A Look at Extinction through Art

Threatened wildlife has long been an issue that has plagued America. Although many people tend to avoid the subject, Joel Sartore decided to face it head on. Sartore, whose photographs are commonly found in National Geographic magazine, is the author of the book Rare: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species. The newly released book intimately captures portraits of U.S. wildlife threatened by extinction. Each portrait is represented with a simple black or white backdrop, which helps focus the eyes on the beauty of the animals. To locate the perfect portraits of America’s endangered wildlife, Sartore traveled from coast to coast visiting zoos and museums all along the way. Sartore notes his book as being, “the most dramatic plea to get people to stop and take a look at what we are throwing away.”

To view the making of Sartore’s book visit http://vimeo.com/8562097.

Her Toes in the Sand and Camera by Her Side

Kristen Edgell’s photography can put the hardened of hearts at ease. Her work, which is being exhibited in the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s Spadefish Gallery, is full of peace and tranquility captured through the eyes of the a beach lover. Her photographs portray the heart and soul of the Wilmington waters in her “Coastal Carolinas” collection.

Edgell, a newcomer to the Wilmington area, has long been a fan of many mediums of art, yet it was videography and oil painting that she eventually fell for. It wasn’t until she moved to the coastal environment that her passion for photography blossomed.

Edgell states, “My best teacher in any medium of art has been practice. After moving to Wilmington my interest in photography was ignited by the beauty of the beaches and coasts that were so close to me.”

Photography became the entryway for Edgell to pursue her passion for film. She started Diamond Cut Productions, focusing on wedding videography.

Edgell says, “The company strives to create a meaningful and artistic living scrapbook for our clients, and although it is mainly a video based business, her photography still inspires all her work.”

The Spadefish Gallery at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases local artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium’s mission of “Inspiring Appreciation and Conservation of North Carolina’s Aquatic Environment” is located on the second floor, near the auditorium.

Go Wild During Spring Break….at the Aquarium

Starved for plans for the upcoming spring break? The Aquarium at Fort Fisher is here to help, offering a variety of activities and programs for all ages to enjoy.

What’s Easter without an egg hunt? At the Aquarium’s Alligator Egg Hunt kids meet a live baby alligator. They create their own special alligator egg basket and then go search for candy filled “alligator eggs.” The Alligator Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 27, Friday April 2, and Saturday April 3 at 10:00 and 1:00. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY MARCH 24, 2010 FOR MARCH 27, 2010 PROGRAMS. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY MARCH 31, 2010 FOR APRIL 2 AND 3, 2010 PROGRAMS and can be made by calling 910-458-7468.

Take a guided tour through the depths of the Aquarium or become an aquarist for the day? The Aquarium offers behind the scenes tours on Sunday, March 28 at 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 1 at 11:30 AM, and Sunday, April 4 and 11 at 2:00 PM. Accompany Aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas with this unique opportunity. The Aquarist Apprentice program, which includes a behind the scenes tour, gives participants the chance to learn about the Aquarium’s animals and their diets, and assist staff in the preparation of food and feeding of some of the animals. Participants will also observe the Aquarists accomplish some of their daily care and maintenance tasks. This program will be offered on Saturday, April 10 at 2:00 PM.

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, outdoor activities are an excellent option for a fun-filled day. The Aquarium offers several programs that will help you get back to nature. Salt marsh explorations will be held March 28 at 3:30 PM and Sunday, April 4 at 3:30 PM. The program involves hiking the salt marsh trail and viewing first-hand the activities of marsh-dwelling animals and the variety of plants found in this rich environment. Popular surf fishing workshops will return starting Saturday, April 10 at 9:00 AM. The program involves a 3-hour workshop, which includes one hour of classroom discussion, then surf fishing on the beach nearby.

Get Ready to Run, Walk, or Shuffle....

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is hosting the second annual 5K Race for the Planet on Sunday, April 25, 2010. Race time is 8:00 am with packet pick up and on-site registration beginning at 7:00 am.

Scenic Fort Fisher will be your route as this race starts and ends at the aquarium. This flat, mostly asphalt course is scenic with views of the ocean, maritime forest, and historic Fort Fisher Civil War site. Tag timing provided by Brunswick Timing Services.

The first 200 pre-registered runners are guaranteed an organic cotton t-shirt. Afterwards, enjoy live music by The Casserole, refreshments, and vendors booths. Prizes will be awarded to top 3 male and female overall finishers, top 3 finishers in the masters categories and top 3 in each age group.

For more information or to print out a registration form visit: https://www.ncaquariums.com/race-for-the-planet-5k

Scales and Tails

March 6 & 7, 2010
9 am – 5 pm

Free with Aquarium Admission

Discover the world of herpetology as you meet reptiles and amphibians from around the world during our third annual Scales and Tails weekend. By seeing these slithery creatures up close, we’ll dispel the myths, curb your fears and teach you that their absence in the wild can cause a major upset to the ecosystem. Few would describe these critters as cute and cuddly, but after you meet snakes, salamanders, turtles, toads, and more we think you’ll change your mind!