| This article appeared in the Chattanooga Times Free Press on Sunday, July 14, 2002. – By Ann Nichols, Arts Writer |
Art and Nature
| For more than 20 years, the Chattanooga Nature Center has been one of the city’s cherished attractions. Through educational programs during the school year, summer day camps and partnering relationships with organizations such as Ruby Falls, the Creative Discovery Museum and Tennessee River Gardens, it has offered thousands of visitors the opportunity to interact with wildlife and learn about plants, trees and ecosystems indigenous to the region.So, when Alan and Bonny Shuptrine, owners of Gold Leaf Designs and Gallery, wanted to give back to the community in some way, they immediately thought of the nature center. “Our children have attended nature camps at CNC every year and have loved the experience,” said Ms. Shuptrine. “We thought that co-sponsoring an art show and nature walk would be a good way to draw attention to the center, as well as raise money for its educational programs.” Jenni Veal, CNC’s director, agreed that the fund-raiser would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase fine art in an outdoor setting. It also would acknowledge the center’s “return to its roots” according to KristinaMontague, CNC’s president of the board. “We have been known as the Tennessee Wildlife Center for the past three years, but since we are no longer involved in wildlife rehabilitation, we have returned to our original name and our initial focus on environmental conservation.” The event, “Art and Nature: An Evening Under the Stars,” will be held on Saturday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. (rain date: Saturday, July 27). More than 100 artworks created in a variety of media by local and regional artisans will be for sale. Light hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served and music will be provided by The Dismembered Tennesseans and Letty & Georgia. Casual attire is suggested.Children (ages 4-11) can participate in guided activities and enjoy Lupi’s Pizza for dinner while their parents view the art and bid on desired items in a silent auction. A “buy it now” option is available for individuals who don’t want to go through the bidding process and are willing to pay a slightly higher price for a specific piece. “A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will also go toward enhancing the Liz Aplin Trail,” said Ms. Montague. “Liz was an artist who loved nature and spent many hours at CNC and at Reflection Riding.” Admission is $25 per couple, $15 for an individual and $3 for children ages 4-11. Call 821-1160, Ext. 0, by Wednesday to reserve tickets. CNC is located at 400 Garden Road at the entrance to Reflection Riding at the foot of Lookout Mountain. Two of the items that will be available for purchase include Lisa Caldwell’s silk scarf, “Millie’s Garden,” and an ash-glazed stoneware vessel by Mark Issenberg. |
Staff photos by Jeff Guenther