One of the most compelling ways the Town of Surfside brings awareness to sea turtle conservation is through a citywide art activation called the “Turtle Walk.” Located right next to the Surfside Community Center, on 93rd Street between Collins and Harding avenues, this public art exhibition includes a series of colorful turtle sculptures made of resin and fiberglass. Standing five feet high, with a flipper span of four feet, it’s hard to miss these vibrant sculptures, each painted by a different renowned local artist.
The Town of Surfside commissioned us specifically for this installation. The other featured artists in the exhibit include; Janie Casoria, Dania Sioerra, Ezi, Algazi, Mano, Roberto Garcia Marquez, Sandra Suarez, Mary J. Rose, Marcy Grosso, Nancy Martini, Derrick Wilson and DL Watsonand.
Together, these sculptures have proven to be a creative, fun way to shed light on the importance of sea turtle conservation and put these threatened animals in the public eye.
Madame Tortuga
A turtles tail will tell the tale
Of Madame Tortuga as she set sail…
Once upon a foreign shore
A plain white turtle seeking more
Paris is the place to be
It didn’t seem to meet her needs
She swam and swam with all her might
Almost ready to give up the fight
And in the distance, saw a shimmering light
It was so colorful and Oh so bright
Like nothing seen in all her life
She reached the shore with such delight
And there she met her muse, her light
The Famous
Jacklyn Laflamme
Who taught her about color, and the beauty of life
She showed her valor in the butterflies flight
And the shade of strength in a tigers might
Tiki torches lit the beach
While a lazy crocodile tried to sleep
A dolphin played and had a ball
She was truly amazed by it all
Jet set girl showed her finer things
Like tea cups and jewels and the richness it brings
Her voice which came from her big mouth lips
Told tales of seahorses, birds and magical fish
She kissed three toads so she could see
If prince charming was meant to be
Instead she grew a big red heart
And fell in love with real cool art
Oh no the time has come to part
With a peaceful wink and one final drink
Madame Tortuga had so much to think
With Cosmopolitan in hand
Time spent here was simply grand
A toast to the artist, big thanks to Jacklyn
Who showed her a lifestyle to imerse herself in
She was finally ready, ready to roam
Swim the big ocean and find her way home
All painted and pretty with tattoos of her own
We all have our journeys some not so far
With imagination and color
We can all be bright stars!
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