The Palm Coast Arts Foundation unveiled TURTLE #17 on the public art Turtle Trail on Friday, August 5 at the Mala Compra Park in Palm Coast.
Artist Chance Hancotte completed Turtle #17 drawing inspiration from Dr. Rampa & Mr. Manop Rattanarithikul who contributed over 50 years to malaria research and entomology.
Mr. Rattanarithikul began painting at the age of 70 in his native Thailand. His art is based on a passion to understand the important role of the ensuring spirit of wonderful natural creations. “As a 4th generation Floridian, my formative years were in the swamps of the Everglades. Thus, l am honored to help create this artistic tribute to our local swamp marshes.”
Mr. Rattanarithikul saw that beauty too in his homeland of Thailand. His paintings showed the beauty of everyday life, but with a large mosquito added, as it is a large part of the daily life there. His studies and his paintings exemplify that the mosquito is an integral part of the complex natural beauty of our world. I hope my painting carries his message with simple realism and bold colors.
Celebrating their 70th anniversary, the East Flagler Mosquito Control District sponsored Turtle #17 to contribute to the public art Turtle Trail to honor this special occasion. Mr. Rattanarithikul and the East Flagler Mosquito Control District understand the delicate balance we have in our ecosystem and how the mosquito plays a role. Our turtle exemplifies the natural art of our beautiful Florida coast.
On October 15 the unveiling of Turtle #18 (the SEE turtle) will take place, sponsored by Tomoka Eye Associates and painted by blind artist, John Bramblitt of Denton, TX who plans to join us when we introduce the SEE turtle to the community.
Watch for news of more turtles to be hatched on the Turtle Trail in the coming months. A complimentary Guide to Outdoor Art created by the Flagler County Tourist Development office features the Turtle Trail and can be found at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, 207 S. Central Avenue, Flagler Beach. Discover all the public art turtles on the Turtle Trail at www.palmcoastartsfoundation.com/the-turtle-trail
