Though I unfortunately didn’t get asked to paint the mural (though perhaps that’s a good thing for the local AS, since I have a hard time not inserting amazon women, giant insects and UFOs into my artwork), I did get asked by Ms. Greenberg to play some live guitar at during the event.

Regular commenter rycamor (who is a killer good guitarist) will be joining me. If you’re local and have time on Sunday, you’re invited to come on by.

Here’s the media release:

Media Release
By: Marion Audubon Society
Contact: Judy Greenberg, President Marion Audubon Society – 352-871-1094
Event: Environmental Mural Dedication & Birdsy Art Exhibit
Date: Sunday, February 10, 2013
Time: 3:00PM to 5:30PM
Location: Gallery East – US Hwy 441 south of Belleview

Venue: The public is invited to meet the Mural Masters for the dedication of the outdoor environmental mural at the Gallery East. Artists of the Gallery East will have a special Birdsy Art Exhibit inside the Gallery East for all to enjoy. Social time begins with refreshments at 3:00PM in the gallery. Dedication ceremony begins at 3:30 on the patio. Guest speakers for the occasion include: Eric Draper, Executive Director for Audubon Florida, and Pat Carver, Natural Resources Chairman for Deep South Region of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. A special Birdsy Art exhibit by the artists of Gallery East will be on display throughout the gallery during the event.

More About the Mural Dedication:

The mural dedication is a tribute to the joint effort by the Pioneer Garden Club of Ocala and the Marion Audubon Society to raise awareness about water conservation opportunities in Marion County. The Painted Rain Barrels for Conservation Project spearheaded by the two organizations involved local artists and local government in the educational campaign. Rain barrels are an excellent way for individuals and businesses to collect water during the rainy season for outdoor use during the dry seasons. The Painted Rain Barrel Project raised $2,300.00 from the sale of tickets for an opportunity to win a artistically painted rain barrel. The painted rain barrels were awarded to four different ticket holders: Michel Northsea of Dunnellon, The Urology Health Team of Ocala, Marsha Waldron of Gainesville and James Wanous of Belleview.

Dr. and Mrs. Klimberg of The Urology Health Team of Ocala donated their barrel to the Pioneer Garden Club for display at the garden center on Silver Springs Blvd. Marsha Waldron donated her painted rain barrel to the Kanapaha Botanical Garden in Gainesville. It will be displayed in the children’s garden as part of a water conservation demonstration. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be awarded to environmental education at designated parks and preserves in Marion County.

Approximately 750 individuals purchased tickets for the painted rain barrel drawing and ten local businesses participated with the Painted Rain Barrel Project as Conservation Partners:
Boring & Associates
Dr. Kent C. Weitzel, DMD
Collier,
Jernigan & Goedert,
P.A.
Agricon Equipment – The Kubota Superstore
Miller Cottage, LLC
Anthuriums: The Love Flower, LLC
The Mojo Grill
Superior Landscape
Get It Done Scaping
The Urology Health Team of Ocala

Details about the mural dedication and the Painted Rain Barrels for Conservation can be found on the Marion Audubon Society Website: www.marioncountyaudubon.com