 percent of the works were purchased, raising more than $5,000 for the park.
McCorristin-Peters sold her paintings a “Dancing Manatee” ($300) and “Snapping Turtle Two” ($175).
“It’s nice to know you’re being recognized and raising money for the park,” she said.
Established in 1934, Myakka River State Park offers a form of tropical escapism rarely found these days in the highly developed Sunshine State.
Parks hours are 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Entrance fees are $6 per vehicle for two to eight persons. Attractions include everything from air boat rides to narrated tram tours.
Numerous animals can be spotted from the tree-top canopy walk and 7 miles of paved bike trails as well as the 39 miles of hiking trails.
Observe ancient alligators on the river trail or while in the canoe/kayak.
Get lucky and maybe you’ll spot a Florida panther.
“I moved back down here eight years ago from Delaware and was so happy to find the park,” McCorristin-Peters said. “As an artist, it has been a real inspiration.”
Wade Tatangelo, features writer/columnist, can be reached at 745-7057. Visit his blog at bradenton.com/blogs.

International Women's Day, Courage and Aging

image courtesy of Arnold Newman getty

As I hope many of you know this past Sunday was International Women's Day.
A glorious celbration of women and thier achievements as well as their potential.

I've been thinking a lot about the state of women today throughout the world and particularly in our own country. It appauls me that women will not make equal salaries to their male counterparts until the year 2056. Why are more women not up in arms about this? Why aren't they out there protesting and making this an issue. Wouldn't it help our econmy to have the majority work force making more money to spend? But what is most important is just WHY? Do you have an answer?

The process of aging has kind of knocked me for a loop over the past year. I know it's not old but I will be 50 soon enough. My looks have changed and I struggle to think of myself as, well I know this sounds a little cocky, but "formerly hot." I know a few people once thought of me as "hot!" So I feel I can at least say this with the support of those few people. I've never been vain, never even owned a full length mirror, so the thought that the change of my looks was bothering me just really pissed me off! How could I be that shallow?

image courtesy of Janice Sexton Art

I've been studying a lot of artists lately and I fell upon this picture of Georgia O'Keefe in her last decade. And my initial reaction without even thinking was look at how beautiful she is. The light bulb went off in my head...it's all just a different definition of what beauty is. 

So I've moved on for the most part. I'll just let the changes happen, can't really do much about it anyway. Decided I'll just be glad I'm still here to see them happen.

So what are your thoughts on aging? Do you have any secrets you want to share?

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New Facebook Landing Page!

I recently learned that there is an application we can use to create unique landing pages for our Facebook fan pages. I know that you can create one using fbml, but I hadn't been that adventurous yet. 

The application is called Pagelever. For free you can create a landing page for new "likes." Then if you want to you can pay $3 a month or $20 a year for the people who already "like" you. I haven't done this yet, but it could be a good marketing tool to increase your fan base. You could place an image making new fans eligible for a giveaway or a discount on products! What's pretty nice is that you can change this image, it doesn't have to stay the same! 

I hope this tool helps and is something you can use! Oh yes, and if you click on the images it will take you to my pages!

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A Treasury for Every Day of the Week!

'Love Me Love You Too' by HeatherKent

All these items are from sellers who were among the very first to "heart" my shop when I first started. Thank you!

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Thanks so much for your comments. This is a thank you treasury for commenting on a previous treasury. I need all the help I can get. So many shops so little time. So help me by commenting and I will take a look at your store. Who knows I might feature you too.

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My New Shop in this Treasury!

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I am a newbie and this is my first Treasury List!! Most of items are hand picked from undiscovered shops by pounce.... Take a look because they are worth to be found.

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