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turtle art 4202South Padre Island is hatching a very special sea turtle on the Sea Turtle Art Trail at Beach Resort South Padre Island. Painted by local muralist and artist Christina Salazar, “Liberty” is a stunning tribute to the dedication and service of first responders and frontline healthcare workers. A heartbeat is painted on her shell and the overall theme takes on the feeling of the flag in red, white, and blue elements throughout.

 

“It only seemed appropriate to highlight the true, everyday heroes that not only serve our community but also strive to make us stronger and safer during these challenging times,” said Daniel Gomez, GM for Beach Resort. “We felt fortunate to have an opportunity to showcase our appreciation and admiration in a way that was both personal and in line with our island community.”

“Liberty” is Salazar’s second turtle on the trail. In addition to the heartbeat, the turtle features the caduceus, a symbol used in healthcare, as well as elements from the American flag. “We have followed Christina’s work for years,” said Gomez. “She exudes such passion into her work, we knew immediately she would be perfectly suited for this project.”

Salazar tracked the progress from miniature sculpture to full-size turtle on her Instagram account. She has a long history on the Island, and one with a passion for capturing sea turtles, she has been one of the three artists who contributed murals that grace the tanks of Sea Turtle, Inc. Salazar wanted to be an artist since she was a young child, in time attending the Glassell School of Art, part of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas.

South Padre Island is renowned for being one of the world’s foremost spots for the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles including the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Liberty tops off the line up for 2020 of the City of South Padre Island and the South Padre Convention and Visitors Bureau Sea Turtle Art Trail. These lovingly created sculptures serve as an ideal stop on an Island that celebrates, rescues, and works together to protect sea turtles. All turtles on the Trail are arranged for ease of both social distancing and selfies.

“Our community continues to salute our front-line workers and having a turtle on the Trail dedicated to these incredible individuals in our community is one way to make sure we never forget their efforts,” said Ed Caum South Padre Island’s CVB Director. “Thanks to everyone at Beach Resort for their support and we can’t wait to see fan photos with Liberty.”

For more information about the Sea Turtle Art Trail and more activities on South Padre Island, please visit www.sopadre.com

 

Photo: Liberty is the newest addition to the Sea Turtle Art Trail on South Padre Island.

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