“Paintings for a Purpose” at the South Carolina Aquarium celebrates local art and wildlife
October 26, 2015
CHARLESTON, SC— Experience the magnificence of the ocean, sea turtles, and other marine life in a new art installation at the South Carolina Aquarium. Paintings for a Purpose, which features the works of Charleston-based artist Laura Palermo, is now on display at the South Carolina Aquarium through February 2016.
The Aquarium has been presenting the work of several well-known artists within the building’s Great Hall, a space that also provides unrivaled views across the Charleston Harbor. To date, the works of Dr. Guy Harvey, Miner Metal, and Wild Carolina, the art of Scott Penegar have been featured in this space. Now, Palermo’s beautiful and brightly colored paintings may be found here.
Palermo captures the nuances and spirit of her animal subjects through intense study, using acrylic on canvas to create her masterpieces. The animal she most passionately seeks to protect is the sea turtle. After encountering a sea turtle in the wild, Palermo was inspired to learn more about their plight. She hopes that by capturing their beauty in her art, others will be moved to do the same.
She spent numerous hours observing the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital patients, including loggerhead, green and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, to ensure she created the most accurate representation of each species. Palermo was able to spend time with many of the turtles, some of which later became the stars of her paintings on display at the Aquarium. Turtles are not the only animal represented in her art; her other subjects include lionfish, jacks, whooping crane and a new series of red knot shorebirds.
The artwork is available for purchase with part of the proceeds benefiting the Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program. Paintings for a Purpose is included with general admission to the Aquarium. For more information visit scaquarium.org or call (843) 577-FISH (3474).
Fast Facts:
- Paintings for a Purpose is now on display at the South Carolina Aquarium
- The installation features the work of Charleston-based artist Laura Palermo
- The art featured in Paintings for a Purpose is available for purchase, with part of the proceeds going to the Sea Turtle Rescue Program
- The installation is included with general admission to the Aquarium
- For more information visit scaquarium.org or call (843) 577-FISH (3474)
For all media inquiries, please contact Kate Dittloff at (843) 579-8660 or [email protected]
About the South Carolina Aquarium:
The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbor and interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.
The South Carolina Aquarium, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices are: Toddlers (2 and under) free; Youth (3-12) $17.95; Adults (13+) $24.95. The Aquarium plus the 4-D Theater experience is free for Toddlers, $22.95 for Children, $29.95 for Adults. The 4-D Theater experience only is $6.95 for Children and Adults, and free for Members. For more information call 843-720-1990 or visitscaquarium.org. Memberships are available by calling 843-577-FISH.
