Take a walk on the wild side

Imagine a paradise community where pristine waterways provide a play ground for tubing, kayaking, canoeing; a place where the lakes are clear and reflective of stately forests, a place where mountain vistas inspire poetry and exhilaration of the spirit; a place where artists, writers, poets and dreamers reside. These mountains in North Georgia inspire us to dream, to stretch our mental and physical boundaries. This mountainous cocoon wraps us in beauty and is the canvas for the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association's 8th Annual Wildlife Art Festival & outdoor expo. This festival celebrates the artist's attempt to capture the beauty and variety of nature in this unique and inspiring environment. Join us in our paradise community and…

Take a Walk on the Wild Side, at the 8th Annual Wildlife & Nature Art Festival & Outdoor Expo, sponsored by The Real Estate Connection, TDS Telecom, and United Community Bank. This year's festival is scheduled for September 15-16, 2007 in the downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Once again the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association will present a Festival of Fine Art for the viewing pleasure of the community. A juried show, the Annual Wildlife Art Festival features fine art with a wildlife and nature theme. This year's show will include selected craft booths based on a wildlife theme that are included by invitation only. Award-winning artists from across the southeast will be displaying paintings, sculpture, photography, wood carving and much more, all showcasing the adventure and wildlife theme inherent in our beautiful mountain surroundings. Complementing this display of beautiful work by these professional artisans is a unique opportunity to observe and learn more about various outdoor sport activities through live demonstrations. From fly fishing to kayaking, dog handling to hiking, experts will be on site to exhibit their skills and answer your questions.

Once again, the Wildlife & Nature Art Festival & Outdoor Expo will feature the Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary display. This popular feature, sponsored by TDS Telecom, will have on display a variety of animals. While some of the animals will be caged, others will be available for petting and photos.

The Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary is a 50-acre state and federally licensed facility under the guidance of certified wildlife rehabilitation specialists. Craig and Debbie Cylke's, mission is to promote not only the protection of wildlife and habitat, but, also, the importance of conservation issues, as they relate to the quality of human life. The facility provides medical care for all species of orphaned and injured wildlife indigenous to Georgia and the southeast. It has 501© (3) nonprofit status and offers outdoor education and summer camp programs to serve the people of the community. In years past, the exhibit has included black bear, snakes, hawk, a lynx, a ferret, an owl, an opossum and a chinchilla. Whatever is in the display this year will be a delight to all who take advantage of this wildlife experience. Personnel from the Center will be on hand to answer question and provide information relative to animals and conservation issues. The Center will receive 100% of monies contributed to a donation box, as well as all funds generated by selling photo ops with the animals.

SOAR with the raptors. This event was so popular last year; we have increased the shows to two shows each day of the festival. Save Our American Raptors, Inc. (S.O.A.R.), a non-profit environmental education organization, was founded by "Eagle Lady" Doris Mager. In 1965, Doris began her work of rescuing injured and orphaned birds of prey with the Florida Audubon Society. She later moved on to become the director of Raptor Research and Education at the Florida Conservation Foundation.

The mission of S.O.A.R. is to educate people about magnificent birds of prey-raptors, by bringing live birds into close contact with audiences, so they can experience these magnificent birds of prey at close range. This will be a lively and informative presentation featuring a variety of raptors including owls, hawks, bald eagle and other majestic birds of prey, some of which will be allowed to free fly above the audience in the historic, courtroom gallery, giving the audience an unforgettable experience.

From the Wild to the more domestic, Herding skills of the Border collie, sponsored by United Community Bank, will be demonstrated two times during the first day of the festival to showcase the uncanny talent of these beautiful, smart, working dogs. With a herd of Dorset sheep and several dogs, working to both voice commands and whistle commands, the various commands used to direct the dogs will be demonstrated; close in by voice and at a distance communicating with a series of whistle tones. The handlers will discuss the background and history of the Border collie breed and how their instincts and heritage developed into the wonderful working dogs we see today.

Our Youth Art is celebrated at the annual Georgia Junior Duck Stamp Exhibit. The Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is an integrated art and science curriculum developed to teach young people K-12 environmental science, habitat conservation and a greater awareness of our nation's natural resources. The Junior program is modeled after the Federal Duck Stamp, which is required for duck hunting. Funds from the sale of the JR. Federal Duck Stamp go toward the purchase of wetland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. In Georgia, the top 100 winners receive scholarships and prizes as well. Join the Art Center in celebrating the art of our Youth. The Duck Stamp Exhibit will open all days during the Wildlife Festival.

Our canvas is our community's natural resources and the creatures that inhabit this rich vista excite our imagination. Join us for Fine Art, intricate craft, a cornucopia of displays and entertainment for all ages, topped off with food to delight the palate. Join us, while we Walk on the Wild Side at the 8th Annual Wildlif& Naturee Art Festival and Outdoor Expo on September 15 & 16, 2007.