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Wild News

How Jewelry is helping to protect Wild Africa

August Conservation Inspiration! 

Staying inspired is key to fostering your passions and taking action on the things you care about. What's amazing about the conservation movement is that it's ultimately this massive group of people who share the same knowledge and understanding that we must inspire communities across the world to love and protect our shared wild heritage so the next generation may have the same opportunities we have. 

Recently, I came across a few organizations thanks to Shannon Wild Jewelry that really inspired me and I can't wait to share them with you!

 African Lions by Kelly QuinnAfrican Lions by Kelly Quinn

What We Will Learn:

1) How three nonprofits are paving the way to protecting wild Africa and our ocean

2) Some of the threats facing African Wildlife in 2020

3) What we can do as a community


The Wild Tomorrow Fund, Vatuvara Foundation, and Rhino Rescue Project are each focused on conservation efforts to protect wild Africa and the ocean for the next generation.

The Wild Tomorrow Fund:

African Lion photographed by Shannon WildAfrican Lion photographed by Shannon Wild


Wild Tomorrow Fund is dedicated to the protection of threatened and endangered African species and the habitats they depend on for survival.


Baby GiraffeBaby Giraffe photographed by Bernadette Hafkamp


They want to ensure that the world that comes after us is a world in which a wild tomorrow is possible. They work on the ground in southern Africa with local villages and cultures to develop the vision of a world in which wildlife habitats are expanded and protected, and where existing reserves have the resources needed to keep their animals safe.



African Elephant photographed by Shannon WildAfrican Lion photographed by Shannon Wild


A staggering 30% were lost between 2007 and 2014, primarily to poaching. That’s 144,000 elephants in just seven years - approximately 100 every day. However, the struggle to save elephants differs from country to country. Mozambique lost 53% of its elephant population in five years to poachers, while in South Africa the conservation challenge for elephants is habitat loss, with elephants running out of space within finite, fenced reserves. They protect the remaining Elephants by removing fences, connecting habitats, relocating families, and undertaking new research.



Vatuvara Foundation:

Sea Turtle Photographed by Kelly QuinnGreen Sea Turtle Photographed by Kelly Quinn

The Vatuvara Foundation is protecting Fiji’s ocean against devastating human impact by reviving Fiji’s ocean through a significant network of marine managed areas and safe havens for marine wildlife!

 

Vatuvara Working with Local CommunitiesVatuvara Foundation working with the local community


Their approach has focused on educating and engaging with locals to create a community of individual responsibility for healthy environments and living in co-existence with our natural heritage.

 

Scuba Diver working with VatuvaraScuba diver performing research for Vatuvara Foundation


At the forefront of climate change impacts and tourism, the Vatuvara Private Islands is committed to preserving the environment with sustainable practices for nature-based recreation. Two of the four private islands have been certified organic to US and AUS standards to support ecological stability, and they help monitor critical coral reef habitat!


Rhino Rescue Project:

African Lion photographed by Shannon WildRhino photographed by Shannon Wild


The Rhino Rescue Project has pioneered a proactive initiative to combat the scourge of rhino poaching in South Africa. The organization believes that the only way to save the rhino is to devalue their horns from the consumer perspective. Demand in Vietnam and China is growing exponentially and without effective demand reduction, there will be no way to protect the rhino population going into rapid decline in the next decade.

 

Rhino Rescue Team in ActionRhino Rescue Team Performing Procedure


How they accomplish this is by infusing the horns of living rhinos in the wild with color and a chemical that cause the horn to change hues and texture while not harming the animal. This change in the horn effectively devalues the ivory to the market, saving the animals from potential poaching operations.

 Rhino photographed by Shannon WildRhino photographed by Shannon Wild


With more than 7,500 rhinos lost to poaching in South Africa since 2010, few could argue that time is running out for us to bring an iconic African species back from the brink of extinction.

Threats Facing African Wildlife:


Elephants:
Elephants are at the forefront of the poaching trade. in the last decade, there has been a steady escalation in poaching, or illegal killing, for the commercial trade in ivory and meat predominately for export to China. Wild elephants also face extinction due to increased loss and fragmentation of natural habitats and a lack of land-use planning, causing rising conflict with humans over diminishing resources.

Rhinos:
Elephants are not the only victims of a growing international industry of legal—and illegal—wildlife goods. The African rhino has been pushed close to extinction in humans’ quest for their horn, which is believed to cure ailments from cancer to hangovers in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. Only three northern white rhino individuals survive in a semi-wild setting at Ol Pejeta Conservancy while the critically endangered black rhino recovers from the loss of nearly 90 percent of the species in the 1970s and 1980s.

Sea Turtles:
While protected in Florida, Sea Turtles don't receive the same reverence in other parts of the world; suffering from poaching and over-exploitation. They are often harvested for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells for food and decoration. They also face an uncertain future with habitat destruction and accidental capture—known as bycatch—in fishing gear.


How We Can Help:

photographer Shannon WildPhotographer Shannon Wild


National Geographic photographer Shannon Wild, founded a sustainable jewelry brand called Wild in Africa, which supports each of these foundations through the sales of specific bracelets.

 

Rhino Rescue Project BraceletRhino Rescue Bracelet with Artwork by Kelly Quinn


The profits are donated back to protecting African wildlife every-time a natural bracelet finds a new home! You can explore some of my favorites at the links below! View all the beautiful bracelets at Wild in Africa!

 

Wild Tomorrow Fun Bracelet

Wild Tomorrow Fun Bracelet with Artwork by Kelly Quinn

 

Other ways you can protect African wildlife is through eco-tourism, or sharing educational info with your friends and family about the plight of these iconic animals! I hope you enjoyed this trip to Africa and found inspiration from these passionate organizations and people working to protect our wild heritage for the next generation!

Stay wild, friends!
Cheers,
Kelly

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Art Supporting Biscayne National Park and local Conservation

Thank each and every one of you for making the “Immersion” reception weekend such a wonderful time!

King and Queen OctopusesKing of the Castle and Queen of Hearts, 24"x30" Acrylic on canvas 

I’m so lucky to have you all in my life!  A huge thank you to our sponsors at Concrete Beach Brewery, and Biscayne Bay Brewing Co. for providing yummy brews and the Florida National Parks Association for the funds to purchase delicious Cuban inspired eats for the events that happened all weekend!

 

Gary Bremmen and Kelly Quinn at Biscayne National ParkGary Bremmen and Kelly Quinn at Biscayne National Park

I’d also like to thank Gary Bremmnen, a Park Ranger who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to conservation, education, and protecting our wild heritage! This event wouldn’t have happened without him!

 

Paint for the wild art class at Biscayne National ParkPaint for the Wild art class at Biscayne National Park

 

On Friday night we shared in the joy of creation by teaching a Paint for the Wild art class in collaboration with the Biscayne National Park Institute in the Biscayne National Park visitor center!

 

Paint for the Wild art class at Biscayne National ParkPaint for the Wild art class at Biscayne National Park

 

It was such a treat getting to guide both seasoned and beginner artists in the painting of a pop-art octopus!

 

Biscayne Bay Brewing Co. sponsoring brews at art class in Biscayne National ParkBiscayne Bay Brewing Co. sponsoring brews at art class in Biscayne National Park

 

What made the night even more awesome was the support of Biscayne Bay Brewing Co. and their team who came out to the park to bartend and donate some of their yummy brews for the event! 

 

Speaking to guests at "Immersion" reception in Biscayne National Park  Speaking to guests at "Immersion" reception in Biscayne National Park  

 

Saturday was spent sharing the beauty of Biscayne Bay through the new “Immersion” Biscayne art collection at the Dante Vascell Visitor center!

 

Guests viewing "Immersion" artwork at reception in Biscayne National Park   Guests viewing "Immersion" artwork at reception in Biscayne National Park   

 

The “Immersion” art reception was from 6pm - 9pm and featured five local non-profits organizations in education and conservation from the University of Miami Shark Tagging, Shark Allies, Shark Education, and the Florida Parks Association to the Coral Restoration Foundation

 

Shark Allies at "Immersion" art reception in Biscayne National Park
Shark Tagging Miami at "Immersion" art reception in Biscayne National ParkShark Tagging Miami at "Immersion" art reception in Biscayne National Park

 

Shark Education at "Immersion" art reception in Biscayne National ParkShark Education at "Immersion" art reception in Biscayne National Park

 

Coral Restoration Foundation at "Immersion" reception in Biscayne National ParkCoral Restoration Foundation at "Immersion" reception in Biscayne National Park

 

Guests at "Immersion" reception in Biscayne National Park Guests at "Immersion" reception in Biscayne National Park 

 

Biscayne National Park hosted dozens of guests for the event and featured my latest artwork throughout their gallery space, which would have never been a reality without the support of Gary Bremmen, a senior ranger at Biscayne National Park!

 

Concrete Beach Brewer Cris at reception in Biscayne National Park    Concrete Beach Brewer Cris at reception in Biscayne National Park w/ Blake and I  

 

Thank you to Conrecete beach Brewing for donating some of their delicious brews for the event and for having their brewmaster Cris out to share in the excitement and fun of the national park! 

 

Meeting fellow artists at reception in Biscayne National Park

 

I am so humbled by the amazing group of people we got to meet and share in our collective passion for nature. For this event, I wanted to focus on the impact that the arts can have on conservation. From communicating stories of conservation, uplifting science through visuals, and engaging our community in nature through community; the arts are a fundamental part of being human and have the ability to connect each of us to the wild heritage we come from.

 

Connecting with young artists at reception in Biscayne National Park  Connecting with young artists at reception in Biscayne National Park    

 

My hope is that these pieces immerse you into the watery world of Biscayne Bay and introduce you to the plucky and unique characters who call it home, so you may feel more connected to our home and care for our wild heritage! 

 

Family Fun fest Community Mural at Biscayne National ParkFamily Funfest Community Mural at Biscayne National Park

 

If we all care today, together we can protect what we love so the next generation may also get the opportunity to experience the magic that is nature. 

 Family Fun fest Community Mural at Biscayne National ParkFamily Funfest Community Mural at Biscayne National Park

Sunday was an even bigger highlight! It was Biscayne National Parks family fun fest weekend, and I had the opportunity to create a 25'x18' chalk mural with Biscayne volunteers, staff, teachers and over 250 kids!

 

Family Fun fest Community Mural at Biscayne National ParkFamily Funfest Community Mural at Biscayne National Park

 

We worked all afternoon, and together we were able to create a massive communal mural made from non-toxic chalk, that represented the combined appreciation of Biscayne National Park and the shared moment of our community coming together to celebrate nature and our wild heritage! 

 

Family Fun fest Community Mural at Biscayne National ParkFamily Funfest Community Mural at Biscayne National Park

 

Originals are now available to go to their forever homes, and limited edition prints and tees are now live in my shop for purchase, with a percent of each going towards supporting Biscayne National Park initiatives with seagrass restoration, and mangrove management! 

 

Family Fun fest Community Mural at Biscayne National ParkFamily Funfest Community Mural at Biscayne National Park

 

If you're interested in having an event like this in your community please reach out to me via email at kellyquinnartist@gmail.com to learn more! Thank you for your time, I appreciate you! 

Cheers, Kelly

 

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Freelance Artist

Let's Collaborate!

Hi friends! I'm interested in working with fellow wild-minded souls who want to collaborate on graphic designs like logos, web graphics, product designs, and illustrations to do good for our community. 

Here are a few of the topics I will be covering so you can get a better feel for my work, ethics, and vision. 

  • What ethics and morals guide my design and dictate who I work with?
  • What is my vision for all projects?
  • What does my previous work and projects look like?

Please reach out to me with any questions or inquiries at kellyquinnartist@gmail.com or via phone at (813) 563-2785‬! I look forward to collaborating on something awesome! 

Portfolio: https://kellyofthewild.myportfolio.com/

 

Ethics and Morals

Ethics

Coral Nursery at The Florida Aquarium

 

I love working with fellow eco-brands and sustainably-minded business owners! I'm open to working with anyone who has a vision for a better future through design and environmentally conscious products for good. 

My work is heavily influenced by Florida living and marine life, but I'm always open to creating something new that fuses many inspirations.

I will not work with any businesses or individuals who do not care about our environment and the impact consumerism has on our planet. I'm not expecting everyone to be perfect environmental angels, but I do expect anyone I work with to at least care and put forth an effort to be more eco-friendly. 

 

Vision for Projects

Vision

Biscayne National Park Collection created alongside Product Designs

 

My vision is to make our community a better place through thoughtful and impactful designs that do good in the world.

Every project starts with a statement of intent from my potential client, sharing the inspirations behind the desired design, timeline, and the way it will be utilized. After this initial communication, which can be achieved by emailing me at kellyquinnartist@gmail.com, I will follow up with questions concerning the vision of the project, your budget, and the varying options for payment of design services. 

Please reach out to me with any questions or inquiries at kellyquinnartist@gmail.com or via phone at (813) 563-2785‬! 

 

Previous Work and Projects

Biscayne Heritage Artwork for Biscayne National Park

"Biscayne Heritage", Digital Illustration for Biscayne National Park

 

I have worked with reputable conservation and non-profit organizations like The Florida Aquarium, Biscayne National Park, and Weedon Island Preserve to create digital designs using the Adobe suite for use on products, educational material, and murals. Some quick examples of the work can be found below, but I recommend visiting my full portfolio at the link below!

Portfolio: https://kellyofthewild.myportfolio.com/

 

The Florida Aquarium Mural Design

Immersion Mural at The Florida Aquarium

Immersion Mural at The Florida Aquarium

 

After the architects and designers from Event Network had created the new gift shop space at The Florida Aquarium, they left a 13'x13' ceiling viewport which hovers over guests as they enter the shop, and to either side of the checkout counters were two vertical 3'x6' windows, all perfect for three murals that would immerse guests in the experience of the aquarium. This project was created with a focus on conservation messaging by using sustainable and repurposed materials.

The Florida Aquarium Immersion Mural Porthole

The Florida Aquarium Immersion Mural Porthole

 

Learn more about this project on my blog > https://kellyofthewild.com/blogs/news/bringing-the-sea-to-you-immersion-murals

 

Biscayne National Park Product Design Collection

Biscayne Heritage Tee Design for Biscayne National Park
Biscayne Heritage Tee Design for Biscayne National Park

 

Over the course of six months, I have collaborated with Biscayne National Park to design new illustrations and graphics for new eco-products and apparel to raise funds for their conservation initiatives. 

Biscayne National Park DesignBiscayne National Park Design

 

Above is an example of one of the designs used on tees, decal stickers, and mugs. All the designs shown were created in the Adobe suite using photoshop and illustrator. 

 

Biscayne National Park Mug
Biscayne National Park Design

 

Above is an example of the Biscayne Heritage Illustration modified for mugs. Designs shown were created in the Adobe suite using photoshop and illustrator. 

 

Weedon Island Preserve Tee Design for 8K Race

Weedon Island Trail Run 8K Design
Weedon Island Trail Run 8K Design

 

In 2018, I was commissioned by the Friends of Weedon Island Preserve to create a logo and graphic for their annual Gopher Weedon Trail Run. The graphic shown above was used on tees, marketing material and as a web asset to promote the event, which raises funds for Weedon Island Preserves conservation initiatives.  

Weedon Island Trail Run 8K DesignWeedon Island Trail Run 8K Design

 

The Logo above was the 2018 and 2019 Weedon Island Gopher Trail Run promotional design for stickers, tees, and marketing, helping the preserve raise funds for their initiatives.

 

Please reach out to me with any questions or inquiries at kellyquinnartist@gmail.com or via phone at (813) 563-2785‬! I look forward to collaborating on something awesome! 

 

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Immersion Art Exhibition at Biscayne National Park

You're Invited! - Immerse Yourself

Hi friends! Thanks for popping in to learn more about Biscayne National Park and the "Immersion" art exhibition now on display at the park visitor center! Here is where I will be keeping you up to date with the event and answering some of the questions you have!
  • What is the Immersion Exhibition and when/where will it be held?
  • How can art support the conservation of our National Parks?
  • What artwork will be at this event?

 

Biscayne National Park Collection 

Event Details: Immersion Exhibition Reception

When: Saturday, January 11th, 2020 from 6pm-9pm

Where: Biscayne National Park Visitor Center 

 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033

Event: If you love art, nature, creativity, exploring local culture or just want to experience something new, then join the fun at the Immersive art exhibition at the Biscayne National Park Visitor Center on the evening of January 11th to share in laughter, yummy local food, drink and music all around an art experience created with the intention of bringing the wild underwater world of Biscayne Bay to you! 

No need to be an art expert, just have a love for exploration and curiosity to understand Florida and Biscayne bay more deeply. The exhibition will explore the history, both natural and manmade of Biscayne National Park and will support the conservation efforts to protect our shared heritage! Hope to see you there! :)

Art Exhibit Viewing Dates: Saturday, November 22nd till Sunday, February 23rd | At Biscayne National Park Visitor Center from 9am -5pm daily

 

Art Supporting Conservation in National Parks

Thomas Moran "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone"

"Grand Canyon of Yellowstone"Oil on Canvas, Thomas Moran

 

History: The National Park system may never have existed without the help of two artists; one a photographer and the other a painter, who brought the dramatic visual landscapes of Yellowstone to the wider populous of the United States in 1871.

The painter; Thomas Moran's vision of the Western landscape captured in a series of paintings, but none more impactful than the "The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone" was critical to the creation of Yellowstone National Park

 

William Henry Jackson - Pulpit Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone 1872
" Pulpit Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone 1872", William Henry Jackson 

 

Thomas Moran along with photographer William Henry Jackson, each captured different perspectives of the landscape that would come to be known as Yellowstone National Park, leading to the official formation of the National Park Service a year after the photography and paintings were toured through the United States, inspiring the spirit of Americans and stirring the appreciation of wildness in our lives.

 

Biscayne Collection
Biscayne Collection, Acrylic on Canvas, Kelly Quinn

 

Today: Artist in Residencies are found in many US National Parks, providing artists with space and knowledge to inspire new artwork that may change the way Americans think about our wild spaces in an ever more busy and seemingly disconnected world. 

View Current Artist in Residency Openings >

 

Boca Chita Lighthouse
"The Guide", 30" x 40" Acrylic on Canvas, Kelly Quinn

 

With my latest collection, I hope to inspire the same love I felt when I visited the Bay for the first time! Vivid scenes with details showcasing the ebb and flow of life will immerse you, goggles and all, into the waters of Biscayne Bay, bringing a whole host of characters and stories forward for you to experience.

 

Bold Acrylic on canvas
"Bold" 30" x 40", Acrylic on Canvas, Kelly Quinn 

 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to share with you a world so whimsical and fascinating that it seems unimaginable to our own reality, but one that is so very real and so very fragile. 

 

Biscayne National Park Products
Biscayne Collection, Acrylic on Canvas, Kelly Quinn

 

Alongside Biscayne National Park and their partners at the Biscayne National Park Institute, I've also developed new products and designs that are raising funds for their initiatives with seagrass beds and combatting the recent sewage leakage in Biscayne Bay! You can view these eco-friendly products at the link below! 

Biscayne National Park Products for Good > 

 

Meet Eleven New Pieces at The National Park

Collection Hanging

Biscayne Collection, Acrylic on Canvas, Kelly Quinn 

 

From Sea Turtles to sharks, you will have the opportunity to meet many of the key characters found in Biscayne Bay! Central to my art, are core values of mission, education, and storytelling inspired by wild Florida and our cultural heritage. Because of these, nearly 9 months of time was spent exploring local history and researching habitat, environmental issues, and the positive impacts that nature has in our lives in preparation for the creation of these pieces.

 

King and Queen of the Castle

"King and Queen", 24"x30" Acrylic on Canvas, Kelly Quinn 

 

Many explorers like yourself visit the Biscayne National Park Visitor Center, but not everyone can make it out on the water to truly experience what Biscayne Bay has to offer the human soul. This is why I brought it to you in the form of the “Immersion Collection” with eleven new artworks! 

 

Immersion

Biscayne Collection, Acrylic on Canvas, Kelly Quinn 

 

My hope is that these artworks will illuminate new stories that inspire a fond memory or empowers you with new knowledge, and above all, connects you more deeply to our home and why we need to protect our wild heritage for the future.

 

Invitation

Here's your official invitation! Please feel free to message me at kellyquinnartist@gmail.com for any questions you may have about the exhibit and reception! I can't wait to see you in January! :)

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Pisces Artwork Inspired by the Center for Conservation

Pisces Seaturtle Artwork"Pisces", Orignal Acrylic on Canvas, 24"x36" created by Kelly Quinn

This Sea Turtle artwork is called "Pisces", inspired by the events of last year's coral spawn in the Florida Keys and celebrating the achievements of the Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation team!

Florida Aquarium Team at Keys Marine Lab The Florida Aquarium team at the Keys Marine Lab

During the spawn, Blake Wheeler and I had the opportunity to learn more about the aquarium's Center for Conservation, and their research with Florida corals! Over the last few years, Florida's coral reef tract, the third-largest in the world, has been losing it's remaining stony corals to a flesh-eating disease called "Stony Coral Tissue Loss" which quite literally causes the corals to rot. Some early indicators point to the culprit being sewage leakage and general pollution from fertilizers and poisons. 

Keys Marine Lab Keys Marine Lab staff and biologist Keri O'Neil inspecting lab Pillar Coral

To save the last of the genetically distinct Atlantic Pillar Corals native to the keys, the CFC team partnered with the Keys Marine Lab, Mote Marine Lab and the Georgia Aquarium on a mission to capture the coral spawn, possibly one of the last, and to nurture the polyps into adults in facilities called Arks at the Apollo beach CFC location!

Coral Spawning at Keys Marine LAbCoral Spawning being collected at Keys Marine Lab *Under Permit

Throughout the ensuing nights, the biologists battled storms and false spawning, but ultimately succeeded in capturing both wild spawn and lab spawn, shown here! Note, all corals were handled under a permit; The Florida Aquarium works under a permit regulated by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that allows them as well as the other institutions involved, to interact and safely handle corals.

 Pisces Sea Turtle Artwork, Glowing Art"Pisces" Original Acrylic on Canvas, 24"x36" Fluorescing phase

To fully capture the mystery, and the impact of this event, I wanted to paint a midnight scene lit by the full moon, which is when the coral all spawn together, like a snowstorm underwater. What's interesting about corals, and even the animals like sea turtles who inhabit these environments, they actually fluoresce and glow in the dark under certain lighting!

 Pisces Sea Turtle Artwork, Glowing Art"Pisces" Original Acrylic on Canvas, 24"x36" Glowing phase

Another connection with this "fluorescing" aspect, thanks to documentary Chasing Coral, is that corals are now known to fluoresce as a last-ditch effort to protect themselves from the sun once bleached, kind of like a  temporary sunscreen. However, the corals can only sustain this screen for so long, before they inevitably fade from fluorescing to slightly glowing, to disappearing. This movement from fluorescing to glow to disappearance is what I wanted to capture in this work with the use of the right lighting conditions.

Scott Graves with the Florida Aquarium at Keys Marine LabScott Graves with The Florida Aquarium and fellow scientists at Keys Marine Lab

We love The Florida Aquarium and the research they are working on with the Center for Conservation to protect our wild heritage from disappearing! Florida's coral reefs are gorgeous environments filled with lush wildlife and the fond memories spent with loved ones exploring it, and I can't imagine our home without it.

Pillar Coral Spawning at Keys Marine Lab , Photo by Kelly QuinnAtlantic Pillar Coral Spawning at Keys Marine Lab

To preserve this gem for future generations to enjoy, we are donating back to The Florida Aquarium's conservation initiatives with every "Pisces" artwork that finds a new home! So you can feel awesome displaying this vivid artwork that captures the mythical nature of coral reefs, AND represents a place you're helping us to protect!

  • Learn More about Pisces by visiting this link > "Pisces"

Staghorn Coral grown at The Florida AquariumEndangered Staghorn Coral grown at The Florida Aquarium

I hope you found this jump into Florida's marine research fascinating! A huge thank you to Scott Graves and Keri O'Neil for inviting us down to share this story, and to The Florida Aquarium, Center for Conservation, and Keys Marine Lab for hosting us!

Florida Keys Coral ReefFlorida Keys Coral Reef in Biscayne National Park

As always, I want to stimulate a conversation around these important topics. Now that you've learned a bit about some of the research, what are your thoughts on coral conservation and the protection of America's Coral Reef? What are your concerns with the current state of our home and what value do you think it brings to your life? 

 

Thank you for reading, you're amazing! 

Cheers, Kelly

 

*Permit Notation* The Florida Aquarium works under a permit regulated by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

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Bringing the Sea to you -Immersion Murals at The Florida Aquarium

 

Florida Aquarium Mural

Final "Immersion" 13'x13' Digital Painting Mural by Kelly Quinn

 

Hi friends!

So excited to share this with you! In late 2018, I had the opportunity to work alongside Event Network creatives and The Florida Aquarium to bring the watery world of the Florida Keys to guests visiting the new Channelside district in Tampa!

In this blog, I'll be sharing the following;

  • The project conception and purpose
  • The process behind painting massive digital murals
  • Final artwork now on display at The Florida Aquarium for public enjoyment

 

The Project

After the architects and designers had created the new gift shop space, with a focus on conservation messaging by using sustainable and repurposed materials, they left a 13'x13' ceiling viewport which hovers over guests as they enter the shop, and to either side of the checkout counters were two vertical 3'x6' windows, all perfect for three murals that would immerse guests in the experience of the aquarium.

 

 Early Rendering Florida Aquarium Mural

Early Rendering, Digital Artwork by Kelly Quinn

Together with the Event Network team comprised of Jose Flores and Michael Early as well as The Florida Aquarium store director, Ian Brooks, we brainstormed ideas for the murals, and after a month of preparations, I created the first digital renderings of the proposed "Immersion" murals.

 Installed Ceiling Mural at The Florida Aquarium

Installed Ceiling Mural at The Florida Aquarium, digital artwork by Kelly Quinn

After further discussion, Event Network proposed the massive murals should be printed on a lightweight fabric and then backlit to create the feeling of emanating light filtering through the ocean as you walk through the space. This aspect of the project really pulled together the feeling of life jumping out at you from the artwork!

Process

After the original concepts were approved, I spent the next three months digitally painting these massive murals on my 15" computer screen, for a grand total area of 205 ft once printed.

Mural Painting in Adobe Photoshop

Painting Digitally in Adobe Photoshop

 

To create the Immersion pieces, I used Adobe Photoshop to paint all three murals from scratch with the help of my Wacom tablet & pen, which I use as you would a normal paintbrush to place strokes on the digital canvas. 15 inches by 15 inches, I slowly created some of The Florida Aquarium's most iconic sea creatures inspired by our residents like Missy the Sandtiger Shark and Flip the Green Sea Turtle!

Aquarium Coral

A Staghorn Coral being grown at The Florida Aquarium, Handled under permits.

I worked closely with aquarium biologists and educators and conducted my own research into Florida marine ecology specifically for this project so I could share a true to life, realistic Florida Keys coral reef filled with native marine life like the elegant Angelfish, illusionary Sheephead and vivid Neon Gobies.

 The Florida Aquarium Mural

"Immersion " Digital Artwork by Kelly Quinn

 

Once the murals were completed, I shared the final artwork files with the Event Network team, who worked diligently to make sure the artwork was printed and displayed on a level of quality beyond anything I have ever seen before. This entire project was a massive undertaking for all parties involved, and it wouldn't have been a success without every person on board, all of whom cared passionately about communicating a feeling of immersion to our guests.

The Florida Aquarium Mural

"Immersion " 3'x6' Digital Artwork by Kelly Quinn

I want to give a huge thank you to Event Network and The Florida Aquarium for this opportunity to create artwork that immerses people in the beautiful watery world that inspired my own passion for conservation.

The Florida Aquarium Mural

"Immersion " 3'x6' Digital Artwork by Kelly Quinn 

 

I love seeing a Childs face light up with excitement and awe when they look up to see a shark overhead or a sea turtle kindly looking at them, it's a constant reminder that we must always inspire the next generation to care for this beautiful world.

See it for yourself

If you want to experience the "Immersion" murals for yourself, please plan a visit to The Florida Aquarium and take a stroll through the sea in our gift shop! You can learn more about the awesome projects Event Network undertakes at https://www.eventnetwork.com/

 Event Network store at The Florida Aquarium

Final Installed artwork in Store at The Florida Aquarium

If you have any inquiries about the murals, are interested in collaborating on a mural project or commissioning original artwork, please reach out to me at kellyquinnartist@gmail.com ! :)

 

Cheers,

Kelly

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Biscayne National Park Trip

 

Snorkel the Florida Keys Coral Reef at Biscayne National Park and explore endangered mangrove forests!

Biscayne National Park Artwork by Kelly QuinnBiscayne National Park Jones Lagoon, Digital artwork by Kelly Quinn

 Hi There! Thanks for jumping in to learn more about Biscayne National Park! Here are some of the questions I will be answering about the park and how you can enjoy your time when visiting! 

  • What is the best way to experience Biscayne National Park and where do I sign up?
  • What should I bring for a trip and where should I stay?
  • Why was Biscayne National Park formed and how can I support the park?

 

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park Boca Chita Lighthouse, Photograph by Kelly Quinn


Within sight of Miami, rests a natural gem that feels like a world away. Biscayne National Park protects a rare combination of critically endangered habitats that includes dense mangrove forests, abundant seagrass-beds, lush tropical barrier islands, and vivid coral reefs!

Biscayne National ParkBiscayne National Park Institute, Photograph by Kelly Quinn


What is the best way to experience Biscayne National Park and where do I sign up?

Covering almost 173,000 acres on the Southeastern coast of Florida, over 95% of the park is underwater habitat filled with corals, sponges, sharks, sea turtles, and sunken ships! This means the best way to truly experience Biscayne is to hop on one of the Biscayne National Park Institute excursion boats that take you to either the coral reef or the mangrove islands and grass beds! You can also visit the sunken ships on the maritime trail if weather permits!

Biscayne National ParkBiscayne National Park Jones Lagoon, Photograph by Blake Wheeler


Blake and I had the opportunity to do both the Mangrove paddle-board trip and the snorkel experience in one day, just pick either a morning or afternoon excursion on the institutes' website www.biscaynebaynationalparkinstitute.org and enjoy the views!

Biscayne National Park Jones LagoonBiscayne National Park Jones Lagoon, Photograph by Blake Wheeler


We started the morning off at Jones Lagoon with a "Paddle Eco-Adventure" that began at 9 am and ended by noon! This ended up being our favorite place because there was so much micro-life to see in the mangrove nursery! We paddled through the mangrove canopies catching glimpses of baby lemon sharks, black tips and nurse sharks, and even saw a speedy little sea turtle! As you paddle along, you will also notice the thousands of vividly patterned upside-down jellies gently swaying in the grass beds. Definitely bring your GoPro for this trip!

Biscayne National Park Jones Lagoon SharkBiscayne National Park Jones Lagoon Lemon Shark, Photograph by Blake Wheeler

After a quick lunch break back at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, we jumped on another excursion called the "Snorkel Experience" which left for its afternoon trip at 1:25 pm for the Coral Reef. All the gear you need can be provided once you arrive at the center for an additional $8 fee, just get there a bit early so you have time to find the right gear that fits you! 

Biscayne National Park Institute Snorkel TripBiscayne National Park Institute Snorkel Trip 

After a quick safety talk and description of the location you will be visiting, you're on the boat and off to your next adventure! Be sure to pack your "Reef Safe" sunscreen, a lotion that has no harmful chemicals in it unlike most other sunscreens, which will help keep our remaining corals healthy and safe while also protecting your bum from the sun! The most reliable brand I use is Stream2Sea!

Biscayne National Park Snorkel TripBiscayne National Park Coral Reef, Photograph by Kelly Quinn

We saw a menagerie of fish species, ranging from tiny neon gobies to adult French angelfish, all of which don't mind you paying a visit to their reef home! If you're lucky, you may even see an Octopus or Sea Turtle!

Biscayne National Park Snorkel TripBiscayne National Park Coral Reef, Photograph by Kelly Quinn


What should I bring and Where should I stay?


Bring a bathing suit, cover-up, hat, glasses and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen like Stream2Sea! I'd also recommend you pack a bag full of snacks for the trip! We stayed at a local Airbnb in Homestead, just a 20-minute drive from the visitor center! There is no camping at the visitor center however, you can camp on Elliot Key and Boca Chita Key, though the only way to get there is by taking a private boat. You can learn more about camping in Biscayne HERE

Biscayne National Park Boca Chita KeyBoca Chita Lighthouse, Photograph by Kelly Quinn


Why was the Park created?

On the 5% of the park that's land, there are over 10,000 years of human history to be discovered! From ice age indigenous peoples, pirates and conquistadors to pineapple farmers and presidents, Biscayne Bay represents this unique combination of both human and natural history. We were lucky enough to be guided through Elliot Key by Gary, one of the Park's veteran rangers! Elliot Key once had a highway called the "Spite Highway" which was developed by the previous owners before the park existed to destroy the habitat the park was going to be protecting. Luckily, with time the highway has grown in and now acts as a trail you can take a stroll on, just bring bug spray! While we were visiting Elliot Key, we even saw an Endangered species of butterfly called the Schaus Swallowtail!

Biscayne National Park Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly on Elliot KeySchaus Swallowtail Butterfly, Photograph by Kelly Quinn

It's crazy to think we came way too close to having a deepwater seaport for cargo ships, as well as a refinery and petrochemical facility planted right where the Biscayne National Park Visitor Center is located today!

Biscayne National Park Spite Highway on Elliot Key Spite Highway on Elliot Key, Photograph by Blake Wheeler

Thankfully, we were lucky enough to have forward-thinking patrons of conservation who saw the value of protecting our wild heritage for the next generation.💙 Today we hold the torch, It's now up to us to protect this gem for even more generations to come, and I think we are up to the challenge!

Biscayne National Park
You can support Biscayne National Park by simply visiting and enjoying an excursion with the Biscayne National Park Institute which supports the funding of projects in the Park and even helps curate events like my upcoming Art Exhibition "Immersion"! If you can't make it down then no worries! You can also support Biscayne by collecting any of the Biscayne National Park themed products on my site! A percent of the profits from each piece sold goes back to the Park! see a few of the products below!

Keep protecting what you love, friends! ✌️

-Kelly Quinn

 

Support Biscayne National Park With These Products

Nurse Shark Sticker  |  $6

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Nurse Shark Sticker

Biscayne National Park Tee  |  $35

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Biscayne Tee

 

Biscayne National Park Tank  |  $35

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Biscayne Tank

 

Flamingo Yoga Legging  |  $65

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Flamingo Yoga Legging

 

 

 

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Art Supporting Shark Conservation!

Art Supporting Sharks at Shark Con

Hi fellow nature advocates! Here's a quick read that highlights our shark loving community and how art can be used to connect people to larger topics of conservation in a fun and expressive way!

Kelly Quinn and Original Artwork_TheDepths

What is SharkCon?

SharkCon is an annual celebration of sharks that is held every year at the Tampa Fair Grounds in partnership with The Florida Aquarium! It was so fun collaborating with passionate shark advocates from across the States, and together, we painted a communal artwork titled "The Depths"! (shown above)

The Art Experience

Art speaks to people on a level that's ancient. The act of making art is both soothing and exciting, and opens your mind to new perspectives, allowing you to express yourself and connect with the subject or object you are creating. In our case, it was an Endangered species of Shark called the Great Hammerhead!
 
Live Painting

 

 Sharks, like the Great Hammerhead, have been swimming in the world’s oceans for more than 400 million years, but today, their populations across the world are declining. Every year we lose more than 100 million sharks to shark fin soup, cosmetics, and supplements that have been proven by science to have no health benefits. These activities are putting some of our favorite shark species - like the Great Hammerhead - in danger of extinction! Connecting ourselves with the threats facing sharks was one aspect of this "Live Painting Experience", but there was another element of appreciation involved. To share the grace of a wonderful animal that many may never get to see up close, and together appreciating what nature created, is a humbling experience. Getting to bring it to life, makes the animal and these topics all the more real.

Painting with Kids

The Mission

Everyone who felt the creative itch grabbed a brush and joined in on the fun! To see so many take the opportunity to leave a positive mark, their own, on the painting (everyone even signed the back! ) was an inspiring experience. With every brushstroke, each blossoming artist was also supporting an organization that is dedicated to protecting sharks! After two days of painting alongside kids and adults, "The Depths", estimated at $2,000 once completed, was donated for auction with 100% of the final auction proceeds going to the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) to support their Basking Shark and Sunfish research!

 

Livepainting

It's refreshing to see a community of people so passionate and dedicated to protecting our wild heritage and even more moving to see them give a voice to these animals through their actions, stories, and talents. 

Here's a bit more about the Non-profit NECWA:

The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is a non-profit environmental organization based in southeastern Massachusetts. This small group is an all-volunteer organization that is dedicated to the protection and conservation of marine wildlife that live and feed in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Maine!
  • Research projects include the New England Basking Shark and Ocean Sunfish Project! 
  • What's even more amazing is since NECWA is an all-volunteer nonprofit, that means 100% of all donations goes back into the work they do on behalf of marine wildlife.
You can learn more about their work at http://www.necwa.org/
TheDepths_24"x30"_originalacryliconcanvas

Become a Patron of Nature

Our community believes art can be a powerful way to support science, and if you agree, you can help support more conservation projects like this Live Painting Auction, through patronage. It's easy to become a patron; from collecting cool tees, mugs, and stickers to fine art, there's something for every seafaring soul concerned with sustainability. If you're interested in the original "The Depths" artwork, the piece is now up for auction until Sunday, August 4th!

Here are a few collections that support our mission to connect the arts and sciences in our community if you would be interested in learning more and becoming a patron of conservation!

  • All products are made sustainably and with eco-friendly materials like 100% cotton.
  • Enjoy exploring, we're very proud of these new collections and strive to leave our planet better than we found it!

Shark Love Mug - $18

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Mugs Supporting Conservation

Blue Dynamite Canvas Poster - $35

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Shark Canvas Poster_ Supporting Conservation

Great & Wild 100% Cotton Tee Unisex- $30

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Great and Wild Tank

Have a beautiful day, friends! 

Cheers, 

Kelly

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