S H O R T S H O R T S •
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Botanist and Friends J BY COURTNEY KAPCZYNSKI
IRLIE GARDENS’ annual art exhibit, SQUIRRELS!, features
10 larger-than-life fiberglass squirrel sculptures
dispersed throughout the expansive property.
The exhibit opened in late August and continues
through the end of November.
“They’re a perfect fit for us,” says Janine Powell, director of mar-keting.
“Squirrels are relevant to gardens, and through art we can
make them whimsical and fun.”
Ten local artists, or teams of artists, were selected to participate
in the eighth annual exhibit. Each received a plain, 4-foot-high
form and was given the freedom to create. The result: unique and
fun designs.
“Psychedelic Psquirrel, my contribution, draws on the Summer of
Love from the ‘60s, and offers a bright ray of positivity to lighten
our day and our hearts,” says Karen Snave, one of the artists.
Her squirrel cavorts in the garden along with those of artists
Kristen McLoughlin, Tara Sall, Sally Martin, Brenda Bickta, Courtney
Kapczynski, Evelyn Fischer, Jen Schellenberg, Sara Toothman,
Laura Kalina and Brooks Koff.
If you’ve been cooped up with COVID-19, maybe now’s the
time to step outside while still following safety guidelines. Stroll
through the beautiful gardens and play hide-and-seek with the
sculptures.
If you fall in love with one of the squirrels, they’ll be available for
purchase during an online auction after the exhibit ends. Proceeds
from the auction benefit the Airlie Gardens Foundation.
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
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Go nuts with these larger-than-life sculptures
Airlie Gardens Gets Squirrelly!
by JEANNE MULLINS | photography by ALLISON POTTER