Artist Colony prepares for ribbon cutting

Coastal Wildlife Education Garden to be unveiled, first Winter Art Show planned

JESS ORLANDO

Staff Writer

ENGLEWOOD — Artists Colony founder Sydney Martin invites the community out to Dearborn Street to enjoy a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Feathers and Flippers” project months in the making.

The event will showcase a selection of 19 wildlife sculptures painted by local artists, beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday. A noon ribbon-cutting is set for the Coastal Wildlife Education Garden at 240 W. Dearborn St.

“In addition to QR codes telling the story of our nesting turtles on Manasota Key, volunteers from the CWC (Coastal Wildlife Club) will act as docents, telling the story to groups that will view the 12 stations in the Garden,” the news release said.

Sculptures were sponsored by the CWC, Spread Spencer’s Sparkle, Englewood Glass & Mirror and Sun Coast Property Watch were painted by Carol Leonard, Lemon Bay High School students, Kelly Reark, and Linda Soderquist.

“Additional sculptures may be included until they can be placed on W. Dearborn (Street),” the news release said. “Families will find Environmental booths, Food, music and Santa available for photos.”

At the same time, the Artist Colony will be having their first Winter Art Show.

“Guests will find a selection of original art great for holiday gifts,” the news release said.

Additional sculptures are planned for the 400 block of Dearborn Street and will be installed as completed, according to the news release.

Lemon Bay High School students paint a sea turtle sculpture for Spread Spencer’s Sparkle.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARTIST COLONY