
MIA art students Cassie Sullivan (left) and Ariel Johnson in front of the mural on display at the MIHS. Photo by Rob Eder
The Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) is well known for its exhibits in their Salmon Room featuring area history and current art. The theme will change every few months, giving the public an opportunity to enjoy a fresh point of view of our past and present. MIHS personnel had commented several times about my photos and I was pleasantly surprised when they approached me about providing an exhibit. How could I say no?
In the past, the majority of the exhibits have featured amazing works by a variety of artists that are, without a doubt, museum quality. Guided and inspired by MIHS manager Jennifer Perry, we’ve decided to take a slightly different approach and focus more on the educational information with the art as a compliment.Some of my photos have been transferred to canvas and others to metal.
The theme of the exhibit will be “Beyond The Mangrove Trees and Beneath The Emerald Waves” so a portion of the room will be dedicated to wildlife seen in the Everglades and our shoreline, and the other half to my favorite subject, dolphins. In addition to the photos, there will be two slide shows for the public to enjoy. One will be about alligators and the other about dolphins. Also a gator skull and dolphin skull will be on display for learning purposes.
The main attraction, the piece de resistance, will be provided by my friends at Marco Island Academy. Under the tutelage of Art Instructor Rob Eder, a cast of student volunteers stepped up to answer the challenge of creating a wall-size mural, and it is beautiful! Student photographer Jayce Dawson took some pictures of Everglades trees, swamps and prairies to provide the inspiration for the project. Student artists Ariel Johnson and Cassie Sullivan worked diligently until the work met their satisfaction. This is truly a museum quality masterpiece if I have ever seen one. You will want to come and see this!Additionally, nature specialists will be on hand periodically to answer questions for guests as they stroll through the exhibit over the three-month period (for more information visit themihs.info).
It is an honor to work in the company of such professional people, inspirational teachers and aspiring students. It is what some might call a true “Dream Team!”
I am humbled and blessed to be in their presence!
Bob is the owner of Stepping Stone Ecotours, providing fun and educational walks in the western Everglades. He is also a naturalist for the local dolphin survey team on board the Dolphin Explorer, a 12-year research venture that monitors area dolphin activity. Bob loves his wife very much!
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