Wonderfully Painted Bears of Cherokee, NC.

Downtown Cherokee is "alive" with colorfully painted fiberglass bears that are part of a public art program featuring the talents of

local Tribal artists. Each one of the bears represents an aspect of Cherokee culture.

Here is my next surprise find. Wonderfully painted bears seen on the streets of the small town of Cherokee, NC. Local artist Charles Saunooke is the person credited with spearheading the bear project.

"Each bear is so colorful, but what's most important is that each one tells a story, inspired by our Tribal artists." said George Lambert, director of marketing for Cherokee Travel & Tourism.The idea for the Bears Project started in 2005 as Cherokee wanted to showcase the variety of talented artists within the Qualla Boundary. A committee researched several ideas prior to selecting a bear theme as they wished to produce something that would be culturally significant. Bears are a large part of the Cherokee culture.

Several Eastern Band of Cherokee artists have created a series of large, life-like fiberglass bears and painted them in bright vibrant colors and designs.The artists responsible for creating the colorful bears are: Joel Queen, Faren Sanders Crews, Helen Smoker Martin, Mario Esquivel, Lora Powell, Melissa Maney, Nikki Nations, Tim Chiltoskie, Marina Robbins, William Harris, Jr. and Jenean Hornbuckle.

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! April 22

Recycled art is a fun project for the children or your own inner child. Look around and get inspired. Or check out this website: http://www.makingfriends.com/recycle.htm .

Reuse, Recycle and Conserve you can make a difference! What are you going to do to celebrate Earth Day? I’ll be out at the Elachee Nature Science Center, Gainesville, GA helping with their Earth Day Projects. This Earth Day find a way to give back to your community! Check out your local events.

Check out all the wonderful things happening around the country at Earth Day Network http://www.earthday.net. There are many volunteer actions with tens of thousands of participants in Washington, DC, New York, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin and Atlanta. Volunteer projects include beach and park clean-ups, tree-plantings, and green building initiatives. Wow! You can make a difference!!!!!

I hope you are out enjoying the coming of spring for it’s a time of renewal.

Create some new Green Habits. Here are a few of my spring time photos.

Pelican's of Seabrook, Tx

In Seabrook, Texas I found the Pelican Path Project which is 6 foot tall fiberglass pelican sculptures around town. They were cast locally and painted by local artist. There are some truly beautifully painted pelicans to enjoy in this resort town on Galveston Bay. Seabrook is in the center of the third largest boating community in the country. Seabrook, a bird sanctuary on one of the largest migratory paths in North America, is home to both the brown and white pelicans which residents and visitors find perched on pilings and floating along its vast water’s edge. The Pelican has been considered Seabrook’s mascot for years! You can learn more about the Pelican Path Project by clicking here to view their website.

Sailing Into Seabrook – Artist Pat Chapin

Carousel Horses

I found this delightful public art project just by chance. Around Town Carousels Abound is an amazingly fun outdoor public art project in Meridian, Mississippi. There are over 50 brightly decorated carousel horses created by the talented hands of local and regional artists each with their own theme and story . The horses have been sponsored by businesses and individuals and placed in prominent locations around the city. All proceeds from the project benefit Hope Village for Children.

Horsepower Artist: Joey Horne

Location: Weidmann's Restaurant 210 22nd Avenue

The brainchild of Debbie Martin and Jamie Cater. This permanent public art exhibit serves as a fun and fanciful display of artistic talent as well as financially benefits Hope Village for Children. “Around Town Carousels Abound is more than a collection of beautifully painted horses,” says Sela Ward (actress and founder of Hope Village) “It is a testament to what communities can do when they come together to help their least fortunate children.” Ms. Ward's active involvement in both the Carousel project and Hope Village is an affirmation of her love for the arts and dedication to children.

Since Meridian is home to our nation’s last original Dentzel Carousel, it makes perfect sense that our horses honor this treasured landmark. Each horse stands proud as a constant reminder of the imaginative spirit of childhood. Just as an adult lifts a child onto a carousel horse, so too does this project lift the children of Mississippi onto a road of hope.

The fiberglass carousel horses measure approximately 5' x 4' 11". Meridian is the first is the first city in Mississippi to join the national animals on parade phenomenon.

I'm enjoying this new treasure hunt of finding these animals on parade so off to see where I can fine more fun public art to share with you.


Location: Lauderdale County Courthouse 500 Constitution Avenue. Star-Spangled Pony Artist: Debra WilliamsonRuleau