Nicholas and Connie Invite You to Guardians of the Everglades Preview

Reception with Nicholas & Connie
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 4, 2012

Museum of Florida Art and Culture - January 2012 ©Connie Bransilver

Come early as it is also Seafood Festival Weekend - Festive and lots of traffic. Exhibition continues through February 25. It's close, Neapolitans. This is your best chance to see Guardians this year.


Directions: From the intersection of US41 East and SR 29 South continue south into Everglades City.  Turn Right when you have to, continue through the roundabout, and a few yards beyond the museum is on your left.  www.EvergladesMuseum.org.

The museum is located at 105 West Broadway in Everglades City, Florida. Open Tuesday through Saturday 9 am - 5 pm (4 pm Sat) 239-695-0008

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FILMING BEGINS FOR GUARDIANS DOCUMENTARY

Sandy Cannon-Brown, Owner of Washington, DC, based environmental film company, VideoTakes, brought her crew to south Florida to begin filming for the documentary on the Guardians of the Everglades.  The hour-long film will premier at the Washington, DC, Environmental Film Festival in March 2013, but the trailer can be viewed from March 2012.

Helenah and Sarah filming Nicholasas he draws Guardian Deb Jansen.

Helenah, Sarah and Sandy with Guardian Franklin Adams in the Everglades.

With Deb Jansen in Big Cypress.

Connie and Sandy filming Deb Jansen at Big Cypress. Omer standing by.

Nicholas and Guardian Franklin Adams waiting for their cue.

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SKETCHBOOK FEATURES CONNIE'S MALAGASY FRIENDS

Madagascar - Sandrine & Ratine ©Connie Bransilver

Sandrine and Ratine, two of Connie's hosts in the rainforest of Eastern Madagascar, share a cuddle and a secret.  Bernard Gieske's poem is here.

Rejoice! Our first preview Guardians of the Everglades exhibition and lecture was a hit!

Have a look at the video of the exhibition at Museum of Florida Art and Culture in Avon Park, FL. 

 Museum of Florida Opening of Guardians of the Everglades ©Connie Bransilver

Joy to the World ©Connie Bransilver

To our Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Shinto, Baha'i, Sikh, humanist, animist, pantheist, agnostic and atheist friends,

Peace ©Connie Bransilver

May the spirit of Christmas -- love -- be with you and yours. Delight in the warmth of family, friends and your nurturing Mother Earth.

Faith ©Connie Bransilver

Great News & an Invitation to the First Preview Exhibition of Guardians of the Everglades

NEWS FIRST:The Honorable Bob GrahamWe are extremely honored that The Honorable Bob Graham, Senator, Governor and Statesman, has accepted our invitation to be the ninth GUARDIAN OF THE EVERGLADES.

The Honorable Bob Graham, former Florida Senator and Governor, is now concentrating on the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at University of Florida, his legacy of leadership. Long known for his tireless support for protection of the Everglades, his participation in the GUARDIANS OF THE EVERGLADES project adds both statewide and national political perspective to the project.  A native son, Bob Graham has dedicated his life to serving the public, and the Florida voters approved. He has never lost an election in Florida.

As Senator, Bob Graham pioneered several environmental programs which have attracted national and international attention. Senator Graham is best known as the author and key sponsor of the "Restoring the Everglades, An American Legacy Act," which authorized the $7.8 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.  Graham would not settle for a piecemeal approach to restoration but steered this multi-billion dollar, multi-year plan through Congress a decade ago. It is still being implemented.   

After retiring from the Senate in 2005 Senator Graham served as Co-Chair of the National  Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. In a lifetime of leadership, he has never been timid in protecting the heart of Florida.  Nicholas and Connie are deeply honored to have The Honorable Bob Graham, Senator, Governor and Statesman, as a GUARDIAN OF THE EVERGLADES.

AN INVITATION TO OUR FRIENDS IN FLORIDA - FIRST PREVIEW EXHIBITION AND LECTURE - GUARDIANS OF THE EVERGLADES:

The first Preview Exhibition of GUARDIANS OF THE EVERGLADES opens December 7, 2011, at the Museum of Florida Art & Culture in Avon Park. If you are nearby, please plan to attend the lecture and formal opening on Thursday, December 8, 2011 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at the SFCC University Center Auditorium. Nicholas will talk about the individuals he selected to honor as Guardians of the Everglades, and Connie, along with Photographer and Guardian, Clyde Butcher, will join Nicholas to expose the beauty of this delicate and unique ecosystem.

Click here for a PDF file of the invitation.
For more information www.MOFAC.org.

Guardians Updates November 2011

CGladesman Franklin Adams ©Nicholas Petruccionservationist, Gladesman & Friend, Franklin Adams at Home in the Glades

Franklin is tireless in working to educate Floridians about their heartland. Franklin says of the Gladesmen culture of tropical Florida, dependent upon and protective of the natural environment, "It's something we love and it's deeply ingrained in us . . . This is my place, in the swamp, and that's where I'm happy and what I know. I'm a master naturalist, and I'm still learning at my age."

Gladesmen John & Marshall Jones ©Connie Bransilver

Twins John & Marshall Jones, 5th Generation Gladesmen, Revere the Past & Embrace the 21st Century

Connie spent an amazing day at Mack's Fishing Camp with these Next Gen Gladesmen & their families.

Jane Goodall - Portrait by Nicholas Petrucci, Photo ©Connie Bransilver

Bernard Gieske's Poem, Jane's Menagerie, Inspired by Nicholas' Portrait of Dr. Jane Goodall

Thank you again, Bernard, for honoring the work of Nicholas and Connie and the inspirational Dr. Jane Goodall.

www.janegoodall.org
http://poetrywriting.org

Guardians Updates

Have you "liked" us yet?

More Guardians

Panther Tracker Roy McBride - Photo courtesy Deb JansenRoy McBride's Tracker Hounds "Chili" and friend. Photo courtesy Deb JansenFlorida Panther Biologist Deb Jansen. Photo courtesy Deb Jansen.Scientist Dr. Hilary Swain ©Connie BransilverPanther Tracker Roy McBride and his dog, Chili, Florida Panther Biologist Deb Jansen and Rancher/Scientist Dr. Hilary Swain are our newest "Guardians" and Nicholas will be painting them in the next months. He has just completed Gladesman Franklin Adams and is working on both Statesman Nathanial Reed and Ed Carlson, Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, for completion before the "Guardians" opening Dec. 7 at the Museum of Florida Art and Culture in Avon Park.

Estates Lifestyles Features Guardians of the Everglades and Naples Orchid Society Show and Sale

Clean and Clear, Big Cypress Swamp ©Connie Bransilver

"Splendor in the Grasses" highlights the Guardians project and the Naples Orchid Society Show and Sale, Oct. 15 at the Moorings Presbyterian Church, Noon - 4:00 pm. Along with living plants for sale will be Connie's Endangered Native Orchid banners which will also be on sale. Connie is also developing a series of orchid scarves which may also be debuted at the show and sale. 

Nicholas To Be Featured in Documentary on Artists and Their Work

Ed Clay, John Scoular & Hand Sorrick filming in Big Cypress ©Connie BranilverNicholas, Hank, Ed & John at Nicholas' Studio ©Connie BransilverFilmmakers Ed Clay and Hank Sorrick, with John Scoular are in production on their series destined for cable on artists and their art.  Connie is next.  Stay tuned.  We will let everyone know when and where to view the series.

Sweet Equity: Connie & Nicholas Featured by Art Coach Aletta de Wal

Sweet Equity: Connie & Nicholas"HAVE FUN in your life and your work!" Aletta De Wal and Robin Sagara have offered priceless support and guidance to us, and we are forever indebted to them for knowing what we want and what we need before we do! Read about it here.

Ekphrastic Poem by Bernard Gieske is Spookily Clairvoyant

Wildfire in the Swamps ©Connie BransilverAnd I did not even know him when I made tehis image of Wildfire in the Swamps. Click here to read the poem.

Nicholas Featured in American Art Collector

AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR MAGAZINE AUGUST 2011 ISSUE ON NEWSSTANDS NOW!

Check out two full pages devoted to Nicholas' portraits, thanks to Lisa Burgess of New River Fine Art Galleries, Fort Lauderdale and Naples. Click here for a PDF file of the article or visit www.AmericanArtCollector.com

In the first few pages of the magazine Chairman Buffalo Tiger of the Miccosukee, 91 Year Old Guardian of the Everglades offers the peace pipe he made some 40 years ago.

On page 182 American Art Collector presents a full page "Artist Focus: Nicholas Petrucci" featuring portraits of Father Michael and Her Honor with text about Guardians of the Everglades and Nicholas' exclusive association with New River Fine Arts Galleries. Portrait commission bookings at info@newriverfineart.com.

NICHOLAS PRESENTS COPY TO BUFFALO'S SON, LEE TIGER

Nicholas met with Buffalo's son, Lee Tiger, to present a copy of his portrait of Chairman Buffalo Tiger and to plan the official unveiling for his father, 91 Year Old Chief Buffalo Tiger.

Great News!

NEW RIVER FINE ART

of Fort Lauderdale and Naples, one of South Florida's oldest and most prestigious fine art galleries, is now Nicholas' exclusive representative for portraits.  New River, long the premier source for masterworks and fine contemporary paintings, added a new dimension with Nicholas Petrucci's portraits.  "I am honored and pleased to work with owner, Lisa Burgess, and her staff to serve this elite segment of the art community," said Nicholas.  "Please contact Lisa for more information."  www.newriverfineart.com.

"We've been looking for a portrait artist whose quality of work is up to the high standards expected by our discerning clientele," states New River Fine Art's owner Lisa Burgess, "Nicholas Petrucci has the rare combination of passion, talent and technique that is required for great portraiture that withstands the test of time.  We welcome Nicholas to the New River family."

Chairman Buffalo Tiger of the Miccosukee - ©Nicholas PetrucciCHAIRMAN BUFFALO TIGER OF THE MICCOSUKEE,

the second Guardian of the Everglades, is posted on this website and GuardiansoftheEverglades.com. It is an incredible honor to be entrusted with the portrait of this great man who was born into the traditional Miccosukee culture of living entirely but lightly off the bounty of the Everglades and then leading his tribe into an accommodation with the invasive white man's 20th Century world.  Mike Grunwald quotes Buffalo in The Swamp: "The Breathmaker made the Everglades. . .all we needed. White people messed it up, so we couldn't live with nature anymore."  Grunwald is direct: "The Everglades saved their ancestors, and they have helped to return the favor. [T]he tribe has replaced the U.S. government as the defender of Everglades. . .  " As 91 year old Buffalo stands aside, his son, Lee Tiger, is hoping to use the portrait as a starting point in reinvigorating young peoples' pride in their Miccosukee culture. 

ARTIST COACH ALETTA DE WAL

recorded an extensive interview with Nicholas.  She leads with "Nicholas Petrucci  Brings Back the Jeweled Portraiture of the Masters," as she explores what inspires and motivates Nicholas.  Listen or read at  www.artistcareertraining.com/nicholas-petrucci. "Aletta has opened doors and inspired us both, and we so appreciate her experienced coaching."  

Father Michael - ©Nicholas PetrucciFATHER MICHAEL INSTALLED AT TRINITY-BY-THE-COVE  

The portrait of Father Michael Basden of Trinity was installed in the Library in June.

NICHOLAS FEATURED IN PREMIER PRINT ISSUE OF 239SPOT,

the "With it" Where To Go and What To Do online and print magazine for southwest Florida.  Editor Lisa Pavy "spotted" and interviewed Nicholas at Art Naples Contemporary Art Fair in March.  www.239spot.com/wp2/239spot-print/ - Click to page 10 - 14.

Bee Swarm Orchid Banner 8x4 ft ©Connie BransilverClamshell Orchid Banner 8x4 ft ©Connie BransilverDelicate Iionopsis Banner 8x4 ft ©Connie BransilverNATIVE ORCHID BANNERS AT NAPLES ORCHID SOCIETY 

Several of Connie's native orchid banners will be installed at the Naples Orchid Society meeting July 7th.  Each of ten native Florida orchids printed on diaphanous silk-like fabric represent the ephemeral nature of these jewels of the Everglades. The ten banners will be part of the Guardians of the Everglades exhibition in museums starting this December. www.guardiansoftheeverglades.com Each one is 8 x 4 feet, and can be ordered at this size ($1,200) or several smaller sizes.  Connie's GHOST CLASSIC image was selected as the poster, medal and logo for the Naples Orchid Society's 50th anniversary next year and will be on display as well.

Wildfire Fakahatchee - ©Connie BransilverGULF SHORE LIFE FEATURES "WILDFIRE"

on the back page to illustrate its feature article on South Florida's wildfires in the August issue.  www.GulfShoreLife.com.

EL SALVADOR - CENTRAL AMERICA'S QUIET JEWEL

Nicholas and Connie spent ten wonderful days in El Salvador with a return, and longer, visit scheduled for October. We managed to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, Joya de Ceren, 1300 BC village buried by volcanic ash, like Pompeii, and also many Mayan villages in the mountains.  The warm, spiritual people were the highlight.  Enjoy a few images below. More at Facebook.

First Communion - ©Connie Bransilver

 Mayan Hands, Pinto Beans - ©Connie BransilverMotmot - ©Connie BransilverUNESCO World Heritage - Joya de Ceren-Sauna - ©Connie Bransilver

Nicholas in Print -- Connie Online

NAPLES PORTFOLIO FEATURES NICHOLAS

Guess who's the Centerfold!  Clyde Butcher, the portrait by Nicholas. No kidding. "Naples Portfolio, The Magazine for History, Arts & Nature," April 2011 edition, devoted seven pages of images and text to Nicholas, including the Clyde Butcher Centerfold.  Click HERE to see, or pick up your free copy at Naples Backyard History's Old Naples Museum on Board Avenue South, or visit leading Naples stores and galleries.

HER HONOR ON BOOK COVER

Her Honor, the multi-honored portrait by Nicholas, is the cover picture on "To Serve in Truth & Justice" by leading Nigerian Barrister-at-Law, Mrs. H. A. Balogun of Lagos, Nigeria. Ade's story is the story of the development of Nigeria as a leading independent African nation, the emergence of women lawyers in Africa, and the astounding life of a kind, wise woman and friend.   

NICHOLAS INVITED TO PRESTIGIOUS AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRADITIONAL ARTISTS

ASTA extended an invitation to Nicholas based on the extraordinary quality of his art.  "Our membership committee was quite impressed with your artwork and resume. You certainly represent the style of artwork we seek to promote through museum exhibitions . . Your color work is outstanding."  http://www.astartists.com/membership.htm 

Dream Softly ©Connie BransilverALETTA DE WAL'S LONG INTERVIEW ONLINE

Aletta De Wal's insightful interview captures Connie's passion for conservation and the fragility of the natural world.  Click HERE to see the whole interview titled "Fine Art Photographer Connie Bransilver Captures Fragility and Gentleness on Seven Continents."  Our association with Aletta De Wal has lifted our careers, and we are fortunate to work with her.

CONNIE'S PRINTS ON DISPLAY AT NAPLES CITY HALL

A number of Florida prints, including "Bolt on the Prairie," "Blue Moon Rising," and "Ghost Classic" are on display at Naples City Hall throughout April and May in association with Naples Backyard History.  If you missed the full page cover in the Naples Daily News Easter Sunday, stop by City Hall to enjoy wild Florida.

AND ... NEXT TIME WE'LL HAVE A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. STAND BY ...

ART NAPLES INTERNATIONAL FAIR A HUGE SUCCESS!

THANK YOU, new subscribers and old friends, for visiting us at the Southwest Florida premiere international contemporary art fair.  We were so proud to be showing among the best -- Warhol and Chuck Close, Chihuly and Rauschenberg, Avedon and Cartier-Bresson, Edward Weston and Steve McCurry, all icons, the best of the best.

Connie's panel presentation, "The Art of Seeing: Contemporary Photography and Developing Trends in Collecting," with Jim Lustenader and Stefan Andreev drew an over-flow crowd, stimulating insightful questions and a lively discussion.

Father Michael of Trinity" was the hit of the entire show, drawing 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' and just awed silence.  "He is alive," was heard often, and "He is coming right out of the painting."  This portrait will hang in Trinity-by-the-Cove soon, but in the booth, he shares space with "Mombasa," an abstract oil painted with a knife by Nicholas, and "Madagascar Burning," an award-winning photograph on canvas by Connie.

Father Michael of Trinity" shared space with "Dama Madonna." We were honored to have Dama De' and her son and unborn son visiting the booth.

Kristen Mooney saw "Original Sin," her hot, red, sexy portrait for the first time Monday and could not stop giggling. Kiersten, yoga teacher and owner of BVYoga Studio, is as beautiful inside as her awesome portrait.

Nicola Bunnett had fun with the Delicate Ionopsis orchid banner.  Nicola and Kathryn Harrington were invaluable friends helping with the booth.

Connie's new 8' x 4' diaphanous silk-like banners with endangered native orchids were a surprise and huge hit.  They sway gently suggesting the ephemeral nature of these orchids -- climate change and a very dry and cold winter could eliminate them forever.

This image: Crested Coralroot.

LAST CALL FOR MADAGASCAR!

Expedition scheduled for late September led by Connie and organized by David Anderson Safaris and Focus on Planet Earth.   Click here to learn more and sign up NOW!  If you are fun and adventuresome, come.  (Yes, clean beds, showers and good food every night!)

"World View - Madagascar" and many similar boys and girls await you in Madagascar, bringing you the world from a different perspective.  On the left, "Market Lady - Karimun Jawa" laughs shyly, and "At a Monk's Feet" tells an entire story in one frame. They are Asia and await another expedition.

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There were many other paintings and photographs displayed.  Please visit Nicholas' web site to see more paintings, www.GuardiansoftheEverglades.com to learn more about that project, and visit Connie's web site to see more of her work.

Femme en Bleu 1 Featured in ArtAM Global Art Magazine