“CERULEAN SURVIVORS – The Life of a Sea Turtle” by Laura Palermo

Opening reception for Laura Palermo at Mary Martin Gallery August 1, 2014                                               “CERULEAN SURVIVORS – The Life of a Sea Turtle” by Laura Palermo Mary Martin Gallery, 103 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401 From 5 pm to 8 pm on August 1st, 2014, the public is invited to the opening reception of “CERULEAN SURVIVORS – The Life of a Sea Turtle” by Laura Palermo at Mary Martin Gallery, 103 Broad Street. Mary Martin continues her history of introducing talented emerging artists to the Charleston art scene, as compelling works by emerging artist, Laura Palermo showcasing the plight of sea turtles will be on exhibit through August 31st. Palermo, new to Charleston, fell in love with sea turtles after an encounter with two turtles while fishing off the coast of Sullivan’s Island.  That encounter inspired Palermo to further learn about the life and threats the turtles face daily. “I have spent endless hours studying sea turtles and visiting the aquarium and turtle hospital,” states Palermo.  This close interaction with sea turtles led Palermo to create paintings, which some have described as “portraits” of these special creatures as paintings in the exhibit depict individual rescued sea turtles at the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital. “Amelia,” acrylic on canvas, depicts a juvenile green sea turtle rescued in Hilton Head. Amelia was cold-stunned from being exposed to frigid water temperatures for several days, which caused her circulatory system to slow to the point where she was unable to swim or function properly.  The SC Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital took Amelia in and nursed her back to health, and in a few short months she was released back into the ocean. This collection is dedicated not only to raising awareness of the endangerment and the threats sea turtles face, but also to raise money for the sea turtle hospital. Ten percent of all sea turtle art sales are donated to the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rescue Program. Palermo received her degree in studio art from Mercyhurst University, Erie, Pennsylvania.  During her college years,Palermo studied abroad as well; and while living in Florence, Italy, traveled extensively throughout Europe.  “Traveling through and being a part of these European cultures has been a further inspiration for me to pursue my career in art,” states Palermo.    Laura Palermo, represented by Mary Martin Gallery in Charleston. Mary Martin Gallery, 103 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. PRESS CONTACT: To arrange an interview with the artist, request print resolution images or additional information, please contact: Elaine Hruska   843-723-0303 Mary Martin  843-723-0303 Laura Palermo 412-352-2535 elaine@marymartinART.com marymartin@marymartinart.com #### Amelia This Painting is named after Amelia, a juvenile green sea turtle rescued in Hilton Head by a family in early January 2014. When she was found, air temperatures were near freezing and the water was approximately 50 degrees, which is far too cold for sea turtles. Amelia was cold-stunned, which happens when sea turtles are exposed to frigid water temperatures for several days, causing their circulatory system to slow to the point where they become cold-stunned and unable to swim or function properly.  The SC Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital took Amelia in and is slowly nursing her back to health. Ollie Ollie was rescued on Folly River immediately after being struck by a boat, and was transported to the hospital to receive treatment for his injuries within two hours of the accident.  Ollie had been struck on the top of his shell and on the top of his jaw. After closer examination they also found some older wounds on the rear of his shell and a severe lesion on his underside that penetrated all the way through the bone.  He was administered fluids, pain meds, and antibiotics, and after a week of treatment he was resting comfortably.  Thanks to the generosity of donors, Ollie was able to receive companion K-Laser therapy on his wounds, which is a non-invasive and pain-free laser treatment which expedites the healing process.  After six months of care, Ollie was released in Florida with 52 other sea turtles. #fineartmagazine