INDIAN RIVER BIRD & NATURE ART SHOW
5th Annual Indian River Bird & Nature Art Show
October 11-13, 2019
The Pelican Island Preservation Society is hosting the fifth annual Indian River Bird & Nature Art Show in conjunction with National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 13-19, 2019. Click here for a listing of other events and activities taking place at the Pelican Island Nation Wildlife Refuge, during National Wildlife Refuge Week.
This year's event includes the Bird & Nature Art Show with a plein air paint-out at the North Sebastian Conservation Area (adjacent to the Sebastian River Art Club), a featured speaker presentation and the popular sunset wine and cheese cruise to Pelican Island.
Artwork entered in the show and created at the plein-air event will be displayed for judging, enjoyment by, and sale to the public in the gallery space located at the Sebastian River Art Club, 1245 Main Street, Sebastian. Proceeds benefit PIPS and the SRAC.
Additional information on the IR Bird & Nature Art Show Facebook page.
Click here for a copy of the art entry application form.
Event Schedule
Sebastian River Art Club, 1245 Main Street, Sebastian
Art Show - Friday, 6 to 8pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday, 9am to 4pm; free and open to the public
Capt. Hiram's, 1606 Indian River Dr., Sebastian
Featured Speaker, Dr. Llewellyn Ehrhart, Ramp Lounge, Capt. Hiram’s, Saturday, Oct 12th, 3:30 to 4:30pm, free, no reservations required.
“Doc” Ehrhart is a zoologist, an expert in marine sea turtles, and professor emeritus and founder, of the Marine Turtle Research Group at the University of Central Florida. He has a wealth of knowledge of all things having to do with our local refuges (Pelican Island and Archie Carr) and will speak on the history of “Oak Lodge” and the role it played in their establishment, as well as the world-famous turtle nesting beaches in our area.
Sunset Wine & Cheese Cruise to Pelican Island onboard Capt. Hiram's "River King," Saturday, Oct. 12th, 5 to 7pm; $45/person - sold out.
Pelican Island Sunset Cruise Reservations
The tour will be conducted on the 35 passenger pontoon-style River King boat, operated by Capt. Hiram's Resort of Sebastian. The tour departs from Capt. Hiram's Resort at 1606 Indian River Dr. in Sebastian at 5pm!
Please note the Sunset wine and cheese cruise is now sold out! Thanks to everyone who has pre-registered for the trip. If you are still interested in the cruise, you may want to attend the Featured Speaker event at Capt. Hiram’s and standby for any possible no-shows for the trip. We would only be able to accommodate standbys at the last minute, prior to departure of the trip, if possible. Thank you for your interest, and be sure and stop by the Sebastian River Art Club Gallery on Main Street to enjoy the art show, as well!
The video below is a slideshow of photos taken on the Sunset Cruise to Pelican Island, during the 2017 IR Birding Fest & Nature Art show, by PIPS member Sandy Peterson. Wildlife seen on the trip included brown and white pelicans, white and glossy ibis, great blue herons, cormorants, black vultures, wood storks, white egrets, osprey and dolphin. The tour was lead by Master Naturalist Heather Stapleton.
Other Activities to Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at the Pelican Island NWR
Meet-and-Greet, October 17, 8 to 10am
Pelican Island NWR, Centennial Trail
Speak with volunteers to learn about the Refuge. Bring a camera and/or binoculars to catch early morning experiences. Limited tram opportunity available.
Tree Planting, October 18, 8 to 10am
Join staff and volunteers in a tree planting event in partnership with PIPS and the Pelican Island Audubon Society. Meet at the Welcome Area off Jungle Trail to assist in planting trees on the Refuge.
Meet-and-Greet, October 19, 11am to 1pm
Pelican Island NWR, Centennial Trail
Speak with volunteers to learn about the Refuge. Bring a camera and/or binoculars to catch early morning experiences. Limited tram opportunity available.