In September 2006, Kris Wimer, owner of an art gallery on North Padre Island, created a fund raiser for the endangered Kemp's Ridley Turtle called Turtle Trail 2006. Inspired by the Chicago Cows, Bears in Lake Tahoe and Dolphins in Corpus Christi, painted aluminum turtles were the art objects that were sold for the benefit of the Kemp's Ridley Recovery Program at the Padre Island National Seashore. Forty seven turtles were auctioned the next April and 100% of the proceeds, over $49,000, went to the Recovery Project.
Turtle Trail 2008 benefited the Port Aransas Animal Rehabilitation Keep, more commonly known as The ARK. The ARK is well known for their tireless efforts to save injured sea turtles and seabirds, as well as research for their well being. Friends of the ARK is a tax exempt, non-profit corporation, organized exclusively for the prevention of cruelty to animals. It's primary purpose is to raise funds for the rescue of injured, sick and abused wildlife that will be rehabilitated, maintained at The ARK, and released back to their natural wildlife habitat or other licensed facility. Turtle Trail 2008 had 41 sculptures for sale at the Great Turtle Release Auction, in Port Aransas and raised a whopping $44,000.
“Herons Happen!“ will again benefit the ARK. Herons are sponsored by businesses and individuals. The cast aluminum Heron is 34” tall and will be a great canvas for an artistic creation as was the turtle. Sponsors shall pay an artist of their choice an agreed price for the artwork, not to be less than $200 and purchase the aluminum heron from Friends of The ARK for $100.
Sponsors are honored and recognized at receptions called "Hatchings," and in the local papers and all available media. Also honored are the artists and their work. (see the Turtle Gallery from 2006 and 2008 at www.turtletrail.org.) Businesses and individuals can help “Herons Happen!” by providing a place, beverages and food for a "Hatching." We plan to introduce 8 to 10 works of "Heron Art" at each event. Herons will be on display at local business during the year and will be united for the first time the night before the auction for a preview of the art.
All contributions to this project are tax deductible as the law allows. For more information about "Hatchings," the locations of Herons as they are created and the auction, contact Kris Wimer @ 361-643-1932 or email, kriswimer@yahoo.com or Lee Harrison of Friends of The ARK @ 361-332-6361 or email, Lee at: ladyrhino@comcast.net.