Florida's Golden Palette Paints E-Center for Big Cat Rescue
Big Cat Rescue's E-Center which houses our Education Department, Enrichment Committee and Event Planning Center was the first thing one would see as they entered our gates and was, by far, the ugliest structure on the property. With Summer Camp fast approaching we were delighted that Florida's Golden Palette chose us as their pro bono gift to society this year. Below is their story about how it all came about -Carole Baskin, Founder of Big Cat Rescue-
Florida's Golden Palette
Philanthropic Project for 2005
Big Cat Rescue
By Karen Lewis – Muralist, Tampa
In search of a philanthropic project for Florida's Golden Palette, the current president, Beverly Bakalyar and I drove out to see if Big Cat Rescue might enjoy our club's artistic talents. Florida's Golden Palette has over 45 members proficient in the Decorative Arts for home or business: These are professionals in : Faux Finishing, Stenciling, Murals and Custom Art in general. We attend monthly meetings, workshops, lectures, as well as network to remain on the cutting edge of our field.
The Golden Palette is Florida's chapter of the Stencil Artisan's League, Inc. (SALI), an international, non-profit organization with over 3500 members. SALI encourages chapters to select a worthy cause that may benefit from our artistic time and talents to “make this world a prettier place”. We chose Big Cat Rescue.
Beverly and I arrived at Big Cat Rescue on a miserably cold, rainy day. Carole Baskin, founder and CEO of this awesome 45 acre sanctuary, tucked in amongst a bustling area of Tampa, met us at the gate. Decked out in her “faux cougar” fur hat, holding her “faux leopard” spotted umbrella, in her “faux tiger” striped tennis shoes, we instantly knew…we were in the right place!
The project: Transforming the Education Building.
The green “portable” where kids take Summer Camp classes and do fun Big Cat projects definitely was in dire need of getting rid of “The Uglies”. My first and immediate thought when I saw that building (and then meeting Carole in all her Big Cat finery) was to “Leopardize” the whole building. YES! That is it! … Photos were taken and presented to our club. Hands shot up for volunteers. What fun! E-mails zipped back and forth…..drawings drawn….plans were made and then approved.
April 27th Beverly Bakalyar rolled up her sleeves and spent her afternoon pressure washing the building, while I watched. I did manage to whack a few weeds and pull a few vines in preparation for the following Saturday when our spray painter, Jeff Gressner from Winter Haven would do his magic; the two-toned base coat! What a great job! Jeff, owner of Old World Faux, not only volunteered in driving time and gas, painting expertise and energy, but was able to have Porter Paints of Winter Haven donate all the custom mixed exterior paint! Thank You!
BIG CAT PAINT DAY arrived May 10th We're READY to put on the spots!
The “SPOT volunteers” included: Karen King, of Karen King Designs, Inc. an accomplished muralist that drove over from Longwood. Vicki Tuck, one of our Tampa gals worked several hours, but got called away when Vicki Tuck Creative Design needed the boss. She missed out being in the group picture! Joanne and Pam Adams, mother and daughter team of ArtFauxWalls, St. Pete painted almost the entire North side the building! Scherezada Sibley, one of our youngest and newest members, came all the way from Orlando to get to know everyone and add her artistic talents! And ME- Karen Lewis, Tampa muralist and new Big Cat Fan!
Finishing touch was adding the new “ Faux Bamboo” and leopard Big Cat E-Center sign! Then we took lots of photos and were given our Big Cat Tour with Barbara. WOW! She was so knowledgable and warm. It was so obvious she loved giving these tours, and loved the Big Cats! What a purrrrrrrfect ending to a great project. Thank You One and All!
For more information contact:
Florida's Golden Palette c/o Karen Lewis 16108 Oamanor Drive Tampa Florida 33624 962-2176 cell 503-4200
Theme Rooms - Wall Art - Murals
or Carole Baskin, Founder of Big Cat Rescue at Info@BigCatRescue.org or 813.493.4564