Tour of Turtles 2002 Charity Auction Outdoor Arts Foundation Clearwater Marine Aquarium

From August of 2001 through April of 2002, the Tampa Bay area was invaded by 98, larger-than-life fiberglass Loggerhead sea turtles. The turtles were part of The Tampa Bay Tour of Turtles, a unique community art/environmental awareness/fundraising campaign designed by Jay Goulde for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

The Tour of Turtles followed the lead of other city's successful projects such as Chicago's "Cows on Parade," Cincinnati's "Big Pig Gig," and New Orleans' "Festival of Fins." What differentiated the Tour of Turtles from the 60 some-odd projects that had been initiated around the county was the fact that Tour used an endangered animal, the Loggerhead sea turtle as it's theme. This gave project organizers a chance to not only promote Tampa Bay artists but also promote awareness about the plight of the Loggerhead and the work done at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to rescue, rehabilitate and release them.

The turtles were sponsored by local businesses and individuals and then decorated by artists of all ages, abilities and ethnic backgrounds. Participating artists included world renowned pop art icon Peter Max, "Blondie" creator Dean Young, locally renowned artists Theo Wujcik, Josette Urso, Michael Volbracht, Silas Beach, Hal Stowers and children representing over 20 Bay Area schools.

At each sponsors request, the turtles were placed throughout both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. Turtles were seen at Bay Area malls, restaurants, retail businesses, restaurants, airports and attractions. Soon after their introduction, the turtles became a staple for both residents and visitors alike. Turtle lovers and curious passers by marveled at the creativity and beautify of the fiberglass reptiles.

The Tour culminated in a charity auction where 92 of the 98 turtles were auctioned off. Earlier in the Tour, sponsors selected a non-profit organization that would receive 60% of the proceeds from the sale of their turtle. 25% percent of each turtle went to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the remaining 15% went to cover auction expenses.

The auction ultimately raised approximately $250,000.00 for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and 68 other Bay Area charities. One turtle, Esperanza, meaning "hope" in Spanish, was sold for $15,000.00. Other turtles sold for between $500.00 and $9700.00.

Now with the Tour concluded, its legacy lives on in the current endeavors of the Outdoor Arts Foundation.

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Travel & Events

Tags:

• turtle
• art
• auction
• charity
• 2002
• clearwater
• marine
• aquarium
• silas
• beach
• jay
• goulde