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Foundation Receives Million Dollar Gift

06/25/2010 - Staff

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast’s founder and president, Albert Joerger announced the creation of an Artist in Residence Program at Bay Preserve at Osprey made possible by a one million dollar unrestricted gift. Bay Preserve is a 4.3 acre center for the environment, arts, education and recreation on Little Sarasota Bay. Joerger said, “This donor has a passion for the arts and appreciates the power of our coastal paradise to inspire creativity.”

The million dollar gift will help restore a 1930’s Carriage House on the property which will provide living and studio space for artists whose work is inspired by the environment. It will also help endow the program in perpetuity so painters, composers, photographers, poets and other artists will have the opportunity to live and work among the Gulf Coast’s incredible bays, beaches and barrier islands.

“Bay Preserve is a place for observation and reflection but it is also a public park bustling with youth rowers, educational programming and outdoor activities,” Joerger explained. Visitors can hike a nature trail, climb up to a wildlife viewing platform on Little Sarasota Bay and see performances at the outdoor pavilion. The museum for the environment mounts art and educational exhibits and currently features the works of Flo Singer-Johnson.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast protects many properties like Bay Preserve which educate Florida natives and tourists about the natural ecology of the Gulf Coast and encourage greater understanding of the significance of native habitat. Joerger said, “Access to natural spaces is critical to ensuring that future generations remain connected to the environment and art is a fabulous medium for making an emotional connection.”