Dreams Made of Sand

 ~  Sandlantis  ~

From across the country sand artists again converged on Florida's Treasure Island.

A vivid imagination, a lot of sand and water were combined by these sculpting

masters as they created unique works of art.  While their works erode and stand 

for too short a time, they spark the imagination, bring on a smile and reflect the

 passing dreams of every child who ever sat on the beach with a sand pail and shovel. 

Castle in the Sand

Neptune's Organ

The Whale Wash

Fresh Fish

Jelly Girl Shelly

The Joust

    " Dreams are made of sand and sun "  

                                                     ........ unknown

"Walk on the Wild Side"

In Safety Harbor, FL fifteen artists were brought together to create a unique mural focusing  

on endangered wildlife.  And they did!  Each artist created an original.  A 150 foot long wall on an 

 industrial building is today adorned with 15 masterpieces comprising the "Walk on the Wild Side" 

mural.  Each creation portrays a threatened species.  Some are whimsical, some saddening and 

others are beautifully realistic.  Each draws attention and seemingly, in its' own way, "asks" for help.  

    

 

                                                                                         

      
                                                                                                                    

                           

   ~~~<>~~~  

Safety Harbor is home to a vibrant art community.  Many artsy works can be seen on private and public buildings, at art contests and exhibits all around town.  "Walk on the Wild Side" is unique in that it draws needed attention to a worthy worldwide cause while promoting many local artists and highlighting the community's creative vibe.  

The mural was brought about by SHAM, the Safety Harbor Art & Music center.

Dia de Los Tres Reyes

Little children, excited and anxious, place cut grass in a small box and fall asleep on this night
 anticipating a visit by three Magi.  It's the eve of Dia de Los Tres Reyes!! Three Kings Day.
In Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain and other Hispanic countries, cultural tradition has, for centuries,
called for celebration of this special occasion.  The Magi, who bore gifts for the baby Jesus,
are said to mount their camels to visit all little ones with special gifts on this night.

In the morning, little children will awake to find the cut grass gone, likely eaten by the camels
and in its' place a gift … from the Magi.  The day will be one of celebration when all join to
attend church, exchange gifts, visit family and friends and host plentiful, celebratory dinners.

 January 6 …  Three Kings Day …  Dia de Los Tres Reyes … Celebrar!! 

An original depiction of Los Reyes, The Kings, by Puerto Rican artist, Sandra Jusino.

Art from Travels

As one visits major cities, historic locations and many lesser known sites spotted across the 

globe, often seen are captivating, memorable scenes captured on canvas by local artists.
Their artwork offers a unique interpretation of that special view, that memory, that moment in time.

A watercolor impression of the Rynek Glowny in Krakow, Poland is such a piece of art.

An artist's brush takes one back to a time when, standing in the portico of Krakow's 
Cloth Hall, Polish history, legends and folk tales seemingly came to life.  The

story of the legendary Hejnal Mariacki (more here); the Nazi's theft of the

altarpiece from St. Mary's Basilica; the Cloth Hall as a center for European trade

and the ancient tale of the pigeons at Rynek Glowny really being 13th century

knights (more here) unfolded in real time in one's mind, while standing in the portico.

Today, a painting recalls that day and those thoughts.  It plays with the mind and

imagination of a wanderer of Polish ancestry.

                                                                                             (more on St. Mary's Basilica and art in coming posts)