Vero Beach Art Club
Ocean Research & Conservation Association Mural
at ORCA’s Center for Citizen Science in Vero Beach
Pictured Left - Right: Dr. Edie Widder ORCA’s CEO and Senior Scientist, Artists: Carol Makris, Judy Burgarella, Judy Rixom, Sue Dinenno, and Dawn Mill.
Sue Dinenno approached Dawn Mill to inform her that Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) wanted a mural for their Center for Citizen Science in Vero Beach which will be operating from the city water and sewer department’s long-vacant 2,500- square-foot environmental lab off Aviation Boulevard (near US 1). ORCA scientists will teach interested students and other residents how to conduct water-quality testing, survey seagrass beds, analyze sediment samples, and keep tabs on living shorelines made of oyster shells and mangroves – all in an effort to extend its scientific reach and engage the public in protecting the lagoon.
Dawn Mill worked on an idea, sketched it out and presented it to ORCA. She volunteered as Project Manager and enlisted the assistance of additional Vero Beach Art Club artists Judy Burgarella, Sue Dinenno, Carol Makris, Judy Rixom, and Rita Ziegler, all of whom belong or have belonged to the Artist Guild Gallery as well.
Each artist worked on a panel for a total of 6 paintings. Five of the paintings are of the ecosystems of Indian River county that have to do with the water system. The sixth painting shows the river at night with the bioluminescence. The Vero Beach Art Club donated the canvases, the Artist Guild Gallery donated the space and storage. Some of the artists donated paint in addition to their time. ORCA had a presentation on August 23rd at 10:00 to show off the finished panels.For further information contact Vero Beach Art Club member and ORCA Mural Project Manager Dawn Mill, 772-559-9795.
