2013 Wakulla Wildlife Festival

Saturday, April 20 
Wakulla Springs State Park  

The Wakulla Springs Lodge welcomes both local visitors and guests from around the world who appreciate the fine work of our regional artisans.  Oil and watercolor paintings, photo art, historic and contemporary clay sculpture all tempt those in attendance to bring a piece of art capturing the natural beauty of the area home. The silent auction is a favorite way to support the Wakulla Wildlife Festival.  It is also a great way to view samples of the artist’s work and acquire fine art at a consumer determined value.  Bidding begins at 10:00am and ends at 5:45pm.  Winners are welcome to claim their prizes at the end of bidding. 

Talented young student artists from throughout Wakulla County will have submitted their best efforts under the theme of Wakulla's Wildlife Wonders.  Come view the artwork produced by the best of the best of these Aspiring Artists.  Their works will be on display Saturday from 10:00am - 6:00pm.  Come meet the winning artists from 1:00pm - 1:30pm as we award and recognize their accomplishments.

Meet the Artists:    

Joyce Papp is a craftswoman who wears many hats.  She loves working with wood by creating birdhouses, bat houses, walking sticks and other unique items.  When her hands are not shaping wood, they are braiding rugs or stitching crewel embroidery.  Each item she creates is one-of-a-kind and the product of loving effort.

When she was ten years old, Judith Pennington discovered that she could turn a photo into a drawing. Since then, she has utilized her talent in “painting” with black and colored pencil. Her work has won first place ribbons at the North Florida Fair. Recently, she has enjoyed drawing the wildlife of Florida. Her love for the environment and especially those species at risk is conveyed in her much lauded work.

Carole Robertson (www.robertsonartgallery.com) is a National and European award-winning photographer.  She regularly participates in juried international gallery exhibits in New York and London.  Her photgraphic style ranges from nature and cityscapes to altered and combined layered images.  Her vision moves her to find the moment, the design, and the light that expresses a positive emotional reaction.

The unique 3D mixed media work of Bruce Cook is rooted in environmental stewardship practices. His custom bas relief assemblages are created from found and reused materials.  He uses non-toxic stains and adhesives and protects his imaginative creations with a remarkably beautiful and durable resin finish.  His creations are designed to last and remain family heirlooms for generations to come. Bruce displays his work at four Florida state parks and other public buildings across the state as well as numerous galleries throughout the Southeast.  His work has been juried and awarded in both fine and folk art categories.  He has been twice nominated to the florida Artist Hall of Fame.  Enjoy a preview of his work by visiting www.bdcookdesign.com.  

An avid photographer for over a decade, Dr. John Hitron ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) views his work as a marriage between his eye and the camera lens.  Unwilling to adjust and manipulate his photographs with computer technology, he takes pleasure in revealing nature's beauty with minimal human interference.  Dr. Hitron was Associate Director of the FSU Marine Laboratory for almost two decades before moving to the Pacific Northwest where he retired as a manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. John generously donates his work to various fund-raising events and has received "Best in Show" at the Skamania County Fair.  

Maria Cobian is a Spanish teacher at SAIL High School and a dedicated volunteer for a cooperative of indigenous women from the Amazon of Ecuador in the Pastaza region. 100% of the profits from the sale of the arts and crafts created by “Cooperativa de mujeres amazonicas en defense de la ‘Allpamama’” represent an effort to establish an eco-sustainable income for their makers. In addition some of the funds raised are used to educate their people regarding the imminent threat of development and destruction of their way of life. Alternatives to development include reforestation and restoration of endangered plants to the region. Support of the cooperative’s indigenous art makes their work and way of life possible.

Marty Haythorn (www.ancienthands.com) has produced and taught pottery for over 35 years. His interest in Native American pottery began in childhood as his parents traveled the Southwest. In the 70’s he worked on creating museum-quality reproductions of Southeastern pre-Colombian pottery. His work now includes original pieces in the Southeastern tradition and an expanding collection of reproductions. 

Melinda Patrick Cowen Ph.D. has been producing art, jewelry, and costume designs for over twenty years. Her sense of color, shape, and subtle layering give even the most common item distinction. She has won awards in design and art competitions along with the opportunity to show her creations in gallery settings. Dr. Cowen currently focuses on creating nature inspired jewelry with special emphasis on quality materials and individual preferences. 

Jeff True is a local nature and wildlife photographer.  His passion is finding new areas of Wakulla County to highlight with his photography.  The animals, birds, and landscapes he captures with his lens often find a home embraced by frames Jeff has lovingly refinished.  His choice of frames imbued with character and history is evidence of his "green" ethic.  His work can be seen at many local festivals or by visiting Talk O The Town Deli in Crawfordville.

Kathy DeHan is living a dream come true.  Always one to have loved the sea, its creatures and associated activities, she has easy access to her watery world from her home at Shell Point.  One morning, so moved by her surroundings, she decided to start drawing.  Her muse urged her to add color and with the encouragement of family and friends her work has continued to blossom.  Her art has been on display at the Bali Hi Gallery at Railroad Square in Tallahassee and can still be seen at the Posh Coffee House and Gift Shop in Sopchoppy.  but anyone can enjoy a sampling of her work by visiitng http://fromthepoint.weebly.com. 

Richard Stafford loves to paint.  He works mostly in oil but does enjoy pen/ink and watercolor.  He focuses on nature scenes and takes particular pleasure in painting Plein Air (outdoors in natural light).  His works have been displayed in many local galleries.  90% of the purchase price of Mr. Stafford's works during the festival will go to support the Friends of Wakulla Springs and their river boat restoration efforts.

Rod Gasche is both a retired Marine Musician and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision officer.  He has had a passion for the art expressed in semiprecious stones since his youth.  He reveals the beauty hidden in the rough stone by cutting, polishing, and setting it into jewelry.  His one-of-a-kind pieces are sure to tempt those searching for something special.

Pam McLean has recently retired from a career in accounting and auditing.  But her background includes degrees in Commercial Art and Art Education -- her first love.  She now finds herself able to follow through on a project she has long dreamed of initiating.  Like so many, she has fallen under the spell of Wakulla Springs' beauty and wildlife.  Using photos she has taken along the river over her many visits, she now challenges herself to create paintings that convey the mood and feel of the landscape and its creatures.  In an effort to give back to a place that has given her so much,  Pam will donate half of the purchase price of her works sold during the festival to support the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park and their river boat restoration efforts.