Turtle Trail to benefit the ARK

Friends of the ARK (Animal Rehabilitation Keep) in Port Aransas will hold a "turtle hatching" on Friday, May 23, at Gulf Shores condominiums, 6021 State Hwy. 361.

The hatchings of cast-aluminum turtles are planned as part of a "turtle trail" intended to raise funds for the ARK, which tries to save injured sea turtles and seabirds, as well as research their well being. Friends of the ARK's primary purpose is to raise funds for the rescue of injured, sick and abused wildlife that will be rehabilitated, maintained at the ARK and released back to their natural wildlife habitat or other licensed facility.

Kris Wimer, owner of an art gallery on North Padre Island, created a fundraiser for the endangered Kemp's ridley turtle called "Turtle Trail 2006" in 2006, auctioning cast-aluminum turtles decorated by artists to benefit the sea turtle program at Padre Island National Seashore.

This year, the Turtle Trail will benefit the ARK.

Turtles are sponsored by businesses and individuals. Each turtle is 17 inches long and 15 inches wide, and is a canvas for an artistic creation. Sponsors will pay their artist an agreed price for the artwork, not less than $200, and purchase the aluminum turtle from Friends of the ARK for $100. Sponsors and the artists are recognized at receptions called "Hatchings."

The May 23 hatching is sponsored by Keith McMullin, who is also a member of the ARK turtle patrol that canvasses area beaches during egg laying season for Kemp's ridley turtles.

Other hatchings are planned in Port Aransas for July 25 at Mustang Island Gallery, 2222 Hwy 361; Aug. 21, the Back Porch, 132 W. Cotter Ave.; and Sept. 19, Art Center for the Islands,323 N. Alister St.

On Friday, Nov. 7, all the turtles can be previewed at the Port A Gallery, 345 N. Alister St.

All the hatchings and the preview will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and are free.

The Great Turtle Release Auction of 2008 is set for Saturday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Port Aransas Civic Center. It will include ..cocktails, dinner and an auction of the decorated turtles.