The Athens Land Trust (ALT) and the Oconee River Land Trust (ORLT) will
combine forces for the second year to present a
wine and art benefit for land conservation.
Proceeds from the event will benefit conservation
efforts in the Athens-
Clarke, Oconee areas, as
well as other parts of
northeast Georgia.
This year Spirit of the
Land will take place at
the lovely Botanical
Gardens Visitor Center.
Also new is the land
trusts’ hosting of an
exhibition curated by
Mercury Gallery’s Chris
Wyrick, which will feature
artworks by many wellknown
local and regional
artists whose visions
heighten our appreciation
of the land. This inspiring
exhibit will be on display
in the Visitor Center
gallery from March 18
through March 25, with
an opening reception on Sunday, March 19 from
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
All works will be on sale for the duration of the
exhibit. However, unlike art auctions held by many
local groups, sales from the Spirit of the Land art
exhibit will be split with the artists. This will create
a sustainable model to benefit land conservation for
years to come, as well as ensuring a fairer deal for
our creative community.
On Saturday, March 25, 2006, the celebration will
culminate in a terrific event in the Botanical
Gardens Conservatory from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. It
will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres and tasting
of high-quality wines selected by Gosford Wine,
which reflect the ‘spirit’ of the land that produced
them. The tasting will be followed by both a silent
and live auction of fine wines, gift certificates from
local restaurants and businesses, local craft and gift
items and other surprises. Tickets for the Saturday
evening Spirit of the Land event will go on sale in
February.
Please call ORLT at (706) 552-3138 or ALT at (706) 613-0122 to reserve your spot, or for more information.
