Page 6 - Boca Exposure - August '21

Page 6, Boca Exposure
Wild Things At Sugar Sand Park Community Center

“W ild Things,”
paintings of whimsical
animals by Boca Raton
artist Sue Gurland,
appeals to the young and
the young-at-heart. The
exhibit at the Sugar Sand
Park Community Center
at 300 Military Trail, Boca
Raton, Fla., runs from
Friday, Sept. 10 through
Oct. 6. Opening reception
is 2 to 5 p.m., Sept. 12.
Wild Things is a homage to Maurice Sendak. His book Blue Leopard Tessie the Dragon Black Panther Dreaming of Peace
of the same name encouraged children to express their
emotions through animal fantasies. “The colorful animals in my paintings,” said Gurland, “reflect the joy and wonder the rough outline of a wild thing emerges. She then paints
of the natural world as seen through the eyes of a child.” over distracting marks, adds definition and applies layers
Gurland grew up Woodstock, N.Y., surrounded by of paint to create texture. She especially works on each
artists and the beautiful Catskill Mountains. When she took animal’s eyes to animate its spirit.
up painting in retirement, these long forgotten childhood “Not knowing what I am painting is unsettling. I just
memories emerged on canvas, transformed by time and space. trust that my intuition will guide my heart, hand and
Gurland enrolled in Intuitive Painting: Painting from brush,” says Gurland. “After I finish a painting, I often
the Heart at Old School Square in Delray Beach. “I not discover a spiritual connection to the image. My hope is
only learned the basics of painting,” said Gurland, “but my that viewers of this exhibit will also experience a sense
inner, hidden child found its path to its outer expression.” of the interconnection of all living things.”
Gurland starts each painting with random marks on Gurland’s paintings can also be viewed at suelynnart.
a blank canvas not knowing what the painting will be com where they are available as prints, mugs, tote bags,
about. At some point, she has an “Aha!” moment when note cards and more.
Florida League Of Cities Honors

Boca Raton Public Library

For The StoryWalk Program

The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice
for Florida’s municipal governments, included Boca Raton
Public Library as one of three winners of the 2021 Florida
Municipal Achievement Awards. Hosted annually, the Florida
Tree of Life Municipal Achievement Awards provide municipalities the
opportunity to receive deserved recognition for superior and
innovative efforts in three award categories: City Spirit, Florida
Citizenship and Environmental Stewardship.
This year’s winners and their projects are:
• City Spirit Award – City of Boca Raton, “StoryWalk
Program”
• Florida Citizenship Award – City of Clearwater,
“Placemaking Program”
• Environmental Stewardship Award – City of Jacksonville
Beach, “#CleanDarkFlat Public Awareness Campaign” the book are featured in enclosures mounted on posts spread
“Throughout the pandemic, Florida’s local governments throughout the entire walking route. By the time participants
have demonstrated their ability to adapt, innovate and create,” finish the route, they’ve completed the book. Boca Raton has
said FLC President Tony Ortiz, Commissioner for the City of experienced tremendous success with the new program and
Orlando. “Whether it is municipal operations and finding local plans to continue providing it for the community.
solutions or providing services and engaging the community, The Florida Citizenship Award recognizes a city project
our cities, towns and villages are constantly evolving to better or program that increases civic awareness and education and
serve their communities. And that’s exactly what this awards promotes active participation in local government among
program aims to recognize. On behalf of the league, we’re residents. This year’s award is presented to the City of
proud to recognize this year’s award winners and celebrate Clearwater for its Placemaking Program, a citywide initiative
their exceptional efforts. Congratulations!” that engages the community in a series of public art projects.
The City Spirit Award recognizes a specific citywide effort The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes
that successfully addresses a local need. The City of Boca a city program that promotes conservation, improves
Raton’s winning entry, StoryWalk Program, was launched and protects environmental conditions, and/or provides
during the coronavirus pandemic to provide a safe outdoor environmental education and outreach programs. This year’s
activity for residents that simultaneously provided the library’s award is presented to the City of Jacksonville Beach for its
educational and literary programming. A collaborative effort #CleanDarkFlat Campaign, a public awareness campaign
between the City of Boca Raton Public Library and the aimed at protecting sea turtles during the 2020 nesting season.
Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management All three winning cities will receive trophies and be featured
Department, the StoryWalk Program places a children’s book in the League’s award-winning magazine, Quality Cities (QC),
along a popular walking route in the community. Pages of as well as on the league’s website and social media outlets.