Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Wild Evening to benefit Turpentine Creek Wild Life Refuge


Tickets are now on sale for the 6th Annual “Cats are Coming” Evening of Animals and Art, sponsored by Hot Springs artists, Lisa and D. Arthur Wilson. Dr. Marion Smith’s generous donation of the historic Hamilton House Bed & Breakfast Estate will be the location for a Wild Evening to benefit Arkansas’ own Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, in Eureka Springs on Thursday, November 8, 2007, from 6 – 9pm. A favored event by the locals, the Hamilton House will be transformed into a gallery setting from the heart of Africa itself, with D. Arthur’s expressionistic Wildlife Art, to Lisa’s soulful, passionate Abstract Art, as well as a rare opportunity to purchase originals of their unique Collaborative art. Both have recently been named as selected artists to be represented by the Donald Trump Art Collection which premiers October 1, 2007, see trump.com for more information.
Flaming torches will light the night as International Wildlife artist D. Arthur puts charcoal to canvas to sketch the “Special 700-pound Feline Guest” from the refuge, as African music plays on. Along with the art, each sketch will be available for purchase as well as gift merchandise from the Refuge, Weekend-Getaway packages for Lodging at the newly completed Zulu Safari Lodge at the refuge, with profits directly benefiting Turpentine Creek. Along with admission to the event, savory hors d’ oeuvres, decadent desserts and fine wine will be included in the ticketed price, and a cash bar will be open.
The Wilson’s became temporary residents of the refuge this past spring when their efforts from last year’s benefit proved to be lucrative enough to begin building their dream contribution of the Zulu Safari Lodge. “I just asked Scott what was at the top of their wish list for the refuge,” D. Arthur states, “and he said they were in need of lodging. So, I simply said, they should have a great Safari Lodge….and he said, ‘when would you like to start’!” After meticulous architectural design and execution, the Wilson’s have successfully completed the first three of five African style “tented cabins”, luxuriously furnished with original art, cozy fireplaces; one cabin boasts a double cedar lined shower and among other amenities comes with snuggly Spa robes for the guests. The cabins border the 40’ octagonal deck centered around the gazebo and fire pit, while the hot tub is always ready, and the background of the carols of the big cats is mesmerizing. “TCWR has truly been an honor to be a part of,” Lisa says, “The extraordinary work that the staff at TCWR does is amazing. Everyone from the interns to the secretary give 100% to creatures that otherwise would not even be alive.” After living at the refuge the better part of four months, the Wilson’s saw first hand a fraction of the unceasing amount of work that goes into the daily routine at the refuge. “Sometimes I’d see Tanya and she’d already have been up since 3am!” says Lisa.
For more information contact Wilson Studios at 501-525-4245. To purchase tickets contact Wilson Studios 501-525-4245 or Hamilton House 501-520-4040. To visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, see turpentinecreek.org.

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